SHARING THE GOSPEL IN YOUR CITY
This stage is about using what you have learned and the people you have met in your community to create a plan for sharing the Gospel in a way that fits your community. Think about how to meet people’s real needs and speak to their fears, hopes, and struggles. Ask yourself: How can Jesus’ story become part of their story?
Pay attention to how people in your community best understand things. Do they prefer logical explanations, emotional stories, or personal relationships? Start with what they already know and value. Then, gently help them grow by showing how the Gospel brings hope and healing.
LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL
Living out the Gospel means more than just preaching or teaching. It is about showing God’s love in everyday life. Ask yourself: How can I help make my neighborhood a better place? How can I be a blessing to those around me? Talk with people and local leaders to learn what the community needs. Let your church’s worship, music, and activities reflect the Gospel in ways that feel natural and meaningful to the people who live there.
One of the marks of a mission-minded church is that it has an outward focus towards the community because Christians believe that God is on mission and is drawing people towards Himself (missio Dei). At this stage most of the time needs to be focused on networking, connecting with community leaders, sharing the Gospel and inviting others into your community.
When you build intentional relationships with all kinds of people in your community, you value them. You learn the things that they value and the cultural rhythms of the community. The only way to discover these things is by respectfully interacting with community leaders and residents.
BUILDING BRIDGES
The person of peace is a Biblical concept that Jesus taught his disciples as he sent them out on mission. In Luke 10:5-6 Jesus said, “When you enter a house first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.”
What does a person of peace look like?
- They are not just open to the Gospel, but they receive the Gospel freely.
- They are in a position of influence over their family, friends and within the community.
- They could introduce you to their sphere of influence.
- They are great bringers and includers of others.
Everyone is on a Spiritual Journey
Do you believe people are on a spiritual journey? The answer to that question is an indicator of their spiritual receptivity. Throughout the gospels we discover people who were spiritually curious and actively seeking Jesus. For instance, Mary attentively listened to Jesus in Luke 10:39. Nicodemus sought Jesus at night in John 3:1-21. Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus (Luke 19:1-10). However, other people were resistant to Jesus (Luke 11:37-54; John 12:36b-38). Who are people of peace in your community? Can you invite them into your new ministry or new church plant?
We want to help you start new ministry and new church plants.
The following is a guide to help you link to your city.
RESOURCES
