Photo by Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
The idea of local mission can suggest a variety of ideas for each of us and our congregations. Local mission can happen inside or outside the walls of your church. It can include helping a church member or a family in your community. It can focus on the needs of your church, your school, and/or your community. It can be a one-time occasion, or it can happen throughout the year. Regardless of your definition, local mission can provide God’s people the opportunity to share Christ’s unconditional love as they serve others to reach out with Christlike care and concern.
Most importantly local mission encourages each of us as Christians to “look after our neighbors so they may enjoy the life God has given them” (Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation). Our neighbor–whether sitting next to us in church, living on our street or living in our community can experience Christ as we extend love, comfort, and care to those in need.
God also knows these experiences have the power to change us at our core as we take our eyes off ourselves and look beyond our own needs. There is nothing to earn or gain through our actions. Serving our neighbor is simply giving thanks for what Jesus has done. To quote Martin Luther, “God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.”
As Paul writes “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” 2 Corinthians 9:11-12 ESV.
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Is God calling you to service? Whether through volunteering or a career in church work, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod offers many opportunities for you to help and serve God’s people.