ATTEND

All authority has been given by God. We submit to government and its officials because we look to Him as our ultimate authority. Leaders must have a positive attitude toward those who are in position above them to set the example. Everyone should be accountable to someone - that’s how God designed it!

Work in an established church is all about structure. Work in a church plant necessitates flexibility. In the early stages of development, some church plants are completely portable, setting up their services in a school gym or auditorium. When things are always changing, it’s important to be ready and willing to change with them. Adapting is an important part to what happens at CityReach every year. Sometimes God opens doors that we must be sensitive to at a moment’s notice. Those who don’t bend, break. And those who aren’t flexible may miss a huge opportunity for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

Jesus came to serve and set the ultimate example for us. He humbled Himself and laid down His life for us. And now, He calls us to serve others and care about their needs before our own. With this mindset, we can reach so many people with the love of God. But how many more people could we reach if we combined our efforts together? God calls us to love others and serve in the context of community.

Jesus left us an example when He was here on earth. He understood the people He was trying to reach. He was always sensitive to the culture and responded appropriately. We need to follow in His footsteps. We are going to a different city. That means the people are different in every way - how they talk, act, and think can be completely different than where you came from. Pay attention. Listen more than you speak. Ask God to open your eyes. Pray for the Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment to say the right words at the right time. Remember that you are representing CityReach as well as the local church partners in that city. Make sure everything you say or do is “above reproach”.

Although we realize we cannot be perfect, we should all strive for a spirit of excellence. God has called us to live for Him, and this includes doing ministry with energy, skill and preparation. We should always do our best in all we do because the kingdom is worth the effort!

CityReach wants to see everyone to pour out his/her life by serving and then have a chance to be recharged and refilled through worship. This may take different forms in our worship, celebration, and prayer times, but CityReach is safe place for you to worship God without feeling weird or as if people are staring at you.

We have to remember that we are only going to spend a week here in the city, but there is a team of church planters or pastors who will be here for years to come. This means that we have to understand God’s process of reaching people. Paul explained it perfectly: while one plants the seed, another waters, and then, finally, God will cause it to grow. The same God that places people in your path during this week of ministry will still be here after CityReach is over. Don’t put pressure on yourself to produce fruit for the kingdom. You must have long- term vision for the harvest. Sometimes God calls you to plant a seed. Another opportunity might be for you to water a gospel seed that has already been planted. Either way, God gives the increase. Be faithful in the work He calls you to and let Him take care of the rest.

When we place the gospel and community ahead of ourselves, God can do some amazing things. It’s easy to get down on ourselves or be easily discouraged by circumstances, but God has already given us the victory over any problem we might face in our lives. CityReach may not always go as smooth as we like. The enemy is always working to oppose us. But our work for the gospel is never empty. We move forward expecting victory, knowing that Jesus is our victory.