An early twentieth century theologian said that the church is one of the few social institutions that exists primarily for the sake of those who are not members of it. Or, as someone else once said, the church doesn’t have a mission – the mission has a church. God’s mission, in Jesus, is to bring new life to the whole world. And, as part of this thing called church, we get to join in that mission together.
We exist as a church for the sake of blessing the world. That calling shows up in many ways — sharing the Good News of Jesus through our words and actions, creating communities of love and support where people can grow in faith, and serving and reaching out to our neighbors. Each of these is an expression of God’s mission in and through us.
When I think about how we embody that mission, two big areas come to mind. First, I think about what it means to reach new people. We have the best news in the world — the story of how God, in Jesus Christ, is making all things new. It’s a story about second chances and fresh starts, about hope and transformation and resurrection. It’s a story about healing for the hurting and community for the isolated. And it’s a story that tells us everyone is welcome at God’s table of love. That’s a story worth sharing. To join in God’s mission means we are willing to strategize and try new things for the sake of reaching people we might not otherwise reach — because people in our community need to hear this story, and it’s our call to share it well.
Secondly, I think about things that are more traditionally referred to as “mission work.” Stuff like feeding the hungry, providing shelter to people who need it, helping to provide medical care to folks who don’t have access to it. One of the joys of becoming a pastor here at Williamsburg UMC has been seeing the many ways this church blesses its community. You provide emergency relief, shelter for the homeless, food for people close to home and around the world. We partner with nonprofits, provide financial support for other folks doing amazing work, and get our own hands dirty. That’s work you do – that we do together – as part of what it means for us to be the church.
This October, we’ll also reflect on another vital part of joining in God’s mission: financial stewardship. For the first several weeks, we'll be sending information about how we are all invited, together, to invest in God’s work through our giving at Williamsburg UMC. One of the things I’m most excited about this year is our new Annual Report Snapshot – a two-page summary (and celebration) of some of the amazing ministry that has happened here in the past year. Be on the lookout for it in your mailbox and online. It has been inspiring to help put that report together and to see the impact our church is making. It is a real joy to be part of the work God is doing in and through this community. I’m looking forward to spending October celebrating those stories of impact and to considering together how we can continue to multiply God’s love in the year ahead.
When we join in God’s mission – whether it’s by reaching new people, helping those in need, or giving faithfully to support the church’s work – we have the opportunity to grow and to make a positive difference for others. Serving others and sharing our faith helps strengthen our own faith – when we practice love, we learn to love better. When we care for those who are in need, we come to better understand Jesus, who cares for us in our need. And, it also gives us the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world.
Whether it’s through reaching new people, serving those in need, or giving faithfully to support our church’s work, every way we join in God’s mission helps us grow. Sharing God’s love strengthens our faith; practicing compassion helps us understand Jesus more deeply; serving others allows us to make a real difference in the world. When we serve, God is at work in us and through us — and we are drawn closer to God while inviting others to draw near as well.
God is working to bless the whole world. When we join in God’s mission, together, we get to be part of that blessing. I’m excited to see where God will lead us as we continue this journey of faith, generosity, and mission side by side.
