Congratulations to those who won a free copy of my book Not Like Me: A Field Guide For Influencing a Diverse World! Rather than 5 winners as promised in my last newsletter, I gave away 7.
Mary Ann, Bob R., Lisa R., Angela P., Mark C., Michael L., and Raj L.
To be one of the first to hear about the book giveaways, sign up for my monthly newsletter which also includes resources and articles. Go to the top right of my website (www.ericbryant.org) to sign up. It’s free!
Four free sample chapters can be found at www.notlikeme.org.
Whether you are trying to start a small group, ministry, a non-profit organization, or a church, here are seven principles for catalyzing community described in Not Like Me :
Principle #1: Cause creates community.
Our cause = moving people to become the person God created them to be.
Principle #2: Meet the needs of those around us.
We need to seek to meet the physical, emotional, economic, and spiritual needs of those around us. We should be pursue helping change the environment and change the individual who is looking for change.
Principle #3: Reach out to Xenos
Hospitality means loving strangers. A similar word, “hospice,” means “a safe place.” Our homes, our businesses, and our churches should become safe places for strangers to experience kindness and love.
Principle #4: Develop authentic friendships with those you know.
Are we loving, serving, and influencing our family, neighbors, co-workers and friends?
Jesus was willing to ruin His reputation to reach out to others who were far from God.
Principle #5: Allow people to belong before they believe.
We should never allow our convictions to become a litmus test for friendship. In fact, we should actively pursue friendships with people – even people with whom we may disagree.
- “Come as you are, and you don’t have to stay that way!” (see www.gatewaychurch.com/podcast)
- Go to www.mosaic.org/faq for more on the staff process at Mosaic.
Principle #6: Raise up a team of leaders to replace you
MPAC = Ministry through a pastor, assimilator, and catalyst
We need to make decisions based on who is not yet here rather than who has been here the longest.
Principle #7: Start Over
What have you seen help create community in your context?
I just added this book to our church library!
Thanks! Hope many find it helpful!