A few years ago I attended a one day workshop in Brooklyn for urban youth workers.   I attended seminars on various topics addressing the challenges facing young adults in cities like New York.  As the speakers told their stories, I felt a connection.  Some of our experiences were similar, and we shared the same desire to see help for the poor, justice for the oppressed, and salvation for the broken.  I loved their heart!  I thought to myself, These are kindred spirits.  They are motivated to see lives transformed and to make a difference in their city or neighborhood.

However, despite our shared affinity, I sensed a gap remained.  The more I reflected on the experience, the more I began to feel a bit of disconnect.  The speakers in these classes reflected on minimizing their involvement in church so that they could serve the poor or invest in urban youth.  One man left full-time ministry in the church in order to do ministry.  He turned in his clergy credentials in order to serve those most in need.  I couldn’t stop thinking about it.  It didn’t add up.

Wanting to make a difference, they took ministry outside of the walls of the church.  They turned to agencies that empowered them to serve.  Finally, I realized that that was the fundamental difference between these kindred spirits and myself.   In order to make an impact on the world around them, they began taking ministry outside of the walls of the church.  And I realized that one of my fundamental concerns is to take the church outside of the walls of the church — so that ministry can occur the way we read about when we open up the book of Acts.

Since then, I’ve continued to reflect on the potential impact of the Body of Christ unrestrained.  What if every neighborhood was a mission field, not because the community is outlined on a map in a mission agency strategy room, but because followers of Jesus live in that neighborhood?  What if the church began gaining a self understanding as the priesthood of all believers in every aspect of our society?  What if religion, arts, business, education, media, medicine, and various other fields were each and everyone understood to be in the domain of God’s Kingdom?  In each of these areas ministers are doing their work as they seek the peace of the city.   What if?

I’m sure that nothing would ever be the same again.

-Jared Looney (mobile: 347-678-2977)