When Elvis Presley was still performing, his fans often lingered long after the concert was over. They were hoping for another encore; perhaps another glimpse of the one they affectionately called “The King”. In order to clear the building, it became a custom to announce over the public address system after the concert was over, “Elvis has left the building!” Only then would the crowd disperse.

The church gathers weekly to worship the true King. After church, it would be wonderful for our motto to be: “The church has left the building!” The church has left the building—to help the poor, to minister to the sick and elderly, to care for the widows and orphans, to evangelize the lost…You get the picture! The church must gather to worship, and then scatter to serve!

Has your church left the building?