Sunday Morning Breakfast

On Sunday the high school small group that we lead had their first Sunday breakfast. They decided a few weeks ago that they needed one Sunday every month or two where they could have a big breakfast and invite their friends that would not usually go to a church. All the kids brought the food and we had a great time eating and getting to know each other. We even had most of the North Kansas City girls basketball team show up for the 9am service and the breakfast that followed. After we had all eaten I gathered everyone for a brief explanation of the breakfasts and I shared the Gospel. Only one of our visitors fell asleep.

We are really excited about our next breakfast, which will happen March 4th. I have been asked to preach, so we will have the youth lead the service and I will speak. I am so excited to see how these new relationships will continue to grow. I love working with teenagers!

Fortress, Savior, Partner?

On Saturday I had the opportunity to teach a workshop at a small urban youth workers training that was held at the City Union Mission where Stephanie works. My topic was :Engaging the Community. This is a topic that I am very passionate about so I was excited and honored to be asked to share with the group of leaders who have more experience than I do in the area of urban ministry.
I took the time I had with them to share a few things that I had learnt in my training through CCDA last year in Chicago. This information was redefining for me in how churches and organizations can be more effective in engaging its local community. We looked at 3 types of churches/organizations that are described in the book Communities First by Jay Van Groningen.
First there is the Church/organization "in" the community, also known as the fortress. This church/organization does not desire to influence the community or desire for the members of the community to influence it. This is the commuter church/organization that takes up space in the community but does benefit the area in any way.
The second is the church/organization "to" the community, also know as the savior. This church/organization desire to bless the community, but only on its own terms. This church/organization limits the influence the community stakeholders in its planning. The community may benefit in some way from its programs.
Thirdly, is the church/ organization "with" the community, also known as partner. This church/organization desires to influence the community and desires for the community stakeholders to influence it. This church/organization serves and develops the community for reasons and with methods that bring transformation. This church/organization is a contributor to the community.
After reading these what do you think the community surrounding your church/organization would say about you? Are you fortress, savior, or partner? This is a hard question, but for those of us working in under resourced communities we must work toward being partners with the community so that Jesus is made known and communities are transformed.
Let's rebuild from the inside out!