CHICAGO, IL – I am a missionary and so are you. We are called to be missionaries right where we live, work and play. Often, maybe too often, we only think of missionaries as those who give their lives to go far away and serve the Lord in jungles or vastly different culture. While there are those who do and we are thankful for them, you and I are called just as they are to be representatives of the Gospel before the world around us.
Take a look at the diagram to find your way: STEPS TOWARD NEIGHBORHOOD MISSIONS!
Map out your neighborhood – draw the immediate area around your home.
Create margin – allow time to be a missionary by scheduling your efforts.
Prepare for mission – what are some ways to engage your neighbors?
Pray up – lift up your neighbors address until you get to know them.
Drop by – Intentionally engage your neighbors while working outside or walking.
Make the ask – Invite them to church.
Invite over – create opportunities for your neighbors to get to know you.
Look for opportunities – God will provide chances to connect, don’t miss them.
Fuel up – Stay constant in your quiet time, your church and small groups to be ready for missionary service.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ed Stetzer holds the Billy Graham Distinguished Chair of Church, Mission, and Evangelism at Wheaton College, Executive Director of the Billy Graham Center, Dean of the Wheaton College School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership, and is interim teaching pastor of Moody Church in Chicago.