Heights Baptist Church has been going through a transformation in the last couple of years. As new people join this community, it changes. These changes bring about exciting new opportunities while at the same time they threaten some old traditions that have long been valued. This tension is beneficial, as we must always be looking for innovative ways to bring the gospel to Billings while still ministering to the faithful who have come, served, led, and worshiped for nearly forty years of ministry in the Heights.

As a pastor, I am consumed with ministering to my church while also leading her to reach our city. I love the city of Billings, and it hurts when I remember that most people who live here are lost. When Jesus gave the Great Commission he instructed his original disciples to begin in Jerusalem. Billings is our “Jerusalem.” This city is where we begin. The Heights should be the epicenter of a transformational ministry that began because we believe what the Bible says. We believe that Jesus died for all. Our ministry should be an authentic response to the gospel directed at a city that we love.

So how does this happen? What are some things you can do today to reach the lost in your city?

Love Jesus 

Jesus is everything. I love the book of Hebrews because it constantly tells us how great he is.  If we love him we will obey him. When we place anything as a priority over Christ it’s a form of idolatry.  Too many Christians make worship a second thought, only fitting it in once everything else is accomplished. Some people even become overly occupied by Christian activity to take time for worship and glorify our Lord. Too often our prayers are filled with a checklist for him to accomplish in order to serve our interests. Our faith is wonderful because our God is wonderful. Our faith brings joy because Jesus provides it. You and I were created for him and by him, so we shouldn’t see him as simply another thing to add to our already busy schedule.

Love People

The idea that we should hunker down and separate ourselves from the lost is foolish. We cannot hide from sin because sin resides in all of us: “all we like sheep have gone astray.”  This approach reminds me of the Pharisee in Luke 18. When we refuse even to talk to the lost, how will we lead them to Christ? People matter to God, and because of that, they should matter to us. Our actions, in this regard, demonstrate if we actually believe what Scripture says.We cannot be the big brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son, as he didn’t bring glory to the father any more than his brother. Jesus loves the world so much that he died for it, and then he commanded his church to reach it. Jesus did the work all we have to do is share the story and love people.

Love Your Church

I am not writing this because I am a pastor. I am writing this because Scripture expects it. I love the church not because it employs me, but because God brought me here at this place and at this time to minister to these people. As Jesus launched the church, Paul put its blueprints into words in his epistles. I expect you to love your church because Jesus loves the church. To love your church is to serve your church. To love your church is to partner with your church. To love your church is to give to your church. To love your church is to pray for your church. The One Another Commands make clear how a Christian is to approach fellow believers.

Creating division, gossip, grumbling, slander, and refusal to follow are all ways of demonstrating sinful disdain for the bride of Christ. Too often Christians come to a church with a fear of commitment. Every church isn’t for every Christian but every Christian should be a contributing member of a church. In order to reach our city for Christ, we must come together as a community centered around Jesus.

Wrap Up

It doesn’t make sense to me why some Christians give lip service to the idea of loving the lost. Far too many believers think it’s shallow to prepare for the “seekers” or whatever words we use to describe people who may be willing to turn to Jesus. Scripture is clear that the church is in the people-loving business. If we cannot love people (including those that are difficult) we are failing to obey Christ. As I mentioned above, Jesus himself said if we love him we will obey him. The Christian life can be explained by love. When we love Jesus, his bride, and the world, we are on the right track.