We are called to live out the beautiful picture of living on mission with God. He designed us to find joy and contentment as we sacrifice to put others first. We envision a community built on lovingly using your spiritual gifts to engage with others on Sunday. Here are three ways you can be missional at the Gathering:
1. Place Missional Margin on your time
Look around the Gathering next Sunday. How many people have you not seen before? It is always someone’s first time and new guests tend to arrive early. So when they do, we want to warmly welcome them in. So consider placing “missional margin” around your time by showing up 10-15 minutes early to the Gathering and staying 10-15 minutes after to engage with new guests.
2. Pass the Peace
While this might be challenging for you, Pass the Peace can be crucial to a first-time guest at the Gathering. It is an opportunity to help new folks feel invited, expected, and welcomed into our family. My first time at Midtown, I was invited to a cookout that day by some people I had never met who are now friends. I felt cared for and sought out because these people opened up their lives and home to make a difference in a new person’s life.
Here are some questions you can have ready so you aren’t caught off guard when you Pass the Peace:
“How long have you been coming to Midtown?”
If they are new, ask them if they know anyone who attends or if they’re in a LifeGroup.
“Do you know many people here already?”
If they don’t, invite them out to lunch and/or get their phone number!
“What brought you to Columbia?”
A lot of first-time guests are also new to our city. If so, ask what brought them Columbia and what they think about the city so far.
“Are you involved in a LifeGroup?”
If they aren’t, see if they are a good fit for yours or someone else’s you know. Help them get connected!
“What are you doing after the Gathering today?”
Inviting first-time guests into your Sunday plans can make a huge impact on them. If they’ve already got plans, grab their number and invite them to hang out sometime.
3. Serve
Jesus makes it clear that following Him means we serve others (Mark 10:45, Philippians 2:1-10). And serving becomes another avenue to be missional - whether it’s welcoming first-time guests on Parking Team or Host Team, helping with technical logistics on Production Team, or greeting families and teaching kids at Kidtown.
To sign up to serve or learn more, visit the link that corresponds to the church you attend below:
What keeps you from being on mission at a Gathering?
What next steps can you take to be on mission at a Gathering?