The Pulse

I woke up this morning, and it didn't take long that I phrase I used yesterday came to mind as I thought about the effectiveness and efficiency of the church...the pulse of the community.

It does little good to know the "heartbeat of God" and what He is concerned with, if the church doesn't also have its finger on the "pulse of the community" to know what is going on, amiss, and needed.

Ideas, solutions and programs that aren't in line with the first and relevant to the second will accomplish little compared to their actual potential.

This is what Christ modeled for us, in His ministry. Everything He did was in step with God's will and plan while remaining relevant to the needs of the people He came in contact with. It also explains why every miracle, while similar in nature, are different in execution... because the individual was different.

So it is for communities. Programs and solutions won't and shouldn't be a "one size fits all" philosophy, for the character and nature of the community in which my friends serve are entirely different from where I'll be for church in just a little .

We must seek the face of God to know what He for us. We must seek to know the community and what they need from us.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that churches would strength their spirits, as they seek the face of God... for the plans He has for their people, their pastors, their ministries and their purpose within the community. Pray for divine appointments and open doors of opportunity to meet relevant needs in tangible ways. May God be glorified as the church offers effective ideas and efficient solutions to the challenges of the communities in which they serve.

For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ. His hands and feet extended to the world, through the body of Christ... that is the local church.

-PNC

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