Missional Living

Everyone is talking about being ‘missional’ on the blogs that I read. Unfortunately it’s mostly pastors that read these blogs and every believer that should live the gospel beyond their church. So, let me introduce you to the biblical concept of missional living.

If you only know Christians, you are not able to be a part of the mission of the church. But, instead of knocking on strangers’ doors with a copy of the New Testament or developing an in-church program for these strangers to come to, I am encouraging us get to know these strangers by bringing the gospel to them. The Apostle Paul spent time in the cultural hotspots, the places where people were. He proclaimed the gospel in those places and from there the joined churches. This is very evident in Athens, see Acts 17:16-34 for the story. If we are waiting for our neighbor to come to church to share the gospel, they will likely never hear it.

So how can we live the gospel in our city in realistic ways? Here are some examples:

Spend time in the coffee shops. There are several good places to get a coffee and meet the people of our city. I try and spend a few hours each week working from a cafe. Sometimes I get a lot of work done, but often I spend that time talking with people, many I’ve met for the first time.

Volunteer. Get involved in your kids sports program or help out with a community event. Find something that you care about and ask if there is any way to help out.

Get to know our neighbors. Most of us live in communities where we can easily talk with our neighbors, help them with something, go on a walk with them, talk at the park while our kids play together, etc.

Be a regular. When we frequent the same shops, cafe’s, or restaurants, people get to know us, we have conversations, trust is built and opportunities to share the gospel present themselves.

Join. If your hobby is golf, join a men’s night. If you work out at the gym, join a class.
The point is, you have been entrusted with the gospel, so live it, get to know your city, your culture, your neighbors.