Continue to Change The World: Introduction

For one weekend, April 24-25, 2010, one noble cause invited eleven million United Methodists worldwide to "Build community…fight malaria…and change the world." Many rolled up their sleeves and took Christ to the community through service. More than 1,000 people registered their "Change the World Events."

People respond to one-time events. Events inspire us. Events attract interest. Events create momentum. But that new excitement will soon dissolve if churches fail to offer ongoing opportunities for people to grow, learn, and serve.

The "Change the World" weekend is over.

Now What?

As I write, Nashville is clearing away debris from the recent once-in-500-years flood that submerged much of our city. Extraordinary events will likely barge into our lives again and motivate our charitable hearts to give and help . . . until the next tragic interruption. But what could our churches do between now and the next major tragedy or national campaign?

Do One Good Thing Again and Again

There is a courageous response. Do one good thing again and again. Each day, do something, no matter how small, to participate in God’s great plan for the world. Change a behavior, change the world. Change priorities, change the world. Change perspective, change the world — not once, but continually.

This series, "Continue to Change the World" will offer spiritual nudges designed to inspire you and your local congregation to share a steady flow of godly service to others.

Real-World Application

This series will expand on concepts featured in Michael Slaughter’s book, Change the World. and sermon starters based on the book of Acts. (See "The Book of Acts Sermon Starters" series. )

I hope this series will inspire you and your local congregation to "Continue to Change the World" one life at a time.

Related Resources

The Book of Acts Sermon Starters

Change the World Event Highlights

More Change the World Event Highlights

Change the World by Michael Slaughter

Three Simple Rules that will Change the World by Rueben Job

Everybody Wants to Change the World by Tony Campolo and Gordon Aeschliman

Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street by Jim Wallis

UMCOR Flood Response