Seven Ways The Church Can Shine In The Community

No one will argue that our world is getting rough. Every day, there is a story about another shooting in our nation, another war on the brink of starting, or another natural disaster or tragedy. This doesn’t count people’s daily struggles with finances, over-commitment, and relational issues.

I recently heard someone mention the scripture Isaiah 60:1, which has stuck with me for several weeks.

1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
²See, darkness covers the earth
    and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
    and his glory appears over you.
³Nations will come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Isaiah 60:1-3

(We even wrote a song for the kids conference using this scripture passage!)

Jesus is the light of the world. The church should be a bright spot as His instrument to work in the world. Would you consider your church to be a bright spot in the community?

Here are seven ways your church can shine in the community:

1. Stay Where You Are

Churches may be tempted to move away from the challenging areas, but you may be the only light. Stay where you are. When the demographics change. When the value of land shifts. When the community is changing. Stay and be a light. Every church is called to love and serve the people around them. This may require changing, new ways of doing things, and lots of prayer and vision! But seek to serve where you are – be a light right now.

2. Stay Visible

Keep your presence known in the community. Connect the dots for people. Church plants do this naturally because it’s all they have – their people, name, and mission. When a congregation is in a building, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking people will know where we are and what we do. Buildings are a great asset to ministry – so keep your building up and going. Curb appeal is essential. Keep things fresh by changing the banners, signs, and publicity. This doesn’t have to cost much money, but you need a plan. But don’t count on the building alone – the people must be visible. Try this experiment: Take notice of all the business buildings you don’t even notice when driving to your church. Were there any you have never been in, noticed, or even thought about pulling into? That’s the way a whole slew of people feel about your church building. Stay visible in the community through media, activity, service, and word of mouth. (Marketing to five stoplights from your church)

3. Streamline Ministry Springboards In Your Church

The decision should be simple when people want to begin ministries independently in the community. Turn people loose. Don’t make it challenging to start outreaches and other ministries that will be a light in the name of Jesus. It will be difficult to fully accomplish your mission of sharing Christ’s love if you rely on paid leaders or a small group of leaders to do all ministry in the community. Encourage ideas and build a simple framework for people to jump in, be held accountable, and, most importantly, begin.

4. Model Generosity and Hospitality as a Church

The church should be the first place where generosity and hospitality are abundant. Even as I wrote this bullet point, I changed it from “Model Generosity and Hospitality in your Church” to “Model Generosity and Hospitality as a Church.” Go over the top to help people feel at home when they walk through your doors. [read signs are essential, but people are better ]. But don’t stop there – how can you be generous and hospitable to the community? Give to the community. Give time and hours in service work. Be connected in community work and leadership. Show hospitality to those who serve the community. Send gift cards to first responders. Take cookies to the fire station. Provide lunch in the school’s teacher’s lounge. The church should lead the way in generosity and hospitality, even if we have to stumble awkwardly, yet confidently, into it.

5. Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly

There are too many injustices in our world. Find those places and lead your church to act justly and love mercy. As one pastor said, what gives you a “holy discontent”? Humility isn’t thinking of yourself so tiny that you give up trying. Like Philippians 2, humility is taking on the very nature of a servant and inserting yourself into the equation to be helpful. The world needs a church that throws caution to the wind and takes risks, investing all the talents given on behalf of the poor, hurting, lost, and lonely. The world needs a church that will humbly insert itself into the world – being salt and light. [The Low Confidence Church and What to Do About It ].

6. Develop a Culture of Being a Light

Develop a shared vision and language about being “a light” in the community. Remind people to invite others. Encourage people to use their gifts and not to “hide them under a bushel.” Build up and highlight those places where the church is at work. Celebrate what is already happening. Keep it in front of your people – your church is here, in this area, for however many years, with one goal – to live out the mission of Jesus.

7. Invite Your People Into Mission

Our church folk need the opportunity to serve in close and personal missions. As they do, they will begin to experience what it means to be God’s hands and feet. This active involvement is the only foolproof way to ensure that people will grasp it. There’s something about serving in the name of Jesus that empowers people. Figure out ways to actively offer mission opportunities to your church – both students and adults. It doesn’t have to cost money – it can be local, close-to-home opportunities.

Pray for God to be at work in your church and your people. Pray for His light to shine over the darkness. Then, take risks to be that light in the dark places, the highways, and byways, to share God’s love. Re-read Isaiah 60 – and may the blessing of God’s light shine on you and your ministry today!

Give them Jesus!