(Click on the diagram to see it bigger.)
The first thing we're doing is putting on a free BBQ breakfast, welcoming anyone in the local community. This is a chance to meet people, make new friends, help people to meet other locals, and enjoy fun and food together. There's nothing directly spiritual about these - no talk, prayer, etc. But they are still a way to share the Kingdom of Heaven, through our generosity, grace and love, and through the fun and friendships.
If people want to come to something a little more spiritual, they can come along and bring something tasty to our morning tea. This will probably be in the park as well, so it'll stay informal, but we'll also have a spiritual discussion - talking about life, God, relationships, heaven, work, the Bible, parenting, etc. - engaging with Jesus and his way of life. We'll pray a little as well, for each other and for those who want it.
Along the way, we might find that some extra teaching may be required. E.g. Finding out about Jesus and the Bible, or what a Jesus perspective might be on parenting, marriage, money, etc. We can add these whenever we need to.
Out of all of this, and over time (probably a long time) will grow a group of people who will be our little church, where real friendship, encouragement, family, prayer and spiritual growth happens. We're praying Jesus grows us into a church that represents him well and shares his love and light in our community.
We'll keep organising the free BBQs the whole way, because it's a great way to connect with people and generously share some of what we've been blessed with, and down the track there might be some other ideas for social gatherings that we could also do. The cycle provides the potential to give birth to other church communities in the future, in different areas, or with different people groups, as more people experience the Kingdom of Heaven and begin to become Jesus' light in the world.
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