52Thrive came to me during a a worship event awhile back. As I worshipped, my heart was suddenly burning with spiritual pain, which I immediately recognized as the pain of Christ, not my own. In the next moment the reality of a church that didn’t truly spend itself on its world crashed in on me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I knew the indictment was against me as well. Then came the call:

“Will you help my church get back into the streets?”

God and I have a deal that whatever he asks, the answer is yes. And 52Thrive is the practical handle God helped me develop as part of my being faithful to his call.

I wanted a hand’s on approach, a practical strategy anyone could use no matter where they’re at in life. I challenge my people at Dalhousie Community Church with 52Thrive all the time:

1. Once a day: Pray for an opportunity to plant a spiritual seed in someone’s life, and if you get the chance, DO it!

2. Once a week: Offer one act of kindness to someone in your community, no strings attached. No preaching, inviting them to church, just loving them.

3. Once a paycheck: Spend between 1-2.5% of your income on the opportunities God gets you involved in. If you need to, feel free to deduct this from your tithe(Yes, I’m serious!)

4. Once a month: Do coffee or a meal with someone in your neighborhood.

5. Once a quarter: Do an outreach with your Life Group (small group).

The thing is, I don’t really care about the 5 challenges. What I’m after is a different kind of life, one that invests in the people God has put into your life. If you catch the spirit of this, you won’t need the 5 reminders!