Five Ways to Develop a More Missional Mindset in the New Year

 The New Year is in full swing, and I am still trying to take down my Christmas decorations.  Last year seemed to end in the blink of an eye, and I realize that I need to be more intentional about making wise choices that help me to redeem the time for His Kingdom purposes. 

In order to do this, I decided to do some goal setting for 2016.  I established a work out schedule, and I picked a reading plan to make sure that I read through my Bible.  I also re-examined my budget, set aside time for fellowship on my calendar, and jotted down a list of books I want to read. 

Just this week, I realized that I failed to do one thing as I was planning out my year.  I forgot what my most important role is as a Daughter of the King.  I neglected to create a master plan for mission-minded activity. 

You see, right before the Resurrected Christ ascended to heaven, He gave His disciples marching orders.  He declared what our primary goal should be as we live out our lives here on earth in His name: 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

How am I going to share the Good News in 2016?  What time am I going to set aside for discipleship and helping to equip others who desire to make Him known?  If I don’t plan now, this year is going to slip by, and I will miss precious opportunities to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.

So, I jotted down some ideas of how I can be purposeful this year.   I hope they will encourage you as you pray about doing the same:

Five Missional-Minded Goals:
I’d love to see a friend or coworker come to know Christ this year.  Setting missional-minded goals could help set a captive free and transform a life.  Let’s purpose to stay on mission in 2016. 

1. Volunteer to serve your community and get involved in meeting the needs of your neighbors.Is there a local homeless shelter or food pantry in your community that needs help?As you rub shoulders with other volunteers and pray, you might just have an opportunity to share the Gospel with someone who needs to hear the story of the hope that is within you.
   
2. Have lunch with your coworkers and invest time in listening to their stories.Ask questions and pray for the opportunity to share your God story with them.
3. Invest time and energy into the life of a person in your circle of influence who does not know Christ. Invite them out for coffee.Bake cookies and ring a doorbell with treats in hand.Mow a neighbor’s lawn.Host a neighborhood picnic.Consider how you might create room in your life for someone who is not a church goer, but will respond to friendship.
4. Make a habit of going for a walk around your block in the early evening.Smile at passersby and be a “regular” chatty neighbor who is willing to stop and listen.As you walk, you can pray for your neighbors to come to know the Truth that will set them free.
5. Pray daily for God to give you eyes to see the needs in your community, for boldness and wisdom to share Christ, and for His Holy Spirit to empower you when the opportunity to share presents itself.

I’d love to see a friend or coworker come to know Christ this year.  Setting missional-minded goals could help set a captive free and transform a life.  Let’s purpose to stay on mission in 2016.

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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