A disciple goes out

That was the theme of the message in church today. It's been a 4 part series about what discipleship means, and it's been interesting.
Today's lesson was a disciple goes out...to serve and be a part of the community. The Vineyard Church as a whole is very into giving back and doing things for the community...just as a way to share God's love.
So yesterday he was commenting on how many people go to church on Sunday's and play their role well, yet don't live it out during the week. Some even go on mission trips, yet come home and lead a life unchanged from that before they left. A disciple should go out into the community to serve, to help, and to share God's love.
So, when he said we were all "going out" today you could hear and feel that "whaattt???" vibe in the air.
But it was the neatest thing. They had already pre-arranged several "outings" in the community, and they cut the message short and asked each of us to join one.
The youth did a free car wash, there was a group handing out bags of candy at a local business, another passing out bottles of water, one pumping gas for people, and the group Derrick and I decided to join visited a local nursing home.
It was slightly outside my comfort zone, but I had to admit...this church practices what they preach. We just did a quick 30-45 minute visit and talked with people and handed out flowers. I can't say I have any especially fitting or touching stories to share about how we changed someone's life....but isn't that the point?
The people you meet are not by accident. God orchestrates all of that. He leads you down certain paths. It's about what YOU choose to do that makes the difference.
And you just never know when something you've done, or said, has a positive impact on someone else. That's why being a disciple is about talking the talk and walking the walk...every day.