household-based, neighbourhood-oriented

more attention is needed to the household-based, neighbourhood-oriented model of Jesus’ ministry in the Gospels. Jesus most frustrating ministry experiences were in the so-called sacred spaces of the religious institutions of his day, the synagogues and the Temple. His most rewarding ministry experiences were in households like the centurion in Capernaum, Peter’s house, Matthew’s house, Zaccheus’ house, Mary & Martha’s house, etc. He had profitable ministry experiences at local watering holes (the Samaritan woman), community gathering spots (the fish market by the wharf in Capernaum), and nearby hillside parks (the Sermon on the Mount, feeding the 5000).

We also know that the Methodist movement was birthed outside the organized religious settings in 18th century England. Class meetings were based in homes; society meetings and agape meals were held in community halls. Wesley and other lay leaders frequented the community gathering spots to preach. The expectation for seekers and new believers was that they attend a weekly class meeting in their own neighbourhood. In this way friends and neighbours could hold a believer accountable for the way he treated his wife and children or conducted himself with local business people.

We need to find ways of doing discipleship that draws disconnected, distorted people back into relationship and community, shaped by the life and ministry of Jesus. Sociologists assure us that we need to adapt our evangelism and disciple-making methods to engage with urban social realities – interest-based networks, work-related connections, technology-driven communities. Maybe so. Or do we need to work toward the recovery of face-to-face, family-oriented, small fellowships that serve as incarnational salt and light in particular neighbourhoods?

Comments

[Alan Adams]

Maybe local, inclusive, weekly, informal, open celebrations of the Eucharist would give a Christo-centric focus to such face-to-face, family-oriented, small fellowships....and proclaim the Lord's death (isn't that the core of true evangelism?) until He comes again.

[Josh]

love the post, a little worried about the language of "profitable ministry experiences!"