Mission Through Meals
As we continue considering how best we can build relationships with those outside of the church community with the hopes of reaching them for Christ, consider this quote from Tim Chester on how mission works through something as simple as a meal:
“Jesus didn’t run projects, establish ministries, create programs, or put on events. He ate meals. If you routinely share meals and you have a passion for Jesus, then you’ll be doing mission. It’s not that meals save people. People are saved through the gospel message. But meals will create natural opportunities to share that message in a context that resonates powerfully with what you’re saying.” (Tim Chester, A Meal with Jesus, p. 89)
Are you looking for a way to better connect with unbelievers in your neighborhood, whom you work with, or just get to know someone better, the best place to do it is around the table. It’s not inaccurate to say that in the Gospels, Jesus was always on mission. And if you follow His movements, He was either going to, at, or coming from a meal. Some of us view meals as something that needs to happen. Simple fuel for our bodies. Yet meals have historically, and should be today, relationship building events. Want to have opportunity to share your faith with your neighbor? Invite them over for dinner. Want to get the chance to talk about Jesus with your coworker? Take them to lunch. Grace, community and mission happen around the table!
Working out Salvation with Fear and Trembling 