A balanced approach to Christian outreach
PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY AND CHURCH GROWTH
Outreach Essential #1:
CARE FOR THOSE OUTSIDE THE FAITH
Truly loving and caring for those outside the faith (the Great Commandment to love our neighbor as ourself). Either as an individual reaching out to the needs and concerns encountered in their everyday lives... or small groups (or a church) reaching out in special ways to meet 'felt needs' in the community. Building bridges of trust strong enough to carry the weight of the Gospel. [Consider Turning Passion Into Mission (free download)]
CARE FOR THOSE OUTSIDE THE FAITH
Truly loving and caring for those outside the faith (the Great Commandment to love our neighbor as ourself). Either as an individual reaching out to the needs and concerns encountered in their everyday lives... or small groups (or a church) reaching out in special ways to meet 'felt needs' in the community. Building bridges of trust strong enough to carry the weight of the Gospel. [Consider Turning Passion Into Mission (free download)]
Outreach Essential #2:
A PASSION FOR SHARING YOUR FAITH
A compassionate heart for sharing your faith and a simple yet clear means of communicating the Gospel. Telling stories is so helpful to understanding the Good News. [Consider John 3:16 Good News Made Simple ... online training, based on building genuine relationships and using stories to communicate the Gospel.]
A PASSION FOR SHARING YOUR FAITH
A compassionate heart for sharing your faith and a simple yet clear means of communicating the Gospel. Telling stories is so helpful to understanding the Good News. [Consider John 3:16 Good News Made Simple ... online training, based on building genuine relationships and using stories to communicate the Gospel.]
Outreach Essential #3:
HEALTHY CHURCH RELATIONSHIPS
Healthy relationships (community) in the church where needs for fellowship, learning, support are being met so it's easy to invite 'outsiders' to share the experience. [Consider LIFE Groups (free download)... a good replacement for the 'lecture driven' Sunday School class]
HEALTHY CHURCH RELATIONSHIPS
Healthy relationships (community) in the church where needs for fellowship, learning, support are being met so it's easy to invite 'outsiders' to share the experience. [Consider LIFE Groups (free download)... a good replacement for the 'lecture driven' Sunday School class]
Outreach Essential #4:
ASSIST NEW BELIEVERS RELATE TO JESUS
Helping those new believers grow in relationship with Jesus. Some are reluctant or not in the routine of going to church. Have you wondered how you can encourage them to join you? What can you do to deepen your relationship with them while demonstrating how relevant the Bible is (and personal God is) to their lives? [Consider LIFE TO THE FULL (free download)... a 3 session Bible Study based on the 3 basic needs we all have that only God can perfectly meet.
ASSIST NEW BELIEVERS RELATE TO JESUS
Helping those new believers grow in relationship with Jesus. Some are reluctant or not in the routine of going to church. Have you wondered how you can encourage them to join you? What can you do to deepen your relationship with them while demonstrating how relevant the Bible is (and personal God is) to their lives? [Consider LIFE TO THE FULL (free download)... a 3 session Bible Study based on the 3 basic needs we all have that only God can perfectly meet.
Outreach Essential #5:
TALK TO THE LORD ABOUT EVERYTHING
Always... commit your life and ways to the Lord in prayer!
TALK TO THE LORD ABOUT EVERYTHING
Always... commit your life and ways to the Lord in prayer!
Well balanced Christian outreach includes more than creating an event. Although crucial, there is a lot more to effective church outreach than just sharing the Gospel. Witnessing and sharing our Christian faith should be a way of life for the Christian. Building relationships is a significant factor in helping people come to faith in Christ and assisting them in growing in their faith.
It is important that we do all we can to disciple new Christians. Things need to be in place so it is easy to encourage church attendance and Christian fellowship. Organizing ministry, not programs, to connect newcomers is vital in building Christian community and encouraging spiritual growth.
Reaching out to those outside the church with the love of Jesus in action and word is crucial to fulfilling the Great Commission and Great Commandment.
All of these are simple principles of spiritual maturity, church growth and a healthy balanced approach to Christian outreach. These tools will assist in realizing the fullness of Christ in your church.
It is important that we do all we can to disciple new Christians. Things need to be in place so it is easy to encourage church attendance and Christian fellowship. Organizing ministry, not programs, to connect newcomers is vital in building Christian community and encouraging spiritual growth.
Reaching out to those outside the church with the love of Jesus in action and word is crucial to fulfilling the Great Commission and Great Commandment.
All of these are simple principles of spiritual maturity, church growth and a healthy balanced approach to Christian outreach. These tools will assist in realizing the fullness of Christ in your church.