Though David and Cheryl had seen a microchurch family emerge in their neighborhood, they sensed it was time to downsize. They chose to move into a maintenance-free community not far from where they lived. The microchurch family from their old neighborhood came to meet with them in their new neighborhood, yet they knew they must shift their focus to begin building relationships with the people in their new neighborhood and planting the gospel there. They began prayer walking, participating in community potlucks, going to the swimming pool to meet new people, and joining the gardening club. This missional activity opened doors for them to get to know many people in their new community. People began opening up to them about things going on in their lives and David and Cheryl were able to pray for them, listen, and serve their neighbors. Today, a couple from their new community have joined the worship gathering of neighbors from their old community. They are all on mission together to bring the Good News to their neighbors.

Rob and Michelle moved into the suburbs of Kansas City nine years ago. New to the community, they knew no one in their neighborhood. But they did know God had planted them in this context for a reason. The beginning of their missionary journey in this new neighborhood was slow. Extraordinary prayer and fasting and relationship-building took place over months and even years. This hard but important work laid the foundation for the extended spiritual family they have there today. One neighbor sharing her story with them and then accepting Christ at their kitchen table led to another young man sitting in their garage asking if he could really hear from God. This led to families coming over for meals and eventually, they saw an extended spiritual family emerge: a group of neighbors gathering for worship, community, and who are on a mission to their neighbors around them. This extended spiritual family is made up of varying ages, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds. Now, there are so many people in this extended spiritual family that they are multiplying new gatherings!

Rick and Alice have a passion for people who live on the street. They started by getting involved handing out food clothing and other supplies, but felt like there was more. God told Alice to prayer walk a certain park. They did. God told them to take the Good News there and give these people an opportunity to see, hear, experience, and respond to this news. So, they started a weekly Discovery Bible Study at this park. Over the last several months, Street Church has emerged. The homeless people who live in or near this park know that they can count on Rick and Alice to be there every Friday afternoon with food and drinks, a listening ear, and some Good News—rain or shine—providing consistency in the lives of their microchurch members.