Because I continually talk with believers who are cocooned in the church world, I’m updating and re-posting these thoughts about how to get out of the Christian bubble (and, if you’re not sure about whether you’re in the bubble, you might check out this post about signs we’re in the bubble). I hope some of these suggestions are helpful to you:
- Confess your isolation to God. Our God came to a non-believing world. He initiated the gospel conversation with us. When we cocoon ourselves among believers, we’re not where He wants us to be.
- If you’re a church staff member, plan at least ½ day each week to be among lost people. That is to say, you have to schedule this time—especially if you’ve been in the bubble for a long time. Turning outwardly doesn’t happen without intentionality.
- If you’re a layperson, see your co-workers with the eyes of Jesus—as sheep without a shepherd (Matt. 9:36). You might find that you’re already working in a mission field; you just haven’t seen it that way. You may already work outside the bubble.
- Develop hobbies as a means to develop relationships. I’ve known believers who invest in others through hunting groups, biker organizations, sports leagues, reading clubs, and crafts groups. It’s always fun when we can witness for Christ while also doing something we enjoy doing.
- Join a local gym. We have a gym at Southeastern Seminary (where I teach), but I don’t use that one. Working out at a local gym gives me access to non-believers.
- Join a civic organization. Joining a local organization like the Chamber of Commerce allows us to meet non-believers while also gaining a voice in the community.
- Coach a sports team—and not only one in a Christian league. You’ll have all kinds of opportunities to be a witness before kids, parents, and grandparents. You can also teach your kids how to win and lose in ways that please God.
- Invest in your kids’ or grandkids’ schools. You ought to be doing that anyway, but getting to know teachers and administrators can open the door to gospel conversations. It can also pave the way for your church to corporately connect with the school.
- Have regular dinners with unchurched neighbors. That is, intentionally get to know your neighbors by having a monthly dinner with a different family. Folks who may not come to your church might come to your home.
- Study or work at a local coffee shop. You might be surprised how many people regularly hang out at coffee shops and talk together. Some of my students do most of their evangelism with regulars at the coffee shop where they do their homework.
- Prayerwalk your neighborhood. Walk and pray, but don’t forget to stop and talk to people along the way. Conversations can always lead to a church invitation, if not evangelism.
- Do a prayer survey of your neighborhood. A prayer survey is a prayerwalk with intentionality—simply asking neighbors what prayer concerns they have. My experience is that many people behind closed doors are bearing heavy burdens alone.
- Visit the closest university. Find out what Christian organizations are doing work there. Get to know international students on the campus. Hang out with hundreds or thousands of young non-believers, and your prayer for a lost world will change.
What other ideas would you add to this list?
