Ingredients for Transforming Communities
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me – Luke 4:16-21
Standing in a temple at Nazareth, Jesus launched his three-year ministry to transform the world by reading from a scripture containing the words of Isaiah. He knew that people listening did not believe in what he was saying; others would eventually try to kill him, and still others would one day follow his reaching. Jesus states that the Holy Spirit directs and protects the servant who actively answers God’s call to live the gospel. The Holy Spirit is also the generator of courage and commitment to lead in hard times, renewing and igniting our call to love. These are bold declarations from Jesus.
In a document on the state of loneliness issued by the current US. In the opening sentence of the section on community and connection, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murphy extols our collective need to “cultivate a culture of connection.” Dr. Vivek states, “A culture of connection is vital to creating the changes needed in society.” He spurs readers to embrace and cultivate the values of kindness, respect, and commitment to one another. He extols the audience to model these same connectional values in individual and communal areas of leadership and influence in our local communities, schools, and workplaces (https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf).
In many ways, Dr. Vivek’s message aligns with Jesus’ call to us as disciples to reach out and be present with and for those who are or feel socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually isolated and need to be freed.
We are a month into the new year. Are you looking forward with holy boldness? How are you equipping yourself more deeply to stir up new or refined visions for how you can be a catalyst & connector in your local community and neighborhood? Are you providing opportunities for building capacity that might ignite a new calling for the various team members in the ministries of your church to build relationships, not just around the coffee pot at the hospitality table before or after Sunday worship but beyond the walls of your local church? What fears keep you or your Sunday school, small group, class meeting, or sewing circle from crossing the threshold of the door narthex and entering with brave boldness into the promised land outside of the safety of your sanctuary?
Christ demands that we lift our hands in the sanctuary while also extending our hands, hearts, and hope to others wherever and whenever we find ourselves in this daily life journey.
Happy New Year, and Let’s Get Going!
DS Chris Brady