Missional Community Rhythms (part 1)

One of the ways we, Campus Renewal Ministries, teach students how to live on mission and to get out of their Christian bubbles is to change some simple patterns in their lives.  We call these “missional rhythms.”

rhythm

“movement or procedure with uniform or patterned recurrence of a beat, accent, or the like.”

If simple changes become a “patterned recurrence,” students will be able to engage more and more of their peers with the gospel. Here are a few simple missional rhythms that we encourage students to consider.

Get Out More

It sounds simple, but to meet people you need to get out of the house, apartment, dorm, etc. To put yourself in position to meet people you obviously need to put yourself in position to see people. Almost all of the things you do in your room (study, surf, eat, play games, etc.) you can do in public. So get out more so you can meet more people.

Open Door Policy (ODP)

If you are in your room, practice the “open door policy.” This lets others know that you are interruptible. Certainly there are times to close your door, but if you’re studying, playing games, eating, surfing, talking, watching TV, or just hanging out, leave your door open. Trust me. People will come in.

Become a Regular

Pick a place where you will be seen often. This could be a study lounge, an outdoor part of campus, a coffee house, a restaurant, a park, a gym, a basketball court, etc. This allows you to meet other “regulars.” Once you’re seen as a regular, other regulars will want to get to know you. So find a place you like and spend time there each day.

Make a point of saying “yes” to almost every invitation. If someone invites you to a dinner, to a party, to study, to workout, or to watch the big game, then change your schedule so that you can join them. The invitation means that they would like to know you better. Find a way to make it work, even if you’re not really interested in the event. Try to say “yes” to every invitation.