What does it mean to be a liaison? Well, let’s talk about the language we are more familiar with. In 1 Peter 2:9, we, as believers, are called a “royal priesthood.” “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the exellencies of him who called you out of darkness into marvelous light” (ESV). The New Living Translation states it this way, “as a result, you can show others the goodness of God,” and that is exactly what it means to be a liaison for the Kingdom of God.
Through my internship this summer with Potter’s House in Siloam Springs, I learned a little bit about what it means to walk out this calling as our identity. Potter’s House is a non profit ministry organization that is often known for its thrift store. Although that is a huge part of how that connects us to those in need in our community, it is also so much more. If you have ever been to the store you may have noticed the phrase “a hope and a future” on the tags and logo—which are rooted in Jeremiah 29:11. From this they proclaim the statement as their purpose, “a ministry that is committed to providing families in Siloam Springs with a hope & a future.” I’ve seen and participated in this ministry first hand, but my point is to not elevate a specific organization or ministry. Instead, my purpose is to share how I’ve seen a true liaison at work and why I believe that it is something every believer is called to be.
John C. Maxwell has a quote that further describes the idea of a liaison. He states that,
“A liaison is someone who is a connector of people. They act as the link between where we are and where we need to be. Sometimes it is impossible to go where we need to go without a liaison acting as a bridge on our behalf.”
While interning with Potter’s House, I began to see not just employees or those who were somehow involved with the ministry, but individuals from our community act as a connector to those who needed help to their greatest helper, our God. They did this in various ways. Some of those ways involved picking up groceries and dropping them off, giving someone a ride, paying for gas, praying over someone, bringing them into their own communities of fellowship, opening their home for someone to stay at for as long as needed, helping someone find a job, and discipleship. In these cases, if people did not act out of their identity as a liaison, those individuals may not be at the stage they are now. You see, no matter the need, our deepest need is for family—the family of God. That is what we have to share with people. After all, we are a royal priesthood.
Getting the honor to be a part of working through Potter’s House’s vision this summer, I learned so much about this idea not just being the calling of a specific organization, but every believer. Being a part of the Kingdom of God means that we are a part of countless connections. The vision statement came to this ultimate goal: to be a ministry devoted to the life of a liaison as well as to empower and equip groups, individuals, businesses, schools, and overall The Church to find their identity as a liaison to those who are in need in everyday life. Remember there is no greater need than for us to pursue God together like the family we are.
What does that mean for us as students? It could look exactly like one of the few ways mentioned already, but it also can look like stepping out of your comfort zone, opening your eyes to the people right around you, and maintain an open heart to share the love and truth of Jesus Christ. In no way is Potter’s House or any other non-profit organization the answer, but we can learn something from them in how we engage with the people we pass by every day. You have been called a royal priesthood—a liaison for the Kingdom of God. As the body of Christ let us walk in that identity.
Michaela Wilson – Contributor