If you attended the VERGE conference, you’ll know that missiologist and theologian Alan Hirsch. Michael Stewart used Hirsch’s work on Missional DNA in The Forgotten Ways to give structure to the conference. Alan also led some of the pre-conference to VERGE, which was a stimulating time. Alan’s unique combination of intellect, humility, creativity, and faith have led to some great insights over the past few years. Here’s a list of some of them:
Category: Missional Church
10 Ways to Help the Homeless
As we continue to interact with homeless people on 6th street, we need to do so with wisdom. Read and implement these tips from the Seed Blog at Sojourn into your interactions with the homeless who need the hope of the gospel:
1. Never give cash to a homeless person
Too often, well intended gifts are converted to drugs or alcohol – even when the hard luck stories they tell are true. If the person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a beverage.
2. Talk to the person with respect.
Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of civility and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.
3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same.
The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be a battered women, an addicted veteran, someone who is lacking job skills the list goes on.
4. Share God’s love whenever you can.
If Jesus were walking the earth today, He would certainly spend time with the homeless. He would speak with them, heal them, and help them. Today, Jesus chooses to work through those who believe and follow Him.
Alan Hirsch VERGE Video: Communitas
Here one of the outstanding videos of Alan Hirsch unpacking the 6 elements of Missional DNA. This video focuses on communitas. I’ll be posting the rest of the videos throughout the week. Together they constitute a great summary of his book The Forgotten Ways.
10 Tips for Missional Community
1. Know God
2. Know Your People
3. Know Your Neighborhood
4. Don’t Go Alone
5. Say Who you Are & Aren’t Every  Week
Read the rest of the 1o Tips for Missional Community Leaders with notes at Resurgence.