First, make it a daily habit to connect with as many people as possible. This can be as simple as making eye contact, smiling and saying “hi” in a friendly way to the people you pass throughout your day (greeters, cashiers, fellow walkers).
Second, break the habit of only hanging out with the same people. While this could be at work or any other setting, it is especially relevant at church. Each and every time you walk into your church, grit your teeth and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. Remember, you once were a stranger too. You could greatly bless them, and they might bless the socks off you too.
Third, invite someone to join you. This could be for just about anything (lunch, golf, a movie, a cup of coffee). The point is to look beyond ourselves and our comfort zone, building community and relationships.
Fourth, volunteer to serve within some existing organization. This could be Little League, school, YMCA, community associations, etc. Again, the point is to reach out and be with people.
Fifth, give people your full attention. Whenever you are interacting with people, please put away all your distractions, especially technology that diverts your attention (phone, smartphone, iPad, browser, laptop). If your phone should ring, ignore it. I promise you, the world will not stop spinning. When most people hear your phone ringing, they will instinctively ask, “Don’t you have to get that?” to which you smile and say, “But what could be more important than talking with you?”
I can hear the screaming in your head: “But my life is already too complex and busy as it is. How can I add more people and time into my life?” The answer is short, simple and yet difficult all at the same time: We may have to trim our lives and lifestyles. Most of us really don’t like to say the word “no,” but that’s exactly what might be required. We need to say no to the good so we can say yes to the greater good.
In all of these ideas, I’m not suggesting you must have a “shotgun wedding for Jesus” mentality. Not that we are afraid of talking about Jesus, but we also don’t need to cram it into every conversation.
The early church has a rich history of reaching a truly broken world. Have we retreated within the safe confines of a Christian compound, walled off from those in need of community and Christ? We must live out the reality of his acceptance and community with us as we accept and build community with those around us. After all, Jesus died for them as much as he died for us. Jesus’ command is crystal clear, the ball is in our court to go, initiating relationships and telling.
