I was riding home on Hwy 17 today… boy it’s busy out there. I was noticing all the people and the attractions that captivate them. People are everywhere! They flock to this city to enjoy themselves and break away from their routines.
Some of the main attractions:
1) Putt-Putt Golf - Those courses are packed.
2) Big Boy & Girl Golf - A little slower pace… but still packed.
3) Restaurants – Everywhere you look… people love to eat.
4) Beachwear Stores – Everybody must love beach clothes.
5) The Theaters – Lights, camera, action.
6) The Beach – Of course… It’s the largest swimming pool in the world.
I started thinking about the connection between the people at these attractions and Jesus.
Is there a connection?
Do any of these people know Jesus? I would think so… I do and I like to have fun too.
Does Jesus care about all these people? I think so… that is why He came to earth, to forgive us… the people… and reconnect us to the God of the universe.
How do we communicate this message… this Good News… to all these people who are attracted to the attractions?
If these things have their attention… maybe… just maybe… we should use these things to connect them to the unknown God. I think this is what a dude named Paul did in Acts 17. He took the idols that had people’s attention and introduced them to the One True God. He helped them find what they were looking for… a relationship with Jesus.
Missional minded churches do this! They look at the culture and find ways to connect people to Jesus by using what’s around them. If we go across the ocean or across the street… we’d better find a connection point. Jesus did it all the time… He was a master at this in His earthly ministry. The greatest demonstration of this is when He became one of us. That’s getting pretty relevant! Jesus was on a mission.
People need to see that Jesus can change their life and direction. Our job is to teach them this… Make Disciples… Followers of Jesus… but we have to connect with them first.
Then we have a chance for the mentoring process… that’s discipleship… showing them that Jesus can work in their everyday life. Jesus works in our marriages, careers, relationships and finances. Discipleship is about making Jesus the center of our lives… at home, work and play. I am glad to be a part of a church that get’s this.
1 comment:
The third to last paragraph is the crucial point. So often churches and church individuals (subconsciously) think being a Christian is about exclusivity and hope if we act good enough then people will be amazed and come ask why we are different. Purposely connecting with people where they are at though is far more instrumental in building a realtionship and telling them about Christ. And it's also a whole lot harder.
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