Ministering in the Center of the City

John 4 tells a very interesting story that if we will let it live in us, can show us how to live as Christ in our community.

You know the story, it’s the story of a Samaritan woman. Her encounter with Jesus challenges our church to ask questions that lead to relationships for Christ.
Everyone knew she was thirsty.
¨ She could not worship at the Temple, and she was thirsty for a place to worship.
¨ She had five husbands and was thirsty for authentic relationship.
¨ She was a sinner, and she was thirsty for a Savior.

But Jesus was just as thirsty as she.
¨ He needed a drink of water.
¨ He wanted a relationship with her.
¨ He wanted to show her authentic salvation.
Instead of showing her first how He could meet her need, He asks her to meet His. Jesus asked the woman. “Will you give me a drink?”

In the center of our city, Knoxville, are all kinds of people: students, creative class, empty nesters, the poor. All are thirsty—some who know they are, many who don’t. They are thirsty for authentic relationship. We desire to know them. As a church, First Baptist Church of Knoxville must focus on asking questions that allow us to enter the story of these city dwellers’ lives.

Over the next few days, I will be posting several steps we are taking to minister in the center of the city.