Point One: They are for each other
If you mess with a gang member; good chances you will find yourself beaten and bleeding along the side of the sidewalk. Gangs protect all their members at whatever cost. Once a person finds themselves in a gang, they are protected by all the members of the gang. Many times the gang becomes the individual's family and the "family" takes care of each other.
What if the church kept to this same concept? Imagine the church protecting its members from those who verbally attack their beliefs, character, or just the person in general. What if the church became that of a family, taking care of the needs of the people within the church and even out into the community?
Point Two: They work together
To understand a gang working together, we need to understand a little about the groups that we find within a gang. The Veteranos are the leaders and the ones that put in their time on the streets. The G's are the main gang members that manage and run the gang. The Wannabees are mainly youth that want to be part of the gang. The Gangster-groupies, which is a new category, consists of youth who just want to hang out and associate with the gang. Finally, the Resident G's are those who grew up in the gangs neighborhood. To be part of the gang, you must be able to pull your weight. Whether the person is the main gang leader or a runner or even a watcher; the individual has his part to play.
Many times in the church, we don't work together. In fact, sometimes, we go in opposite directions and even many directions instead of working together. The church need to communicate with each other and go in one direction for the growth of the church. Then there is the dead weight factor...The ones that are just along for the ride. It is very hard for a church to run on it's 10-20 percent of the church body serving in the church. Imagine with me for a moment if each member of the church pulled his or her weight. What would that look like for the church?
Point Three: They stretch for more territory
Gangs are constantly in battle with other gangs and their communities for territory. The more they control, the more they grow and prosper. Gangs that predominantly take over a city many times tends to control the city; police, courts, and politicians included! Now that is a powerful organization.
Close your eyes and think about your church battling for your community, becoming so predominant in the city that it effects the city. Imagine that ten houses north, south, east, and west from your church; that at least 50% were plugged into your church (that's 20 families out of 40) Imagine your mayor calling your church and saying we got this need over here and we know that your church is perfect for meeting the need. Imagine the school's superintendent contacting your church saying that there are children in the school system that need weekend meals because if they don't receive any they won't eat and we know that your church would like to help. Imagine if we followed Jesus to build His church, instead of building our church...
Point Four: They promise deliverance
When someone gets hurt or killed in a gang, the gang leaders gets everyone together and promises that revenge will be made.
Unlike the gangs violent messages of deliverance; the church has the best promise of deliverance that is offered to man. The deliverance from sin and death; with the good message of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for this deliverance! The church needs to continue to make this it's focal point and reach into a lost world with good news of Jesus!
In closing, I need to make a note I do not encourage gang life. The majority of gangs do many violent acts towards God and man, that I don't want to endorse. I just wanted to take something many can relate with and take some good thoughts away from their structure. We as a church need to encourage the church to protect its members, to work together, reach into the community, and share the good news of deliverance!
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