Written by Sarah Evangeline
Every time I step into Starbucks, I pray, “God show my why I am here today. Bring the people into my life who need you.” Then, I start to see God’s vibrant Church come to life as I put on my green apron and engage with people inside the café. The Holy Spirit is working on 10,000 different things while I simply remain open to the opportunities right in front of me.
The word “church” means “assembly,” “congregation,” or “meeting.” In Matthew 16:18, when Jesus said, “I will build my church,” He was referring to a congregation of believers in Him. Jesus states that He is the head and we (the believers) are the body. According to Paul, we all have a function and a specific task as part of that Church body. Still, we have to ask ourselves the most important question: Does Church end after we leave the four walls of our buildings?
No. We can bring the act of worshipping God everywhere we go.
The Church was established on the mission statement Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” So, when we go out into the world, we need to carry God’s Church with us. We can lead by example when our actions and words line up with the character of Jesus. We also lead by example by sticking to our values so that God’s light can shine through the darkness of untruth.
God’s Church is active everywhere because He is there—preparing the way for us to make a difference. It’s up to us to be open to what He has to show us. It’s our responsibility to be willing to step up without hesitation and engage with the people in front of us.
As I look up to the people I serve every day, I realize this is the most beautiful church I have ever been a part of. It is not an accident that I met my cousin for the first time one night at Starbucks by just asking one simple question that led to a deeper conversation. It is not a coincidence that I met a pastor over and over again, which led me to serve at what I call my home church now. And still, every day, I meet someone who impacts me with so much life that all I can do is thank God for his wonderful Church.
The future of God’s Church will be a glorious one. Luke 14:23 says: “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.’”
No matter where you are, the Church is active. It is a powerful opportunity to partner with what the Holy Spirit is already doing.
