We’re in this series called “40 Days of Love,” and we’re talking about all the ways that we can obey the Great Commandment: love God with all our hearts, and love others as ourselves. So right in the middle of October, we’re going to interrupt this series and go out into our community to serve.

Why? Because actions speak louder than words!

We’ve not been put on this world – and specifically in the Chillicothe/Rome/Princeville/Lacon/Henry area – to simply talk about love. We’re here to truly love by what we do for others in Jesus’ name.

Here’s a quote from Rick Rusaw, author of The Externally Focused Church: “I believe there is a growing desire among Christians today who are saying, ‘I want my relationship with God to be making a difference somewhere.’” I also believe there is a great need among non-Christians to see the Church making that difference. George Barna, a professional poll-taker, did a survey that found that 95% of most churches efforts were spent on things “inside” the church. That’s a grave mistake. I know it’s an old cliché, but it’s still true: “They don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care.”

I am so glad that the CCC leadership has embraced the concept of providing service opportunities like “The Church Has Left the Building” for our church family. I’m even more glad to see this idea taking off on an individual basis (like Todd Bauer’s project for Joe Hutchison). That’s when you know this idea is taking root – when you and I see a need, respond with action in Jesus’ name, without the prompting of a church “program.”

I hope everyone in the CCC Family will come prepared to impact our community on Sunday, October 18, the first anniversary of “The Church Has Left the Building.” Together, we can influence our world for Christ!

Bob