Six Categories of Outward Focus for Churches. Introduction

Transcription

1 Six Categories of Outward Focus for Churches Introduction I am frequently asked to recommend a good plan to move a church toward an outward focus. Many leaders know that their churches need to move beyond their walls, but they are often confused about the best approach. Rather than evaluate the specifics of different programs or ministries, I will look at five major categories of outward focus. I will also give a specific example, and provide strengths and weaknesses.

2 Category 1: Programmatic Description: One of the more illustrative descriptions of programmatic outward focus is outreach in a box. It can be explicitly evangelistic, like Evangelism Explosion, or it can general outreach, like GROW. Established churches often view programmatic evangelism as the way to have an outward focus, particularly if it is created by a denominational entity or some other accepted authority. Most programmatic outward focus ministries have good structure and accountability. This form of outreach typically comes with good and clear instructions; thus it can be adopted easily by many churches. If the programmatic approach was developed by an accepted organizational authority, as is common, the congregation will often buy in more readily. Weaknesses Its greatest strength, structure and accountability, can be its greatest weakness. It can feel too canned for many people. Because there is an ongoing expectation of specific time and place involvement, participation tends to be low. The program can become the end instead of the means for greater outward focus. Evangelism Explosion GROW

3 Category 2: Event Based Description: A major gathering at a congregation, specifically designed to get non- attendees in church. The event is short- term, sometimes only day. In some churches, the event is offered near the same time each year. Typically the short- term event motivates church members. Participation can be higher than other outreach functions. Members themselves usually love the event itself, so they invite others naturally and enthusiastically. Events usually involve more of the church members than other means of outward focus; thus the members have true ownership of the function. Follow- up can be difficult. It is not always easy to get guests to provide contact information. The track record for getting new members and converts in the church is low for most congregations. This weakness could be directly related to the difficulty of follow- up. Many events are expensive and require much time of the members. It is uncertain if the reward is worth the cost. Easter musical or event. Christmas musical or event. Vacation Bible School (has the best track record of all events of which we have knowledge).

4 Category 3: Relational Based Description: An emphasis to get church members to develop relationships with non- Christians and unchurched persons. Because it is truly relational based, the emphasis tends to be very informal and non- structured. Takes advantage of the natural relationships church members form. If done well, it not only is a good approach to an outward focus, it can be a good assimilation approach. Assimilation is always better when people are connected relationally. Does not necessarily require more time of the church members. It is something done intentionally out of natural relationships. It can be difficult to engender accountability. Introverts in the church may have difficulty developing relationships naturally. Hospitality evangelism (Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC, encourages members to have meals with the unchurched). FRANgelism. The word stands for friends, relatives, acquaintances, and neighbors.

5 Category 4: Invitation Based Description: The entire premise behind this approach is to get church members to invite someone to church on one particular day. The thought is that one emphasis may get some people to visit a second time, and that members may actually get in the habit of inviting people to church. This approach has some similarities to event based outward focus, but the hard emphasis here is on inviting with accountability. Many churches can actually see a significant one- day spike in attendance. Some of those churches then see an increase, albeit smaller, after the event. Most of the invitation- based approaches have strong systems of accountability for members to invite others. Follow- up is typically better than other approaches. Members get to see the benefit and feel the excitement of inviting people to church. Members may get a sense that all they should do is invite someone to church one day a year. If not accompanied by other forms of outward focus, the benefit is typically lost. Invite Your One (coming in 2015). Friend Day. Back to Church Sunday.

6 Category 5: Ministry Based Description: The ministry- based approach to an outward focus seeks to help people with specific physical or emotional needs, but also introducing them to Christ and His provisions spiritually. This approach was largely shunned by evangelical churches until the 1980s. Connects with people at their point of need and hurt; thus they tend to be very receptive. Combines both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Tends to attract members who become ardent supporters of a particular ministry. Rarely runs out of prospects. The ministry itself can become the end instead of means to introduce people to Jesus Christ. Though not impossible, assimilation with these ministries is typically difficult. Food bank. Clothing ministry. Medical and dental ministry. English as a second language ministry. Servant evangelism. Ministry evangelism.

7 Category Six: Combined Approach Description: Churches that are very effective with an outward focus tend to take two or more of these approaches for their churches, and thus focus on the strengths of more than one approach. When I served as a pastor, my congregation used four of the five specific approaches. We did not have a specific emphasis on the relational approach to outward focus. I regret now that I did not lead in that direction. Multiple approaches attract members with different gift sets and passions. The approach that seemed to get the best outcome for the effort was the invitation approach. Be on the watch for a new ministry in 2015 in this category: Invite Your One.