Last week I had an interesting conversation with one of the MCAP participants and it’s a conversation that I’ve had with other leaders recently as well. What does a missional/incarnational community do about the socially awkward in their midst? As we charge ahead on mission we sometimes wonder whether it’s worth connecting with or consoling those who struggle fitting into a group or socially relating well with others.
My conclusion? We gotta love em all the same. My thinking is that the socially awkward likely fit into the category that the scriptures refer to as “the poor”. And the Bible has lots and lots to say about the poor and when it comes down to it, all individuals experience a level of poverty. And often times when you inquire deeply enough you realize that the socially awkward individual was likely neglected in some key developmental areas and likely have some deep needs that Jesus would stop, address, and offer his touch.
Yes, it appears to slow us down. And yes, we rationalize that in being bogged down by a socially awkward Christian we sacrifice quality time with pagans. But the Jesus of the gospels I doubt would draw any such comparison between the two. Both are poor in their own way and equally deserving of our presence and compassion.
Thoughts?
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