Raison d’être means “a reason to exist,” what “you live for” or, if you will, “what floats your boat.” Let’s face it, we all like a goal. Aimlessness leads to depression and leth- argy. If we have a reason to get out of the bed, we keep trying.
It think a reason for being is also important for churches, both big and small — even more important for us little churches. Getting together to celebrate Jesus and enjoy one another’s company is wonderful, but things can get stale if we neglect the Lord’s assignment to be like Him as we reach into the world.
So, what is your house church’s raison d’être right now? Have you thought about it? Is there something you’re doing together that serves, builds, restores or encourages? It doesn’t have to be a forever thing, that is, not the same thing for the next bazillion years (even that would get boring) but do something. And when you’re done with that, pray and look for the next thing. Here are some examples from the Summit network of fellowships:
- G242 is planning a wedding for a couple in the fellowship, and preparing to host The Vine resurrection celebration on Saturday, April 4, 2015 .
- Another, Lifesong, is hosting a conference for young people in their area and are planning to host The Vine gathering sometime this summer.
- 69th Street is just starting to talk about developing a plan to train their children based on the Sonship Studies. Their hope is to make it available to other fellowships with children as well.
- Southside is developing a neighborhood resource kiosk.
Discovering our raison d’être is one way we create an environment where we can fulfill Jesus’ command to love one another, intentionally, practically and visibly (John 13:34-35). Working together gives us a reason for living together.