Every Table An Altar ...

Last week I shared an experience of spending a week in Amsterdam, learning about their social ministries and mission model. I wanted to continue to share some observations that I think are incredibly important as we fight forward towards a changing missional landscape. I would say that much adaptation will be necessary due to widening intercultural gaps. These gaps mean that the values, beliefs, and practices of the emergent generation are wildly out of sync with current missional practices. That is not to say that the message changes! Absolutely not; the issue is centrally around the methods. The way of repentance, confession, and regeneration is not up for debate. *Disclaimer over.

So remember Majoor Bosshardt, from last week? Talk about an impact. Would you believe me if I told you her hand is cast in bronze at Madame Tussaud's Amsterdam museum, next to Stevie Wonder and Jon Bon Jovi? It is! 

Millions touch her hand every year as they pass by.

Talk about Salvation Army famous!

So what can we learn from her today? As she integrated The Salvation Army's mission into the red light district of Amsterdam, she utilized The Goodwill Centers or 'Centras' in Dutch. These became the living rooms of the neighborhoods, and as people gathered they found both physical refuge and spiritual refuge as well. 

See my last post here if you want to learn more.  

https://outreachinghope.blogspot.com/2020/07/grote-hoop-en-doel.html

So here is what I wanted to share today.  At every Center that I had the privilege to visit, observe, and participate in the mission, there was this ... A Table! These were the centerpiece of the lobby as you came into the building.

Around these tables is where the mission happened. At Goodwill Centers, shelters, community projects, and every single building that was The Salvation Army. You couldn't miss the large table as you walked into the building.  At these tables, people were sharing meals, learning employment skills and languages, meeting with lawyers to flee human sexual trafficking, singing, laughing, and crying; all well neighbors were meeting passionate salvationists who were bringing the presence of Jesus into every interaction. 

So what's the big deal with a table? Well, think about many of our most intimate, and powerful moments and memories. Many take place around a table. Think of the family holiday meals, homework, and talks with mom and dad. The table is a powerful place. 

Beyond the table, many of the programs that we are familiar with were happening, but the table acted as a starting point and a place to return to as relationships and case management happened. 

So what's the point? 

Think with me for a minute. 

Imagine in your mind the last social services lobby that you were in. 

Was there the ability to speak with a person, not encased by safety glass?

Did it feel welcoming?

Were there signs, policies, and notices posted? What did they say? Was language used assuming people's deficit ... DO NOT, YOU MUST, NO ..., were there warnings of the consequences of breaking the rules?

Or capacity ... YOU ARE WELCOME, YOU CAN, THIS IS HOW. Or better yet, a person to be present and serve. 

I really think there is something to seeing our spaces like the living room of our neighborhood, rather than the waiting room of a welfare center. 

It is common to hear these days folks saying 'our church is empty and dying'. 'There are no young people or families ...'

What if we began by restating that sentiment and said 'How can we use the available space we have and partner with the surrounding neighborhood to be a part of everyday life. To evaluate if our current programs are meeting the current need of those who live in the neighborhood.

I am not saying this begins with stopping what we are currently doing, but what if we found some tables to sit around with our neighbors and get to know them.  Get to know our neighbors. 

Neighboring ... I believe that it is much more effective in introducing neighbors to Jesus, rather than telling clients about him. 

If you had no limits, what would your 'Livingroom' look like as people entered your Corps?