The following post is written by Ryan Brandt, a member of Rob and Lauren Maine’s Community Group.  A few weeks ago the Maine’s group decided to throw a cookout for their neighborhood.  Instead of simply giving one perspective of the cookout, they decided to ask several members of their group to share their expectations, desires, and reactions to the cookout they threw.  This is the second in a three-part series.

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The Situation

Our community group is located in the neighborhood across from the East Campus on Westport Road. Though one might expect this area to be teaming with community groups, our group is relatively isolated. More significantly, before this event, we did not know many of our neighbors—much less, their physical and spiritual situations! Based upon these considerations, we wanted to plan and organize a block party. We set the date, July 6^th, and moved from there.

How We Expected God to Move

Admittedly, our group was full of mixed expectations. Some of us were anxious about the planning and outcome. Others were simply hopeful and excited. Still others did not know what to expect. However, even among the diversity, we all knew that the block party was God’s will. We knew that He would work through us no matter what our anxiety, projected numbers, or budget implied.

More specifically, we expected that this block party would be one preliminary step towards a long, healthy relationship with our neighbors. We prayed for God to move in two special ways. On the one hand, we prayed that God would open up doors in conversations so that, at the very least, we would know how to pray, love, and serve our neighbors. On the other, we prayed that such an opportunity would provide our group with a means of reaching our neighborhood. Though prior to the party, we had little idea what these needs and service would be, we knew that such a party would be a first step towards it.

How the Group Brought the Gospel to Bear

First, we gave to God what was already his, that is, the planning and outcome of the party. While we planned the party with all diligence, we knew that only God could heal hearts and transform lives. The best thing we could do was pray. So this is what we did!

Second, we intentionally engaged our neighbors in conversation. This was especially important, since we knew that our group’s strong friendships could cause a group mentality and undermine our mission. Not only were we intentional, but also we were gospel centered. We realized that this party was not just about hotdogs, beer, and ice cream. The party was ultimately about the justifying, healing, and transforming power of Christ crucified through his Spirit. We were on a mission.

How We Saw God Work

Our expectations were simply blown away by God’s work. It’s not that everything went better than planned; it’s not that we had plenty of food; it’s not that we all had a lot of fun. Yes, these things were true, but we were so blown away because God moved in ways that we did not and could not expect: We saw a relatively unchurched man pray, a hardened and religiousless woman open up, and countless people comment on Sojourn’s uniqueness and their own desire to come.

In the end, it is clear that God displayed his name to these people. In fact, there is no doubt in my mind that when these people look at a Sojourn sign, hear Jesus’ name, or hear about what our church is doing, they will turn their ears with a greater sense of urgency.

The Next Steps

In light of this “preliminary” step, we know better how to serve and love our community. For some of our neighbors this means coming over to visit. For some, it means attending other block parties or community events. And for some more, it means something more. Namely, one or two women expressed potential interest in attending our community group on Tuesday nights. Another man may also attend a church service with us. In light of these fruits, we plan on being more diligent about pursuing and inviting these neighbors to our church. I plan on walking the neighborhood and inviting every two weeks or so.

In light of what God has already done, and in light of the power and veracity of the Gospel, I know that God will work again. As our group continues to pursue these neighbors, we shall pray, love, and serve our community for the glory of Christ. As we do so, we know that many more doors will open, and along with them, many more ways to serve our neighbors.

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To apply for a Seed Grant so that your Community Group can throw an amazing cookout for your neighborhood and begin to know your neighbors, fill out this form.