. . . Meeting new people . . .

Last Thursday I met with Roger Ross, the Director of Congregational Excellence for the Missouri United Methodist Churches to talk about the current state of our re-launch. Pastor Robyn joined us and there is definite excitement from varying levels in our denomination about the work being done in Raytown. It may be slow going, but we are doing work in our community, prayer walks in our neighborhood, the community meal launch team is gearing up by focusing outward.
One sign of a healthy church is when we are thinking and praying about those not with us. Our prayers are what help us gain the confidence we need to start going outside our building and investing in relationships with others. I see you all taking these steps if you're not already fully doing it. These kinds of efforts, going outside to meet new people, is what grows and multiplies the kingdom.

Roger told me about a pastor in Eureka, Missouri who has made it his goal to meet 20 new people each week. As I heard that I was like, WOW! Who has time for that? Guess what, it's totally doable - I never realized until Thursday that meeting 20 new people each week is not only possible, it's probable. Think about it, you go to the grocery store, and you intentionally go to a cashier you've never met. You ask him how his day is, ask him what he's excited about in the next few days, introduce yourself, and get his name - then write it down! I decided to give it a try - and I got 6 names in less than five days. I have prayed for those people by name each night before going to bed.

Here was my prayer last night (I'm writing this on Tuesday):

God of grace,
I lift up to you Rachael - move in her heart to hear your voice. Move her into a relationship or a deeper relationship with you.
I lift up to you Tyler - move in his heart to hear your voice. Move him into a relationship or a deeper relationship with you.
And so on...

This practice in just a few short days has made me intentional about meeting someone new each day and praying for them by name.
This practice is almost effortless, but it requires I pay attention to those around me.

My prayer for you is that you join me in praying for all the new people you meet as you venture outside the church walls.