11 Shifts for Gospel Participation at Midtown Church
At Midtown Church, we are committed to renewing the reputation of the local church by revealing the Kingdom of Jesus in Kansas City. Naturally, this vision is designed for and attracts those who have felt disregarded, disenchanted, or even abused by the local church and its leaders. Thus, Midtown Church must shift the way people have traditionally experienced church to rebuild trust in who the church is and in the person of Jesus.
But we know that we cannot do this alone. It will take the partnership and empowerment of all peoples who call Midtown church their home. Part of renewing the reputation of the local church is understanding that my calling as a Christian is not defined by opening a door on a Sunday morning or being a children’s worker (although these things may be important). Rather, it is defined by the Great Commission, making disciples of those around me. In other words, every individual in the Kingdom of God is called to participate in the Gospel through their everyday vocation, talents, and gifts.
Therefore, with a desire to reach the de-churched and unchurched and with the understanding that if we truly want to reveal Jesus to people in Midtown KC, the responsibility cannot solely lie with the lead pastors of the church, we must commit ourselves to the following shifts necessary for gospel participation in our community.
From ▸ Few people are called to ministry (pastors, staff, board, select few).
To ▸ All people are called and empowered by the Spirit of God to reveal Jesus to others .
From▸ The Church is a thing I do on Sunday mornings. I choose my church and community based off my needs and preferences.
To ▸ I choose my church and community based on a shared mission to reveal Jesus to those around me.
From ▸ The Sunday gathering is the main event and for my personal enjoyment and growth.
To ▸ The Sunday gathering is for equipping, encouraging, and inspiring people to be a part of a missional microchurch.
From ▸ The Church is a place I can take my children and they can be discipled.
To ▸ Church is a place I can take my children in which all those gathered are a part of my child’s spiritual formation and growth starting me as a parent.
From ▸ Serving with the church is an interruption, optional and a threat to my schedule.
To ▸ Being the church is who I am throughout the week and is a priority as I reveal the Kingdom of Jesus in my community.
From ▸ Programs and events of the church institution are necessary and for my benefit.
To ▸ All efforts of the church are focused on loving one’s neighbor, making disciples, and reaching those who do not know Jesus and are necessary.
From ▸ Our greatest assets are buildings, pastors, and programs.
To ▸ Our greatest asset is people participating in the Gospel.
From ▸ Success is defined by butts in the seats, money given, and programs developed.
To ▸ Success is defined by the revelation of Jesus’ kingdom through the formation of disciples, the local impact of microchurches, and church planting.
From ▸ Only certain people or ministries are called to serve and love the poor, oppressed, and marginalized.
To ▸ We are all called by Jesus Christ to love and serve the poor, oppressed, and marginalized.
From ▸ Church is a relatively comfortable, homogenous place where I get along with almost everyone sharing the same beliefs, political party, and socioeconomic background.
To ▸ Church is a diverse, and at times uncomfortable, community where I may not always agree with everyone but have learned to love, value, and learn from our differences.
From ▸ Church finances should be spent on the best Sunday morning experience.
To ▸ Church finances should be spent to better our community and reveal the Kingdom of Jesus through efforts such as community impact, local organizations, and church planting both local and abroad.