It’s a new world we’re living in. The troubles and hardships that were once easy to shove under our country’s red, white, and blue rug now fly up in our faces on a daily basis. It’s undeniable that these are very painful economic times. People are hurting, not just economically, but psychologically and spiritually.
Now, more than ever, people are hungry for the Good News of Jesus Christ. When it comes to evangelism, Dad has always said, “The message never changes. That’s sacred. But the methods? The methods will always change. We care too much about the lost to not try anything and everything to bring them to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
He’s right. And it’s why we’ve incorporated a Season of Service into the Palau model for festival evangelism. It debuted in 2008 in Portland, Oregon, and offers a new focus on sustainable, repeatable, culturally-relevant outreach opportunities. The idea is nothing revolutionary, but the results most certainly are.
Our purpose of the Season of Service is to:
• Bring churches together. (John 17:23)
• Connect them with local government agencies, mayors, service organizations, and corporations. (Romans 13:6)
• Raise awareness for the needs in a city, focusing on a handful of specific issues. (Matthew 25:40)
• Recruit thousands of volunteers to complete hundreds of service projects. (Galatians 5:14)
• Create a sustainable, long-term strategy (based around an existing system) to continue the work and partnership for years to come. (Hebrews 10:25)
Many churches are already serving their communities through service projects. But by building upon the unity, collaboration, and publicity that a Palau festival brings to a city, the Season of Service opens more opportunities for more partnerships, as well as a greater platform for being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. Watch the video to learn more about it.
Big things continue happening in Portland. Check out the great article on our 2009 Season of Service launch on February 26. 350 pastors and our mayors came together to collaborate on how to best serve our city.
What’s exciting about the Season of Service is the sustainable community impact. We do it because of Jesus Christ whose name is clearly proclaimed at the festival, and whose love continues to be shown through service. Proclaiming the Good News in both word and deed is what it’s all about.
Kevin Palau is the Executive Vice President of the Luis Palau Association.
