One of the things I've heard people say about unemployment is worth thinking about. Not that everything about unemployment isn't, but this one seems to pop up again-and-again, and I think about it more and more when I frame the topic as a Kingdom issue.
You saw that coming, right?
Our 2016 Vision means we'll have more community impact through new ministry initiatives. We're envisioning a dramatic expansion of Christ's Kingdom. That's going to mean more people aligned with God's purposes and engaged in God's mission. It means more ways for people to engage. What it really means is more opportunity for those who want to be "employed" (engaged in the work) for lots of people who are presently "unemployed" (disengaged in the work).
Here's what I've heard: "It seems to me that as more people are willing to step up and help out with the needs of the community, the easier it should be to plug people in."
Two thoughts:
1. On the one hand, that's true. It should be easier for people who want to plug-in, engage the mission and "employ" themselves in bringing "up there, down here," to get involved.
2. But, I'm not so sure it's that simple. Just because the number of interested applicants increases (the "unemployed" who wish to be "employed" in significant ways), that doesn't guarantee the number of trained candidates, prepared to do the work of love, and proven as Christ's followers, increases at the same rate.
God's Church isn't best described as a business, even though the best-practices of well run businesses are usually helpful to the work of the Church. While a business can interview applicants and deny them employment for a whole host of reasons, the Church is pursuing the most "unqualified" people in the world and inviting them to join the family and accept Christ's invitation to follow HIM. The Church asks undeserving people to become "fully employed" in God's work. So the qualifications to get "in" are very simple; all anyone needs do is follow Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
As I said, that means it should be easier for people who want to plug-in, engage the mission and "employ" themselves in bringing "up there, down here," to get involved.
But too often it's not easy for people to be productively employed in the work of God's Kingdom, and that's not because "folks aren't willing." Many times, it's because they're not adequately informed, trained and equipped. Some times, it's because they're not well-connected. The question becomes, "Since people want to be trained so they can be better employed in God's work (thereby more qualified to add value and make a difference), and many now feel un-connected and under-employed, what are we going to do?"
We're fixing the problem. Here's a sampling of how:
- Easy on-ramps. We're providing convenient and clear steps toward friendship, service and spiritual growth. Easy to navigate web-based assistance makes navigating the easy on-ramps fun.
- Discovering GCC, which is our new version of the old Core Class 101. I'm teaching it on two Saturday mornings.: once at our Bristol Street campus on February 11th and once at our Granger campus on March 10th.
- Our Volunteer EXPO is matching relational ministry "employment" opportunities to your talents, hopes and dreams.
- The Supply Drop, giving thousands of us one great day to help our struggling neighbors all across Michiana. It's this year's version of last year's Food Drop.
- The Commons, which we're building without adding debt so it's easier for connections to happen and friendships to develop.
- Weekends, which we're spooling up for new levels of focus and growth.
- The Tangible Kingdom Training, GCC's discipleship plan this semester, will enrich your life, connect you to God's Plan and prepare you for your best Easter yet:
- Adults on Mondays @ 6:30 PM
- Men on Wednesdays @ 6:30 AM
- Women on Tuesdays @ 9:00 AM
- Online at your convenience
God is at work. You can adjust your life to join HIM and I hope you will.
How's that for good news?
John 13:16-17 - A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.
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