How a Disciple-Making Movement Helps Meet the Needs of the Community With Stevyn and Juguana Bonner Pt. 2

In Part 2 of “How a Disciple-Making Movement Helps Meet the Needs of the Community,” Thomas Clark continues his conversation with Stevyn and Juguana Bonner, pressing into what incarnational presence looks like in our third places—the everyday spaces we hang out. From youth sports stands where students know Stevyn as “Pops,” to spontaneous invitations for neighbors to join the family for bowling or golf, to simple conversations at the local ice-cream shop, the Bonners show how ordinary rhythms become on-ramps to relationship and peace. Thomas ties this to Luke 16:8 and a practical “needs assessment” mindset: rather than assuming what people need, we learn it by showing up near home, listening well, and building trust over time.

The episode then gets honest about ethnocentrism vs. ethnography—moving from projecting our culture onto others to humbly learning people’s stories and serving from their vantage point. The Bonners share how this posture has birthed real community on their block (neighbors meeting neighbors, spiritual conversations starting naturally) and a friendlier atmosphere at work. Thomas frames it as glocal discipleship: serving a global Christ with a local theology in the places we live, work, learn, and play. You’ll be challenged to craft your “I will…” statement—how you will show up this week—and to share it with someone who will walk with you as you help others take their next step toward Jesus.

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