Part of Something Bigger
Last year on this blog, I reflected on what it means to have a front row seat to one of the most uplifting and fun ministry nights of the year as the DJ and MC of the Night to Shine prom. This annual event honors more than 200 guests with special needs and invites more than 400 volunteers from the entire community to make the evening a reality.
A Global Night of Celebration
As impressive as our individual event is, we are part of a more global movement originated by the Tim Tebow Foundation 11 years ago. Now spanning nearly 1,000 host churches across all 50 states and more than 70 countries, our collection of volunteers joins with hundreds of thousands of others to be a tangible expression of the gospel to families with special needs.
And while FPC’s participation began as a partnership with North Lakeland Presbyterian Church, it was a natural expression of our calling to reach this community in a significant way. Now, leaders from churches all over the country look to us to help them as they make special needs ministry a priority.
A Global Church
In many ways, our work with Night to Shine is a reflection of a more foundational truth for us: making and maturing disciples for Jesus Christ means looking beyond our own walls and borders. This is what Jesus meant when he said in Matthew 28, “Go, therefore into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” All the world means all the world.
The 70 countries where simultaneous Night to Shine proms were hosted reminds me that we also have global connections to ministries in Iran, Zambia, Peru, Mexico, Pakistan, and more. It reminds me that we support the work of Jesus alongside community organizations like Parker Street Ministries, Talbot House, Lighthouse, VISTE, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, just to name a few.
Even now, we are doing the initial research into starting a prison ministry. As a result, each member of FPC is part of something much bigger than what goes on at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive.
Learn More, Go Global
As tempting as it may be, the gospel and commission of Jesus resists all urges toward inward focus and suspicion of “outsiders.” Rather, Jesus says to “be his witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea, and the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Not everyone can go to the ends of the earth, but we can all be part of the global Church.
First, learn about the Church worldwide and how FPC is directly involved. Nancy Bertram, FPC’s Missions Coordinator, is a fantastic resource.
Second, commit to pray for that involvement. Each week, we publish a list of names for the missionaries with whom we partner. Find out about them and pray specifically for them.
Third, get involved where you can. This can be by volunteering locally with one of our community partnerships or by finding out how you can be a direct support to one of our global missionaries.
Night to Shine is one way FPC is part of something bigger than ourselves. As maturing disciples, let’s find out how we can do more and go deeper.
by the Rev. Dr. Zac McGowen, FPC Outreach Pastor