When we limit the power of the body of Jesus to a given meeting location or day of the week. We need more faith in the promise of Scripture that “the God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands” (Acts 17:24) and the words of Jesus that “wherever two or three gather in my name, there I am with them” (Matthew 18:20).

Jesus set an example of sending the disciples out two by two to preach and work deliverance (Matthew 10:7) to emphasize his intent that his followers bring the power of his body to people wherever they are, without depending on hearers attending regular meetings.

So, ask God to show you a brother or sister in Christ to labor with you and bring the power of His body back to the street. What has Jesus done for you? Write your testimony of how the Holy Spirit convicted you of sin, righteousness and judgment. Remember how you heard of Jesus bearing your sin on the cross and rising from the dead. Consider how God watered that seed through the love of the saints and perhaps even signs and wonders, until you were harvested for God's kingdom, through trust and surrender and baptism. 

Practice sharing with trusted brethren in Christ, with the aim of quickly growing in confidence to bring the gospel to others through God's word, your testimony of Jesus' power in your life, and other spiritual gifts as the Holy Spirit provides them to you. You may not be ready today, but today you can put yourself on the path of being ready very soon.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess the thought of sharing my faith in Jesus is frightening to me. I am tempted to say like Moses, “Please send someone else to do it.” Yet, I want to be pleasing to You and I loathe the idea of burying my talent in the ground. Help me to trust that I am Your body – that I am the church – and that all Your power and promises can rest on me just as they rested on the disciples in the Bible. Lord God, send more laborers into the harvest field. Here am I, send me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen

Write down your story of coming to faith, repentance, and peace with God in the form of an “elevator speech.” What if you only have a minute or two with someone? It may take some effort to edit your story down to such a short time! Practice with a believing friend. Then, you will have at least one tool in your box when an opportunity to share your faith arises. You could even make a copy to hand to someone if you’re not yet ready to speak up. Your willingness to share may be a key to helping someone bound in spiritual slavery, be loosed to find forgiveness and freedom.