In this installment of “Ask Caesar” I answer the question of why a missional community will fail in your context. It’s a question I get asked A LOT, one that is most often put to me, though, as an objection. It usually sounds something like this…
“I think that missional community life probably works great where you live, but you don’t understand my context. People are different here… they’ll never have you into their homes, or come over to your place. Folks are just too busy or not open to relationship like this in our city.”
Self-fulfilling Prophecy
So here’s the short answer to those of you who believe that living a missional lifestyle in community won’t work in your context:
You already believe it will fail and therefore you’re probably living out a self-fulfilling prophecy. Really.
I have heard this question/objection a thousand times (literally) and in every conceivable context around the US and all over the world where I’ve gotten to teach. And it is always from those who have yet to try much of anything. Their own fears of rejection, or their love of self and comfort have been conveniently guarded by their professed certainty of failure. [clickToTweet tweet=”Their own fears of rejection or love of self & comfort have been conveniently guarded by their certainty of failure.” quote=”Their own fears of rejection, or their love of self and comfort have been conveniently guarded by their professed certainty of failure.”]
No One Likes To Fail
I get it. Most of us will never start a new work or endeavor if we’re pretty sure it will fail. Why would we?! I don’t like feeling stupid, awkward or looking like a failure either.
But let me tell you, after living in several missional communities and helping hundreds of other folks start communities in cities, suburbs, in rural areas, rich and poor, American, European, Slavic, Chinese etc. I have never found a place where people do not desire to be known, loved and find a place at the table. I’ve never seen it.
People are people and all of us desire the same things. Their context may color their fears or enhance certain idols in their life, but deep down, people have all been created in God’s own image and desire true, authentic community. And this is true of all believers and not-yet believers alike.
Remember, you already have God’s perfect love and acceptance in full because of Jesus, so you can get out there and “risk” it all and lose nothing!
To help you believe what I’m suggesting is true, and get unstuck, ask yourself these questions:
- What is my biggest fear with living a lifestyle of discipleship and mission in community?
- How might my training (or lack of) be influencing my thoughts and actions or producing anxiety?
- How is my tradition of Church and understanding of “mission” influencing my spiritual life locally with my family and close friends?
- Could it be that I currently love my time and comfort more than God’s mission and those people that are far from Him?
- What are a few small and “safe” steps that I would be willing to take in order to get started and see if Caesar is correct?
You still may not be convinced. I recently had a strong leader that I admire tell me that he felt somewhat disrespected by me because I insisted that this in fact would work in his context. “But you don’t know us yet…!”
Then he tried a few simple experiences that I suggested.
He’s beginning to believe!
If you’ve not done so yet, please download my free Start-up Guide: Leading Your Family and Community on Mission to get 7 proven steps that you can start with today. The next best time to believe that this can and will work for you is now. Let’s get started.
Leave me any other questions, push-backs or encouragement you have in the comments below. I LOVE hearing from you.
