It is the lay people that will continue to take on the key roles in the Ablaze! initiative. This internationally sponsored LCMS World Mission program wants every member of a congregation to see themselves as a missionary and their congregation as a missionary outpost. It may not seem possible to most of us, but even in our own towns, people do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They are waiting for someone like you to bring them the good news (Gospel) of Jesus Christ. While the professional church workers can and do share the Gospel with all we can, there is no way we can reach the numbers in any one community that will make a significant difference. It is in the laity‘s hands. It is in your hands to share the gospel with those who do not know.

"Dr. Daniel Mattson, associate executive director of LCMS World Missions, says that the individual and congregations will play key roles in the major challenge facing the Synod, that of expanding cross-cultural mission." He goes on to say "if we the congregation and individual have a lack of concern for the lost that it is a spiritual problem, and that we need to take a hard look at God’s Word and change how we see our own lives in the kingdom of God."

"Russell Sommerfeld, President of the Nebraska district, sees Ablaze! as a way of addressing a decision confronting many congregations— either change or die a slow death."

We may not realize what we can do for our congregation and those that live in our communities , but until we raise the awareness of all of us in the church, we may not see the need. The Ablaze! movement helps us to see and define our community, and help us to connect with the lives of the people in our communities. In that way we will be open to God’s leading and listening for those openings in which we can share the gospel. The Gospel of Christ and the Holy Spirit can and does lead people to confess their sins and to receive the freeing blessing of forgiveness. Help fan the flame in your lives and in your communities as we go through our seven week series of Ablaze!.

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