Getting started

Now that you are passionate about reaching people in your world and you’re going to start with building relationships with those in your sphere of influence, today we will look at some practical tips to help you focus and start strong.

1. Pray

Any genuine work of reaching people and changing communities must start from a place of prayer because, ultimately, God saves, and we don’t. So to strive to reach people without first inviting God to be a part of it is to sell ourselves short!

When it comes to this topic, you might pray for:  

• Pray for your city 
• Pray for those in your world 
• Pray for opportunities and divine appointments to present themselves 
• Pray for boldness 
• Pray for your church 
• Pray for a greater appreciation and grasp of the message (the gospel)

There are many things to pray for, but the point is – begin with prayer!

2. Identify relationships

Be intentional in sitting down and identifying who you think you might be able to influence. Write down a few names on a piece of paper or in your phone so you can continually lift them up in prayer by name and be aware of opportunities that may present themselves.

3. Invest in relationships 

Once you have identified the who, start to plan the what. Take time to become personally involved in the lives of others and begin to build a genuine relationship with them. You might do this by:  

• Inviting them to coffee/lunch 
• Inviting them to participate in a hobby or recreational activity with you 
• Celebrate their birthday or anniversary

There are countless ways to do this, but one thing is certain – it will be an investment of your time, talent, and treasure!

4. Partner with the Church

Reaching your world impacts the community, but alongside your personal involvement in the mission of Jesus, get involved in the initiatives and mission opportunities present at your local church. You may be able to invest time or resources to reach people and serve others in ways that wouldn’t be possible on your own.

5. Stay accountable

Missions is better with friends. Don’t feel like you need to be a solo Christian superhero, but instead, partner with a small group of people from your church who share this passion and allow them to keep you accountable as you go on this journey. 

Our prayer is that this devotional has helped to stir a deeper desire in you to reach those in your world and get involved in changing your city, nation, and ultimately the world for Christ!