I am often asked, “How can one create a culture of serving somewhere that has been lacking an outward focus?” That’s a fair question considering how few churches have a truly outward focus. Is it possible to create a shift outwardly, really? It may take a while to see God’s Spirit stir things up in a significant way, but you can aid in the launch of this with wise leadership.
The key is to give visibility to the work of God you wish to multiply.
Here’s the principle: what you elevate will multiply. The opposite is also true. What you hide will be impossible to spread. It’s that simple. If you are in the church and are being forcibly hidden you have been buried. There’s no nice way to dress your situation up. It’s just a matter of time until you will cease to exist.
As lives are changed, give visibility to what God is up to in your midst. He is going to do even greater things as you allow more people to read, hear, experience the goodness of God through your communications. For example, in your sermons make mention of outreaches. Use outreach stories as illustrations of your points. Often these are either touching, profound, or humorous as we reach out with the practical love of Christ. People straighten up and listen carefully as we speak up.
Capture the great things that are going on through your outreaches with your video cameras to show the footage later to the larger church. Again, you are making news out of the works of God.
“As he is high and lifted up all men will be drawn unto him!” goes the scripture. That’s the principle. Let’s carry that out in creative and consistent ways!