There are times, like this Wednesday night, that I want to go full on Marvel or DC Comics style prophet. I have had enough – heard enough stories, seen enough despair. I don’t want to wait any more. I don’t want to stall until I carry a harp, and I don’t want anyone else to stall in hopes of some heavenly choir. I want to see hard work accomplished. Shalom is hard work – not an ideal that comes easily, yet fully available as a part of God’s historic plan.
It would be easier if Santa Barbara did not have the resources – if I were somewhere in the world that did not have the numbers as far as church goers, or if it lacked finances. We lack neither – maybe we lack vision and resolve. Like Jesus who turned His face to Jerusalem knowing there is no turning back – this is what we need. So, here are ten reasons for the church to hit the streets:
#1 – Following Jesus – In Mark, the first call of Christ is heard on the streets. He has come directly to the streets to cry out the gospel and seek followers. These followers would continue walking the streets with him during His years in ministry. We are His followers, we are asked to do the same.
#2 – You will find your life again – The Christ centered community is actually built for the streets. Eph 4:11 and on has both a sending out and gathering structure. But, the sending out comes first – the mission outward keeps us feeling alive and close to Christ, as much as gathering.
#3 – You will become educated – Fox News, Oprah, CNN – maybe they are currently educating the masses, but nothing beats the real education on the streets. Why are people really homeless? You will find out? Why does the East fight the West in Santa Barbara – come find out on the East Side or the West Side. The streets can give you a new kind of diploma.
#4 – Shalom or Year of Jubilee will become real – Biblical concepts become real visionary possibilities. Out of the head, into the heart, and through the hands and feet. Are these deadened to be forgotten concepts, or God’s ideas that may in fact create a new way for United States survival and blessing? Come join us and you can tell me.
#5 – The Church will grow again – ok, so the last I knew, there were 7 churches closing per each new one started. Let’s just be real – perhaps we have lost contact with the culture that Jesus so stridently walked with in his time. John 1:14 – He came to the neighborhood? Have we? Do we know the neighbors in our city.
#6 – People are perishing. I am biased – I believe in a holistic gospel. I believe Jesus does not want men and women on the streets to die. I believe he does not want pregnant women on the streets to be on the streets – for the good of the woman and the child. (do we know what street stress does to the unborn?) What about the West Side orphaned?
#7 – You will smile at what God does. I smile all the time (in the midst of the difficulties) Carrillo kids swimming over at the pool at the Village, or using the library, or beginning to desire Jesus at Man Talk or Young Life. Gator at Pershing telling me another joke or street kids trying to hide their smoke outs (so obvious friends) Seeing some friends get off the streets…
#8 – My heart and brain are not big enough as I head toward 50 – Sometimes I can’t remember names I should know because I have interacted with them one hundred times – come on. I have a vision capacity but we are well beyond that. Sometimes I stop in conversations mid way because I have no idea of what to say or do next. You may be the next key ingredient. In fact, maybe God wants you to take my place 
#9 – This is Your City – The more you hit the local streets, the more ownership you feel. And, stewards we are (said this like Yoda!), so it should feel like our city. This is what happened to me, the deeper I went in, the further in – the more I knew that God wanted me to declare the reality of the streets to you (lovely reader).
#10 – Want to know God more? I just think that we grow in our love for God and our neighbors as they become our friends. I am desperately close to God. This has been a new thing for me. It is impossible for me to do alone and without Him (and you). My understanding and appreciation for our founder has increased exponentially. My understanding of His love and power has increased as well.
Consider me a spy, seeing the land, and bringing back a good report. Hear me saying that Jesus prospers in the mess – and He can do this. We cross the rivers of culture in love this round – the love of God compels us – nothing more is needed.