How can we effectively share the hope of Christ in our cities and communities around the world?
Pastor, author and radio host Chris Brooks points out that The Great Commission outlined in Matthew 28:16-20 means being around people is necessary. He disagrees with a call to separation from the world when it means disengagement. Chris is eager to see urban areas transformed with the truth of the Gospel.
“The Bible never calls us to cut ourselves off from society. We have to live our lives. We also have to understand that we are His ambassadors. We trust the Gospel and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.”
Chris reminds us that God has placed believers in different places, and we each have a calling and a destiny where we are.
“Everyone needs to find their ‘where.’ God wants to do a phenomenal work. I want us to see broken but beautiful cities as gold mines for Jesus. The Gospel works regardless of zip code. Our homes are lighthouses in this dark world.”
In reaching other people, Chris says effective ministry is made possible by the richness of one’s own relationship with God.
“The fruit of the Spirit is far more important than the gifts of the Spirit. I want people to know this Jesus that changed my life. I Corinthians 10:31 says ‘whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ That’s my heart, my passion, my desire.”
Christianity has accomplished great good in the world. But it requires all believers to take part in spreading the Gospel message in our own cities.
“The ethics of the Gospel include that every human being carries value. We need to pray for the welfare of the city we’re in and embrace the call to creative evangelism. God’s called us to create and not just consume culture. This generation is looking for people who embody the ethics of the Gospel – being committed to not just talking the talk, but walking the walk, and living out the implications of the Gospel in front of a watching world.”
Chris Brooks is the senior pastor of Woodside Bible Church, a multisite congregation across the metro-Detroit area. Brooks hosts “Equipped with Chris Brooks” on Moody Radio. He is the author of “Kingdom Dreaming” and “Urban Apologetics.”