The Hsu’s Views

Thanks to my buddy Doug who let me know about a great paper about living missionally in the suburbs. It appeared at Alan Hirsch’s website, and the comments it has spurred are worth reading as well. I’ve been wrestling with what needs exist in my neighborhood where crime is low, schools are good and people are relatively affluent.

I happen to live near apartments with rent subsidies, so I knew where there were people that lived “on the edge,” but who else had needs in my community? I know of many single parents that are constantly juggling work and family. From our association with the schools, we knew that many kids could use some tutoring (or perhaps parenting.) Is that it?

In addition to identifying where the needs where, we need to think about what the church needs to be to be missional in suburbia. This paper by Todd Hiestand, a pastor in Pennslyvania, was excellent in identifying the nature of our mission to the world, and how to address the issues that prevent us from living missionally in the suburbs. These are:

1. Individualism
2. Comfort
3. Consumerism
4. Tolerance of injustice

Also of interest and on this topic is an entry by Paul Fromont of Prodigal Kiwi. Great thoughts and resources to chase down.

Missional