Summary: About Chris Chris was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the Dallas Theological Seminary. He comes to Winthrop University via Kennesaw State University where he served as the RUF campus minister from 2006 - 2013. Currently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. He enjoys running, racquetball, fine literature, Mexican food, and Costco. He is an ordained minister in the PCA. What is Gospel Neighboring? Gospel Neighboring is being fully, faithfully present in the place you live, instead of merely commuting to work and church. Chris's Gospel Neighboring Quote “The glory of God is humanity fully alive, and the life of humanity is the vision of God." - Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 130-202) Tough Lesson Learned in Gospel Neighboring You miss 100% of the shots you don't take (Wayne Gretzky?). Even in your "failures", God is bringing about obedience and especially closeness to him as you pursue the calling to Gospel Neighboring You have to be aware of the cultural rhythms of your context when you begin planning things to engage your neighbors. Perhaps the Saturday of a big college football game isn't the best time for a neighborhood movie night in the back yard. More Lessons on Gospel Neighboring Find other Christians in your neighborhood, regardless of whether they are going to the same church as you, and collaborate with them, and pray with them, and strategize with them to live out the gospel in the neighborhood for the sake of those who don't know Jesus. Creature comforts and busyness keep people from diving into authentic relationships. Be a faithful presence in your neighborhood and try to cultivate a counter-cultural web of relationships with your neighbors. Action for the Next 24 Hours Find someone in your neighborhood that you don't know. Make a pot of soup or a batch of cookies for them. Then follow up with a simple invitation (even if your house isn't perfectly ready) to supper to have good conversation. Ask them about themselves, and listen to their story. Chris's Final Bit of Gospel Neighboring Wisdom Think of the things that you love doing, and invite people to participate with you. Chris's Favorite Gospel Neighboring Resource Lars and the Real Girl, a film with Ryan Gosling that brilliantly exemplifies a community embodying the gospel in the life of a hurting member of the community. A Meal With Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission Around the Table By Tim Chester. Connect with Chris Twitter RUF at Winthrop University cbowen@ruf.org
