by Thad WIlliams, Missions and Community Engagement Pastor
“Church is not an event. It’s a community. Mission is not an event. It’s a lifestyle. We are called to live ordinary life with gospel intentionality.” - Tim Chester
As followers of Christ, we are called live on mission (Matthew 28:18-20). However, we often allow life to get in the way. With busy schedules and an endless list of things to do, it seems almost impossible to find time for mission. But this is the wrong perspective. Jesus’ commission to “go and make disciples” is actually better translated to mean “as you are going, make disciples.” Therefore, our calling to live on mission and make disciples is not an event, but rather a lifestyle that we practice amid the rhythms of our daily lives. When we intentionally engage these natural rhythms with a focus on living a God-centered life under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, mission can happen anywhere at any time. So, how do we do this? We simply BLESS others!
BIBLE
What better way to begin (or end) each day than to spend time with God? The Bible is the living word of God. We draw closer and know God more when we read, study, and meditate on Scripture.
- Make Bible study a part of your morning/evening routine. Set aside time to spend with God.
- Meditate upon Scripture as you go about your day.
LISTEN/LEARN
In today’s world of social media, television, and other technologies, there are countless voices competing for our attention. It can be difficult to cut through all the noise. For followers of Christ, we must listen to God and listen to others, which involves dwelling in His Word and dwelling in the world. Although this may be a fine line to walk, when we spend time listening to God through prayer and His Word, we will be equipped to listen and interpret the noisy parts of our day. Sometimes the greatest way to bless someone else is to simply listen. In fact, before we can share God’s truth on a situation, we must listen.
- As you spend time in prayer and reading God’s Word, listen to the Holy Spirit. What is God teaching you?
- Learn about what is going on in the lives of those around you. Ask how you can be praying for them.
EAT
We may not think eating can be missional but notice how this simple act shows up over and over throughout Jesus’ ministry. In fact, it was one of the defining characteristics of the early church (Acts 2:42-47). Something special happens during a meal. It often feels like we connect with someone on a deeper level when we share a meal together. By inviting someone to join us for a meal, we display the provision and acceptance of God. There is a sense of shared need and unity.
- Invite someone to share a meal with you this week.
- Pray and ask God to show you how the simple act of eating together can glorify Him.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation around the table and watch for Jesus to show up!
SERVE
Serving others, whether through words or actions, is a powerful way to display the love of Christ. When we are living a God-centered life, we view the blessings that God has given us as a means to bless others. It may involve financial assistance, physical labor, or simply making a quick phone call to encourage someone.
- Think about the resources you have (time, talent, treasure) that could be used to serve others.
- Ask God to bring to mind 3 people this week that you could bless through an act of service.
SHARE
Notice how these rhythms complement and build on one another. When we spend time in God’s Word, we are more in tune with the Holy Spirit and His direction. As we listen to God and listen to others, we learn about their lives and hear about their struggles. As we invest in those relationships, we earn the right to speak into their lives, and ultimately, we hope to have the opportunity to share the gospel. If we intentionally practice these missional rhythms, these opportunities will certainly present themselves. After all, people don’t care what you have to say until they know you care! There is no need to force the conversation. Allow the Holy Spirit to do the work.
- Pray for opportunities to share the gospel. Set a goal to share the gospel with one person this week.
- Practice sharing your testimony.
- Check out this previous blog post to learn how to share your 3x3 testimony here.
Becoming more like Jesus and displaying the love of Jesus doesn’t mean adding more things to your schedule. It simply involves doing what you already do, but with gospel intentionality!
