On Mission at McDonald’s

For a good number of evangelicals, the word “missional” next to “millennial” conjures up the coffee connoisseur doing relational evangelism at upscale restaurants that cater to foodies. If millennials resist chain restaurants and opt instead for something more authentic than mass market productions, surely those who want to reach millennials should adopt similar attitudes, right?

The problem with this idea of “missional millennials” is that it’s a caricature of both millennials and the meaning of missional. Only a certain class of millennials frequents upscale coffee shops and sneers at Starbucks. And an essential aspect of being “missional” means you contextualize methods for the people you’re called to reach.

When I reflect on some of my favorite locations for disciple-making in the past decade, I think of McDonald’s. As an associate pastor in a rural town in the South, I led a class of young married couples. We had evening fellowships at McDonald’s because it gave the kids a place to play, it kept the food affordable for all of us, and it was in a central location that made it easy to have some good conversations about life and faith. Read More

Every cafe and fast food restaurant attracts a particular clientele, each of which may represent a different segment of the community's population. Here in Murray we have Burgar King, Crackerbarrel, Hardee's, Huddle House, Hungry Bear Pancakes, Martha's, McDonald's, Renfro's HihBurger Inn, and Wild Mountain Bakery & Cafe, just to name a few of the local eateries. Those who hang out at one of these eateries do not hang out at the others. As a part of "exegeting" the community a pastor should identify the local eateries and who goes to them. This includes local convenience stores and groceries that sell gas, serve coffee, sandwiches, and hot food. and may have a table or two where customers may eat their food.