Jesus taught us to pray:

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.