How Can I Own My Community?

Every time we go out to serve others we get the opportunity to fall in love with our city. There is no making up for it - we all need to be moved with compassion each time we venture out.

Outreach can take the starch out of you. Actually no - more accurately outreach will take a bit out of you each time you go out. It is therefore imperative that we are renewed in our love for our community on a very regular basis. At times it seems we have forces conspiring against our best efforts to simply love others. On a regular basis I become convinced all over again that what we are doing is very spiritual stuff. Why else would we get consistent opposition as we step out to serve?

As you go out anticipate God showing up in the margins - look for his presence in the mundane things that happen in your midst. Be thankful for even the seemingly smallish things that take place.

He will renew your strength for more outreaches. He is interested in stirring you and your people up - with his zeal for others.

Reprinted by permission from ServeCoach.com by Steve Sjogren