Ride to Live – Live to Ride

Sovereign King Church and the Garner EMS recently announced their partnership organizing the Garner EMS 4 Hour Endurance Ride.  The idea is to gather mountain bikers from across the state at the Garner Trail, accept donations, and raise money for the EMS to buy workout equipment for their facility.  So far, interest has been high and enthusiasm even higher.

Some of the riders (and perhaps a few of you) have wondered why in the world a church would help coordinate a bike ride.  As to other churches’ motivations, I can’t speak, but as to Sovereign King’s, I can.

Our motivation goes back to a question that was asked to my wife and me when we were at church planting training.  We were asked, “If your church shut its doors, would your community notice?”  The question haunted us for the remainder of the conference, and the thought began to influence us as we planted SK.  A few months later, I was reading a book entitled, “Church of Irresistible Influence” by Robert Lewis.  He offers that whether or not the people in your community attend your church, the prevailing attitude should be, “I don’t know what we would do without them.”

Through these and a few other influences, we began to think about what it meant for a church to be faithful the Bible, proclaim Jesus, while being intensely practical to its community.  From that, Sovereign King Church was born with the vision of Creating Community and Engaging Community for the glory of Christ.  We sought avenues of service within Garner and the surrounding areas that eventually led the Garner Police and Garner EMS Chaplaincy.   Though I serve as chaplain, the entire church loves and cares for these two populations through meals, prayers, and gifts.

When approached about partnering with the EMS for the Endurance ride, there was no question we would participate.  Helping them get workout equipment and any other thing they may need for their facility is honoring to the name of Christ and easily within our mission/vision.  God’s grace is often displayed through these folks’ hard work, and our caring for them is what we want to do.

For any church member, staff, or pastor that may read this, I would encourage you in this way.  Bike rides and such don’t necessarily fall into the mission of every church.  However, each church’ mission should practically benefit the community in some way.  Yes, every church should be built on the foundations of giving glory to Jesus and fulfilling the Great Commission, but ask yourself practically what makes your church unique out of 1,000’s of others doing that exact same thing.  Ask what unique gifts and strengths does your church possess that would better your neighbors.  What would make your city thankful that you exist?  Answer that question, and hopefully you will find new practical ways to love your community.