When someone recently told me their church was focused on citywide transformation, I wondered in what area they were focusing on?  I find so often many ministries say they are about citywide transformation, but are not specific to what they are called to in this process.  I like to ask, What is it the Lord has called you and your fellowship to specifically? Is it feeding the poor? helping the homeless? cleaning city parks? 

 Maybe your senior leader has a heart for caring for the homeless, and yet you feel called and have a passion to prayer for nations or the human trafficking issue, yet prayer is not strongly established in your fellowship. So why not connect with a ministry who has that focus? 
For some reason I think as believers we think we can only serve  in one place. I don't see that as the case.

Think about it, do you work outside the home, serve your family and work? all are ministry, and yet all are not in one place. 

I have been involved in serving in many ministries at the same time and have gleaned from many at the same time. I don't believe any one congregation can do it all. I believe we are part of the Body, called to do our part, like a piece of a puzzle. For example,  I loved it when I found out a friend of mine was starting a ministry to the skaters, since it had been on my heart to do so several years ago, but I didn't have the manpower to do so. So God  answered prayer and raised up another.

When I think of transformation, I think of  those para -church ministires  (which i don't like that word 'para)  who are advancing in bringing transformation to  our city than most local 'congregations. Why do I believe this? Because I see they are out there doing the stuff, while most churches are inward focused.  These ministries are serving the poor, the homeless, visiting the prisoners (prison ministry); mentoring kids, providing jobs through workforce programs etc.  I love hearing their  testimony of transformation in our city.  

So my prayer is, as ministries and individuals, find out your call and do it. And if your church isn't moving in your area or call, then connect  and serve with those who are.  My hope and prayer is for  congregational leaders to support these who are doing this, and not give them the guilt trip how they are so needed to serve  in their church only.  Support and release them to serve where they are called and have a passion.