After reading through the Gospel of John with another young man I found myself face-to-face with two crucial questions: “What am I intentionally doing with my immediate family to encourage them in the Great Commission and the Great Commandments?” and “How are they multiplying the Gospel in the lives of others?” Bill came to realize that the greatest legacy anyone can leave is children who carry the Light of Jesus to their children and their grandchildren. As a result I concluded there were at least four things crucial to intentional ministry multiplication through our families which I could implement.
I began to discuss the Great Commandments (Mark 12:29-31) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-19) with my family. “What do these Scripture passages mean and how do they impact my life?” Information must move to application, so we developed a list of practical ways that our family could fulfill these “Greats”. Young people love to give their input and anything we can do to foster the possibility that Scripture applies to them right here and right now is a big win! We broke the idea into three categories: How do we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? How do we love our neighbors? Who do we know who do not know Jesus and how can we share Jesus with them? Once these questions began to be answered, I used sticky notes on a window in the house to help organize the various inputs from family members. Each sticky note represented an idea for one of the categories.
Children need both a personal understanding of Scripture and a method for how to pass this knowledge on to the next generation. The principals of Scripture are timeless however the “how to” or the practical workings of personal application change with each generation. Once our list of potential ways to apply the “Greats” was formed, we began to pray over them asking God to guide and provide opportunities for us to accomplish each one.
Second, I realized the need to educate my family on the importance of prayer by modeling, journaling, and celebrating prayer moments with them. A dear friend of mine once told me, “More is caught then taught”. Modeling prayer to our family is the most practical way of educating them. Teaching them to inquire from their friends about prayer needs they may have and showing them how to use a prayer journal to watch God answer their prayers is crucial. In a digital, fast-paced world, yesterday is forgotten so quickly. Keeping a journal of these marvelous prayer moments in the history of our family and friends will remind our families about the “realness” of God for years to come. Remember to celebrate answered prayer. We need to make a big deal over answered prayer. Throw a party as least once a month to remind the family that God is still answering prayer! Answered prayer is worth celebrating!
Third, I reminded my family that even the smallest thing done for Jesus matters. When making the list of things to do for the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, we remembered that even small things count for the Kingdom. One example is to remind your family of the child’s small lunch that was multiplied to feed thousands of people (John 6:1-12). Often true ministry seems to go unnoticed or even unappreciated, but God is watching and remembers even the “cups of cold water” we share. Praise each other for the small things accomplished. Even a penny in a jar over time increases in weight and worth! Teach them to be attentive to the little things, God will provide the big opportunities. First be faithful with the small things!
Finally, we partnered with another local family who shares our values and vision for multiplying ministry through families. We began to pray for our community and neighborhood. We also watched for opportunities God opened for us to serve, share testimony, pray for those around us, and share the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. Intentional proactive ministry is crucial to fulfilling our spiritual mandate as our families pass on Jesus Christ from generation to generation. Imagine the possibilities as your family carries the Gospel from one generation to the next!
Monday, October 16
Thursday, October 5
Back 2 School Back Pack Outreach
Reaching out to the community and the need. Almost 200 backpacks distributed, 100 crazy corn, lots of shaved ice, and time to share the gospel with the kids.
Organic Church: Harvest Time
Farmers along the Central Coast of California are hiring extra hands to get the harvest collected, packed, and processed. Tractors and harvesters are driving on the roads like regular cars and the foliage is changing color. Harvest time in Paso Robles is picturesque and festive. The leaves of the trees and vines change from a lush fertile green to deep reds, muted purples, burnt oranges, pale yellows and a host of combinations. A festival of color: Creation'’s way of celebrating the harvest.
The earth must look like that to the Lord of the Harvest. Jesus is probably looking down to this earth and thinking. . . “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for the harvest!” (John 4:35) He is out searching for people who are willing to work with Him to harvest our community, our neighbors, or our coworkers. The Lord of the Harvest will teach us the necessary skills. We just need to be willing and teachable to participate in the Harvest. We need to be available!
The Lord is nudging people to participate in the harvest of souls. I would love to talk with you about what the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart. If your heart is burning with an idea of starting something small in your home or a local community here along the Central Coast of California, please email me at billr@efcsw.org . Let'’s take a look at the field where the Lord of the Harvest wants you to prepare the soil and tend to the plant growth. It may be time to start planting the field for next season harvest!
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