Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is
in heaven.
(Matthew 6:10, Luke 11:2)
I’ve been doing a lot of
thinking and reading about this part of the Lord’s Prayer: “Your
kingdom come.”*
What is God's kingdom anyway?
What is our
part in partnering with him to bring it?
What is our part both as individuals
and as a church?
I found six broad biblically based categories
of goals that could indicate that the kingdom of God is thriving in a
community.
For which of these categories has God given you a passion?
Let's join with him in work that brings his kingdom. In God's timing this kingdom will come in fullness, but until then, we are here to live it out, share it and invite others into it.
In Church - A Community of Believers
Witness
Where the kingdom of God thrives, non-believers in communities learn about God.
Corporate Worship
Where the kingdom of God thrives, Christ followers gather to worship in ways that promote deep communication with God and with each other.
Studying and Remembering Scripture
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities understand and remember Scripture
Christian Rites
Where the kingdom of God thrives, Christ followers mark crucial events with ceremonies.
In Personal Spiritual Life
Prayer and Meditation
Where the kingdom of God thrives, individuals have vibrant prayer lives
Spiritual Formation
Where the kingdom of God thrives, Christ followers experience spiritual growth
Personal Bible Study
Where the kingdom of God thrives, individuals examine Scripture accurately and faithfully
Applying Scripture
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities apply the Bible to their lives
Through Justice
Social Justice
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities
love and strengthen the poor and others in their margins.
Education
Where the kingdom of God thrives, community
members learn what they need to succeed in and contribute to their societies
Literacy
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities
read and listen to the Bible and other literature
Economic Opportunity
Where the kingdom of God thrives, all community
members can work to contribute to their material well being.
Bringing Shalom (Peace)
Healing
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities respond to social, emotional, and physical challenges in healthy ways
Reconciliation
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities reconcile with each other and with outside communities
Rest and Play
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities balance productivity with rest and play
Knowing Scripture
Translating Scripture
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities
translate Scripture (so that they can know what God has communicated)
Oral Scripture
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities
access Scripture through familiar forms (non-literate peoples)
Valuing Individual Cultures - Identity and Sustainability
Valuing Identity
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities
value their culture.
Teaching Children
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities
teach their traditions to their children.
Using Media
Where the kingdom of God thrives, communities
contribute to local, regional, and global recording industries.
slightly adapted from Creating
Local Arts Together, A Manual to Help Communities Reach Their Kingdom Goals,
Brian Schrag & James R. Krabil, International Council of Ethnodoxologists.
William Carey Library, 2013.
Here's another resource, a link to a good sermon I read this week that challenged me on this topic.
