Time to get off the bench and into the game

Author

Elder Jim Fairchild

It’s Time to Get Off the Bench
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to find yourself sitting on the sidelines, watching the world go by. But now is the time to get off the bench and into the game! It's time to change your life, your community, and the world.

​Through discovering your purpose and pursuing Christ’s mission of compassion, justice, and peace, you can make a meaningful impact for positive change.

Discover Your Purpose
Finding your purpose can indeed be a daunting task. Many of us wrestle with questions like, "Why am I here?" or "What am I meant to do with my life?" While these questions can seem overwhelming, they are crucial for living a fulfilling life. Understanding your purpose gives you direction and motivation, helping you to wake up each day with a sense of meaning.

The journey to discovering your purpose becomes less intimidating when you're part of a faith community actively engaged in Christ’s Mission. By engaging with others who share a common goal, you are more likely to uncover your individual calling and the unique role you are meant to play in the world.

Become Part of Something Bigger
God intends Christian faith to be lived in companionship with Jesus Christ and with other disciples in service to the world. A church is not a building, projects or programs. It’s people!  

​When you join a faith community dedicated to serving Christ’s Mission, you become part of something much bigger than yourself. 
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​This sense of belonging can transform your life, providing you with a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. As you collaborate with others in pursuit of shared goals, you’ll find that your own capabilities and passions are amplified, allowing you to make a more significant impact.

Christ’s Mission: Compassion, Justice, and Peace
Pursuing Christ's mission is at the heart of what it means to be a member of our faith community. By focusing on compassion, justice, and peace, our ministries strive to address the pressing issues that our community and world face today.

​Christ's call to put our lives into divine mission is a powerful reminder of our purpose as believers. Responding to this call requires a deep commitment to living a life that is centered on compassion, justice, and peacemaking.  These are not mere buzzwords; they are the cornerstones of a life dedicated to service and transformation.

We can invite others to join us in our journey of faith and share the good news of Christ's love with those around us. This can be done through simple acts of kindness, such as offering a listening ear or a helping hand to those in need.

Compassion
Compassion is about reaching out to those in need, offering love and support, and making a tangible difference in their lives. By engaging in compassionate acts, you not only help others, but you also grow in empathy and understanding.

Justice
Justice involves advocating for fairness and equality. It means taking a stand against systems of oppression and working toward a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through justice-focused ministries, you can contribute to creating a more equitable society.

Peace
Peace is about cultivating harmony and resolving conflicts, not only in our personal lives but also in the wider world. By promoting peace, you help to build bridges between diverse communities and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

Making Christ's Mission Our Mission
The Topeka CofChrist congregation is a faith community actively engaged in living out Christ's mission.

Mission Activities

​​Our ministries are dedicated to transforming lives, communities, and the world. Whether through outreach programs, social justice initiatives, or community-building efforts, Topeka CofChrist is committed to making a positive impact.
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“You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.”
D&C 151:9
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By joining our efforts, you too can become a force for good in the world. Embrace the challenge, and take that first step off the bench. Together, we can change lives, communities, and the world. This is Christ’s Mission, and it can be our mission too.

Let's make it happen!

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:18-20 NRSV ​

Sometimes we miss opportunities to serve because we are searching for the "Big Deal” and overlook the value of small acts of kindness. The Great Commission seems too intimidating to us with quotes of the commission often ending with the scripture as listed above, but we forget the last part, and most important part of the commission.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20 NRSV ​