Embracing God’s Mission in Everyday Life
As Christians, we often struggle to connect our faith with our daily lives. We may view church as a Sunday event, rather than a way of life. But what if we could break free from this limited perspective and live out our faith in every moment?
A Conversation with Jeff Vanderstelt
Jeff Vanderstelt, lead teaching pastor at Doxa Church in Bellevue, Washington, is passionate about helping people recover a biblical view of discipleship. In his book, Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Everyday Stuff of Life, he argues that being a Christian is not just about attending church on Sundays, but about embracing God’s mission in every facet of our lives.
The Gospel in Everyday Life
Vanderstelt believes that the gospel is not just good news for those who don’t yet know Jesus, but also for Christians who need to be reminded of God’s love and power in their daily lives. “We need to see that the gospel is the power of God for salvation—past, present, and future,” he says. “It changed us, is changing us, and will forever change us.”
Missional Communities
Vanderstelt is also a strong advocate for missional communities, where believers come together to support and encourage one another in their daily lives. “We need each other,” he says. “We need to be encouraged, exhorted, and equipped on a regular basis for our everyday mission.”
Practical Steps
So how can we start living out our faith in everyday life? Vanderstelt suggests several practical steps:
- Study the Gospels and learn from Jesus
- Make every meal a worship service
- View your job and vocation as a place for ministry to happen
- Engage in sports and recreation as ministry
A New Perspective
By embracing these practices, we can start to see our daily lives as an opportunity for ministry, rather than just a series of mundane tasks. “Start viewing life as the program and every moment as an event Jesus wants to work through,” Vanderstelt says.
Leadership and Discipleship
Vanderstelt also emphasizes the importance of leadership and discipleship in the church. “Care for and equip the people God has placed under your leadership,” he says. “They are a gift from God to you; serve them well.”
Conclusion
Living out our faith in everyday life is not just a nice idea, but a necessity for Christians who want to make a real impact in the world. By embracing God’s mission and living out our faith in practical ways, we can start to see real change in our communities and in our own lives. As Vanderstelt says, “You don’t merely go to church; you are the church!”
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