(First post in the blog series: Reaching the Community)

Remember the 2001 baseball season? Those Seattle Mariners won 116 games setting the American League record for single-season wins and tied the Major League record set by the Chicago Cubs in 1906. The same pundits that are picking the Yankees to win their 27^th World Series title in 2009, also picked the Mariners to win their first in 2001. It was not to be. They finally lost to the New York Yankees in 5 games in the 2001 American League Championship Series.

Let me state, I’m not a Yankee-hater. As an organization they excel in many areas, especially, when it comes to free-agent spending. Nevertheless, they manage to compile a roster of All-Star caliber players. In July at the 76^th MLB All-Star game the American League extended their current win streak over the National League to 13-consecutive victories dating back to the 1997 season. Of all the major sports, no other league or conference within their respective sport has come close to duplicating consecutive wins in their all-star formats. The most consecutive in the NBA (5); NFL (4); NHL (4).

When asked why the AL was able to extend its streak over the NL, longtime Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera said, “We came here with a mission.” I think it was more than just a mission – the AL had great players from every team at every position and each one had a role.

Which brings me to consider, how much more impact and influence can our church have when we serve alongside other “teams” in our community?

The mission of Christ is clear — to declare the Kingdom of God in word and in deed. In Matthew 9, Jesus did both as a part of his daily routine. He was active at the intersections of his community teaching, healing, calling and assembling a team to proclaim his message.

When I think about our community, it’s only recently that I’ve really started to think about the “other teams” nearby. The reality is there are so many needs. But, for every felt need there is a group, organization or team that is active at the intersection of where we live, work and play. Two come to mind because of our recent partnership — Trinity Lutheran Church in Parkland and the Pierce County, Tacoma chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Trinity Lutheran Church manages and distributes food to our community through its monthly community meal; senior citizens lunch; weekly food bank and its sustainable herb and vegetable garden. The Tacoma chapter of Habitat for Humanity facilitates low-income housing for people who qualify through volunteer builds utilizing large corporate donations of building products and supplies.

Though vastly different, I believe both organizations thrive at what they do because of a shared understanding of what it takes to function (to work and serve) as a team. Three things I think every all star team should do:

1. Respect.
   They acknowledge the unique differences AND celebrate the common points. Relationships can grow deep when we see others as cohorts instead of competitors.
2. Recruit.
   They actively invite others (individuals and groups) to play (work and serve) on their team. It’s not about storing up the talent in one place — it’s about sharing it in many.
3. Recast.
   They equip and invest in others and then expect them to do the same. It’s not about having to ‘reinvent the wheel.’ It’s about identifying and partnering with others who are already doing it.

Personally, Reaching the Community is more than an initiative at Sound Life Church. It’s part of my character — who I believe God created me to be. And, here’s the cool thing — it’s a lifelong process of growing, doing and seeing things differently. Reaching the Community is not just part of my role. It’s part of my passion for reaching the unbeliever.

One more thing. The 2009 New York Yankees only had three players represent them in this past year’s All Star game.

How and where are you reaching and engaging both believers and unbelievers in your daily life?

2009 American League All-Star team.