So, How’d We Get Connected To The Parade?
At Generations, we regularly talk about living your faith every day, especially where you live, work, and play. But, what if you look around and you then find yourself totally surrounded by Christians? Like, 90% of your dominant relationships are people who are Christians or regularly (used loosely here) attend Church.
Expanding the family of God demands that we live our faith in proximity to those who do not consider themselves a part of God’s family. How would you go about introducing new relationships into your sphere of influence? Maybe you could develop a predictable pattern and begin to connect with those at the library, the ballfield, or your favorite coffee shop. Perhaps you join a fishing group or a sports team.
When Pastor Kyle moved across the country to Vancouver, He was tasked with forming a new faith community. He assessed his background, his interests, and his skillset. The resulting assessment both because his mother was in economic development and his love for holistic ministry resulted in his attendance at the Hazel Dell Business Association General Meeting in 2019. He didn’t know anyone. He hadn’t been invited. He just showed up. He soon discovered that the local Association was responsible for hosting the Hazel Dell Parade of Bands and that they ALWAYS needed extra help. See a need; meet a need. In 2019, some members of the GenChurch Team showed up at the parade and held some signs. That began Generations Church’s relationships with the HDSCBA, but it didn’t stop there. People from the Association began watching the online gathering, eventually attending in person, advocating for the church in the community, and even utilizing the Ministry Center because of its commitment to the community.
Being the hands and feet of Jesus sometimes means passing out food or buying a bed for a family in need. Sometimes it means showing up to a local parade holding a literal sign, knowing you’re holding a metaphorical one as well. You’re being a signpost in holding a sign that points to a bigger and more important reality. God is faithful. Jesus saves. The Spirit empowers. We all need that.