Location, Location, Location

A friend of mine in church ministry mentioned today that if he were to start all over again that he would begin with service to the community before focusing on the worship service. The later seems to be the concentration of many church plants in America, whereas the missional emphasis of the church is the start point around the globe. That provided some interesting food for thought. It seems that “the church” gets going at a much slower pace with that approach, but does take some pressure off of the performance of ministry (weekend service).

If the church is to truly be missional, then it seems that there needs to be a clear understanding of the people targeted with the Kindgom message of Jesus’ transformation. So is it me, or does narrowing down a location keep coming back up? I would really like to hear from you guys the kind of community and people you see yourself being a prophet unto. Do you sense a calling to that “people group”? Do you have a passion for that “people group”? Are you open to learning more about that “people group” to be an effective communicator?

I will tell you where my mind is (at present) on the topic of location and being missional.

1.) Urban – yet close enough to suburban communities and people who are particularly concerned about “the other side”. I like the Northland area.
2.) Mercy minded ministries – the poor (namely financially and academically / addressing women and young men) and the foreigner
3.) Multi-ethnic flavor – only happens as there is multi-ethnicity in the area. The largest concentration of ethnic diversity is closer into the city, not away from it.