Stepping Into Your Purpose with Boldness
In every season of life, we are faced with choices that shape who we are and where we’re headed. Some choices are simple, like what to eat for breakfast or what show to binge-watch next. But others carry far more weight—they challenge us to consider our purpose, our calling, and how we will contribute to something much larger than ourselves. As followers of Jesus, one of the most significant choices we make is how we engage with the mission of the church.
This isn’t just about attending services or being part of a small group. It’s about reimagining our calling and stepping boldly into our purpose. And yes, there’s a cost to this. But there’s also a greater cost if we don’t step into it. So, the question is: Are we ready to reimagine our calling and take our place in the mission of the church?
The Cost of Not Engaging
Jesus had some pretty strong words about the cost of following Him. In Mark 8:34-35, He said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” It’s a paradox: the more we try to cling to our comfort, our control, our own way of doing things, the more we end up losing what truly matters.
But when we surrender—when we choose to step into the calling God has placed on our lives—we find true life. It might cost us our comfort, our plans, and sometimes even our pride. But what we gain is so much more valuable: purpose, fulfillment, and the joy of being part of something that’s making an eternal impact.
Reimagining Your Role in the Church’s Mission
So, what does it mean to reimagine our role in the church’s mission? It starts with understanding that the church is not just a building or an organization. It’s a living, breathing body made up of people—people who are called to love, serve, and reach out to those around them.
Ephesians 4:16 says, “From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Every single one of us has a part to play. We are all "supporting ligaments" in the body of Christ, and when we do our part, the whole body grows and is strengthened.
You might think, “I’m just one person. What difference can I make?” But remember, Jesus didn’t start with a crowd; He started with a handful of disciples. These ordinary people, who made the choice to follow Jesus and embrace their calling, were the catalysts for a movement that has lasted for over two thousand years.
The Joy of Being Part of Something Bigger
There is something incredibly powerful about being part of a mission that is bigger than ourselves. It gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment that we can’t find anywhere else. When we reimagine our calling and choose to engage fully with the church’s mission, we are not just checking a box or fulfilling an obligation. We are stepping into a story that is far greater than our own.
1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us with these words: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Our efforts, our time, our energy—they are not wasted when they are invested in the kingdom of God. Every act of service, every moment spent encouraging someone, every prayer lifted up for a friend in need is part of building God’s kingdom here on earth.
Stepping Out in Faith
Now, let’s be honest. This isn’t always easy. There will be times when stepping into our calling feels like stepping off a cliff. It’s scary. It’s uncertain. But that’s where faith comes in. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” We might not see the whole picture, but we can trust the One who does.
Remember the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:29-31? As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he did the impossible. But when he looked at the wind and the waves, he began to sink. The same is true for us. When we keep our focus on Jesus and His calling for our lives, we can step out in faith, even when it feels risky. And when we do, we will find that He is right there, holding us up, guiding us, and giving us everything we need to fulfill our purpose.
Practical Ways to Reimagine Your Calling
So, how can we practically reimagine our calling and engage with the church’s mission? Here are a few ideas to get started:
Get Involved in Your Local Church: Don’t just attend—engage. Look for ways to serve, whether that’s volunteering with kids, joining the worship team, or helping out with community outreach. When you serve, you become part of the lifeblood of the church, helping it grow and thrive.
Invest in Relationships: Church is not just a service we attend; it’s a family we belong to. Take the time to build meaningful relationships with those around you. Join a small group, invite someone for coffee, or reach out to a new member. These connections are where real growth and discipleship happen.
Live Out Your Faith in Your Community: The mission of the church doesn’t stop at the doors of the building. Look for opportunities to be a light in your community. Maybe that’s through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being a friend to someone who needs it. Show the love of Jesus in practical, tangible ways.
Pray for Boldness: Just like the early church in Acts 4:29, ask God to give you boldness to share your faith and step into your calling. Prayer is powerful and changes our perspective, helping us see opportunities to serve and witness that we might otherwise miss.
Embrace Diversity: Recognize that the beauty of the church is in its diversity—people from all backgrounds, cultures, and political views coming together under the unifying truth that Jesus is the hope of the world. Celebrate that diversity and seek to learn from those who are different from you.
The Power of Choice
At the end of the day, reimagining our calling and stepping into our purpose is a choice. It’s our chance to make a real difference, not just in our own lives, but in the lives of those around us. It’s a choice to live for something greater than ourselves, to be part of a mission that has the power to change the world.
So, will you take that step? Will you choose to reimagine your calling and engage with the mission of the church? The choice is yours. And it’s a choice that could change everything.
Join Us at Centerpoint Church
At Centerpoint, we believe in living out our faith with purpose and passion. We invite you to join us on this journey of reimagining what church can be. Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, there’s a place for you here. Listen to our podcast series online or visit us for a Sunday service in Valrico, Florida. Together, let’s make an impact that will last for generations to come.