how you can be a part of the plan
Being “Servant Saints” of Jesus Christ
As a body, Southwood is serious about “deaconing,” particularly in how we serve our community. We’ve learned that serving is one of the means of grace by which we learn to follow Jesus Christ and be transformed by Him in His mission. To find a place to serve and become a part of a ministering community in and through Southwood is the blessing and responsibility of every member. We need you to continue using the gifts God has given you in a way that benefits the Kingdom. Talk to a deacon or other church leaders and ask where you can plug in and serve.
Partaking in the Gospel of Grace
One of the most powerful witnesses under heaven is a church united and committed to loving one another and loving its neighbors in mission. The preached Word is a means of grace to transform hearts and strengthen disciples. Make a priority to be under the preached Word on a weekly basis. If you miss a Sunday, listen to the sermon online. Be committed to deepening your understanding of the great “mystery of godliness” offered to us in Jesus Christ. Ask God to help you fall more deeply in love with Him and the work of His Kingdom.
Partnering with one another in the Gospel of Grace
The word “fellowship” is an often misused term. In a recent sermon by Small Group Pastor Bill Nash, we explored the value of being in “true fellowship” as a body of Christ united in Christ’s mission. Getting to the heart of one another and being committed to loving others through life’s storms and aftermaths is true fellowship and partnership in the Gospel advance. Continue to consider fellowship as a necessary means of grace to see lives transformed by the gospel of grace. If you are not in a small group, get in one! Come alongside one another in every possible way. Get invested in someone’s life!
Being flexible, positive and prayerful
Change is never easy and takes a great deal of flexibility. As walls come down and construction zones go up, we will need to be willing to give up our temporary comforts for a greater gain. When tempted to be in the flesh, seek the Spirit of Jesus Christ to be positive and affirming. Look at this time as an opportunity to spur one another on in love and good deeds. Our neighbors are watching to see if the Gospel has practical implications in the midst of change. Let us prayerfully seek the Spirit of God to manifest the fruits of the Spirit. This will be a positive and unifying means of grace for our Body.
Faithfully tithing and considering sacrificial giving
Talk about the stewardship of God’s resources with your family and in your small groups. Ask one another how you presently view tithing and discuss what it means to see your time, talents and treasure as God’s infinite wealth of resource to advance His Kingdom. As we consider our giving, let’s consider not only our current needs but also the needs of the next generation for Kingdom advancement.
Asking questions and communicating answers
There is nothing wrong with well-intended questions, so ask them. More than likely, others are wondering the same things and just afraid to say so. Southwood is a large church, and as such, things change without the majority of us even being aware. Thus, momentary pause for conversation into the reasons for change becomes a necessary aid in people embracing our Vision, Mission, and Environments. Let’s be committed to these conversations.
Getting excited and connecting in the spaces with our family and especially with our guests
You are a uniquely ministering member of Southwood, so use all that God has done in your life as a stepping stone into people’s lives for the Gospel. As the spaces around the campus are developed, inhabit the space with the ministry of presence. Share the peace of Christ with those you meet. Bring a guest and take opportunities to have conversations with others you’ve never met.
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