Our Opportunity of a Lifetime
A the Annual Agora gathering on March 15, Pastor Paul Johansson of Central Lutheran, Elk River, encouraged congregations and individuals to get involved with Agora as a significant way of fulfilling their baptismal call to be disciples of Jesus.
Sharing from his own experience as a person born in Africa, he told about watching Christianity grow rapidly there. By the year 2020, he reported, the majority of Christians in the world will be living in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This is a great opportunity for us to partner with them in their effort to expand the kingdom of Christ on earth.
It is better to act now, he said, lest we miss the opportunity to grow our church with ALL people in our neighborhoods and instead spend our time groaning and moaning about the declining membership of our congregations and church body.
Referring to his own son's involvement with an inner city church, he stated that many of our younger people prefer to be part of a worshiping community that reflects the diversity in their neighborhood. The growth and future of any congregation depends on how much we are open to intentionally inviting and welcoming our neighbors.
Pastor Johanson expressed his joy at having an Agora ministry in our midst to assist us and challenge us to be mindful of the mission opportunity around us. His church, Central Lutheran of Elk River, is committed to Agora, and his congregation is fully supporting Agora's ministry.
At the Agora circle gathering -
At every table we had representatives of partnering congregations belonging to diverse communities. People left the Agora circle gathering with gratitude for the great things happening because of Agora.