unplanned detours
As I write these words I should be on a basketball court with a group of neighbor youth, giving instruction and encouragement, refereeing games, and building relationships. At least, that […]
Tag Archives: Missional Outreach
when the missional honeymoon ends
I knew this period would arrive. I’ve been here before. Since returning to my church and re-engaging the neighborhood I’ve enjoyed a honeymoon period. It officially concluded tonight. In a […]
evangelism in real life
I don’t typically initiate evangelistic conversations with people. I tried when I was young, and again sporadically as I aged. Painful, faltering episodes, not knowing what to say or how […]
in their shoes
I went to the grocery store this afternoon to pick up a few items. I particularly wanted 1/2 lb of 7% ground beef from the meat counter. Turns out the […]
a single hoop in the neighborhood
A quiet moment behind the church gym early this morning. The neighbors are all sleeping. It’s Sunday. The kids won’t be around for several hours. But they are on my […]
finding common ground in mission
4:30 pm Twelve boys. Ready to play basketball. 1 1/2 hours early. Like me. I guess we are all pumped to begin this new adventure in the neighborhood. But we […]
people skills in evangelism: forgotten and ignored
The purpose of Christ’s church is to worship God and to make disciples of the nations. We’ve spent over two thousand years figuring out how to do this. Each generation has […]
first steps toward learning your neighborhood culture
Culture is the living, breathing, ever-changing sum total of human experience. It encompasses the whole of who we are and how we relate to each other (or do not relate […]
in the margins: living vs visiting
Doing life with others takes time. It is time lived out in the ordinary mundane routines, the special occasions, the crises, and the joys of celebration. About fifty kids from […]
doing life through play
Today I spent the afternoon doing life with my neighbors in and around the apartments where I live. It started with the hot tub by the pool. My muscles needed […]
