Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with Jodi Felty, Mobilization Director for Willow Creek Community Church.  I asked Jodi to share some keys to helping small groups get involved in serving both locally and globally.  Check out this video and hear what she had to say.

Jodi Felty Missional Small Groups from Maclake on Vimeo.

What are you doing at your church to help small groups be more missional in your community and in the world?

Two years ago I met Joel Holm, author of Church Centered Mission. Joel turned my thinking about global missions upside down. He says over the past 40 years the church has changed the way it does youth ministry, worship ministry and discipleship. Yet we are still operating under the old paradigm of global missions.

Last week I was at Willow Creek Community Church and had the opportunity to catch up with Joel. As you watch this video I pray that you will hear Joel’s heart and catch his vision.

Joel Holm from Maclake on Vimeo.

To learn more about how your church can focus it’s missions efforts check out Joels book, Church Centered Mission.  I have read it twice and it challenges my thinking each time. 

Share this video with your team and discuss the following questions:

• Are our global missions efforts strategic?
• Are the missions efforts we’re involved in a reflection of our churches DNA?
• What are the strengths of our global missions efforts?
• What changes do we need to make to our global missions efforts?

I’m breaking away from the 7 Components of Jesus Leadership Development Strategy for the day to let you know about an exciting movement that starts in seven days www.5daysinmay.com. 

A little over two years ago I was invited to have lunch with George Green, founder of Water Missions International.  I was deeply moved by George’s passion to provide safe drinking water for the under resourced in our world.  During that meeting I learned…

• One in six people don’t have access to clean drinking water (Over 1 billion people)
• Everyday over 25,000 people die from a lack of safe water and sanitation
• Every 15 seconds a child dies from water related illness

Since that time Cindy and I have been on three international trips with George and his wife Molly.  We have witnessed the impact of this ministry first hand.  I love Water Missions Strategy.  They partner with the indigenous church to provide clean water for their community – thus allowing that local church to show the compassion of Christ to their friends and neighbors.  

The need is huge.  The opportunity is great.  By making a little sacrifice for 5 days in May together we can make a BIG impact for those who need safe water as well as the Living water of Jesus Christ.

Here’s how you can get involved…

• Go to www.5daysinmay.com to learn more
• Commit to a 5 day “beverage fast” May 1-5 by drinking only water
• Save the money you would be spending on soda, milk, specialty drinks and juices.  (My friend Shawn Wood who started this movement says, “On average 30 cans of soda equal $15.00, 3 trips to a commercial coffee shop equal $10, and five fountain drinks equal $8.75, totalling $43.75 spent on beverages by the average American in one week.  According to Water Missions International that same dollar amount of $43.75 could give 5 people clean drinking water for the rest of their lives.”
• Join the discussion on Facebook (http://ow.ly/3vyD) during those 5 days.  Also follow on Twitter @5daysinmay.
• Donate what you saved to Water Missions International and together we can make a big impact for the kingdom.

Join us as we drink water to give water.