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Equipping You

To become more like Jesus

This is our mission, our purpose. It's why we exist. We do this by sharing the grace and truth of Jesus with as many people as we can. It's how we can fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), and how we can make more and better disciples. 

You are the 99 - those who know Jesus and call Him your Lord and Savior. And you are called to reach your ONE. The person in your life who does not know Jesus, and God is calling you to walk alongside. This page is designed to help equip you to identify your ONE, perhaps someone in your neighborhood, and to then engage with your ONE through some actionable steps as you lean into what God is doing in and through you.  

Reference this page as often as you need to help you to become more like Jesus, by Praying First, Reaching Your ONE, and Sharing His Grace and Truth.

Are you trying to find your ONE?

Do you need some help to identify who God has placed in your life to pray for, to walk alongside, to invite into a relationship with Jesus? One of the most powerful places to start is right outside your front door. We want to share the grace and truth of Jesus with the people God has already placed around us. 

Pastor Matt walked through this book, "The Art of Neighboring", as a part of a sermon series to help us learn how to live out Jesus' command to love our neighbor. The book and series are two great places to start on your journey to love those God has placed (literally) next door to you. 

Where is God challenging you to grow in this area? Who is He calling you to love? Who is your One?

 Check out some resources that complement The Art of Neighboring, by Jay Pathak & Dave Rynyon:

The Block Map tool

  • Simply download and print this chart. Then write the names and as many other details as you know about the people God has placed directly around you in your home. This could be a spouse's name, kid's name(s), pets, jobs, any struggles, etc. It is an eye-opening opportunity for God to help you identify who He wants you to walk alongside.

A tool for ways to engage your neighbor: tips and ideas 

  • Download the PDF for ideas on how to connect with your neighbors.

Visit Right Now Media and go through the group study for yourself or in a small group

Are you looking for some ways to engage with your ONE?

The ONE is the person far from God, who doesn't know Him yet. It is the person He has put on your heart and in your path to pray for, to reach, and to share the grace and truth of Jesus with. Here are some practical tips for how you can live out this challenge to reach your ONE. Aside from starting with Prayer, there is no specific order to be followed with these ideas below. These are simply steps we call out to help equip you to truly reach the ONE in your life. 

FOCUS: to seek God's will first.

We start with prayer, always. Ask God to reach your ONE first, and to prepare you in the process.

  • Identify your ONE by name. 
  • Then, pray for him/her daily. You can use these prompts, or something similar:
    • Pray that ____ will clearly experience God's love. 1 John 4:7-10
    • Pray that ____ will become thirsty for God. John 7:37-39
    • Pray for ____ to take genuine steps of repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:10
  • Now, pray for yourself.
    • Lord, as I pray for my ONE, prepare my heart, give me courage as I share with them, and obedience as I trust that you are in control. Help me to be sensitive to your Holy Spirit. Amen.

A simple, practical step could be to send your ONE a simple text, like: "You've been on my mind this week. How are you really doing?"

 

FOCUS: to love your ONE by listening.

Challenge yourself to have one meaningful conversation with your ONE. In this conversation, think of yourself as a friend who is there to walk alongside this person, not to give advice or fix something. 

First, start with prayer and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. Lean into listening more than talking. 

In the conversation:

  • Begin by sharing something about yourself. This helps make it safe for your ONE to share about him/herself.
  • Be open to small talk, asking "How's life been lately?" and trusting it may evolve over time.
  • Remain curious about the other person, leaning in as Jesus would.
  • Be open to where God may already be working in his/her life.

The goal is to simply love like Jesus does. 

The goal with this conversation is NOT to:

  • preach
  • correct
  • win

FOCUS: to begin building a relationship over a meal.

Remember to pray first, asking God to open doors to build a connection and trust with your ONE.

Here are some practical ways this could look:

  • Try a new local restaurant together.
  • Invite him/her over for a meal.
  • Grab a coffee together.

FOCUS: to show the love of Jesus through tangible acts.

Choose an act of service like serving together with your ONE or helping serve your ONE. Remember to pray first and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. 

Here are some ideas to do this:

  • Find a place to serve in your community with your ONE.
    • We have several local outreach partners that could be great places to start. Click here to learn about them.
  • Keep your ONE company while you meet a tangible need for him/her or their family.
  • Work together to meet the needs of a mutual friend.

Use this time together to share how Jesus has changed how you see others, how the hope He provides has shaped you for the better. 

FOCUS: to share the grace and love of Jesus. 

This isn't just about inviting someone to church. It's inviting this person into how your life has been transformed by Jesus.

Before you begin sharing what He has done in your life, remember to start with prayer. Ask the Lord to guide your words and to share what He wants you to share in this moment.

When ready, share your story:

  • Ask permission first. 
    • This could sound like, "Can I share something personal with you?"
  • Be clear about Jesus.
    • Be sure to give Him the credit for your change.
  • Share your before and after.
    • Don't assume your ONE knows what your life was like before. 
  • Connect the why you're sharing your story.
    • This may sound like, "I'm telling you this because I care about you and want what's best for you."
  • If they are open, extend an invite for more.
    • This could be an invite to church (offer for him/her to sit with you), or an invite to grab coffee and read scripture together.