MINISTRY IN THREE SPHERES

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

THREE SPHERES

Jesus said that his followers would "be [his] witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." We see this missional call of being witnesses as taking place in three spheres -- at home, in our backyard, and abroad.

“Jerusalem” refers to “home.” It is the natural place of life, and its ministry needs are evident and compelling.

“Judea and Samaria” refer to the “backyard.” These places are close in proximity, but outside the normal sphere of life. Judea is the group that you have an affinity with -- the group that is easy to talk to. Samaria represents the group that is in the margins -- the group that is hard to talk to and messy to deal with.

“The ends of the earth” represents the regions “abroad.” These are all the places, peoples, and countries that need help. The orphans of Africa, Romania, Honduras -- the young girls in Asia being bought and sold -- the tribes, clans and regions that need bible training centers -- etc. Ministry to this sphere requires faith, sacrifice, and most of all, lots of love and patience.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Each sphere has a “champion” who takes responsibility for developing teams and carrying out ministry in that particular arena. Some of the ministries in each sphere are listed below:

• At Home (Bend, Oregon)
  Our at home focus includes our Sunday morning services, Home Groups, Spiritual Formation programs, Education & Training, the Antioch Kids program, Student Ministries and Recovery programs.
  
  
• In Our Backyard (Central Oregon)
  Our focus in Central Oregon includes church planting, a spiritual retreat center, partnerships with local non-profit groups, and the 1/31 program where people donate one day a month in their field of work to help single parents or other needy people (auto mechanics, hairdressers, teachers etc.).
  
  
• Abroad (The Nations)
  Our focus abroad includes adopting a country or countries to focus on: mission trips, Compassion International sponsorships, human rights advocacy, a focus on orphans and widows worldwide, and a passion for church planting and pastor training.

WHAT IS NEEDED?

• Passionate Christians with a heart for one of Antioch’s three spheres who are willing to serve and sacrifice as needed
• Donations for a “fund-matching program” where every dollar an adult raises toward a mission trip is matched by the “Nations Fund.”
• Gifted individuals to head one of the arenas or lead a ministry within one of the 3 spheres
• Artists who can help create ways to inspire our community to live for something higher than themselves.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Simply indicate your desire to be involved and in what capacity by contacting the church at info@antiochchurch.org.