I recently wrote an article for Facts and Trends on reaching the strangers next door. Check it out.
Here is a list of 8 guidelines to help you get started in reaching the unreached people groups living around you. I noted these in the article. Take them, apply them, and share them with others in your church.
Be Intentional. Reaching the strangers next door will not happen by happenstance. Being a wise Kingdom steward means being intentional about it.
Learn as You Go. The best time to start is now. Not after you have attended this or that seminar, and not even after you have read Strangers Next Door (but definitely read it later). You will never know enough. Your learning will never be complete. You must learn as you go and adjust as necessary.
Be Willing to Make Mistakes. You’ve got to, or you will never do anything. Stay humble and do not expect perfection of yourself or the people you lead.
Recognize the Bridges of God. God has established social networks among the strangers next door. These often stretch across this country and into other countries. Reach and teach new believers to run with the gospel across these relationships. Consider using these transnational social networks as a guide for where you and your church will go on short term mission trips in the near future. Ever considered staying with an unbelieving family in India who is connected to your new Indian friend next door in the U. S.?
Look for Receptivity. Share the gospel with everyone, but spend most of your time and energy with those asking (or coming close to asking) the Philippian Jailer’s question (Acts 16:30).
Pray in All Things. Need I say more?
Find Connecting Points. Talk about their interests. Share your interests. Ask questions about their religious and political views (everyone in the world loves to talk about these matters in private conversations with strangers except Americans, and Canadians, some Australians. . . okay, most people do, anyway). Connect over coffee, tea, kids events, sports. Share your holiday traditions with them; learn their traditions.
Make Disciples. Preach the gospel. Call them to repentance and faith. Baptize. Teach obedience.
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Jon Hirst, President of GMI is my guest this week on Strike the Match. Don’t miss our conversation! Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS
