Welcome to Day 18 as
you
Take the
Missional Challenge!
Take the Missional Challenge is a 31 Day experience designed to help align believers with Jesus' mission. Each day's post includes missional concepts and activities. For more information - click here.
"We cannot really
love
what we do not
know well."
Wolfgang Simson,
Houses that Change the World
To reach your community with the love of Christ, you have to know your community! Knowing your neighbors allow you to love them better. Knowing your community allows you to love it better. (Check out Eugene Cho's thoughts on know and love your city)
As you live on mission with Jesus, it's critical to submerse yourself deeply into the context where you are called to serve. The best way to do this is to ask questions and be a student of your community. Here are some great questions to consider:
- What is unique about our community?
- What institutions are important?
- What local events and/or festivals are celebrated?
- What types of people are moving into our community?
- What is different about our area compared to the surrounding area?
- What are the major social needs?
- What are people's hopes, aspirations, fears and problems?
- What tensions/pressure points do people face?
Make observations. Listen. Learn. Love your city.
DAY 18 ACTION
STEP:
Draw a Picture - Write a Profile
Draw a Picture - Write a Profile
- Outline the body of a Man, Woman or Child on paper (any size)
- Using your creativity, include the unique demographic/sociological and ethnographic/anthropological characteristics of those who live in your community
- Also include:
- Interests and free time activities
- Values, beliefs, hopes and dreams
- Common careers and jobs
- Personal and community interests
- What they worship
- Now write a one paragraph description of those you are called to serve (your mission field)
Day 18 Missional Challenge: Knowing your
community allows you to love it better. Take steps to
discover what's unique about the community in which
you've been sent to live the gospel.
Related Posts:
The Mission Field Called America
Engaging Indian Culture
The Challenge of Engaging the Culture
Related Link:
Eleven Ideas for Researching Your Community