Every local church is planted in a specific community, and it is God’s will that the Church of Christ be established in every neighborhood around the world. Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, and Acts 1:8 to go into all the world and make disciples. But we must start from where we are — our immediate community. If we ignore our communities, we cannot effectively reach our cities or nations for Christ.
Whether it’s a denominational church or an independent ministry, the strength of any global mission lies in the power and health of the local church. Local churches that shine as salt and light in their communities will hasten the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
A. COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Scriptures: Genesis 13:17; Luke 7:1-6; Acts 9:36
Commitment means being fully dedicated to a cause, person, or mission. Before a church can transform its community, it must first demonstrate a deep, passionate commitment — morally, spiritually, and financially.
- Abraham showed commitment by walking through the land God promised him.
- The Roman centurion in Luke 7 built a synagogue for the Jews — an act of community support.
- Dorcas (Tabitha) was a godly woman known for her good works and support for the poor in her community.
Key Points:
- Churches must be morally upright, spiritually strong, and financially responsible toward their communities.
- A lack of commitment weakens the church’s influence.
- Frequent transfer of pastors disrupts community impact and bonding.
- A church’s growth is greatly influenced by how committed it is to serving its local area.
Churches must be emotionally invested, spiritually active, physically present, and structurally rooted in their communities. Sadly, our engagement has sometimes been less than that of secular organizations like Rotary Club, Red Cross, and Lions Club. It’s time for the Body of Christ to wake up and take its rightful place.
B. STRATEGIC WAYS TO RELATE WITH OUR COMMUNITIES
Scriptures: James 1:26; Deuteronomy 10:18
Many churches have focused only on preaching in their neighborhoods. But when the gospel is not immediately received, they become discouraged and withdraw. However, the Bible encourages us to combine faith with good works (James 2:14-18). Good deeds can soften hardened hearts and open doors for salvation.
Here’s how to start:
- Create a Community Relations Unit in your church (could be a committee or ministry team).
- Research the community and identify real needs the church can meet.
- Encourage church members to share ideas about the needs they observe.
- Organize donations and support from the congregation.
- Take action through social outreaches such as:
Practical Community Projects Churches Can Undertake:
- Medical outreaches for the sick
- Empowerment programs for small-scale business startups
- Feeding programs for orphans, widows, and the poor
- Enlightenment programs for okada (motorcycle) riders
- Outreach to street boys, area boys, and miscreants
- Repairing local drainages and culverts
- Honoring and appreciating local police stations
- HIV/AIDS and drug abuse awareness programs
- Rehabilitation and restoration of prostitutes
- Immunization and ante-natal care support
- Church-sponsored football clubs for youths
- Hospital and prison visitations
- Support for street children and rescue missions
- Water projects and starting day-care centers/orphanages
- Organizing free classes for WAEC/NECO exams
- Giving clothes to the needy and elderly outreach
- Environmental sanitation campaigns
- Setting up emergency response for disasters like fire or flood
- Repairing bad roads and filling potholes
- Gift-sharing events at Christmas and Easter
- Adult education and literacy programs
These initiatives create a bridge of love between the church and its community and make room for the message of salvation.
C. INVESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY FOR TRANSFORMATION
Scripture: Luke 7:1-6
There are many benefits to showing love and good works in your community:
- It fulfills God’s command to be doers of the Word.
- It gives credibility to your preaching and teaching.
- It strengthens your evangelism and outreach efforts.
- It brings a good reputation to the church and glory to God.
Steps for Practical Community Investment:
- Share the vision with the entire church, especially leaders.
- Select passionate volunteers who believe in the vision.
- Raise support—financial, material, and manpower—from within the church.
- Choose specific projects your church can handle based on available resources.
- Do everything with excellence, and let the community know it’s from the church:
- Wear church-branded vests during outreach.
- Display banners showing the name of your ministry.
- Use signposts that read: “Church at Work” in visible locations.
- Organize a Community Prayer and Praise Day, inviting everyone in the neighborhood — Christians and non-Christians alike.
Recommended Reading
Impacting Your Community For Christ
Top Ten Ways to Bridle Your Tongue
DIVINE STRATEGIES (1) – JOYFULNESS
Every act of kindness and investment in your community is a seed sown into the Kingdom of God.
When the Church rises as salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), the gospel becomes more powerful and effective.
POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS:
- I refuse to be a mere figure but a mighty force for God in my community, in Jesus’ name.
- I receive grace and boldness to impact my community positively.
- I receive wisdom and divine favor to relate effectively with my community.
- I receive strength and resources to do good works in my community, in Jesus’ name.
- I claim my entire community for Christ, in Jesus’ name.
- I receive the wisdom, ideas, and finances needed to be a blessing to my community, in Jesus’ name.
FINAL WORD:
The local church is God’s representative in every neighborhood. As we rise to serve not only in word but also in deed, we become true ambassadors of Christ — shining His light, spreading His love, and winning souls for His Kingdom.