Word on the Streets is a blog of blogs, passing on information that we hope is useful to Christians involved in transformational action whether that be church-building-based, in their local community or in their workplaces or wherever they may be.
What do we mean by transformational action? Let's look at the New Testament;
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Eph 2:10
Jesus said
"I will build my Ekklesia" (Matt 16:18). The Roman meaning for Ekklesia was different than the Greek. To them it meant a group of citizens - people in the community, business men and women, educators, government officials, called out of a conquered region to learn Roman ways. They then would return to their roles and teach the language of Rome, the culture of Rome, until everything walked, talked and acted like Rome. This puts the terms leaven and salt and light into context. They even had another term ‘Conventum’ – where 2 or 3 of them are gathered together, there is the Emperor. Jesus, who conquered all, redefined these terms.
Jesus could have said I will build my ‘Temple’ - one place in the world to come to worship God. He could have used ‘Synagogue’ – a local building attended by believers. No, he used Ekklesia – far more dynamic, 24x7, people and Kingdom focused. Think of the 12 disciples of Jesus and Paul. Called out people from the marketplace - tax collector, fishermen, tentmaker, etc. They changed the world. You can too.
So Jesus is sending believers to their workplaces, communities, etc in various towns. They should bless, build relationships, minister and tell people about Jesus - sowing, watering, reaping (Luke 10). Thinking about the modern workplace where people commute in from many communities, people who have then heard about Jesus from such believers would also relate to other believers in their towns, thus the Ekklesia grows. The particular group of believers that you relate to in your local area may not grow or it could grow from other people's efforts:
"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 NIV
How do believers learn and be equipped to do his work? That's where apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers come in (Eph 4:11-12). Working hand in hand with believers in the marketplace.
We hope the resources on the website help you develop 24x7 kingdom thinking and lifestyle and transform your communities, workplaces and the institutions that affect our daily lives.
The site is edited by Geoff Knott who is a trustee of two charities, a co-founder of many initiatives, an ex-CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators, a director of start-up companies as well as having held senior corporate positions. He has lived in six countries and spends most of his time helping initiatives on a voluntary basis.
Very best,
