Pastoral Blog

Based on the introduction and chapters 1 - 2 of Just Walk Across the Room, this post asks you to consider the enormous kingdom impact Christ followers could have if they would simply reach out a hand of friendship to people who don’t yet know God.

As Bill Hybels describes it, many Christians spend the vast majority of their lives clinging to safe, insular “Circles of Comfort” instead of looking outside the circle to really see the people they are called to impact. They huddle together with their “already-saved” friends and in doing so, deny God the opportunity to use them in the work of evangelism.

But Christ modeled a far different approach. In metaphorical terms, Christ left his own Circle of Comfort – the warm, perfect fellowship of the Trinity – in order to come to planet earth. He entered the uncertain and unfamiliar “Zone of the Unknown” for the explicit purpose of enfolding wobbly and sin scarred people – just like you and me – with grace and love. And when his earthly ministry came to a close, Christ in essence said, “this walk-across-the room behavior is exactly what I want all of my followers to do in my place! Listen for the Spirit’s guidance. Leave your Circles of Comfort. Start walking toward the Zone of the Unknown. Reach out your hand, open your mouth, take the risk. And just see what my Father might do!”

It’s true: the single greatest gift Christ-followers can give to the people in their lives is an introduction to the God who created them, who loves them, and who has a purpose for their days. Having eternal impact in someone’s life often originates with something as simple as a walk across the room. (adapted for the blog from the Just Walk Across the Room church campaign kit)

Here are some questions I’d love to hear your thoughts on: who in your life ‘took a walk across the room’ and made an impact in your life for God? What did that look like? How did it affect you? The following is a postcard I found online that someone created; what thoughts cross your mind as you look at this sentiment felt by so many out there?

- Pastor Matthew

I just found this Blog and I wanted to say that I am so excited to continue to read the future posts and comments.

The Post card in this post breaks my heart. My prayer is that God will open my eyes to people in my life who feel this way and that I would have the courage to act on it.

Comment by Melissa Ousdahl April 6, 2009 @ 11:32 pm

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I agree with Melissa! I am also very excited about the blog. This is just one more way for our congregation to stay connected and to reach out to others. I know for many blogging or any form of “social network” can be hard to start and simply out of their comfort zone. This blog is a great testament to the fact that Brandywine is doing everything it can to “walk a crossed the room.”

Comment by Joy Cronauer April 7, 2009 @ 2:17 am

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The postcard was very moving to me as well; I think it speaks to the critical need there is for Christians to ‘just walk across the room!’

Comment by Matthew McNutt April 23, 2009 @ 7:18 pm

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The postcard is simple yet powerful!

Comment by Heather Wilson May 2, 2009 @ 11:08 pm

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