Okay, this is a failed metaphor from the beginning, but perhaps still a worthwile thought exercise.  Bear with me...

My kids (6, 3, and 2 years old) LOVE the ice cream truck.  And really, so do I.  What's not to love?  There we are, outside on a hot day playing in the yard or riding a bike or washing the car and out of nowhere we hear the faint melody of the ice cream truck.  Like an unexpected friend dropping by, the ice cream truck rounds the corner and delivers delicious deserts in the middle of an otherwise humdrum day.  It's a beautiful thing.

The ice cream truck reminds me of what it means to be a missional disciple.  The ice cream truck driver has a wonderful gift he wants to bestow (okay, he's selling it - but I already said the metaphor was flawed, so let's ignore the mismatches, okay?).  The driver seeks out the very kinds of people who are ready and in want of the gifts he has.  The driver does not sit in the parking lot of the old folks' home and wait for my family to drop what we are doing and come to him and get our cool treats.  No, he comes to us.  And we delight in what he brings our way.

This may sound like pure heresy, but I don't think the missional disciple concerns herself with convincing people they need or want Jesus.  Savy ice cream truck drivers go where ice cream is welcome.  They don't go to country clubs or carpet stores.  They're not out on the interstate or at a Harley convention.  Jesus had some strange things to say about the healthy not needing a doctor and that he came for those who were lost, not the non-lost.  Savy disciples (wise as serpents?) go after the hungry and thirsty.  This is why I think most discipleship will be expressed OUTSIDE the church.  (Notice discipleship here is "living like Jesus," not "learning about Jesus.")  Disciples will be on mission to bring the delight of Jesus to the least expecting and most in need.

The missional disciple goes out in search of folks who hunger and thirst for Jesus.  The disciple seeks them out and delivers Jesus out of the blue. 

What does it look like to seek out and bring Jesus to someone who hungers and thirsts?  Here are some ideas...

• Paying close enough attention to another image-bearer that you learn what is the unique way she hungers and thirsts
• Providing a listening ear to a friend (or foe) who thinks no one cares
• Seeking out a neighbor to encourage
• Praying for the people who wouldn't expect your prayers
• Walking through shame and disappointment with someone who has suffered loss
• Forgiving an enemy (you DO have enemies) even though there is embarassment on both sides
• Going out of your way to allow someone to experience the Holy One who makes temple-dwelling in you.

We're not selling Jesus, but we are on a mission as his followers.  I think the mission of a disciple these days is to be on the move, on the lookout, on the trail of those who hunger and thirst for Jesus and the life he gives - the life he gives through us, his lowly ice cream truck drivers.

What are your ideas for how to seek out the hungry and thirsty and bring Jesus to them?