Pray the News
Discovering your unique Christian purpose in this life
The Herald -27 October
Copy of the article as published in the weekly church column.
Many Christians wrestle with a simple yet profound question: What is my role in God’s plan?
For some, going to church becomes a weekly routine — attending, listening and leaving. But Scripture reminds us that the church is not a building. It is a living body, and every believer is a vital part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27). Maybe it is time to pause, reflect, and rediscover the unique purpose God has placed within each of us. Jesus never intended His movement to be confined to a location. He called His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). That means the real work of the church continues in homes, workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods. The early church lived with that conviction — and communities were transformed. Today’s church can recover that same fire when every believer steps into their calling. Figures from the recent Lausanne Conference held in Korea reminded us that churches are made up of 99% congregants and 1% pastoral staffing work.
Dallas Willard tells us that we only spend 3% of our time in the churches and 97% of our time in our communities or workplace. Surely the time has arrived for us to focus our time and energy on the 99% or 97%. Brian Helsby, former National Director of Youth for Christ in SA, in his book God ’ s Love Stories, shares an important insight. “I set out to use my influence to encourage centres around SA who were mainly focused on evangelism and discipleship to see from scripture that our work should involve (socioeconomic) justice ministries as well.” Helsby’s statement inspired the Transformation Christian Network (TCN) to become more involved in the role that church congregants could place in leading kingdom initiatives in Nelson Mandela Bay. Thus, the citywide dialogue initiatives were successfully launched at the St George’s Club in Bird Street in April 2025. The attendees and invitees were made up of 16% pastors and 84% congregants.
Not quite in line with the 97% and 99% percentages, but a good start. We really believe that pastors should continue to place the role of evangelism or discipleship and prepare their congregants to be the salt and light of their communities while the congregants should be more focused on the socioeconomic influence of their communities and the marketplaces. The gifts God has placed in you: Every believer is uniquely equipped with spiritual gifts — encouragement, teaching, service, leadership, mercy and more (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). These gifts are not for personal recognition, they are for building up others and strengthening the church.
More Background:
Dallas Willard (1935-2013), an American philosopher, professor, and influential Christian author, is quoted in the article as noting that people spend only 3% of their time in churches and 97% in communities or workplaces. While an exact match for this phrasing isn't widely documented in his published works, it aligns closely with his teachings on spiritual formation and discipleship in everyday life. Willard, known for books such as The Divine Conspiracy (1998) and Renovation of the Heart (2002), often critiqued "church-centric" Christianity, arguing that authentic kingdom living occurs in ordinary routines. He emphasized assessing spiritual growth through transformed behaviors (e.g., reduced anger or contempt) rather than metrics like attendance. His ideas have influenced movements focused on holistic faith integration.
Transformation Christian Network aims to unite church leaders, foster collaboration, and address systemic issues like poverty and inequality to improve the quality of life. The article highlights how Helsby's ideas led TCN to empower congregants in leading "kingdom initiatives."A specific example is the citywide dialogue initiatives launched in April 2025 at St George’s Club on Bird Street in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha). Described as a "Church Multi-Stakeholder Citywide Dialogue," the event drew 16% pastors and 84% congregants, aligning with the article's push for lay-led efforts (though not fully reaching the 97%/99% ideals). This gathering focused on multi-stakeholder collaboration for community transformation, reflecting TCN's broader mission of networking leaders through prayer, evangelism, and social action.
Prayer Pointers
1. A renewed mind to discern God's will.
2. The good works prepared by God
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Acknowledge that God has intentionally created every believer with a unique purpose. Pray that Christians will gain clarity on the specific "good works" God has planned for them long ago and that they will have the courage to walk in them, especially throughout the week.3. Wisdom to utilize God-given gifts
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us... If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (Romans 12:6, James 1:5 NIV). Pray that believers will seek God for the wisdom and insight needed to understand and apply their spiritual gifts for the benefit of others and the wider community. Ask that they would not compare themselves with others, but instead embrace and use the unique grace given to them.
4. The Holy Spirit's guidance in our callings
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work" (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NIV). Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal and empower each Christian with their specific calling. Ask that believers would be attentive to the Spirit's leading, understanding that their service and work are all part of God's greater plan.5. Trust and courage to step out in purpose
Scripture: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV). Pray that Christians will develop a deep trust in God's plan, even when the path is not yet obvious. Ask God to grant them the courage to take the necessary steps of faith to move toward their calling, knowing He will guide and direct their path.A Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for creating each of us as your handiwork, with good works already prepared for us. We pray for a renewed mind to discern your good and perfect will, and the wisdom to understand and use the unique gifts you have generously given us. Holy Spirit, guide us in our calling, and help us to trust in you completely, not leaning on our own understanding. Grant us the courage to step out in faith on the path you have made straight for us, so that our lives may bring glory to your name. Amen.
Listen to the Prayer here
Compiled by GAP Ministries
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