Being a Catalyst for Multiplication of Disciples
Approximately 3% of people in the Boston area attend a gospel believing church. Yes, you read that statistic correctly. The shocking truth is there is a higher percentage of people in gospel-believing churches in China than there are here in the Boston area. Even if we generously allow for another 2% biblical Christians who do not attend church, that means 95 out of 100 people do not know Jesus. I am convinced that many of them have never actually heard the true gospel and many do not have a friend who is a authentic follower of Jesus.
Jesus called us to make disciples who make disciples and the opportunity for disciple-making is unique in Boston. Not only is there a large percentage of non-Christians, Boston has the largest concentration of 20-34 year olds of any city in the U.S. and those people are from all over the world. Studies show that young adults are often the most open to exploring new experiences and ideas.
What would the impact be of making disciples of 5% of 20-34 year olds? How many lives would be forever changed and families impacted? What could the effect be on our nation and world as some of those people move back home or away for job opportunities? A genuine movement of the gospel in Boston has the potential to touch the world.
How does City on a Hill step into that? There are 65,000 people within a mile and 400,000 within 3 miles of where we worship on Sundays. We have to ask the question, “What would it take to give every man, woman, and child in our area the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel?”
It will mean going from adding disciples to multiplying disciples. CoaH needs to become a catalyst for the multiplication of disciples who make disciples. We will do that through teaching, equipping, and challenging each us to step out in faith to be “witnesses” of Jesus (Acts 1:8). Here are a few ways we will seek to make disciples on three different levels.
· Individually – by stepping into the call to make disciples. By God’s grace, we will step out as hundreds of ambassadors in our work places, neighborhoods, and schools.
· In Community Groups – by owning our neighborhood through prayer, service, and missional hospitality (meals, parties, etc.).
· In the City – by providing church-wide training for how to share your faith, hosting the Alpha course, hosting Pub & Theology nights, by holding gatherings that are welcoming to those exploring Jesus.
I am truly excited about stepping into this vision to make disciples and I believe there are 100’s and 1000’s of people across our community who will hear and respond to the gospel in the years ahead. Will you join me in praying for God to help us to carry this out that Jesus’ name may be glorified in Brookline, Boston, and beyond?
-Pastor Bland
COAH 20/20 Vision - A CITY CHURCH
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