Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of church is evolving. As we look towards 2025, it’s crucial to redefine what it means to be part of a church community. The church is not about personal preferences or a mere social club; it’s about living out the mission of Jesus Christ. Let’s explore how we can transition from a cruise ship mentality to an aircraft carrier mindset, where every believer plays a vital role in advancing the kingdom of God.

The Church: Not About You, But About Jesus

The foundation of the church is Jesus Christ. He declared, “I will build my church,” emphasizing that it belongs to Him. Our role is not to build the church but to seek the kingdom of God. This involves following the model Jesus set for His disciples—being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. It’s not enough to be a casual or cultural Christian; we must actively follow Jesus, confess our sins, and commit our lives to His ways.

Living as a Community of Believers

A true church is a covenantal community centered on Christ. It’s not just about attending services but being the church wherever we go. This involves living out the “one another” commands found in the New Testament—loving, honoring, forgiving, and serving each other. While these actions create a supportive community, they are only half of what the church is called to do.

The Mission: Go and Make Disciples

Jesus’ Great Commission calls us to go and make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just for pastors or church leaders; it’s for every believer. We are all sent out to share the gospel, baptize, and teach others to obey Jesus’ commands. This requires us to move beyond our comfort zones and engage with the world around us, bringing the light of Christ into dark places.

From Cruise Ship to Aircraft Carrier

Many approach church with a cruise ship mentality, expecting to be catered to and entertained. However, the church should function more like an aircraft carrier, where everyone has a purpose and contributes to the mission. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be active participants in His work, not passive consumers.

Contributing More Than Consuming

As we mature in our faith, our contribution to the church should outweigh our consumption. This means actively seeking ways to serve, support, and engage with our community. Whether through missional communities, prayer services, or acts of service, we must strive to be contributors to the kingdom of God.

Conclusion

The church is not a building or a service; it’s a living, breathing community of believers committed to following Jesus and advancing His kingdom. As we rethink church, let’s embrace our roles as active participants in God’s mission, moving from a cruise ship mentality to an aircraft carrier mindset. Together, we can make a significant impact in our communities and beyond, bringing the love and hope of Christ to a world in need.