In the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus taught his disciples to “make disciples” as they were “going, baptizing, and teaching.” He called his followers to do this not in a foreign country, but in Galilee, their hometown. Today he calls us to our Galilees, to reach the lost next-door, our frontlines. Although this is hard, Jesus promises his mission will succeed.
What is a frontline? “Your Frontline is the place where you spend the majority of your time outside the church, where you are in contact with non-Christians.” (Life on the Frontline, leader booklet, pg. 8) God uses us not just when we’re gathered for worship, Bible study, or an outreach event, but when we’re scattered, serving God in our everyday. Had a chance to share the gospel with a co-worker or pray with your soccer team? Your frontline story is an opportunity for us to hear about it.
Frontline Ministry Moment
A frontline story, or ministry moment, takes place during the special portion of the worship service (see Playbook, worship structure). They’re like faith stories, but instead of writing it out, the Pastor will ask you three questions: Q1. What is your frontline? Q2. How is God moving there? Q3. How can we pray for you? After you’ve shared, the Pastor will pray for you and your frontline.
The ministry moment should last no longer than five minutes. Please review with the Pastor or an Elder what you’d like to share, either through email or verbally, before the day you share.
The purpose of this moment is to encourage you in your primary place of ministry outside the church and also to help the congregation think differently about where God has placed them. We want everyone in our church to identify their frontlines and be actively seeking God there.
Q1. Identify – Where is your frontline?
Your frontline can be almost anywhere with anyone. Look around and ask, “God, where have you placed me where I interact the most with non-believers?” For many of us, this will be our office and coworkers. For others, this may be extended family. If you don’t know many non-Christians, you still have a frontline! It could be the barista at your local coffee shop, a familiar checkout clerk at the grocery store, a trainer at the gym, or a neighbor on your street.
Q2. Impact – How is God moving there?
This is an opportunity for you to share what God is doing through you where he has placed you. This isn’t about boasting in our own spiritual prowess. Rather, it’s about praising Jesus for how he uses normal people like you and me to accomplish his will.
The book Fruitfulness on the Frontline: Making a difference where you are by Mark Greene explains six ways you can bring God’s redeeming presence to your frontline:
M1. Modeling Godly Character
M2. Making good work
M3. Ministering grace and love
M4. Moulding culture
M5. Mouthpiece for truth and justice
M6. Messenger of the gospel
Don’t feel like there needs to be revival for God to be using you on your frontline. The most important step is sharing the gospel, but there are lot’s of steps leading up to that opportunity. It may be as simple as your co-worker opening up to you about their struggles and you praying for them. If you’re not already praying for your frontline, begin to do so and see what God does (e.g., bless your meal AND your coworkers at lunch time).
Q3. Integration – How can we pray for you?
We want Cornerstone to not just draw you into worship inside the building, but encourage you as you go into God’s great mission outside these four walls. What are 1-2 ways we can be praying for you on your frontline? Is there any way we can help? When we pray, we care. It’s so easy to become self-focused. Help each of us become more outward-focused.
The 6Ms are based on material taken from Fruitfulness on the Frontline published by Inter-Varsity Press, Nottingham, 2014. Used by Permission.