A brief guide to Contextual Evangelism You Will Be My Witnesses… To the ends of the Earth!

A Biblical Mandate for Contextual Evangelism: For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you (Acts 17:23).

ELCA Values Statement We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world – together.

ELCA Values Statement We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work.

ELCA = 1 Church, 3 Expressions Congregations Synods Churchwide organization

Our Vision is to Make Disciples Who Are… Biblically based - Vision driven - Mission minded – Community focused - Culturally relevant – Ethnically diverse - Cutting edge – Well equipped – Healthy - Vibrant – Generous – Growing… …And Committed to the Mission and Ministry of Jesus Christ!

Contextual Evangelism Key Question: Is the form and content of evangelical outreach related to the needs of those you are trying to reach? Healthy churches are characterized by the way they share the gospel, so that it is culturally relevant, respectful, and comprehensive in meeting the needs, utilizing the gifts, and addressing the life questions of the un-churched. Unlike "manipulative programs” this "need-oriented/asset-based" approach uses appropriate ministries and authentic relationships to guide others into the life of the church and community. Contextual Evangelism is always intensely relational!

So WHO IS my Neighbor?

You & Your Community… Outward Focus…GO!… …And make Disciples More than noses & numbers… It’s about inviting people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ!

Mission Focus Think about your home church… What difference would it make to your community if your congregation didn’t exist?

What is Contextual Evangelism? Taking the church out of the building into the world The answer to the question, “Who is my NEIGHBOR?” …do you know their joys, sorrows, hopes, fears, dreams, passions, interests… Evangelism that is driven by a genuine desire to meet people at their point of greatest need?

Demo/Life-Style Data http://thearda.com/ U.S. Census data Congregations and denominations in your zip code or designated radius around your congregation www.Link2Lead.com (Percept Snapshot) Register or sign in www.ELCA.org (Research & Evaluation)

Welcome to “My” World! (single zip code example) Current Population = 46,010 16% Growth over the next 5 years Lifestyle: Middle American Families 89% Anglo/White Population Multi-Cultural Growth = Hispanic-Latino (11%) 34% of households are un/de-churched $61,183 = Avg. Household income 14% Single Parent households Average age = 35.5 College Graduates = 14% Church Style (worship, music, architecture) = Both Contemporary and Traditional

Concerns & Issues Finding a Good Church Home Finding Spiritual Teaching Problems in Schools Raising Children (teen/children problems - Children “At Risk”) Marriage and Divorce Realizing Hopes and Dreams Personal/Spiritual Issues

Needs + Resources = Contextual Evangelism (Ministry) Finding a Good Church Home Finding Spiritual Teaching Problems in Schools Raising Children (teen/children problems - Children “At Risk”) Marriage and Divorce Realizing Hopes and Dreams Personal/Spiritual Issues What are you going to do to meet the needs of God’s hungry and hurting people? Begin with the END in Mind!

Consider This… If God wants us to do something, God has already given us everything we need to get started! What resources do you already have? How are you going to use what you already have?

Mission Moment: Needs + Resources = Ministry Finding a Good Church Home Finding Spiritual Teaching Problems in Schools Raising Children (teen/children problems - Children “At Risk”) Marriage and Divorce Realizing Hopes and Dreams Personal/Spiritual Issues What are you going to do to meet the needs of God’s hungry and hurting people? Brain-storm Ministry Ideas Begin with the END in Mind!

Contextual Evangelism Bible Study and Prayer Groups Family Activities Spiritual Growth & Development Parent Training & Support Marriage Enrichment Divorce Recovery/Support Sports & Camping/Recreational Ministry *Number 1 Preference = Spiritual Development

Contextual Evangelism… Is sharing the gospel in a way that meets the needs of the church homeless and addresses their life questions and key concerns. Is entering into the life journey of those who are not yet a part of a community of faith. Is equipping disciples to share their faith in the arenas of life outside the church wherever they are called to serve – work, home, school, social and civic settings…

Please contact the Director for Evangelical Mission Rev. Gary Erickson gerickson@nisynod.org 815-289-6055 Outreach/evangelism help Mission planning Understanding your local context Development strategies Discipleship formation Congregational Vitality Surveys Resources Learning, thinking, living our Christian faith Accompaniment