My Gospel Project Norman

This summer, I had the opportunity to serve at my church (Redeemer Church) as a summer missionary along with three other students. We spent the summer working to expand Redeemer’s ministry into Norman and to get to know the community better. We began the summer by partnering with a church in the city (Christ Community) and learning in their context. Throughout the summer, we hosted adventure clubs and block parties in apartment complexes & neighborhoods with the intent of building relationships and meeting needs. We also hosted a free soccer camp for kids.  Aside from our weekly training, our group finished out the summer with a trip to the SEND Conference in Atlanta, a church planting conference hosted by the North American Mission Board.

Though a lot of our time was spent working with children, this was not an easy summer. Not by a long shot. Rewarding, yes. Challenging – certainly. But definitely not easy. Here are three things I learned this summer.

1) People long for community.

            Time & time again, we stumbled across people who just wanted to be in community with someone & have a real relationship. These people were broken & alone – often lonely enough to admit it. We were not made to exist in isolation. We are created in the image of God, & even God himself exists in the form of the Trinity. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” We are called to bear one another’s burdens, and not just for those people who look like us. People want to be known & loved, and we have the opportunity to introduce them to someone who has known & loved them since the beginning of time.

2) The gospel is central to everything.

            The term “gospel” was in direct focus throughout the summer. We explored, read about, & discussed what the word & concept really means and conveys. In this sense, I am using it to mean the story of how the Holy God & fallen mankind are reconciled by the life, death, & resurrection of Jesus Christ because of His love but primarily because of the glory of God. This concept is not just relevant in a church building or small group. It is not even only applicable in the areas of outreach, evangelism, or discipleship. It exists, flourishes, and is necessary in all aspects of life. For me, this manifested itself primarily in my relationships and in my jobs. How I react in situations at the Huff or Dodson’s (my two other jobs) can show the power of the gospel. The words I speak to a friend in a broken situation can show how God longs for us, even in our broken states, to be reconciled to Him. Having a fun night out with my coworkers can demonstrate God’s goodness through the joy He has given us. Being vulnerable with an older, wiser woman can show the beauty of God working in our failures to bring glory to His own name. I could go on and on. Every single situation is a chance for God to show another aspect of Himself. The gospel is alive in every moment. (For a great sermon on the gospel, check out Andy McDonald’s sermon from today [8/5] soon to be posted on the website. Also, check out some books listed at the end of the post.)

3) Ministry is messy.

            I had an inkling of this concept going into the summer, but I understand it much more after two short months. (For my fellow “churchy” peers who don’t know what you want to do with your life and are considering ministry as the “easy” road – think again.) First of all, working with a team, even a fantastic, like-minded team, is going to bring its rough moments. Spending 5-6 days a week with a group of six people is going to bring out sarcasm, baggage, opinions, emotions, and much more. Faults & mistakes begin to appear, & pet peeves become evident. In two months, I was more immature & ridiculous than I had been in the past year. It is essential to realize that the people on your ministry team are just as in need of the gospel as you are, and that you are all just as in need of the gospel as those people you are ministering to. Honesty and vulnerability are your best friends, are well as a forgiving and gracious heart. It is important to continually clarify the mission you are on and to edify & encourage one another, as Hebrews 10 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”
            Second, though we are called to step out of our own little comfort zones into our city, God never promises that it wouldn’t be hard. People are messy. This world is broken. There are lots of situations that aren’t convenient or efficient. You often have to choose people over tasks. There will be questions you can't answer and issues you have no experience with. People come with baggage –- some are incredibly forward with their issues and will leave you speechless, while those who keep it hidden and “under control” often have the most issues of all. Doesn’t matter: they are all children of God and, if we are truly going to represent the gospel, we must love and serve them all – no matter the cost. (Don’t get me wrong, that’s definitely not something I’ve fully grasped yet…) When Jesus thought of these people, His heart was full of compassion as He called us out into the messy world. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38

I’ve learned a multitude of other things about myself, about the world around me, and about who God is and what He desires. (And don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE the team I served with.) But if I could sum it all up in one sentence, I would say: 

It is absolutely worth taking time to build gospel community in a broken world, for then you can wait expectantly & watch God do big things. 

Summer Reading

The Explicit Gospel - Matt Chandler

For the City - Matt Carter & Darrin Patrick

Gospel - JD Greear

Counterfeit Gospels - Trevin Wax

Gospel Coach - Scott Thomas & Tom Wood

Told you it was all about the gospel... :)