Think about Vanderbilt/West End/Hillsboro Which of these do you think represents the largest number of people? 1.The people who woke up this morning and knew they were going to church 2.The people who woke up this morning wondering where they were going to church 3.The people who woke up this morning wondering if they were going to church 4.The people who woke up this morning knowing they were not going to church and felt guilty about it 5.The people who woke up this morning knowing they were not going to church and did not feel guilty about it 6.The people who woke up this morning and the thought of going to church never crossed their mind

Think about Vanderbilt/West End/Hillsboro Which of these do you think represents the largest number of people ? 1.The people who woke up this morning and knew they were going to church 2.The people who woke up this morning wondering where they were going to church 3.The people who woke up this morning wondering if they were going to church 4.The people who woke up this morning knowing they were not going to church and felt guilty about it 5.The people who woke up this morning knowing they were not going to church and did not feel guilty about it 6.The people who woke up this morning and the thought of going to church never crossed their mind

The goal is not to get people to come to church, the goal is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Rethinking Mission If we are to reach the people no one is reaching, we have to courageously do things we have never done.

1.Paul took an alternative path to mission Acts 18:1-4 (NLT) 1 Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. 4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike.

1.Paul took an alternative path to mission 2.Paul lived and worked with the people he was reaching Acts 18:1-4 (NLT) 1 Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. 4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike.

1.Paul took an alternative path to mission 2.Paul lived and worked with the people he was reaching 3.Paul’s mission was not dependent upon how much money he had Acts 20:33-35 (NLT) 33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Why Alternative Paths ? 1.Cost of Living 2.Credibility 3.Accessibility

Traditional PathsAlternative Paths Identitymissionary or full- time minister “tentmaker” or other marketable skill Modepreaching to others interacting with others LocationChurch building or worship gathering the marketplace, homes, 3 rd Spaces ResourcesFunded through the church or sending agencies Funded through the market and possibly supplemented by churches or sending agencies

Other Alternative Paths … 1.Student 2.Travel 3.Education 4.Healthcare 5.Economic Development 6.Small business 7.Infrastructure/Engineering 8.???

Alternative Paths in Nashville … 1.Your vocation!!! 2.Our community groups 3.Our local schools 4.International Students 5.Immigrants and Refugees 6.Civic/political engagement 7.Neighborhood activities 8.Meeting needs