On June 14, 1999, an unidentified man boarded a New York City subway at rush hour and died in his seat. In the midst of all the passengers who rode that subway, he simply died and nobody noticed. Investigators say there was no sign of struggle or foul play; he just died. His dead body rode the subway four to five hours while people got on and off the train that runs from the southern tip of Manhattan to the Bronx. It’s hard to imagine somebody dying on a busy subway and nobody noticing for several hours, but authorities speculate that “no one noticed him because the train was so crowded and people were in too much of a hurry.” Such a description of negligence could define any number of occurrences in ministry. Crowded places and crowded schedules can tragically crowd out compassion and concern. Whether it’s in a crowded subway or a crowded church, we can all easily miss the hurts of those around us. By taking a few extra minutes each day to more seriously consider the needs of the people we encounter, we may be able to prevent one of the greatest tragedies of life ... negligent oversight of another human being. Houston Chronicle, June 15, 1999, p. 4A

For the last six weeks we have been teaching about five characteristics that we believe to be foundational truths every healthy church will practice. These behaviors are found in the first recorded record that we have of the early church following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We find this record in the book of the Bible called Acts. It is the Acts of the Apostles. It is the record of what transpired in the in the formative years of church.

The five characteristics are:

Prayer
Unity
Community
Grace
Service

We don’t want you to forget them so we have conveniently hung the posters on the wall so you can see them as you leave this room each week. We all can see them and practice them with each other.

When Jesus Christ walked and lived on this earth He gave some very clear instructions.
He taught His disciples that Christ followers would be reflections of Himself.
He taught that we were to share the good news of His message.
He taught that all Christ followers would be fishers of men.
He taught that we were to be His lights to a dark world, bread to hungry people. We are to be salt which brings a distinct flavor to the culture.

We are to keep ourselves loosely connected to the world and always remember that we are but pilgrims and strangers passing through this earth. We are to build our lives on the Word of God and the principles and commandments found in the Bible.

It is abundantly clear when you read the New Testament that Christ had one main objective with His first followers and that was to turn them into ministers.

The words minister and service are all inclusive. They do not refer to men or women who respond to a specific call and then go into full time church work as a staff member of a local church or a missionary in another country.

Every Christ follower is a minister! Every Christ follower in this room has been given gifts and talents by God that He wants us to use them is service for and to Him.

After World War II, some German students volunteered to help rebuild a cathedral that had been damaged by enemy bombs. The English church had a large statue of Jesus that was badly damaged. The students worked diligently to restore the entire statue, but had trouble deciding how they would handle the delicate restoration of the hands. After great deliberation, they agreed to make a statement by leaving the statue without hands. The statue’s inscription stands to this day: “Christ has no hands but ours.” Baptist Beacon, May 23, 1996, p. 5

We answer the call to ministry:

1. Because there is a Great Commission.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit., and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19

This statement should be the driving force behind everything a church does. If we truly want to be followers of Christ we will engage in the business He left us to do.

We must continually ask ourselves if we are fulfilling this mission.

2. Because there is a Great Commandment.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love you neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

We are called to live our lives in ministering and answering the call of God in our lives.

3. Because there is a sense of conviction and commitment.

“It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up...” Ephesians 4:12

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit was given so that we would be empowered to minister to others.

If you could just take a minute or two and sit back and put it all in perspective. The Christ follower looks at this world through entirely different eyes than do people who are not following Christ.

John Maxwell is well known for his practical approach to ministry. One of his pragmatic ideas helps solve two problems at once. People can tend to feel as though they are not receiving adequate ministry, or they are not a significant part of providing ministry to others. Either problem can be frustrating for a Christian. Maxwell suggests both of these problems can be remedied by leaders knowing and caring for three primary factors—the person’s name, need, and niche. When we know who people are, where they hurt, and what they do best, we can help them experience the joy of both receiving and giving ministry. “How to Get Commitment for Ministry,” John Maxwell, The Pastor’s Update, April 1991

4. Because there is a sense of Connection.

The people in the early church were connected to each other but more importantly they were connected to the mission and to the God who ordered it.

