Chapter 4 - OUTREACH The Plow and the Seed Drill Incarnational Plowing thru CMJ (Compassion, Mercy & Justice) and Attractional Seeding thru Evangelism New Covenant churches Live out the Gospel by equal amounts of Attractional and Incarnational Ministries Come and See: John 1:35-51 Go and Serve: Matthew 5:13-16

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 Incarnational Incarnational – Attractional Attractional – Do you think one is more Difficult? Do you think one is more Important? How can both work Together? Evangelism “If evangelism isn’t our first priority, it soon becomes no priority.” Milton Engebretson, President of the Covenant I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks… I am eager to preach the Gospel. Romans 1:14-15 Compassion “Compassion ministries are the apologetic for our generation.” Steve Norman, church planter of Genesis, Royal Oak, MI Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you about the hope that you have. I Peter 2:15

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 The Message & Mission of Jesus – the Two Strands – The two vertical “rails” – In & Out; Back & Forth; & Both Directions at the same time. The Message of the Church: “Come and See” “Deeper in Christ” “Pursuing Christ” John 2:39; 4:29; 12:21,32 Matthew 11:28; 22:37 Attractional Evangelism Proclamation of the Gospel What will people see and hear when they come to your church? worshipdiscipleshipcommunity The Mission of the Church: “Go and Serve” “Further in Mission” “Pursuing Christ’s Priorities in the World” Matt 9:38; 22:39; 28:19 John 20:21; Acts 1:8 Missional Evangelism Incarnation of the Gospel What will people experience as you go out and be the church in your community? servinglovingsharing

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 Each church needs to find “Normal and Natural Pathways” for people to become Christ-followers in Attractional and Missional Settings. It’s NOT EITHER/OR: either Attractional or Incarnational; rather… Churches that are moving forward today as healthy, missional churches do BOTH and MORE! INSIDE: The reality on the inside: surveys show that many of those in attendance have not made a commitment to Christ - AND… OUTSIDE: And, outside the church, there are hard-core lost and others who are de-churched, some who made a commitment to Christ in the past… So, it’s a matter of Both and More… Our most healthy churches do both… and more…

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 TEAM APPLICATION: 3 STATIONS Split up as a team and decide who will go to one of three stations: 1.Incarnational 2. Attractional 3. Both If you’re at the training alone, go to the “Both” station. After you come back together debrief and talk about how you can plan for one ATTRACTIONAL and one INCARNATIONAL form of evangelism.

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 DEFINITION OF EVANGELISM: “To cooperate with the Holy Spirit and others to help a person take one step closer to Christ.” The ECC definition of Evangelism We do this through Attractional and Incarnational means. We do this individually and corporately. We do this through: -Prayer -Care -Share

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 SOME POST-MODERN APPROACHES 1. Evangelism in community “Groups Investigating God” (GIG’s) – John Teter people want to see “how we love one another” (John 13:35) and how that love actually can touch and transform others. 2. Evangelism in WORD & DEED Justice, Compassion, Mercy all contribute to the CARE of Evangelism These are corporate expressions of God’s love & care by the church. GIVE a person a fish Compassion, Mercy & Justice TEACH them how to fish Education and Training Fishing BUSINESS Community Development Get a PIECE of the LAKE Advocacy and Justice

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 Pay attention to the pathways of people in addition to numbers. Numbers count too, but the direction and connection are more important. Encourage your people to Commit to building Spiritual Friendships. Use “Bringing My World to Christ” and “Prayer, Care, Share” Celebrate those who connect with Christ, Celebrate those who build friendships.

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 We must find ways to move from a Battle of Messages to Learning Conversations. Battle of MessagesLearning Conversations - I know all I need in order to know - There are important things therefore, I needto persuade neither of us understand them that I am right. therefore, let’s listen to each other’s stories & learn together. learn together. - Feelings are irrelevant and wouldn’t be - Feelings are real, complex, helpful to share therefore; and may be at the heart avoid feelings. of the issue. -I am bad/good, lovable/unlovable with- There is a lot at stake for no in-between; therefore, I must both of us and I must protect my self-image. neither of us is perfect; therefore we will “seek to understand before seeking understand before seeking to be understood.” to be understood.”

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 4 Evangelism Myths and Facts 1. MYTH: Evangelism is only for those that have the spiritual gift of evangelism, or for those will good communication skills (like pastors). FACT: All of us are witnesses of what God has done in our lives. 2. MYTH: Evangelism is an individual effort that requires an intellectual agreement with a set of truths. FACT: Evangelism takes individuals and a community to live out and talk about the Gospel. 3. MYTH: People are not open to the Gospel FACT: People are very open to the Gospel. 4. MYTH: “YOU (and you alone) are personally responsible. FACT: God initiates, continues, and culminates the work of salvation. It is first and foremost God’s Work. It is the MISSEO DEO – the mission of God… (see Mission of God by Chris Wright)

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 4 Doors Door 1: Sovereign Foundations Door 2: Spiritual Awareness Door 3: Seeker or Snacker Door 4: Heaven’s Hound The 6 panel door: aka the Cross and Open Bible door. Can you see them?

“Rescue Me” Graphic from “One Sheet of Paper” contest. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of the kingdom of the Son He loves. Col 1:13 Prayer and Evangelism and More Praying for People: Since Evangelism is “Cooperating with the Holy Spirit...” this means prayer is a vital part of the process of evangelism. Through prayer, we invite God to empower us for evangelism: Prayer provides courage. Ephesians 6:19 Prayer provides words. Ephesians 6:19 Prayer provides open doors. Colossians 4:3 Prayer provides verbal and non-verbal clarity. Colossians 4:4 Prayer provides love. Matthew 5:43f Prayer has impact Mark 9:29 Intercessory Prayer Prayer Walk What to Pray See example of LifeChurch, Canton, Michigan TEAM APPLICATION(look also at CMJ page)