Missional Networks

A huge goal for me is to be constantly engaged with the unchurched community around me. For years it seemed as if I only had relationships with people in a Christian bubble. It was not my plan to be this way, and I find it very unfortunate and sad that this was my reality. What is even more discouraging is the process of escaping this context. I was so far removed that it took approximately an entire year to feel like I had made a complete escape. When I look at Jesus’ life, he poured time into two main networks. First, he was constantly teaching and training his disciples, growing them and developing them to be leaders for his mission. And second, he was hanging out with the social misfits, prostitutes, and crooks of his day, namely, the unchurched crowd. So, here is a list of the networks I see for developing relationships with those who are unchurched. I have not mastered this list, and I don’t know most of my neighbors by name, but I’m constantly trying to engage people in these areas.

1. Family—often the first place to begin is your immediate and distant family. While this is sometimes a hard group to reach because of past experiences or fear of pushing family away, you likely already have a relationship with these people.


2. Neighborhood—unfortunately we live in an individualistic society, and this may be an obstacle for your area, but this is a huge place to develop relationships with the unchurched.

a. Meet your neighbors
b. Invite them over for dinner and parties
c. Participate in Neighborhood functions (block parties)
d. Use the holidays. Meet people at Halloween; give gifts (cookies and food) at Christmas
e. Volunteer with the HOA (Home Owners Association)


3. Workplace—this is probably your best network for reaching unchurched people. You spend upwards of 40-60 hours a week with these people month after month after month

a. Attend work parties
b. Bless your office with breakfast or lunch occasionally
c. Engage in conversations when people seem interested
d. Invite your co-workers over for dinner, parties, baby showers, wedding showers, ball games, etc…
e. Be intentional on business trips to spark conversations in the car or plane


4. School/Education—get to know your classmates and professors

a. Invite your classmates to parties and functions
b. Volunteer at your school
c. Bless your class in a creative way


5. Social Ministry—bless those in your city who are marginalized and in poverty; engage with rescue missions and programs who bless the poor


6. Community Programs—volunteer to serve when your city has a marathon or fundraiser


7. Sports Leagues—if you or your children are active in sports, use these opportunities to be a part of a city league; engage with others players and parents and invite them to hang out at parties and such


8. Recreation/Entertainment—wherever you find yourself every day in the community, be intentional about knowing people where you regularly go; try to visit the same places regularly so you get to know the people

a. Coffee shop
b. Restaurants
c. Movie theatre
d. Gas station
e. Grocery store
9. Online Relationships
a. Facebook
b. Twitter
c. Myspace