2. The Practice of Being Present
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you …” –Luke 10:5-7
If being sent is the start of doing ministry in a post-Christian world, then the practice of being present naturally follows. When we’re sent, we become present with and among people we’re sent to. This is the way of Jesus. In his incarnation, Jesus is sent to our world and remains present in and among us. As a result, he hears our stories. Jesus mourns and rejoices with us. Our lives are integrated into his—and into his mission of reconciliation.
When Jesus sends the 72 on mission, he commands to them stay, eat and drink. He calls them to be present among people. Just as God sent Jesus, who is present with the world, Jesus calls his followers to go be present with people in the world.
As I’ve been sent to a quirky coffee shop, I’ve begun bringing people from my church along. We’ve decided to intentionally be present with the customers. We’ve learned their names, listened to their stories, been challenged by their beliefs, and become part of their community. We didn’t come with a program to fit people into. Instead, our intent is to be present in the existing culture.
When we choose to be present in a post-Christian world and culture, we begin to see what God is doing. By listening, sharing stories and sharing a table, we discern Christ’s presence among us and reveal him through our faithful presence to a world that doesn’t know him.
3. The Practice of Hospitality
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” –Luke 10:41-42
Over time, often months, of being continually sent and faithfully present, we transition from guest to host. At some point in our engagement with a post-Christian world and its people, we must begin inviting friends and neighbors into our homes. We never lead with invitation. That happens after we’ve been sent and present for a good amount of time.
When people enter our homes and share meals around our tables, we’re practicing hospitality. Understand that hospitality and entertaining aren’t the same. In the account of Mary and Martha, Martha focuses on entertaining while Mary focuses on hospitality. Martha wants the house and food perfect, while Mary wants to spend time with Jesus.