The one thing that has been proven by the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq is that this generation of soldiers is courageous and willing to fight. They don’t run from commitment. Sometimes church leaders have been afraid to use strong words that call for us to obey but obedience is a vital part of being a Christ follower. It is not just some emotional feeling we sing about. It is knowing what God wants, being what He wants us to be and doing what He wants us to do.

In Acts four, Peter and John were released from prison and instructed to not preach or teach in Jesus name. In verse 18 of chapter four in the book of Acts we read:

“Whether it’s right in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.” Acts 4:18

When they got back to the other believers they shared the warnings and then prayed.

“Now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30

When we are connected to the mission that God gave the church to do we will find ways to be connected with other people. That is the reason we will be emphasizing small group participation in the new year.

5. Because there is a sense of completion.

“Day after day in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 5:42

Transition to Powerpoint presentation:

This idea for this series of messages was first conceived in 2003 and delivered in November and December of that year. We hung the original pictures at that time. Now we have updated them thanks to Brad Haas and his creativity.

I want to spend the rest of my time today remembering with you what God has done through us as a church. This is not intended to say that we are perfect or that we have met every need, but we have tried to lead the way in reaching out to others. We have tried to encourage people to respond to Christ through the simple little process of Celebration, Community and Call.

For a few moments let us remember and celebrate the last five years of ministry and service in our church.

On December 14 of 2003 we called Newark Church of the Nazarene to service as a church. Here are just some of the things that have happened since that day.

One of the biggest things that happened shortly after 2003 was us beginning a partnership with a little Nazarene church on the east side of town.

Real Life: During the last five years the opportunity came about for us to have a location on the east side of town. While this declining neighborhood continues to be full of challenges we are blessed to have a location right here. Four years ago this church was down to nine people trying to hold services. It was on the verge of death and about to be shut down. We are now functioning as a loving community of Christ followers with a genuine care and concern for those around this church. Listen to this list of service this church has provided:

VBS 2005 Real Life (60 Children)
Light Bulb Give Away (50 houses)
Car Washes (3)
Fire Safety (20 houses)
Trunk or Treat (1 year 10 Cars over 250 children)
Single Parent Family Fair (like operation gear up over 200 children)
Easter Community Breakfast (100 plus people)
Free Community Yard Sale (2 Years 200 plus people)
Community Movie Nights (6 for 300+ total people)
Hog Roast Over 240 participated in this event

Let me review with you some of what is and has gone on in the last four years.

Alite: This college age ministry is student led and has grown into four small groups that meet for worship and study. They have become leaders in the area of outreach both with their own and by participating in our church outreaches. Monster Mash: Outdoor showing of Monsters Inc.

Children’s Ministry: Do you know that over 200 kids are now a part of children’s ministry from infant through sixth grade? This ministry has now grown to over 100 volunteers that it takes to make this happen.

Community Blitz: This ministry has reached out to over forty local residences in the Williams Street and Real Life locations. They have volunteered and done everything from minor repairs to cleaning up yards and shrubbery.

Community Car Washes: These absolutely free car washes are always a fun event to show God’s love in a tangible way by washing someone’s car for nothing. We absolutely do not accept donations during these events.

2006: 10 Locations, 150 volunteers and 320 cars washed
2007: 7 Locations, 100+ volunteers and over 200 cars washed.

Community Splash: We rented the Heath pool and invited folks from the neighborhood to come and enjoy the water for an evening. You, the church ate and shared with them like neighbors are supposed to. It was a great evening of connecting even in the rain.

Connect Café: This ministry is a part of the guest services and hospitality team. There are over 147 people serving in this ministry and they host 6 Connect Café’s a year.

Fire Safety: 4 groups – 3 Williams St; 1 Real Life 5 firemen Approx 24 smoke detectors installed 100 coloring books & fire safety cards given out. Approx. 28 volunteers participated

Food Pantry: Serve 130-150 families a month; 400-500 individuals (1560-1800 families/year; 4800 – 6000 individuals/year) These numbers have doubled in the past 4 years. 35 volunteers (10 when Steve & Karen took over 4 years ago)

Gas Buy Down: 40 volunteers, 1923 gallons of gas, 180 cars, 63 people received 5.00 gas cards when we had to shut down the event.

