We are a missions-minded church. We believe in spreading the gospel around the world, as well as locally. It is because of this belief that we support missionaries both financially and in our prayers. See our list below for more information about the missionaries that we as a church support financially on a monthly basis.
Christians often (and misguidedly) think of missionary work as only occurring in distant lands where the people speak foreign languages. While missionary work does occur in the uttermost parts of the earth, we have each, as Christians, been called to be missionaries to those in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, in our schools and even in our homes.
Just before ascending into heaven, Jesus left his eleven remaining disciples with a simple charge that has changed the world ever since. It has been "The Great Commission" by many.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
Jerusalem - The disciples were called to be witnesses in Jerusalem. This was their hometown. They were to try to influence those closest to them for the cause of Christ.
Judaea - The disciples were called to be witnesses in all Judaea. This includes the towns and cities around their hometown.
Samaria - The disciples were called to be witnesses to the people of Samaria. The people of Judaea and the people of Samaria despised each other since the time of the divided kingdom after the reign of Solomon. The disciples were called to share the gospel with even their enemies.
The uttermost part of the earth - the disciples were also called to bring the good news of God's salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ to each person in every people group in every nation in the world.
Another interesting point about the Great Commission is that no greater emphasis is placed on one mission field than the other. The word "both" implies the duality that we are to fulfill each part of the Great Commission and that none should be neglected.
How do I begin?
Pray - Pray that the Lord would place a burden on your heart for a specific person
Plan - Be intentional about the time that you spend with this person and seek opportunities to share the gospel with them
Example: Contract for Eternal Life - this was put together by two members of FBBC Lancaster as a means of reaching a relative of theirs who had been a civil lawyer. While this was specifically planned for one person, it may be helpful to you.
Clear - Be prepared to help remove obstacles that have been stumbling blocks keeping this person from the cross.
Cultivate
Sow
555 Central Ave. Lancaster, NY 14086 716-684-5525 info@fbbclancaster.org