Thursday, February 20, 2014

Habit #3

We are looking at five habits to foster in our lives that in turn shape our missional outlook. By missional I mean all that we do and say that alerts others to the reign of God.

In the last Freshly Bru’d we mentioned habit #1 – I will bless three people this week, at least one of whom is unchurched. (By the way, let me know how this worked for you last week!)This week our focus is on habit #2 – I will eat with three people this week, at least one of whom is unchurched.

Eating has been a central Christian practice since the beginning of the church. Remember, the communion service centered around a love feast. Eating missionally is a way to express love to all.

This habit of eating with three people each week doesn’t need to add a great deal to your already busy schedule. Most of us eat at least three times a day - that’s 21 meals a week. I’m simply asking that you bring another person to your table for three of those.

The meal could be elaborate or it could be a cup of coffee and a donut. Just sit across a table from three people each week and talk. When you eat together you share stories, hopes, fears, and disappointments. People open up to each other. It gives you an opportunity to open up to them and share your faith in Jesus.

Alan Hirsch and Lance Ford in their book Right Here Right Now state: “If every Christian household regularly invited a stranger, neighbor, or poor person into their home for a meal once a week, we would change the world by eating!” Missional hospitality is a tremendous opportunity to extend the Kingdom of God.

So, I’m asking that you invite three people to share at your table, at least one of whom is not a church-goer. What you’ll find happening is that people will reciprocate your hospitality - you’ll start getting return invitations and when that happens you’ve got some serious missional traction.

Be a blessing this week,
P.S. To encourage you with your life’s mission and how to live it out, join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am. This is a communion service that will encourage your heart.

No comments:

Post a Comment