In the City, for the City: It Happens Where You Are (week 3)
What happens when your plans change, your comfort is disrupted, and God redirects your steps? You lean in and listen. That’s exactly where we are as a church—and what a beautiful place to be.
This week, we kicked off a new series called “In the City for the City.” It’s more than a title—it’s a declaration. In this season, God is calling us to see our homes, jobs, classrooms, and favorite coffee shops not just as part of our routine, but as part of our mission field.
Because the truth is—revival doesn’t start on a stage. It starts in your living room, your office, your lunch break, and your neighborhood sidewalk. You were placed in Austin on purpose, for a purpose. And the question we’re asking as a church is this: What would it look like to own the geography God has given us?
Let’s dive in.
It Happens Where You Are
In Matthew 5:14–16, Jesus tells us:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This is our mandate. This is our identity.
From day one, Antioch has been a church committed to helping people encounter God, come alive in who they’re created to be, and live on mission. We don’t just gather for ourselves—we gather so we can go.
But where does that happen? Right where you are.
The Greatest Commandment: It Starts with Love
In Matthew 22, someone asked Jesus a tricky question: “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus responded:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Notice something important: Jesus doesn’t stop at loving God. He ties it directly to loving your neighbor. To follow Jesus isn’t just about belief or behavior—it’s about love. Real, active, inconvenient, sometimes awkward love.
Awkward Moments, Real Mission
Let’s be honest: loving our neighbors sounds beautiful in theory. But in reality, it can feel a little like my first (and last) experience clubbing on 6th Street with Liz.
It was uncomfortable. It was unfamiliar. And I had no idea what I was doing.
Sometimes, living on mission feels like that. It can be awkward. We feel out of our depth. And because of one bad experience or just not knowing where to start, we avoid it altogether.
But here’s what’s true: God’s mission for your life doesn’t require a platform—it starts where your feet are.
Monday-Sunday Discipleship
On average, most of us spend about 6 hours a week involved in “church things”—Sunday gatherings, lifegroup, discipleship. But we spend 106 waking hours outside of that, in the real rhythms of life: at work, at school, in our neighborhoods.
If we only think of our faith in terms of what happens inside church walls, we’ll miss the 90% of our lives where Jesus actually wants to move.
That’s why we’ve been using this phrase: Own Your Geography. What if you saw the people you live, work, and play around—not as background noise, but as people God has placed in your life on purpose?
Where You Are Is Where God Wants to Move
Jeremiah 29:5 says:
“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.”
This was a word from God to His people while they were in exile. Translation? “I know this isn’t what you expected—but it’s still where I’m working. So dig in. Make this place home.”
Maybe your job isn’t where you thought you’d be. Maybe your life isn’t playing out exactly like your five-year plan. But God’s intent isn’t blocked by our discontent. He’s at work in your current geography—your office, your apartment complex, your pick-up line at school. And He’s inviting you to join Him there.
Three Ways to Join God Where You Are
So how do we step into mission in a way that doesn’t feel awkward or forced? Here’s a simple rhythm to try this week—right where you are:
1. PRAY for the people around you
Prayer moves our hearts toward God’s heart. It softens us. It gives us eyes to see. Start small: pray for your coworkers by name. Ask God to bless them, open their hearts, and show you where He’s working.
2. CARE for them in simple, tangible ways
Generosity and kindness open doors. That lunch you paid for? That note of encouragement? That listening ear? It may seem small, but it creates space for people to encounter Jesus through your love.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
3. SHARE your story
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be ready to share what God has done in your life. Whether it’s peace in a hard season or freedom from fear, your story carries power.
“Be prepared in season and out of season...” (2 Timothy 4:2)
This week, take time to write out what God has done in your life. From the big breakthroughs to the quiet victories—when the moment comes, you’ll be ready to share.
Here’s the truth: God wants to use you where He has you.
You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” job, the “ideal” neighborhood, or the “right” moment. Mission happens where you are. Revival starts in our everyday lives, in our homes, schools, workplaces, and gyms.
So here’s a simple prayer to carry into your week:
God, include me in what You’re doing around me.
Let’s be people who pray, care, and share. Let’s own our geography—and watch God move.
Want more resources or ways to get involved this summer? Join us for the Antioch Austin Impact Trip and help make Jesus known—right here at home.