What would it look like if our own backyards were the starting point of God’s mission in our lives? Sometimes we prefer to stay home with the curtains drawn, the garage door sealed, and the fences built nice and high. But God invites us to get out from behind the fences in our lives to connect with the people around us.
God’s Mission = Our Mission
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Our mission is to follow the example of Jesus in drawing all people into loving relationship with God. Jesus tells us to get over the fences in our lives to connect and share with others. But more than that, He Himself did exactly this for us – setting the example first by becoming human and crossing the divide between us and God.
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
This guide provides practical, everyday ways to become more like Jesus by reaching out to others. Get over the fence by walking through the 5 steps of F.E.N.C.E. …
1. First Pray
“God, may Your kingdom come and Your will be done. Please provide me with an opportunity today to cross the barriers between myself and others. Help me to be aware of Your presence and Your leading today.”
We can pray for the people who are part of our day-to-day lives.
Who do you live, work, or play with that is far from God? Pray that God would create spiritual curiosity in them.
We can even pray over the places where we spend the most time.
- Where does pain exist here? Pray for healing.
- Who makes the decisions here? Pray for guidance.
- Who throws the parties here? Pray for community.
- Where are resources needed here? Pray for provision.
2. Ears Open
“God, how do You want me to impact my world today? Help me to listen to and discover the needs of others and where You’re at work.”
Before we can help others find Jesus, we need to listen to them first – their hopes, pains, challenges, and dreams.
Who in my life today needs a listening ear? In your interactions with others today, take the posture of a learner. Lay down your assumptions, practice being present, and listen for Gospel themes. Pay attention to the local news and ask God how you can meet those needs.
3. Nachos
“God, show me how I can extend hospitality today. Show me relationships I can deepen today by sharing a meal or a coffee.”
Simply put, eating is one of the fastest ways to move a relationship from acquaintance to friend.
Who can you share a meal or coffee with who is far from God? A co-worker over lunch? A neighbour during the day? A friend or family member over the weekend?
Is there a place you regularly visit (coffee shop, gym, etc.)? Ask God to give you opportunities to eat with people. Ask God to inspire you with creative ideas for recipes, restaurants, and other ways to be hospitable.
For some quick ideas, check out these other blog posts:
- Something Sweet to Share (Harvest Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe)
- Lemon Garlic Pork Chops Sheet Pan Dinner
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
- There’s S’more to It (get inspired with some s’more ideas)
- For the Love of Mason Jars (easy ways to decorate for the holidays)
4. Caring Acts
“God, You know the needs of the people I’ll interact with today. How can I serve them in ways that show Your love for them?”
Before jumping into serving others with caring acts, have we taken the time to pray for, listen to, and share a meal or coffee with them? Doing these things first helps us discover ways they may really need care.
Who can you serve this week? Who do you know that has a practical need? Ask them how you can help them. Ask God to empower you to serve others with the humility of Jesus.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)
5. Exchange Stories
“God, You’ve made such a difference in my life … Will You give me opportunities and words to tell people all about it?”
Sharing the story of God’s love is essential to participating in God’s mission. It helps people to hear how Christ has actually made a difference in our own life.
What difference has God made in your own life? It might take some reflection on your part to remember how Jesus has changed things for you, but you might be surprised by what comes to mind as you reflect on your story. Unexpected themes might emerge even as you share your story with others. This step can make a big difference in the lives of others, but in your own as well!
Here are some tips on how to share the story of God with others:
- When the timing seems appropriate and natural (don’t force it), share with your friend about how God has shaped your life.
- Point out how you see God at work in their life.
- Don’t feel like you have to share your life story all at once. Think bite-sized stories.
Next Steps
To learn more about this missional way of living using the F.E.N.C.E. acronym, check out the “Over the Fence” weekend series video archives.
Daily
Every day, intentionally look for ways to connect with people on the other side of the physical or emotional fences in your life.
Weekly
Commit to asking the people in your family or small group these questions:
- What are the fences in your life?
- Who do you keep at a safe distance by putting up fences?
- How can you get over the fences in your life?
Good news … you don’t have to do this alone! Get connected into a small group where you can live on mission with others from FAC.
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us – so that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. (Psalm 67:1-2)
