Being a tech-guy, I’ve spent my fair share of time helping people troubleshoot their computer problems over the phone. If you’ve ever done telephone support, you know that there is a procedure that you follow in order to ensure that all of the possible explanations for the problem have been addressed. Usually, one of the first things a tech support person will do is to make sure the device is plugged in. After all, no computer is going to work without power.
So how does that work for people? How that work for us as followers of Jesus Christ? Where do we get our “power”? In our society, some seek power through politics, money, or For us, our Power comes from the presence of God in our lives, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. But how do we access this power? Where’s the heavenly power outlet that we can plug into?
The answer isn’t as simple as a unrolling a power cord, but it is simple. The answer is community. Joining together with fellow believers gives us all of the power we need. Jesus says as much in Matthew 18:19-20.
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
That’s right! Whether we gather together in fellowship, or in worship, or in service to our neighbors, we receive that blessing of God’s power. When we seek God’s will, and work together to find God’s purpose for us, we can accomplish anything, and if you have ever experience serving as part of a loving Christian community, you know that the way God empowers you often outweigh the blessings you are able to give to others in God’s name.
So how do you join in and become a part of the community? There’s lots of ways to start. You can begin by joining a LIFEgrouop, attending all-church events, or serving with one of our partner ministries like Fields-of-Grace. You can volunteer as a Children’s Sunday School Teacher, or travel with a group of adults to Honduras for an adult Vision Trip. And in the near future, you’ll be able to find Sunday morning classes that will help you to get plugged in, from finding out more about our church community, to learning more about your own spiritual gifts. No matter how you decide to get involved, you’re sure to find a common thread – a group of friends who you can share with, serve with, learn from, and most importantly, find the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. Through community, you can discover the power you need to be a true disciple in every aspect of your life.
Still not sure? Contact Rachel Hsu at events@cojchurch.org and find out more about the upcoming Trunk-n-Treat. There’s no easier way to get your whole family plugged in than by participating in this fun family event, and getting to know new people at the Cathedral of Joy.
One thing is for sure. It takes an effort from you to truly plug-in. Just like the tech support guy who can’t reach through the phone and plug in your computer, you can’t rely on anyone else to plug you in to your community. You have to be willing to step forward and express an interest and get involved.
My prayer for each of you is that you can get Plugged-in at the Cathedral of Joy. It’s by being an active participant in the church community that each of us is able to build meaningful relationships, allowing us to focus on God’s will, accomplish amazing things, and to grow together as disciples in Christ.
Blessings,
Kendall Kaiser
Director of Connectional Ministries
