Why Your Circle Matters

In the larger Springfield area, there are 475,000 people. Every single one of them goes to church every week.

I know what you might be thinking, “There is no way that is possible!” But, scripture tells us that you and I are the church. (Eph 5:29-30) If that is the case, and those who believe Christ died and rose from the dead are the church, then nearly every single one of those 475,000 people interacts with the church on a regular basis.

The way we say it at Praise is, “If you are the church, then all your circle attends.”

There is a word in scripture that is translated a ton of different ways. Sometimes it is translated as “house,” or “household,” other times as “family,” and others as “friends.” It has a wide semantic range. Essentially, it refers to those people that you have influence with. They are those who see your life and hear your words. They are co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family. They are your siblings and children, your grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

I mention it because Jesus used that word a lot. He talked about how salvation would break into families and friendships, one circle at a time. When Zacchaeus accepted Christ, his entire circle was impacted. The same happened for Cornelius, Lydia, and the Philippian jailer. Over and over, when salvation impacted one person, it reached outward into their circle.

That is what God intends for you and for me. In fact, God put you where you are with that purpose in mind. (Acts 17:26) Being used in that way doesn’t take a degree or formal training, but it does take intentionality, prayer, and a deep passion to see Jesus change lives.

So, who in your circle needs to know Jesus? That’s the first step of reaching your circle for Christ. You have to know who they are.

Once you do, pray for them every day, intentionally invest in your relationships, invite them to church and small group, and share your story. As you do, God will break into their circle too.

You can do this. It isn’t as complicated as we make it out to be. Jesus changed you. Now, He is going to change others through you.