by Rich Fry & David Parker

Every Tuesday, a West Seattle pastor’s wife takes their son shopping at the same grocery store. She visits the same checker, and many of the employees not only know her and her son by name, but buy animal crackers or cookies for her son and have them ready for him when they arrive.

On most Wednesdays after Men’s Morning Prayer, a handful of guys go out for breakfast, and patronize the same local eatery. Each week, they are served by the same waitress, who has practically memorized their usual orders. The men began to ask her if there was anything for which she needed prayer. On the morning of Christmas Eve, they presented her with a Christmas Gift to show their appreciation for her service, and to show to her the same grace and love that Jesus has given us.

Every Sunday after the 5pm service, a community group has dedicated itself to gathering with some West Seattle campus staff at the local pub for fellowship, and looking for opportunities to be missional to the employees and community.

These are merely examples of ways we can patronize local establishments, make personal connections with the employees and other regulars, and get on a first-name basis with them. As the saying goes, “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” And it’s not just about an agenda, it’s about truly loving people and showing them, through our actions, the love that Christ has shown us.

We can, and should, do this as well with our neighbors, our co-workers, and our friends who don’t know Jesus. As we embrace this New Year, let’s continue to focus on Jesus and His Great Commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)

Let us also pray that we would be good stewards of our missional opportunities, and commit ourselves to studying God’s Word so we can be prepared to witness to those who need to hear His message.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6 ESV)

Let not those who hope in You be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek You be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. (Psalms 69:6 ESV)