Churches should have significant community impact in their communities by engaging and making a difference in the key physical, social, and economic problems. Scripture is not silent about having this heart for where we live. We are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). We are to care for the poor, crippled, lame, and blind (Luke 14:13-14). We are to care for orphans and widows (James 1:27). We are to seek justice and defend the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17).
The Church holds a larger, eternal perspective on what is truly happening in the culture and the Church holds the true solution. The Church moves beyond the temporary to challenge all people, including government authorities, to embrace an eternal perspective. The Church has a unique role to play because it holds the Truth, God’s Word.
Government, like the Church, wrestles with difficult issues that impact not only nations and laws and economies, but also real people’s lives – such as the drug crisis, unplanned pregnancies, poverty, immigration, and so much more. The government carries people’s burdens, just as our Churches do. Thus, the shepherds of government and the shepherds of God’s Church have much in common, albeit with different responsibilities. Both are institutions of God’s and if they work together, they can be a blessing to the people.
For the Church Ambassador Network, having a heart for our communities is what the Do Good Initiative is all about. By encouraging our churches to have significant community impact across Kansas we can practically share the good news of Jesus. We want to coordinate all the good that our churches are doing and share best practices. We also want to partner with governing authorities, when appropriate, to maximize our impact in serving our communities.