We might say “I’ll go wherever you send me,” but will we be wherever he calls us? To “be” wherever God wants us to be means intentionally embracing our current context. Such intentionality requires investment and commitment.
Five Aspects of Being Somewhere
“Being” wherever He calls us involves several key things:
1. Cultivating Deep Relationships
Being fully present requires investing in meaningful relationships within the local church and community. It means knowing and being known by others, sharing life’s joys and struggles, and offering mutual support and accountability. This relational depth reflects the communal nature of the Trinity and the church as the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:12-27).
(We’re not talking about passive attendance or merely consuming sermons and music at a church.)
The New Testament paints a vivid picture of the early Christian community as one characterized by deep, sacrificial relationships. Acts 2:42-47 describes believers as being devoted to fellowship, breaking bread together, and sharing possessions to meet each other’s needs. This level of community life is only possible through intentional presence and investment in one another’s lives.
By building deep relationships in our local context, we mirror the interconnection of the Trinity and the early church’s example. It’s only in creating a supportive and nurturing environment that genuine, Christian faith flourishes.
2. Engaging in Local Ministry
While global missions are crucial, so is ministry in our immediate surroundings. This includes serving in local outreach programs, participating in church activities, and addressing the needs of our neighbors. Local ministry allows us to witness Christ’s love in tangible ways and build a credible testimony within our community.
Engagement in local ministry requires us to recognize and respond to the specific needs of our community. But how well do we know these needs? (I find that people, including myself, are typically more aware of the problems associated with national politics than we are about local city issues.)
Whether it’s providing food and shelter for the homeless, mentoring at-risk youth, or offering counseling services, local ministry addresses the real and present issues people face. This hands-on approach not only meets immediate needs but also builds trust and credibility. In this way, we the church demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in practical, everyday ways.
3. Contextualizing the Gospel
Understanding and respecting the cultural and social dynamics of our locality is essential for effective (i.e., fruitful) ministry. Contextualizing the gospel message means communicating it in ways that resonate with the local audience, addressing their specific questions, and demonstrating its relevance to their lives.
Contextualization involves a deep appreciation of the local culture and a willingness to adapt our methods without compromising the message of the gospel. This can include learning a local language, customs, and traditions, as well as understanding the unique challenges and opportunities present in the community.
By doing so, we make the gospel accessible and relatable, showing that it speaks directly to the concerns and aspirations of those we are ministering to.
4. Practicing Presence and Patience
Being present also involves a posture of patience and attentiveness. It means resisting the urge to look constantly for the next big thing or place and instead faithfully stewarding the opportunities and relationships God has placed before us. This patience reflects a trust in God’s timing and sovereignty.
Practicing presence means being fully engaged in the moment, whether in conversation, service, or worship. It requires us to slow down, listen carefully, and be attentive to the needs and concerns of those around us. This attentive presence fosters deeper connections and allows us to minister more effectively.
Patience, on the other hand, involves a long-term commitment to our local context, recognizing that true transformation often takes time and consistent effort. By trusting in God’s timing, we can remain faithful even when progress seems slow or challenges arise.
5. Foster a Culture of Hospitality
Open your home and heart to others in your community. Hosting neighborhood gatherings, inviting people for meals, and being available for informal conversations create spaces for deepening relationships and showing Christ’s love in everyday interactions.
Hospitality is a powerful expression of local presence. By welcoming others into our homes and lives, we create environments where meaningful connections can flourish. Simple acts of hospitality, such as sharing a meal or offering a listening ear, demonstrate care and build community. This practice can also serve as a bridge for deeper spiritual conversations and opportunities to share the gospel in a natural and relational context.
Practical Expressions of Presence
To embody the call to be present, try several practical steps, like the following:
- Intentional Community Involvement
Engage in community activities, join local groups, and participate in events that allow for building connections and understanding the local context. This might include attending town meetings, volunteering at local schools, or participating in neighborhood associations.
- Support Local Initiatives
Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and businesses to address community needs and foster a spirit of partnership and service. This not only meets practical needs but also strengthens the fabric of your community. It creates a sense of shared purpose and mutual support.
- Develop Local Leadership
Invest in training and empowering local leaders who can continue the work of ministry within the community, ensuring its sustainability and growth. By equipping others, we multiply our impact and build a legacy of faithful service that extends well beyond our immediate involvement.
- Balanced Missional Focus
Maintain a balance between global and local missions in church programming and personal ministry efforts. Recognize the value and importance of both. This ensures that while we engage in global outreach, we do not neglect the significant work that needs to be done in our own backyard.
The Impact of Local Presence
A theology of locality challenges us to embrace the fullness of our calling by being fully present and engaged wherever God has placed us. By saying, “I’ll be wherever you want me to be,” we honor God’s sovereignty in our placement and participate in His redemptive work both globally and locally. This holistic approach enriches our witness and deepens our impact, as we live out the gospel in the everyday realities of our immediate context.
In summary, the call to be present is an invitation to embody Christ’s love in tangible, local ways. It requires us to invest deeply in relationships, engage actively in local ministry, contextualize the gospel, and practice patience and attentiveness.
By doing so, we fulfill the biblical mandate to love our neighbors and participate in God’s ongoing work of redemption in our communities. This approach not only honors God but also transforms our local context, making the gospel real and impactful in the lives of those around us.
Theological Reflections on Locality
One more thing is worth adding here. A theology of locality does not diminish the importance of global missions but complements it.
It acknowledges that the mission field begins at our doorstep and that our immediate context is a crucial part of God’s redemptive plan. The Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) encompasses both “going” and “making disciples,” which includes nurturing and discipling those within our local church and community.
Moreover, local embodiment reflects the biblical concept of “shalom,” a holistic peace and flourishing that encompasses all aspects of life. By being fully present, we contribute to the shalom of our community, promoting justice, mercy, and righteousness in our everyday interactions.
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