Two weeks ago we were privileged here in Lorain County to work alongside a group of 7 wonderful volunteers from Hinsdale, IL. What an incredible time it was experiencing the Lord together through construction projects, community outreach, nightly worship, and fellowship!

Throughout the experience we were encouraged by the stories and experiences of numerous community members as they shared their excitement for how the Lord is working here in Lorain County. To kick us off, we had the blessing of hearing from local worship leader, Courtney Porter. Courtney not only shared her experience growing up in Lorain, but also set a challenge for each of us to wrestle with and process in the coming days:

What does it look like to Live on Mission?

If you have ever felt at a loss regarding what Living on Mission looks like after your mission trip, you are certainly not alone! Below you will find the 5 components of missional living that Courtney outlined for us a couple weeks back. Each component is supplemented by a key thought, scripture and practical challenge you can apply in your home community. I encourage you to take on this 5 week challenge as we learn together what it truly means to live every day on mission for Christ.

 

Living on Mission

-5 Week Challenge-

Week 1: Selflessness

1. Key Thought: In the mission field we are called to to sell out to meeting the needs of those around us- EVEN if it stretches us past our comfort zone.
2. Scripture: ‘My commandment is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ -John 15:12-13
3. Challenge: This week, meet a need that inconveniences you. Whether it’s staying after work a couple of extra minutes to take out a full trash can or giving up your Saturday night to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, serve in a way that offers no benefit to you.

Week 2: Flexibility 

1. Key Thought: In the mission field we are called to surrender the wheel to the Holy Spirit. We must remember His role as navigator and the joy that comes with letting Him lead.
2. Scripture: ‘But when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.’- John 16: 13
3. Challenge: Say ‘yes’ to something this week that brings you outside of your routine. Perhaps it looks like grabbing coffee with a friend or volunteering in a new ministry at church. Being intentional in this practice teaches us willingness to adjust our agendas as the Spirit leads.

Week 3: Passion

1. Key Thought: Christ’s love for us led him to the point of death on a cross. As ambassadors in the mission field, we are called to mirror that zeal in our love for our neighbors.
2. Scripture: ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ – Romans 5:8
3. Challenge: Be in prayer this week asking God to reveal His passion for your life. What issue or circumstance is your community facing that rocks you to your core? What might be your role in engaging with these issues?

Week 4: Ambition

1. Key Thought: In Romans it shares that we have the same power that rose Christ from the dead living inside of us. This means that we must operate in confidence in our mission field, knowing that through Christ community-wide restoration is possible.
2. Scripture: ‘And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.’ – Romans 8:11
3. Challenge: Conduct an informal survey as you go about your week, asking people you encounter to share their hopes and dreams for your community. Encourage them to dream big, remembering the magnitude of the God you serve. Remember to include yourself in the survey too!

Week 5: Fearlessness

1. Key Thought: Sometimes our communities face issues that can feel incredibly daunting. Living on Mission challenges us to remember that our God is always greater than.
2. Scripture: ‘What then shall we say in response to such things? If our God is for us, who can be against us?’ – Romans 8:31
3. Challenge: Pick an idea uncovered in your challenge last week and take the first step to making it come alive. Approach this process with confidence that the Lord is walking with you.