³ So they stayed there a long time and spoke boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace by enabling them to do signs and wonders. (Acts 14:3 CSB)

How long have you been at your church?

How long have you been in your community?

How long have you lived in your home?

Have you stayed these places a long time? Too long?

A podcast I was listening to yesterday noted something I did not realize. For the most part the Apostles stayed in the same region and it was not until Stephen’s stoning that other believers took the gospel into the world.

That kinda rocked me back. I think we think of the apostles as being the ones who took the gospel to the world. But no, it was lay people. They lit the fire, others spread the flame.

So we need to ask ourselves, are we staying too long? Do we need to be get up and get out venturing further afield to fulfill our part of the great commission? Do we simply need to get out of the pews and get out on the streets?

The church is there to attract and convert new believers, but more than that they are there to equip the saints. We, as the saints, are then to go out into the world and spread the news, each in our own unique way, but with a singular clear message.

Maybe it is time to get out of the pews.