A CHURCH ON THE MOVE NEEDS PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Summary: A “church on the move” signifies a community of believers actively engaged in God’s mission, demonstrating a commitment to growth, service, and outreach. It’s a church that doesn’t settle for comfort or complacency, but actively seeks opportunities to impact the world around them with the love and message of Jesus Christ. This involves a willingness to step out in faith, embrace change, and respond to the community’s needs.

A church on the move recognizes that God is constantly working and moving, and they strive to align themselves with His activity. This may involve adapting to new circumstances, embracing new technologies, or exploring new ways to connect with people. This type of church doesn’t shy away from the brokenness and heartache in the world, but instead moves toward it, offering help, hope, and healing. They are generous with their time, resources, and talents, seeking to meet the needs of others.

A church on the move understands that it is a steward of God’s resources and lives a generous life, reflecting God’s generosity. This generosity extends beyond financial giving to include acts of service, compassion, and love. They rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern God’s will and direction, trusting that He will lead them to new and exciting places. This requires a willingness to be led, to be obedient, and to trust in God’s faithfulness.

In Exodus 35 (NIV), God told the people, “From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver and bronze” (Exodus 35:5). “Everyone who is willing.” We have that part down; we are willing.  In Exodus 35:21 we find out what happened. “and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.” They weren’t just moved; they got moving.

Many of us have felt that stirring in our hearts—the quiet whisper during worship, the conviction while reading Scripture, the tear in our eye when we hear a powerful testimony. That’s being moved by God. It’s real, it’s powerful, and it’s necessary. But being moved is not the same as moving. We can sit in church, deeply touched, and still walk out unchanged. We can be stirred in our spirit, but never take a single step in faith.

Being moved by God is the beginning. But moving with God requires surrender, trust, and action. It looks like Abraham leaving his homeland. Like Peter stepping out of the boat. Like Mary saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true”

In essence, the future church is about more than just attending services or participating in church activities. It’s about actively living out the gospel, demonstrating God’s love and grace to the world, and being a catalyst for positive change in the lives of others. We often pray for God to move—but He already is. The better question is: are we moving with Him?

The story in Exodus 35 ends in Exodus 36:4-7 (TLB) where re read, “We have more than enough materials on hand now to complete the job!” So Moses sent a message throughout the camp announcing that no more donations were needed. Then at last the people were restrained from bringing more!”

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean for a church to be “on the move?” What picture comes to mind when considering that phrase?
2. How has your understanding of “church” shifted from a building or event to something you are, a living body of believers actively participating in God’s mission?
3. What can we do as a church and as a body to move forward?