Yesterday evening, while the Youth met with Anita Hostetler and Abby Talbott, Tim and I joined Ryan Hostetler, Sue Lee, and Caleb and Brittney Planck and many members of The Rock church for a time of worship and intercessory prayer for our city, state and nation on the Union County courthouse steps. It was a sweet time of hymns, worship music, and fervent prayer to unite our country under God. One theme that continually ran through each prayer was that we find ourselves living in a dark time; however, as image bearers of Christ, we are to be The City on the Hill and The Lights of The World.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
As Christ’s bearers of light our deeds are not for our own self gain or promotion, they are for the glorification of Christ. We are to courageously and boldly proclaim his truth, word, and love to those who do not know him, to those who have walked away from him, and to those who do not understand or have ignored His message. We are to also practice what we preach, using our giftings for the advancement of God’s word and to bring renewed and restored life to those around us.
That sounds like a pretty tall order to me – or, at least, it used to. It’s no secret that I can be a pretty quiet and introverted person. A lot of that has to do with the fact that I often feel like a lot of the people around me knew more or just say things better than I do. They are more interesting and dynamic. The School of Kingdom Ministry, however, taught me that I don’t need to be Billy Graham or Ravi Zacharias to proclaim The Word with boldness because when God leads me into evangelism (or healing, or intercessory prayer, or words of wisdom) He will guide my words and steps. If God instructs me to witness to a person, He promises to accompany me on that journey, filling my mouth with the right words and filling my spirit with courage and conviction. I may never be a bold person, but I don’t really need to be, because God In Me fills me with supernatural boldness.
The School of Kingdom Ministry (SoKM) taught me in ways that are difficult to put into words. I helped me understand who I am in God’s Kingdom, how God has blessed me to serve that kingdom, and gave me a safe place to practice my giftings.
There will be an informational meeting for SoKM tomorrow evening (Thursday, August 13) from 6 – 7 PM if you are interested in learning more about what SoKM is. You can watch a video announcement for the meeting on our YouTube channel; I urge you, however, to strongly consider attending the meeting if you’re just not sure or you’re feeling a prompting but you’re uneasy about it. Also, if you are committed to evangelism, discipleship, or the advancement of God’s Kingdom, SoKM will equip you with lifelong skills and sound, biblical teaching to help you on your journey. SoKM is open to all Christians; you don’t have to attend the Vineyard to attend SoKM so feel free to bring your friends as well. I feel confident in saying that all of us from last year’s class are excited to see what this year’s class brings to God’s church and how God works through each new student.
Until I see you again,
Erin Wallace