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Welcome to Day 10 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.
As we follow Jesus, we see that he often shared meals with unbelievers and even went to parties with them. Meal times and celebrations are wonderful ways to connect relationally with others in your life.
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. (Mark 2:15)
Think about your own meal times…
- When was the last time you invited unbelievers into your home to share a meal together?
- When was the last time you were invited into the home of unbelievers to share a meal?
As I assess potential church planters, I often ask them these questions. It’s surprising to me how many of those I assess aren’t that comfortable hanging out with non-Christians. And I have to admit that in my life, it’s easy to focus on my Christian friendships and invest my time and energy with them. However, that makes it really difficult to influence anyone with the hope of the gospel.
One of the best ways to build relationships with people is to share a meal together.
DAY 10 ACTION STEP: Start the Habit of Sharing Meals
I was challenged by Michael Frost (co-author of The Shaping of Things to Come) to develop a rhythm of life in community with other Christians that includes eating with non-believers. He emphasized the importance of “community” as he shared how one of the “missional rhythms” of his church was to Eat with 3 People Each Week:
- one meal with non-Christians
- one meal with Christians
- one meal with either non-Christians or Christians
Be the presence of Jesus in your relationships.
Day 10 Missional Challenge: Make a habit of sharing meals every week with those who don’t yet know Jesus.
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