Making A Difference

Outreach at FGC: What are you doing to make a difference?

We believe that part of the identity of the Church is to BE salt and light in the world. We believe this witness begins locally and then moves out to the ends of the earth. Practically this means that we are to be so saturated with the grace and truth of Jesus so that it transforms how we live and what we say. We believe that every Christian is called to be a “missionary” in the normal activities of their daily lives by doing everything “for the glory of God.” (I Cor. 10:31). This means that the normal activities of everyday life become sacred when they are done for the good of other people and the glory of God. One of the most important things we do as a church is train our people to understand how the cross of Jesus makes a difference in the ordinary things of life like changing diapers, paying bills, celebrating birthdays, working 9-5, vacations, listening to neighbors, movies, books, and music. You get the idea. We want to work out the effects of the gospel of grace in every area of our lives so that our good works will shine before men and God will get the credit (Matt 5:16)

However, we also do specific things to meet needs around us in the name of Jesus. For instance:

  • The Hacienda- we are involved in loving and serving at a recovery home for women. We remodeled and furnished an apartment through their adopt-a-room program. That has led to an open door to hold a monthly birthday party with them. Additionally we have volunteers that pick up some of these women and their children and bring them to worship with us on Sundays. This has been a fun, simple way to help people in need and through these efforts to share the truth of Jesus with them. 
  • We support church planting efforts here in the U.S as well helping Jake Knotts- a church planter in the Ukraine. We do this through giving, prayer, and cooperation with other churches. 
  • We have a number of people that work with and for parachurch organizations in our community (e.g. Right to Life and Youth For Christ) and we support them from time to time with prayer, funds, facilities, donations, and volunteers. 
  • Our discipleship groups are a focal point for outreach as well when we gather each week we get to meet in less formal settings in people’s homes over a meal. This is a great place to invite friends and we have a number of regular visitors (including some outspoken “nonbelievers”) that have enjoyed the friendship and open conversation about real issues that takes place there. Additionally these groups get together on their own to provide practical help to friends and neighbors through work days, parties, etc.