Heartbeat... Community...

A heartbeat in the community.

When I read this line in our vision statement, it makes me think of a few things.

For one, if this is going to be true, it’s important that we know our community. What are their names? What do they like to do? Where are they making good connections, and where are they hoping to make new ones?

There’s an intentionality to the way Jesus enters into people’s lives. He goes to fishermen and says, “You’ll be fishing for people from now on.” He notices people. He learns them. He meets them where they are and invites them into something new.

Our community is full of people who are interesting, wonderful, and curious. Being a heartbeat in the community means we pay attention to them. We get to know them. We become the kind of church that knows and loves the people around us.

And to be a heartbeat means our part of the relationship is to pump life into our community. A large part of that is the life and love of Christ—sharing the gospel, yes! But it also means giving life through support. Not support based on what we assume the community needs, but support that comes from listening well enough to know what will help our community flourish.

Jesus so often begins with a simple question: “What do you need?” That should be our question, too.

Here’s at least one more thing I think about when I hear “heartbeat”: a heartbeat doesn’t only push out what is refreshed; it also receives what is worn out.

For all the people who walk into our space—whether members, guests, or people who simply need a place to be—church should be a place to rest and be refreshed in the grace of God.

Everyone who passes through our doors should leave with a renewed sense of strength, courage, hope, trust, or peace. They should be able to breathe a little deeper because they were here.

The intention behind this short phrase is simple enough, but it’s also packed with goodness.

A heartbeat in the community.

What does this line in our vision statement mean to you?

From the heart,

Rev. Steph Margeson