Transcript Document
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… Because He has anointed me to Bring Good News to the Poor He has sent me to Proclaim Release to the Captives And Recovery of Sight to the Blind To let the Oppressed Go Free To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Luke 4:18,19 (NRSV) What is Evangelism? … We believe that Church growth is NEVER to be identified as if it WERE the Mission of the Church… Douglas John Hall Confessing the Faith EVANGELISM … ANY attempt of the Christian Community to proclaim the gospel in the public realm. Douglas John Hall Confessing the Faith Evangelism Defined… From the Greek word euangelion, “Good News” The sharing of the gospel of Jesus Christ through a variety of means. Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms We Proclaim Jesus Christ, and Promote Communities of Joy, Hope Love and Evangelism = Ministry Ministry = Evangelism We must move from MASS evangelism to RELATIONAL evangelism. Relational Evangelism: Sharing the good news about Jesus Christ to someone you already care about and to whom you have already demonstrated God’s love…. Jeff Woods Congregational Megatrends What is Relational Evangelism? It is not new. It is the primary way people come to know Christ. It involves loving other people. It begins with a demonstration of God’s love to others. It does not involve a formal presentation of the Gospel. It is not a single program. It is a process. Mass Evangelism OR Relational Evangelism Takes place primarily inside the church Takes place primarily outside the church Is done by the Pastor Is done by the laity Takes place at designated times Takes place spontaneously Occurs in an instant Occurs over time Appeals to a common denominator Appeals to each person uniquely … For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me… Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25 (NRSV) In what ways is your congregation currently: Feeding the hungry? Giving drink to the thirsty? Welcoming the stranger? Visiting the sick? Going to the prisoner? When was the last time the your congregation responded to a community need? How long did it take? What channels did you follow? What does it mean to be the Community of Christ in your community? What makes the Community of Christ different from any other church in your community? Why should your congregation reach out to its community? Why should the community be interested in your congregation? What currently inhibits your congregation from providing ministry to the community? Where are some places in your community that your congregation could minister? How does your congregation become the Community of Christ in your community? Work with a Social Service agency? Work with another Faith Movement? Is there a need that is not being met? Where is God calling the your local Community of Christ to go? The Promised Land for tomorrow’s church may be more about relationships, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity, than about sanctuaries, buildings, houses of worship, and lands of milk and honey. Jeff Woods Congregational Megatrends