In the life of every follower of Jesus, the local church should play a crucial role. The idea of church participation is not just about having your name on a list, or being asked to sit on a committee, but it’s about being part of a covenant community where you belong, grow, and serve. Discipleship is a deep commitment to following Christ in community with other believers.
Southminster is more than a non-profit you visit on Sundays. We are the body of Christ, where God works through ordinary people to accomplish His will. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:27, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." In this body, being meaningfully connected to others is a way that brings about both spiritual health and spiritual growth.
When someone commits to join Southminster, is a mutual commitment. As believers, we covenant with one another to support, encourage, and hold each other accountable in our walk with Christ. Just as Christ promises to be with us, the church promises to walk alongside each believer in faith and discipleship. From young parents trying to raise their kids, to single widows who struggle with health issues, the church can be the lifeblood of community.
Presbyterian theology emphasizes that church going cannot exist as an individualistic endeavor. At its core, it is about being connected. It’s about being part of something larger than ourselves. The church is called to together to share in its mission—sharing the good news, connecting with the marginalized, and growing in our faith. The Church exists so that everyone who joins, joins Christ’s one true body.
Take a minute and imagine a tree growing in a forest of other trees. Every tree is distinct and individual, but they can only exist because together the forest creates the perfect environment for them all to thrive. Alone, a single tree cannot often survive by itself. It needs a community. Similarly, as disciples, we need community, and when we act as God’s community we bear good fruit for God’s glory.
You have been planted here at Southminster. This coming year every month we will hosting Rise Up Lunches to focus on how we understand and live into our own roles as disciples at Southminster. There will be a lunch provided and invitations will be organized based on First Name. Visitors and recent attenders are welcome to attend any month that suits them (but please RSVP).
We are not alone in the journey of faith, and we each have a role to play in the larger mission of God. Belonging is more than just a label, Southminster is more than just a building. Our identity is to be the covenant community that lives and breathes as the Body of Christ here in Crestwood. Pastor Karl
Rise-Up Lunches Held Monthly for those first names beginning with . . . And their families | |
February 16 | A, K |
March 9 | B |
April 6 | D |
May 18 | C, E |
June 22 | F,G, H, Ji-Ju |
July 13 | Ja-Je |
August 10 | L, N |
September 21 | M |
October 19 | P, R, T |
November 9 | S, V, W |
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