10 Ways to Be On Mission

10 Simple Ways to Be On Mission

The goal of this list is not for you to add something new on to your plate. All of us already have enough to keep us busy. My hope is that this list will cause us to see things that we already do a little differently. I once heard someone define mission as "living ordinary life with gospel intentionality." It will be tempting to add something new to your life or to think of doing this alone. Jesus said in Matthew that he would make us fishers of men (Matt. 4:19). The main tool we use for fishing today is a pole. A pole can only be used by one person. In Jesus' day, however, fishermen used nets. A single person could not pull in a net, especially when there was a large catch (John 21:11). You need the help of others. As you look at the list, see how you can be more intentional with what you do, and think of how you can ask other people in our Community Group to join you.

1. Prayer
One of the most important ways we need to be on mission is through prayer. In Colossians 4:2-6 Paul writes:

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Paul asks others to pray that he might have opportunities to share his faith, for clarity in sharing his faith, and that he might be intentional in sharing his faith. Who are the people in your life that do not yet know Jesus? Do you pray for them and for opportunites to share Jesus with them? Click here to check out an excellent blog by J.D. Payne on this text.

2. Hobbies
We all have hobbies. Some of us run, ski, bike, read, play ball, watch movies, and more. Many of the hobbies we engage in can be done in community. Next time you are going to sit down to watch a movie, think about who you might be able to invite over to join you. I personally like to watch movies and find biblical themes in them. (I know, I am a nerd.) Yet, I have found movies to be a great way to engage people in spiritual conversations.

3. Party
Who doesn't like going to a party? When you are celebrating a birthday, a graduation, or a big accomplishment in your life, invite others to join you. Also, think about how you might be able to throw a party in your neighborhood during holiday seasons. What would it look like for you to throw a neighborhood party around the 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas? Our family invited people to join us for an outdoor breakfast. Many of our neighbors left thinking that we should gather together more often. Parties are a great way to serve your neighbors, practice hospitality and build community.

4. Eat
Most of us eat 21 meals a week, yet how many of those meals are shared with those who have not yet believed in Jesus. The kitchen table is a great place for casual conversation and building relationships. Also, how many of us go out to grab lunch or coffee on a break? Think of how you might be able to invite others to join you. Food almost always helps to create an environment where community can thrive.

5. Get Outside
During the winter months many of us head indoors. Yet, snow provides great opportunities to serve neighbors. Some of us have a snow plow, or the amazing ability to shovel snow quickly. Offer to serve by taking care of driveways and walkways. Also, get outside to build a snowman in the front yard or plan a time to go sledding. Invite people you know to join you. Have some hot chocolate ready as well. Have fun!

6. Frequent Your Favorite Places
Many of us have our favorite coffee shops and restaurants. Go there! Pay attention to who is working there, get to know their names, tip well, and bring some of your friends along. Overtime, people will notice you there and conversations will more naturally happen.

7. Walk & Utilize Public Transportation
Everyday my wife walks our son to school. Each trip allows her to get to know other parents and neighbors in our area. All of us go to the grocery, but what would it look like for you to walk or utilize city transportation to get there? Recently, I was in another country in which a large percentage of the community used the subway and train system. Both of these ways to move through our city will allow great opportunity to get to know others.

8. Give
John Piper says, "There are only 3 kinds of Christians when it comes to missions: zealous goers, zealous senders and the disobedient.” Much of this list has focused on going, but we must also be about sending. At Grace City Church we have a goal to continually increase our support of both local and global missions. Some think that Theophilus helped to fund Luke's writing of the Gospel of Luke and Acts. That investment is still making an impact around the world today. Check out some ways you can give at Grace City Church.

9. City Events
Our city hosts many festivals and events in which we can participate. It might be good to see how you can take a group to help serve. By serving and participating in these activities you will not only be able to meet people, but you will learn more about the city we call home.

10. Get A Passport
I know that this one will add something to your life. I promise you will not regret it. As believers we cannot neglect living as world Christians. Jesus not only charged us to reach our city, but also the nations (Matt 28:18-20, Jn. 20:21, Acts 1:8). It is easy to get trapped into only thinking about what takes place around us. Throughout the world there are opportunities to share the Gospel, and I have found that my travel has also provided me opportunities to talk about Jesus with my friends who are curious about my reasons for going. Make plans to be gone one week a year on a mission trip with Grace City Church. What is the first step? Get a passport and pray. Click here to sign up for daily updates on nations we are praying for.

I hope this helps each of you to think about how to be more intentional with the everyday things we experience in life. It is a joy to serve with each of you to share the Gospel in our city. I pray this is a year in which we all get to see many people come to find the joy in knowing Jesus Christ.