"The Abundant Harvest: Changing Church Perspectives to Better Serve Their Communities."

In Matthew 9:37 and Luke 10:2, Jesus reminds us, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few".  This speaks to the need for more workers in the fields of God's kingdom. It is a call to action for individual Christ followers and churches to look intentionally at their communities and view them as an opportunity for spiritual growth, investment, and outreach.

For churches, viewing their communities through the lens of these scriptures can provide a powerful shift in perspective. It can help them see their communities as a mission field, full of people who are hungry for the love of Christ but may not know where to find it. This can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and passion for sharing the gospel, as well as a commitment to serving and ministering to those within their community.

One of the key ways that churches can view their communities in this way is by recognizing the needs that exist within them. And the only way to recognize the need is to know your community. This may include physical needs such as hunger, poverty, and homelessness, as well as emotional and spiritual needs such as loneliness, despair, and a lack of purpose or direction. By identifying these needs and seeking to meet them through acts of service and compassion, churches can become a powerful force for good within their communities.

In addition to meeting physical and emotional needs, churches can also view their communities as a place to share the message of Christ's love and salvation. This can involve everything from hosting events and programs that target the needs in the community and that will also introduce people to the gospel, to simply being present and available to those who are seeking answers and guidance. By embodying the love and compassion of Christ and sharing the message of salvation with those around them, churches can help to transform their communities from the inside out.

Of course, viewing communities in this way requires a willingness to step outside of the walls of the church and engage with people in the wider world. It requires a commitment to building relationships, serving others, and sharing the hope and joy that comes from a life in Christ. But for those who are willing to take up the call and become laborers in the fields of God's kingdom, the rewards are immeasurable.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few". By recognizing the needs that exist within their communities and seeking to meet them through acts of service and compassion, churches can become a powerful force for good in the world. And by sharing the message of Christ's love and salvation with those around them, they can help to transform their communities and bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

In Christ,

Dr. Richard Bumpers