REACH wrapped up on Sunday, September 20. It was a powerful weekend of believers coming together to become better and more comfortable in an uncomfortable calling. There were 158 registered attendees, ranging from sophomore in high school and all the way up to about… well we didn’t ask for ages. While the group was mostly Lutheran Brethren attendees, we did have three different denominations represented, 30 churches (or organizations) made up of pastors, church leaders, and everyday people who have a heart to engage the world around them for the sake of the gospel. This weekend confirmed something that I always knew: God’s people have his heart for the lost. God’s people have a desire to engage the people around them and they desire to see people know Jesus and grow in him… but they often feel they lack the tools and confidence.
REACH leadership had a desire to bring in preachers, teachers, and everyday people who could encourage the whole body of Christ in disciple-making. So did it work? Was REACH successful in this mission? It would be easy to say, “I don’t know, the conference just ended three days ago.” But that wouldn’t be true. Check out a few of the comments given to us when we asked for feedback:
“In addition to giving several specific, concrete ideas to use, the presenters encouraged us to figure out the next (small) step in our efforts to share Jesus.”
“Reach expanded and focused my understanding of discipleship and gave me all tools that made me feel like I can actually do it. I have already started discussing these ideas with members of my church and I am looking forward to putting them into practice.”
“This wasn’t just a conference to learn; this conference has so many takeaways to use every day!”
“It helped me understand how discipleship can be done everywhere and all the time.”
This was the hope of REACH―that we would encourage and equip the Body of Christ in the ministry of disciple-making. These comments filled my heart but then a couple of people shared experiences in the days after REACH. One person was selling something on Facebook Market Place. Usually the buyer shows up and there is some small talk while the buyer inspects the product. This time it seemed like the buyer was looking to talk and share her story. The seller, who just returned from REACH, slowed down the conversation, chatted about life, and thought, “Maybe I should take this opportunity to talk with her about Jesus.” What I want you to take from this story is that this is what we hope for you. That your eyes are open to the people Jesus brings into your life. That you might ask, “How do I continue this conversation?” “How can I build on this relationship?” “Is Christ calling me to reach out to this person?”
North American Mission has been blessed by the response of those who attended REACH. It is the goal of NAM to continue to come alongside pastors, leaders, and everyday people in our journey to engage the world!
Brandon Pangman is the Director of North American Mission for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.