Your Kingdom Come

This weekend our church had some great opportunities to serve our community. On Friday night we projected the Wings game on the side of our building. And on Saturday we staffed the Chamber of Commerce booth with volunteers for the Berkley ArtBash.

Yesterday during our leadership team meeting we did some follow up by walking through downtown Berkley.  I asked our leaders to worship, note any businesses that stood out, and ask God to share His desires for our community.  I felt like some great insights surfaced.

• 12 Mile is lined with signs declaring, "Berkley is Unique." One unique characteristic is that there are only a handful of chain restaurants/businesses in downtown Berkley. We're not looking for a pre-packaged, conference-inspired move of God. Hungry for God to do something unique!
• Most of the businesses on our street are service or product oriented operations that cater to consumers. We can't be just another consumer-driven organization. We've got to develop missional disciples.
• Felt the pressure of so many businesses trying to make their voice heard and compete for dollars in a tough economy. Praying our church is not just another competing voice. Desperate for God's voice to be heard.
• I really believe God wants our community to experience the untainted influence of His Church.
• At one point I passed a business that closed. Now their windows are covered and it's impossible to see what's happening inside the building. It reminded me of all the closed families, secret sins, unknown needs and hidden pain that quietly exists in our community. My sense is that God wants to reign in those places.

Our team spent some time talking about what it means for God to reign in our community. What would it look like for the Kingdom of God to really grow in influence? In downtown Berkley we've got a Dairy Queen, Burger King, and a street called Royal. And then there's Church of the King!

As followers of Jesus we've got an opportunity to establish the Kingdom of God in our cities!

Let Jesus reign!

Comments

[Craig T. Owens]

I love your directive to have your leaders worship as they scouted out the city... what a wonderful way for God to open your leaders' eyes to see Berkley the way He sees Berkley.

Way to go, Brad! I'm eager to hear what God's going to do in your community through COTK.