5 Ways to Forge Missional Friendships

I live next door to one of the pastors at my church, and I have learned so much from watching how he and his wife love on others Carolyn bakes cookies at Christmas time. Jorge mows the lawn for several people in the neighborhood.They open up the doors to their home and invite people in for a meal I often see them standing on a neighbor’s front door stoop having a chat.They live their lives on mission with such easy going transparency. Jesus lived a life of sacrificial friendship.He wasn’t in too much of a hurry to listen to someone’s story.He had eyes to see the hurting.He listened.He invited others in with genuine care. 

I want to live a life that welcomes others in and points them to the Truth that will set them free. More and more, I am realizing that this will require me to intentionally move toward the lonely and the lost.   

How about you?  Do you want to join me on this purposeful mission to love others to Christ through friendship?  Let’s begin by

• Encouraging the likeminded:  Jesus lived in community, not isolation.  He prayed with friends, broke bread with friends, and served with friends.  It’s important to forge relationships with people of faith because iron sharpens iron.  Your friends should be pushing you toward greater growth and understanding of the Truth.  Do you have these types of relationships? 
  
  
• Caring for the Hurting:  We are called to be present for one another.  Just as Christ stopped to minister to those who needed healing, we are to do the same.  Who in your circle of influence is brokenhearted right now?  One of the most missional things you can do is to give them your attention, listen to their story, and pray for their restoration. 
  
  
• Serving our Community – Is there a food bank, homeless shelter, or convalescent home in your neighborhood?  Does your neighbor need his lawn mowed?  Is there a 5K at the local park for a charity?  Take a look around your town and see where the needs are for friendship.  As you offer Christ your “loaves and fishes,” He will multiply your efforts to feed the hungry and open up doors for you to share the Good News. 
  
  
• Inviting in the Lonely:  Do you like to cook?   Can you buy takeout?  Do you make a great pot of coffee?  Practicing hospitality is a great way to be in mission.  Someone close by to you needs a little TLC and a home cooked meal.  Ask God to help you be a “noticer.”  A single mom, a college student away from home for the first time, an elderly neighbor are all people who may accept your invitation.  You could share the Good News over a cup of tea. 
  
  
• Sharing with the Lost:   Are all your friends “church friends” who look like you?  Jesus ate with publicans and sinners.  Maybe it’s time to step out of your comfort zone.  An easy way to do this is to pick up a hobby that helps you to rub shoulders with those who don’t tend to show up at church on Sunday.   Maybe you can join a Zumba class or join a softball league.  You can’t reach the modern day “Samaritan” if you never leave the temple and walk down the city streets. 
  
   
  
  

Like Christ, let’s invite others in to friendship.  Let’s be present for the hurting.  Let’s listen to others and wash feet.  Perhaps baking a batch of cookies for your neighbor could open up the door of their heart to the Gospel.  Wouldn’t that be amazing?  I encourage you to take a practical step this week toward developing a mission-minded friendship.  Your small efforts might make an eternal difference in someone’s life. 

 

 

About Lyli

Lyli Dunbar loves teaching.  For 17 years, she mentored teenagers in the Christian school setting, and now she has serves as Associate Director of Curriculum at Trinity International University Florida. Lyli married her Prince Charming in her 40’s and has a heart for encouraging young couples and singles in God’s waiting room.  She enjoys road trips with her husband, connecting with women through Bible study, and reading way too many books. Lyli writes about life lessons and faith on her personal blog. You may also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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