This past weekend, I had the honor of leading the Southside Church of Christ in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, through an introductory workshop titled “God’s Mission, Church, and Milwaukee.” Together, we explored what it means for the church to rediscover its identity, purpose, and active presence within the neighborhoods God has placed around it.
We began with “Where Are We in North America,” an examination of shifting religious demographics across North America, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee. Participants considered the growth of the religiously unaffiliated, what we call the “Nones,” and the continuing decline of participation in institutional churches. These changes invite congregations to move beyond a primarily institutional “come and see” model toward a missional “go and be” posture.
This shift is grounded in God’s call to seek the flourishing of the places where we live. Jeremiah 29:7 urges God’s people to seek the peace, prosperity, and well-being of their city. The church is not called merely to gather for its own encouragement, though that matters deeply. It is also called to embody God’s character, compassion, and mission among its neighbors.
Throughout the workshop, we explored how God’s concern for marginalized and vulnerable people runs from Genesis to Revelation. Participants reflected on the ways God calls His people to notice, listen to, welcome, and serve those who are often overlooked. We also considered missional spiritual disciplines that help believers engage their communities with humility and attentiveness. These practices included intentional listening, neighborhood prayer walks, and learning about a community’s strengths, needs, stories, and challenges. Rather than beginning with the question, “What can we do for our community?” participants were encouraged first to ask, “What is God already doing here, and how might we join Him?”
To help translate vision into action, the workshop introduced manageable missional experiments. Groups were encouraged to begin with one small place, one small solution, and one small group. Faithful mission does not always begin with large programs or sweeping strategies. It often begins with a few people paying attention, building relationships, listening well, and responding in love.
The weekend concluded with a sermon titled “Forming a Missional Heart,” drawn from Luke 4–9. In these chapters, Jesus shows gut-wrenching compassion for people while remaining deeply dependent on the Father. He heals, teaches, welcomes, and serves, yet He also withdraws to pray, listen, and be renewed.
Jesus’ rhythm reminds us that missional living cannot be sustained by human effort alone. The church must resist the temptation to strive endlessly and instead learn to abide in God’s presence. From that place of prayerful dependence, we can better discern the Spirit’s leading and demonstrate Christ’s love in tangible ways.
May God continue to raise up churches like Southside Church of Christ, churches that do not simply meet in their communities, but faithfully love their communities in visible and practical ways.
-Tod Vogt, Executive Director of Mission Alive