Leadership Community: Our second one of these took place last weekend. Everyone who works in this church in any capacity is supposed to attend these events. Both of them now have been outstanding as we come together to celebrate, learn and network with each other.

Light Up a Life:

2005: 8 Families, 200 gifts over $1000 donated
2006: 12 Families, 425 gifts, 45 wrappers, 55 delivery people
2007: 18 Families

McGuffey:

2005 – Teachers’ Meeting; bought school clothes; Teachers’ Luncheon – over 50.
2006 – Family Picnic; Teacher Appreciation (42 massages, gift cards to Caribou); Family Night (puppet show for 90 kids, free pizza and drinks, free book & bookmark); Easter (80 kids, egg hunt, picture w/ Easter bunny)
2007 – Teachers’ Lunch (lunch & planning calendars); Teacher Appreciation (massages & Caribou gift cards for over 40 teachers); Saturday school lunch to both McGuffey & Ben Franklin teachers.

Merge: This is a very recent development where families can come together to worship and learn from each other. We are creating an environment where families/parents and grandparents can come together and spend time with each other within the context of the church.

Midland: Nearly 1000 people attended this outreach event. As a community we worshipped together at the historic Midland.

Operation Gear Up

2005 – 251 kids received supplies; over 80 haircuts; 400 lunches
2006 – 400+ kids; 550 lunches; 92 haircuts
2007 – 430 kids received supplies; 105 haircuts; a42 backpacks; 650 lunches

Par Excellence: In 2007 we began to collaborate with this charter school. This neighborhood school begins everyday with devotions and prayer and we purchased uniforms for 18 children this past school year.

Postage Paid:

2006 – 1,400+ stamps; 20 dozen homemade cookies; came in contact w/ 700 people
2007 – 1,200 stamps; 20 dozen cookies; 150 cold drinks; 800 people contacted

Small Groups: There are now over 50 Small Groups functioning in our church body. In 2003 there might have been 15!

Sports Camp:

2006 – 50 volunteers; over 250 children 2007 – 60 volunteers, over 200 kids

Student Community: This ministry is evolving into a meaningful and effective ministry focused on teaching our young people to be givers and not takers. We are working hard to partner with parents in raising godly kids who understand celebration, community and call.

Thanksgiving Dinners

Real Life Church: 2005 – 160 families, $4,216 donated, hundreds of pies
Food Pantry: Thanksgiving Dinner: Served over 140 families with a full meal; Gave 165 turkeys & hams (mostly turkeys)

Trunk or Treat For two years in a row now we have turned our cars toward the sidewalk on Halloween in an effort to show love to our neighborhood kids. Hundreds of families our connected with on this evening and many of those participating connect with each other as well. (Community)

Friday I went to see my parents although I spent most of the time with my Dad, toward the close of my time there I went to see my mother in the nursing home where she now lives. I let myself into the Alzheimer’s unit and found her sitting with about 10 other ladies listening to some music. You can image that my interest was peaked when I realized it was bluegrass music. I watched my mother sitting with a smile on her face and clapping her hands to the music and then I begin to wonder what kind of guys would come into a nursing home on a Friday afternoon and play music for people who aren’t even going to remember that they were there. They come once a month I found out and had driven around thirty miles to get there! It made me think about this message and how many people serve others. It made me wonder about those who never get involved with serving others here or anywhere else for that matter. These guys made me want to be a better person. I thanked them for bringing a few moments of cheer and happiness to my mother.

When Anthony Demello saw a starving child shivering in the cold, he became angry with God. He turned to heaven and said, “God, how could you allow such suffering? Why don’t you do something?” After a long silence, Demello sensed God’s answer. He said, “I have done something ... I made you.” When we pray for God to do something, we must be willing to become the agent of ministry through which he answers our prayers and “does something.” Better Families, Aug. 1996, p. 2

Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours,

Yours are the eyes through which to look out on Christ’s compassion to the world,
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good,
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless people now.
St Teresa of Avila 1515 –82