More Than Meetings: Proclaiming Christ Together

I admit that I don’t usually jump up and down with joy about going to meetings, even though I remind myself that they are a necessary part of being in a group, church life, etc. Some meetings are more valuable and pleasing than others, some are easier to look forward to, some are easier to skip. Opinions about our LWML meetings may vary, and there are many discussions and advice about what makes a “good” meeting, but I rejoice in the fact that my beloved organization of LWML is so much more than attending meetings!!

If we, as Lutheran Women in Mission, are more than periodic meetings and doing business (granted, valuable and needed), then what are we? Our Mission Statement begins with: “We joyfully proclaim Christ”. Therefore, we are proclaimers of Jesus Christ first and foremost. This declaration tells us the WHY of us; it puts upfront our identity and purpose before the What and How of LWML.

The word “proclaim” is not subtle or quiet. It is found throughout the Old and New Testaments, meaning “to give witness to, to announce far and wide, to declare or publish publicly”. God’s people and prophets announced boldly His Name, His deeds, and the Good News of Peace and Salvation.

Psalm 105:1 instructs: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His Name.” Acts 13:38 assures us: “I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Are you a woman who “makes a bold statement” to the world? Do you think of yourself as a spokeswoman? Most of us probably think not! (except that wearing purple as a group does make a splash). Therefore, I thank God that I have the LWML to help me be a bold voice as a Lutheran woman who loves Jesus and is striving to fulfill her role in the Great Commission. Known as Lutheran Women in Mission, we aim to preach the Gospel far and wide and to be missionaries in the modern world. We are blessed to come together as groups, zones, and districts to do this task, using our gifts, talents, and resources for His Mission.

I am not suggesting that we stop having meetings. We have the freedom and creativity to meet how and when we want, but let’s always focus on 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whatever you do, do it all to the Glory of God.” Hebrews 10:25 refers to “not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another as we see the Day approaching.” Our gatherings are an important place to strengthen our faith and unite us in the Word. And so, we need the structure of LWML to encourage us and equip us through the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be joyful and loud proclaimers of Jesus Christ together!

As we consider how LWML is “more than meetings”, think about the example of the early Christians in Acts 5:42, “Day after day, in the temple courts, and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”

So, let us always be about “our Father’s business.”

And put this at the TOP of your AGENDA: “Proclaim Christ!”