New Year... Chapter One

What does it mean to be A MISSIONAL Church?

As we move into 2016... we want to INCREASE our efforts at being a MISSIONAL Church! What does that mean? It means that we are LIVING OUT our Faith. It is not something that we expect our Church to continually be doing for us... but rather it is asking what can we be doing AS THE CHURCH with each other and what we can be doing AS THE CHURCH in our Community. Being Missional means that we are being "Jesus With Skin On" and living out His character and attributes by the way we conduct and interact with others. We are TRANSFERRING His DNA that is IN US... to the World that we live in. 

People might say... "Thats what the Church is doing". In some cases... yes, it is. However, in most... Church can be very "exclusive" rather than "inclusive". It can be self serving, rather than sacrificial. It can be a place where we "expect to be fed" rather than a place where we are "self feeding" and experiencing God and letting His Spirit mold and shape us away from our selfishness to selflessness. 

As you continue reading... notice a variety of way you can allow God to use you to interact with others and then LISTEN to the Holy Spirit as He directs you how to TRANSFER the DNA of "The One Who Knows You Best and Who Loves You MOST!"

I have found that it is often helpful to have practical ideas to start engaging the people around me. Most of the things on this list are normal, everyday things that many people are already doing. The hope is that we would do these things with Gospel intentionality. This means we do them:

• In the normal rhythms of life pursuing to meet and engage new people

• Prayerfully watching and listening to the Holy Spirit to discern where God is working.

• Looking to boldly, humbly, and contextually proclaim the Gospel in word and deed.

Below is a list of my top 25. Not all of these are for everyone, but hopefully there will be several ideas on the list that God uses to help you engage your neighbors. Would love to hear stories of how you have lived some of these out or other ways you have engaged your neighbors.

1. Stay outside in the front yard longer while watering the yard

2. Walk your dog regularly around the same time in your neighborhood

3. Sit on the front porch and letting kids play in the front yard

4. Pass out baked goods (fresh bread, cookies, brownies, etc.)

5. Invite neighbors over for dinner

6. Attend and participate in Community functions

7. Attend the parties invited to by neighbors

8. Do a food drive or coat drive in winter and get neighbors involved

9. Have a game night (yard games outside, or board games inside)

10. Art swap night – bring out what you’re tired of and trade with neighbors

11. Grow a garden and give out extra produce to neighbors

12. Have an Easter egg hunt on your block and invite neighbors use their front yards

13. Start a weekly open meal night in your home

14. Do a summer BBQ every Friday night and invite others to contribute

15. Create a block/ street email and phone contact list for safety

16. Host a sports game watching party

17. Host a coffee and dessert night

18. Organize and host a ladies artistic creation night

19. Organize a tasting tour on your street (everyone sets up food and table on front porch)

20. Host a movie night and discussion afterwards

21. Start a walking/running group in the neighborhood

22. Start hosting a play date weekly for other stay at home parents

23. Organize a carpool for your neighborhood to help save gas

24. Volunteer to coach a local little league sports team

25. Have a front yard ice cream party in the summer