Relational Bridges

What is a "Relational Bridge"?

In an increasingly secular world, many non-believers are unwilling or fearful of visiting church buildings or attending religious meetings. A "relational bridge" is any activity or place considered "neutral" or "safe" where followers of Christ establish friendships, build
relationships and initiate spiritual conversations. Our missionaries are involved with many relational bridges and we encourage you to do the same!

Common Questions

How can start a conversation with an international?

How can I bring up spiritual topics?

Where can I find internationals in my community?

Relational Bridge Ideas

Here are some ideas of ways that you can build relationships with non-Christians and international people in your community:

Adopt an ethnic restaurant
Do you enjoy eating ethnic food? Have you considered adopting a favorite ethnic restaurant as your personal / family cross-cultural mission field? Be "on mission" as you dine out. Find out more about adopting an ethnic restaurant by  clicking here or emailing Jay Bell at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Volunteer
A smile, a kind word, compassion and love can help you touch the lives of people in your community. Volunteer at a local hospital, a soup kitchen, a crisis pregnancy center or a school. Touch the lives of tomorrow's leaders by volunteering at a school.

Reach Out to Ethnic Neighbors
The nations are in your community. And it's not a "big city thing." You can accelerate the Great Commission right-at-home. No plane fare necessary! No U.S. passport necessary! No inoculation shots necessary! Find out how to discover the nations in your neighborhood click here or contact Jay Bell at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Get Involved With ESL
English as a Second Language! Do you realize what a blessing you can be to newly arrived immigrants and refugees who need to learn English? Since you are a native speaker, you can help them mainstream into American culture by helping them learn English. Find out more about using ESL by contacting Jay Bell at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or download a list of things to think through as you begin an ESL ministry.

Get involved with a community sport
Does your church have sport teams? Do they participate in leagues with non-believers? Perhaps you can "mainstream" yourself into the lives of non-believers by playing on a non-church team or in a league that includes non-Christians teams.

Enroll in continuing education
Do you live near a community college, college or university? Perhaps you could take a class. And it's cheaper if you audit. This would be beneficial for two reasons. First, it would give you the opportunity to learn. Second, it would place you in close proximity with non-Christians.

Adopt a Nail Salon
If you want to reach out to Vietnamese, go to your local nail salon. The Vietnamese came to the U.S. seeking refuge from death and destruction at the hands of the Communists. They brought their delicious food and unique manicure and pedicure skills. Be "on mission" by adopting a local nail salon as your cross-cultural mission field.

Use your hobby
Start a film discussion group. Play in a band with non-Christians. Invite other ladies over to scrapbook. Take a sewing, knitting or jewelry making class at a local shop. Invite a non-Christian to hunt or fish with you. Enroll in a rotary club or 4H group. Join a club or sports group. Participate in a mom's group. Join a community choir or orchestra.

Adopt a playground
During the warm months, try to frequent the same playground and get to know other families while your kids are playing together.