In his podcast, “Don, Dispatches from the Trail’s End,” Dr. Johnson introduces us to his friend, Don, who lives in a bus south of Abilene near Buffalo Gap.

 

Reflecting on their relationship, we can highlight two important parts of the missional impulse.

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Hospitality – Meeting God in the Stranger.

• Read the story of Abraham and Sarah and the Three Visitors at Mamre (link to Genesis 18) and discuss the ancient text that reflects the practice of Jewish and Christian hospitality.
• When we talk about meeting God in the Other, we usually mean the other person. This requires wisdom and discernment. How do we recognize God in another person?
• It is also possible to talk about meeting God (or divine revelation) in the other idea or experience. Discuss how this might be possible as well.

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 De-Centering – Meeting God at the Margins.

• Explore the idea of Christendom and its influence in the West. What advantages and disadvantages are their to Christianity’s alliance with cultural and political power?
• Some describe North America as increasingly Post-Christian. What does this mean? Is this good news or bad news for Christians? How should we respond?

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