‘Preaching the Empowers Congregations to be Catalyst of Change in the Community’ is a case study that explores how preaching invites congregations too intentionally become catalyst of social change in their local community. This case study focused on an affirming new church start in Washington, DC, called The Community Church of Washington, DC United Church of Christ. This work sets out to explore how preaching can foster a culture of community service and civic engagement that empowers the congregation to infuse positive change in the immediate vicinity of their church. The goal is to help congregations, pastors and readers understand the importance of preaching in mobilize their congregation to be a part of the community and addressing needs that communities face. The key idea is to move the congregation beyond the four walls of their worship space to improve the lives of those in the community. In this, the good news is embodied by the congregation and becomes accessible to all, even those who may never enter a church building. The method of study used to explore this thesis was a series of eight sermons that set out to cultivate discipleship through service and engagement beyond the four walls of church. Additional studies were done through several intentional church community outreach interventions. Through these methods of study, the church took on community service and civic engagement as essential parts of discipleship and ultimately in creating change in their community.
