The fifth session in Mission Stories, the resource DVD I’m launching next month, focuses on how we connect with particular people groups. Christianity is a universal movement, with a faith that can be adopted and adapted by people in any culture. We can attempt to work on a generic expression of church for a generic population, or we can nurture welcoming expressions of church that take on the colours, flavours, smells and tastes of local communities. Melting pot or spicy tossed leaf salad.
Here’s a few questions from the Mission Stories material…
So how do we identify the people groups that we might connect with?
1. Is there a culture that has developed in the local community, associated with shared experiences and shared perspectives on the world? Rural and mining communities have economies that shape their culture, for example. What are the best expressions of that shared culture? This is an easier question to explore in smaller communities.
2. Are there particular ethnic identities in which people share a common understanding of the world? These people may have an existing connection through a soccer club (Spanish, Portuguese for example), a cultural dance group (Maori, Filipino, Cook Island). People may be scattered and disconnected, and looking for a place to be themselves.
3. Are there particular life stages or transition points that you have an affinity for? Pre-schoolers, school children, teenagers, young adults, students, parents of young children, engaged couples, parents of teenagers, divorcees, newly arrived immigrants, retirees, widows and widowers…
3. What about generational focus points? Do you have a natural affinity with the aspirations of Baby Boomers? Gen X? Gen Y? Not to be confused with life stages.
4. Are there particular clusters focused on needs that you could relate to? Think grief recovery, parenting support, disabilities, people on low income, single parents, mental health…
5. Are there shared passions that you could connect with? Gardening, fishing, music, art, food, sport, craft, biking, exercise, writing, movies, technology, gaming, photography, shopping, philosophy, travel, clothing, animals, science
6. Are there shared world views and spiritualities that you connect with? Progressive and careful thinkers? Passionate seekers of supernatural experience? Contemplatives? Activists?