The second half of our mission statement at Harvest goes like this: "...and liberating a generation through the life and love of Jesus Christ." What does it mean? What kind of ministry would we do in order to liberate people?
Simply put, we would share the gospel which liberates people from their bondage to sin and delivers them from the judgment of God. This is ultimate liberation.
Having said that, most lost people do not see their separation from God as the biggest problem. They would much rather obtain help for their financial crisis, or emotional crisis stemming from some kind of loss. This is what's closest to them and if we address those needs, their hearts may open to hear the Good News. Instead of inviting someone to Easter or Christmas services, think about how you can love them, listen to them, help them, support them. Think about how Christ ministered to people - He helped them up on their feet (Luke 5) and gave them their dignity (Luke 7, John 8). In so doing, they had a better idea of God the Father's love for them.
Liberating people from bondage is simply alleviating suffering where we can in this city and in our church which will point people to the ultimate liberation in Christ.
Jesus proclaimed to the hometown crowd in Nazareth that His ministry would fulfill Isaiah's prophecy:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).Let's follow His lead...
