Compassion Sunday

This Sunday was such a special week at South Bay Church. I felt like it gave a clear picture of who we are...the DNA of our church. We called it "Compassion Sunday" and highlighted four different compassion ministries that we urged our people to get involved in.

• Compassion International (serving children living in poverty)
• Freedom House (serving survivors of human trafficking)
• A mission trip to Haiti this summer
• A local elementary school with whom we are partnering

South Bay is all about putting the gospel into action. Let's not just be hearers of the Word, but doers also. Let's not just come to church out of social obligation, guilt, or routine. Let's not just come to be entertained, to get spiritual fed, or to have our needs met. Let's let the gospel change the way we live, the way we view the world, and the way we interact with those around us.

Andy's message this Sunday was a powerful invitation to get involved. The passage that he taught from (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) tells us that God has given us [believers] the ministry of reconciliation. We get to join Him (and, in fact, have a responsibility to join Him) in restoring the brokenness in our world. You don't have to look very hard to realize that things are not right in this world. We have been sent as God's ambassadors to bring healing and hope to the broken places in this world.

So, take initiative! Stop waiting for someone to tell you exactly what to do or give you a personal invitation. You have been SENT!

(This week on my blog I will highlight two specific ways that you can get involved. Stay tuned...)