Bonus Feature to Follow Me (Part 2): Local vs. Global

{You can read Part 1 of the Follow Me bonus feature blog here.}

In Follow Me to the World we talked about God calls us to be "on mission" locally AND globally.  Sometimes we feel torn between meeting needs right around us with the needs around the world.  As a result, the scope of missions becomes a debate (or preference) between local missions OR global missions.

The Bible never meant for this to be an issue.  Instead of an "either/or" option, the Bible is clear that missions is a "both/and" command--

• Acts 1:8 teaches us the principle of the geographic expansion of missions.


• 2 Cor. 8-9 shows us the practice of a New Testament church doing more than local missions as the churches in Corinth gave to the church in Jerusalem.


• Matthew 28:19-20 shows us Jesus' heart is for all the nations & commands us to "go" without geographic limitations.


• Psalm 67 assures us of God's favor & blessing when we desire to make Him known and seek to bring Him glory to the ends of the earth.

Because we live in NW Georgia, we still feel burdened for our communities and desire to see needs met and Christ glorified here. Again, our choice is not local OR global, but BOTH local AND global.  We have talked in great detail about our international missions expansion; here's how we are seeking to expand our local missions impact:

• In 2011, the amount of missions dollars invested locally is set to almost triple!!


• We are working through our small groups to serve in the local community several times a year. (Currently, we have several groups already doing this; imagine if all or nearly all of our groups start doing this intentionally over the course of one year!! This greatly expands our investment of time in the area of local missions.)


• We will continue doing monthly local mission drives (similar to the blanket drive going on during October).


• We will continue taking a "loose change" offering at First Wednesday services. 100% of this offering goes to local mission causes/partners.

To God be the glory!