In 2009, Simon Sinek wrote the book, “Start with Why”, and as the title suggests “why” is the first and most important question any organisation ought to be able to answer. “Why” is our purpose, cause, or belief. It’s there reason we exist and do what we do? For us, and any church, I would suggest that our why could be, or should be, “people matter.”
This is the reason we pray for people, serve them, offer various programs and events, and why we engage in mission. People matter. All of them, and all their needs matter, whether that be physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual. People matter. It’s the reason Jesus went to the cross and died on our behalf.
Last Sunday we kicked off our series, “Our How and Why” where we are looking at our values in light of the reality that people matter. Our first topic was “Missional.” Our values are the “how” part of what we do.
To be missional is more than running great events and worship services, it’s to go. To go into our world, into the places where people go to develop friendships, discuss issues, and interact with others. It is where people hang out simply for the pleasure of good company and lively conversation. These places are sometimes known as “Great Good Places” or “Third Places.” These are the places where we so often find Jesus, whether it be at a Wedding in Cana or enjoying a banquet with his newly called disciple, Levi, and his tax collector friends.
When Jesus commissioned us to go and make disciples in Matthew 28, I wonder if this the the sort of thing had in mind?
