. G R E A T E R W O R K S .
THE LIVING ROOM
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BACKGROUND
All sociological data indicate that under 40’s are looking for community. The last two generations have grown up in a disconnected, fractured and unforgiving virtual space. Nuclear families are the exception and ‘nones’ (a category of people who identify as believing in nothing) are the fastest growing faith-related group in the US. In terms of cultural norms there are two dominant global types (Primary and Secondary). Primary cultures specialize in intimate relationships. Secondary cultures rely on data, organizations and systems. The Book of Acts reveals a flourishing early Church which utilized both cultural systems; personalized community and evangelism with access to Roman systems for communication and travel. Our Western society (and church) perhaps now emphasizes secondary culture at the expense of primary. We are seeing record breaking numbers of children (and adults) with depression, anxiety and suicidality. Church services provide needed information but lack the capacity to meet all relational needs, while conventional community groups are not designed to accommodate outsiders. The Bible is clear – we are designed for community and for relationship. After everything God created and said was good, he said what was not good, was for man to be alone. And yet that’s what we are facing – a situation where people (churched or unchurched) feel very alone.
THE PROBLEM
1. Traditional church models are not able to meet the enormous relational-community needs of an increasingly isolated population.
2. The majority of Millennials through Generation Z have not grown up exposed to church. Many are not comfortable walking for the first time into a church as an entry point. We need a paradigm shift to reach and engage the unchurched and disenfranchised.
3. Over 85% of churches in America are currently compromised of one dominant race. This means they are not currently silos for diversity.
4. This population is much less likely to search community out where churches are today. We need to be proactive and go to where the people are located. This is what they expect and is happening in other spheres of life.
5. Disillusionment with organized religion means people in many sectors are looking for something more organic and heterarchical. New Missional approaches are needed to reflect these changing needs.
6. Those who are committed Christians need access to a ready community outside of usual church hours.
7. Evidence suggests that all people are looking for authenticity, meaningful conversation and trusted sources for answers to complex life/faith questions within the context of relationship.
THE SOLUTION
The Living Room is a place for informal, ministry-driven conversation and formation. It’s a 'living' room because it is a place which promotes life with, through and for the living God.
Offering relational support, teaching and evangelism in an informal setting; communicating clear Kingdom values, answering difficult questions; creating a place of rest/peace, a sanctuary.
Christians frequent coffee shops – they meet to talk about the word, their life, host informal bible-studies. The Living Room is intended as a place for all of that. A place where the world can come to us, in an uncompromising but non-threatening environment.
A Community Space enabling us to break down traditional socio- economic, religious stereotypes, status and ethnic barriers. A gateway to church and an ancillary to the church. A vehicle for community-outreach. Giving us a Kingdom footprint in an urban setting.
EXAMPLE
Whose table? An Asian-American scholar describes his experience at Bible College where 15% of the Bible College were Asian-American. But if you visited the cafeteria at lunch, you would find all of the Asian-American students sitting together at one table and all the other students sitting at tables elsewhere.
GOAL
Living rooms are a place for friends and family, a place where conversation is safe and authentic; where relationships are fostered, topics are varied, and people relax and find rest away from conventional structures and pressures where they are located. The Living Room will function as a place for people to come and find Kingdom Community. Structured programs and mentorship are available but the greater emphasis is the designated space for 'as needed' fellowship. Normalizing theologically sound but accessible and impromptu Christian conversation. The Living Room provides; answers to faith questions, prayer, support, rapport, or simply a quiet place to be with God. A tangible Kingdom footprint in an urban setting.
MISSION
Building and strengthening transformational Kingdom relationships and principals for personal and interpersonal Kingdom community growth.
Creating an atmosphere which invites questions, provides answers and attracts new believers from a culturally diverse demographic.
Relational, spiritual, psychological and Kingdom community support and sanctuary for those who need it; how they need it, where they need it, when they need it.
THE LIVING ROOM PROVIDES
· A Kingdom footprint
· A multicultural Christian meeting space
. Prayer and worship
. Cultural crosstalk
· Spiritual formation
· Mentorship opportunities
· Advanced Discipleship
· Teaching/Coaching
· Q&A
· Pastoral counseling
· A small meeting space for mission-affiliated ministries
PRACTICALITIES
- An industrial or storefront building in a culturally diverse, urban neighborhood
- Living room set up/sofas
- No food or beverages sold
- Open to general public
- Open day time and evenings
- Walk ins, workshops and mentoring
- Bibles available
- Conference rooms/meetings rooms available for mission-affiliated ministries
TESTIMONIALS