Ordinary Attempt #4 -- Bring Up Something Spiritual

Well, here we are, the final element that we are adding to our ordinary attempts -- looking for opportunities to add something spiritual to the conversations that you have with people.

What does that look like? Here's a simple example: You ask someone how they are doing, and as you listen they tell you that they are going through something hard. And so, you tell them you will pray for them. Maybe the next time you see them you ask them about their circumstance and tell them that you have been praying for them. In my experience people not only will not say no to your offer to pray for them. In fact, regardless of their faith background, people most often are blessed when you tell the that you are going to pray for them -- and even more blessed when you tell them you have done so.

That's just one example of how you might introduce something spiritual into your conversation with somebody. There are lots of other ways to do this -- it's Christmas time, use your imagination. Don't forget to have fun in the process, and don't forget that God is at work in all the places you where you engage people (before, during and after you get there).

I look forward to reading about your ordinary attempts to expose people to the reality that the Kingdom of God has come near to them.

Ordinary Attempt #3 -- Ask Somebody How They Are Doing (and listen as they tell you)

Maybe this one seems a little harder to you -- maybe it doesn't. Either way, I think this one is really important, and I think you will really enjoy it if you give it a try. Basically, all you need to do is ask somebody how they are doing. Not in a simple greeting thing, but in a way where you look them in the eye, ask them how they are doing, and then wait; wait until they have a chance to tell you how they are really doing.

Remember, God wants us to be apprenticed to him, to be his disciples, growing in intimacy with him so that we can know him in such a way that we can sense his leading and do things that demonstrate him to a world full of people whom he created in his image, who he loves, and who he wants to be in relationship with.

That’s why we are doing the ordinary attempts – noticing people God notices, praying to God for people who he created, asking someone how they are doing – and listening as they tell us, letting them know that someone is interested in them – in a busy world, it’s like offering them a cold cup of water – a little bit of the kingdom of God coming near them.

And that’s why it’s so important -- for the people you ask and for you to participate, to experience what God will do as you partner with him for the sake of the people he loves. It’s really about the love and the intimacy and the peace and hope that Jesus offers -- and allowing yourself to be a part of being a piece of that for people. Here's something to remember thought, as you step out into what might be some fear in doing this, Jesus will be with you with all power and authority, bringing to you a large chunk of that love, intimacy, peace and hope that you are bringing to others -- JUST BY ASKING THEM HOW THEY ARE?

That's cool. I look forward to reading your comments.

Ordinary Attempt #2 -- Pray For Someone (Secretly)

So, now we add something new -- maybe you have been doing it all along.

During the past couple of weeks, we have been intentionally noticing people whom we might not otherwise notice. I hope you have found that it fun, that you have noticed, that as you notice others you begin to see them differently. We are all made in the image of God -- even those who don't know him. God cares for and desires to know each and every person -- and He is glad you notice them. Keep it up!

But now, as you notice somebody, pray for them too. Secretly, not out loud -- that might freak them out and make them think you are a stalker. No, just in your heart and in your head, pray to God on behalf of the person you notice.

Oh, and don't forget to post your comments -- what you noticed, what you prayed. And also, don't forget to have fun noticing and praying for people God loves.

Ordinary Attempt #1 -- Notice Somebody

The Ordinary Attempt this week is real easy -- just notice somebody. That's right, no need to talk to them or meet them or tell them anything. No, just notice.

Like, for example if you are driving down the street and you see a lady walking on the sidewalk and as you stop at the stoplight she is crossing in front of you and you decide to notice her. Maybe she looks kind of tired, "I wonder why she looks so tired, is there something that is keeping her up at night, some problem that is weighing her down?"

Or maybe you're at school, and there is someone that isn't in your normal group -- you don't even know his name, and you decide to notice him. Notice what he looks like, does he look sad or happy, "I wonder what his life is like, is today a good day for him?"

Just notice someone this week. Oh, I guess there is one more thing, but it is a small one -- write down or otherwise record your "noticing," and then share it here. That way others can participate in your noticing, and you can participate in theirs. Make sense?

I look forward to hearing your stories

What's Up With This "Ordinary Attempts?"

The idea basically is "doable evangelism" as opposed to "weird evangelism," the kind where you are all scared and you end up not saying a thing, because it is really a socially awkward activity. Jesus longs for people don't know him to come to know him. And guess what? The people who know him are the ones he will use to introduce those who don't to him -- strange huh (being introduced to someone you don't know by someone who knows them)? Evangelism the way we sometimes have been trained to do it, however, has not been all that successful.

But, what if:

1. We took away programs, pitches and presentations?
2. We had to do evangelism without groups or money?
3. Evangelism was a normal part of our lives, like reading the bible or praying?
4. Evangelism was doable, human and fun?

That's what we are doing, that's doable evangelism and it takes place through our ordinary attempts (and faith in Jesus that as we connect with people and bring him into view, he will do a whole lot of the work)

This blog is a place to share our stories about our ordinary attempts. That's right, attempts are what count -- we are not counting the results per say (those are really not up to us). Instead, we are telling "attempt stories."

Each entry will describe the ordinary attempt. Then, you can share what you did with that attempt -- easy, huh? But, don't forget -- have fun, and be yourself. Check out the official doable evangelism site to read more about it and to check out the stories of others.