When Elvis Presley was still performing, his adoring fans used to stay long after the concert was over, hoping for another encore, or just one more glimpse of their hero, “The King”. This was a problem for personnel working at the concert, because they were delayed in cleaning the building, locking up and going home. Finally, this tradition developed– an announcement would come over the public address system. You know the phrase they used—“Elvis has left the building.” Only after hearing this news would the crowd leave the concert venue.

We Christians want to honor our King. But instead of being adoring fans, we should be faithful followers. Jesus has given us our marching orders—“…Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15).

What other announcement do we need to hear in order for the church to leave the building?