Where do YOU spend most of your time, especially among non Christians?
We might call this your frontline: a place where you represent Jesus.
A place where you are an ambassador for Christ. A place where others might look at you in order to know what Jesus is like. A place you might pray for and make a difference to by bringing the presence of God there as you work, love, rest, socialise and just “be” yourself.
For many of us it’s our work place. For others, it’s our family. Our volunteering place. The school gate. Our neighbours or non Christian friends. All we can say for certain is that God has placed you there, if only for now. And if He’s placed you there, then he has a job for you to do there.
Tell us where He has placed you!
We have divided up all the places and roles we can think of into 12 groups, one for each month. We will be praying for one group every month. Please:
- Tell us which your main frontline is
- Join us in praying for the group of congregation members represented each month
- Tell us where your main frontline is
How?
- Add your name to the display( in the welcome space at church, at the Church Centre and at Messy Church)
- Add a dot to the map on the display to show where your frontline is (your workplace/ school gate/ neighbourhood/ leisure activity/ home etc)
- Give us a prayer request for you or someone you know whose frontline is featured this month (or preferable in advance!)
- Tell us if your frontline doesn’t fit the 12 groups!
- Get in touch to tell us stories from your frontline. What’ hard? What’s God doing? What would you like us to pray for you, and for those you are with?
Here are the 12 groups:
Jan Healthcare and Caring; Animal welfare
Feb Emergency Services and charities
Mar Retired and Home makers
Apr IT; Environment
May Finance; Unemployed
Jun Manufacturing; Engineering
Jul Retail; Admin
Aug Media; Arts
Sep Education on online nursing degrees and Child Care
Oct Agriculture & Fisheries
Nov Social Services; Council
Dec Hospitality & Catering
Scary? Exciting? We know that God will equip us by His Spirit to do whatever he calls us to do. We can trust that He will give us the confidence, the strength and the wisdom to do it. You can pray each day for the people He loves, who you meet with there.
How can God use me?
There are many ways in which we can represent Christ. Which ones suit YOU best? Which one is God calling you to be this month? Which one is most appropriate in your setting at the moment?
We can use the helpful list of 6 “M”s compiled by London Institute of Contemporary Christianity:
Messenger for the Gospel – telling someone about the Good News of salvation
Making good work – doing a job well is a good witness to others and pleases our Father
Ministering grace and love – showing love and concern for others in God’s strength brings the Father’s love to them
Moulding Culture – helping to shape a place or group more in line with the way Jesus would want us to treat each other
Mouthpiece for Truth and Justice- speaking out to protect the vulnerable and to follow God’s way
Modelling godly character – living like Jesus to show others what Jesus is like
Scary? Exciting? We know that God will equip us by His Spirit to do whatever he calls us to do. We can trust that He will give us the confidence, the strength and the wisdom to do it. You can pray each day for the people He loves, who you meet with there.
Come to our event “Fit for the Frontline” on Sat 15th October to hear more:
So keep in touch. With photos, emails, texts, stories. Share with your small group. Drop a line to our ministers. Tell us what it’s REALLY like. Invite a church leader to join you on your frontline to pray, chat over a coffee or just see you in your special place God has called you to.
Anita Dobson
07753233950 anitadobson@christchurchdownend.com