How to serve in a season of social distancing?

As a follower of Jesus Christ, there is an expectation that we Love God and Love Others. One of the ways that we accomplish this is through acts of service. Our world today has been turned upside down, and there is a lot of confusion concerning what we can and cannot do during this period of social distancing. Below you will find five questions to help discover how you can continue to serve others and invite them to Christ while still being a good citizen and respecting social distance guidelines. 

- Dr. John Compton
  • When you ask the question, “Who is my mission field,” you are essentially asking, “Who has God called me to minister to?” The easy answer to that question is, everyone you meet! God brings people into our lives, and we have a responsibility to share the Gospel with them.

  • Now you might be thinking, that is going to be pretty hard to do during a national pandemic. How am I going to tell everyone I meet about Jesus when I am supposed to be at home practicing social distancing? That’s a great question. In fact, it’s very similar to a question a lawyer asked Jesus once in Luke 10:25-37.

  • Jesus had just finished telling his listeners if they wanted to inherit the Kingdom of God, they must love God and love their neighbors. Then a lawyer stood and asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor.” What a great question for us to ask during this time of social distancing!
  • Who are your neighbors? Do you know the people that live just down the street from you? These are people that God has put directly in your daily path. You live beside them, you drive by them, you see them when you are out walking, but do you know who they are? Do you know if they have a relationship with Jesus?

  • As Christians, we have a wonderful opportunity to share the message of hope in Jesus Christ to those we live the closest to during this pandemic.  Take the time to get you know your neighbors. Encourage them by telling them about the hope we have in Jesus.
  • Here are some practical steps you can take to get to know who your neighbors are and how you can share the hope of Jesus with them.
  • Create and/or interact in community social media groups (Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram, or emails)
  • Sit on your front porch and talk with people as they walk by.
  • Take a walk through your neighborhood. Walks are a great way to practice social distancing while getting exercise.
  • As you walk, pray for your neighbors. James 5:16 tells us that the “prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
  • If you see someone out while you are walking, stop and talk with them while maintaining social distancing.
  • Get to know as much as you can about them. Learn their name. Ask about their life, their family, and their hobbies.
  • Find out what crisis they are facing. Once you know their crisis, you will know how to serve them.
  • Intentionally look for needs and go meet those needs by serving your neighbors (yard work, grocery shopping, car washes). Remember, it’s not about the need or activity, it’s about creating a relationship with a neighbor, so make sure to get to know them while you are serving.
  • Leave cards on your neighbors’ front doors or in their mailboxes letting them know you are praying for them. Be sure to ask for prayer requests to be texted or emailed to you. You can also ask if they have a need you can meet for them.
The people that live near you are not the only neighbors you have. All of us have family members, friends, or acquaintances that don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior. God has granted you access to speak truth into their lives. Use this time of uncertainty and fear to share with them the hope that you have in Jesus. Invest in that relationship with them and invite them to come to Christ.
  • You can simply begin by asking good questions: What can I do for you? How can I help you? Are you ok? What do you need? Good questions give you the ability to understand where others are coming from and how you can best minister them.
  • Try raising a “faith flag.” A faith flag is the intentional use of a word or phrase that opens the door to a spiritual conversation. Some great words to use are prayer, church and Bible. You can say things like, “As I was praying this morning…” As I was reading my Bible this morning…” or “I really miss being able to go to church.” As you mention these faith flags, watch how the person responds. Their response will give you an indication of where they might be spiritually, and if they are open to a Gospel conversation.
  • During the conversation ask about their religious background. Their answer will give you insight into their life and worldview. It also allows you to share about your life.
  • Share your personal testimony. Here is a simple process to follow:
    • What was my life like before Christ?
    • What was the circumstance that led to me giving my life to Christ?
    • How has my life changed since giving my life to Christ?
    • What is an important passage of Scripture to you?
    • Bonus Question – What is God doing in my life now?
  • Begin to share the Gospel. Here are some great witnessing tools. Each of them have downloadable apps and tools to help you:
    • The Roman Road
    • The Three Circles
    • Share Jesus Without Fear
    • Perspectives
    • Soularium
    • The God Test