Evangelism in Difficult Times David Schoen Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Local Church Ministries United Church of Christ

Evangelism in the 21st Century Missional, Relational & Conversational Missional in purpose Relational in outreach Conversational in witness

Missional in Purpose Missional congregations and disciples Find joy not in being served but in serving reach out beyond themselves Nurture new disciples and churches

Missional Evangelism Buzz Marketing Evangelism One beggar telling another where there is food Come and See! One Spiritual Seeker telling another where they found welcome.

Come and See What do you think when you hear the word…. EVANGELISM ?

Celtic Evangelism In The Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can Reach the West . . . Again, George Hunter writes about the difference between what he describes as the evangelism approach in Roman and Celtic Christianity. Celtic Christianity is the tradition of mission and ministry that was first developed by St. Patrick in Ireland and then journeyed into Scotland. Roman Christianity is the tradition of mission and ministry that was practiced by missionaries from Rome that sought to Christianize the people of England.

Celtic Evangelism Roman Model Celtic Model Presentation Fellowship Decision Ministry and Conversation Fellowship Belief, Invitation to Commitment The Roman model seems very logical to us because most American evangelicals are scripted by it! It is the evangelism of revival, door knockers and brochures that ask where we are going to spend eternity. It is the evangelism that we usually respond negatively to. We explain the gospel, they accept Christ, we welcome them into the church! Presentation, Decision, Assimilation. In contrast, this is the Celtic model for outreach: (1) you first establish community with people, or bring them into the fellowship of your community of faith. (2) within the embrace of community, you engage in conversation, ministry, prayer and worship. (3) As people discover their gifts and faith, you invite them to commit to discipleship.

Belonging and Believing Christianity is more caught than taught! As Professor Robin Gill observes, belonging comes before believing. For this reason, evangelism is now about helping people to belong so that they can believe. Reflect on your own experience, came to believe in community of faith Helping people belong so that they may believe. Stillspeaking experience reminded us that we have a mission and message. Reaching out over the abyss of alienation to the spiritually homeless those alienated from god and god’s people with a message of God’s extravagant welcome. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome.

Missional in Purpose Relational in Outreach Ministry in 21st Century is Relational Build community with those outside the church Get to know the unchurched people and culture

the world has changed 60 – 80 % unchurched 80 % of baby boomers left 80 % of youth have negative view of church Culture does not support church

Relational in Outreach Bridge the gap by building relationships The days of waiting for people to come to church to welcome them are over. Instead of waiting inside, we go outside

Go Forth into the World Stirring a 'Gumbo' Theology, Reverend Otis Moss III speaks on Church Vitality and Discipleship in a Hip Hop World http://www.ucc.org/vitality/ready-set-grow/video/otis-moss.html

Missional Outreach Go to where the unchurched are: Starbucks, Borders Parks, Gyms “I stopped wondering about how to draw younger folks into my church and started focusing on how to draw my congregation out of its building and into relationship with the world outside its doors.”

Go Forth…. Into the Virtual World. In Asia, Europe and North America—an entire generation has experienced the Internet as a means for maintaining relationships with family and friends. The Internet is a lifeline for users whose mobility is limited by disability, chronic illness or advanced age. The Internet is where we can find and engage seekers.

Go Forth…. Into the Virtual World. Web Ministry Resources UCC Web University http://www.ucc.org/vitality/web-university/ Web tips on line http://www.ucc.org/webtips/ A very useful resource is the book "Reaching Out in a Networked World: Expressing Your Congregation's Heart and Soul" by Lynne M. Baab (The Alban Institute). "Websites that Work",

Relational in Outreach Conversational in Witness Conversational ministry is central to the future of the church in 21st Century Count conversations, not conversions Brian McLaren, More Ready than You Think

Conversational Ministry The postmodern world calls for disciples who reach out to a world that is hungering for good conversation about faith, values, hope, meaning, purpose, goodness, beauty, truth, life after death, life before death and God. Engaging in everyday faith conversations will not only help others become Christians, it will help us become better Christians, who know and love the still speaking God more than ever.

Conversational Ministry A world of spiritual seekers wants to talk. We are the ones who are not talking! Vital churches are communities in which the pastor and members have invited 5 to 15 new folks to their community of faith in the past six months.

“Tricking” the church into Evangelism – Taking it back! Are you Ready to Talk? “Tricking” the church into Evangelism – Taking it back! Add other resources to this page

Are You Ready to Talk? Why do you love your church? What impact has believing in God and following Jesus made in your life? What Bible words have made a difference in your life? Let’s practice Pastor had helped congregation simply to ask, do have a church you go to Are you ready to talk Why do you love your church What difference has knowing god, christ, and the holy spirit made in your life No theological words Richard peace, practice with unchurched

Through you and me! God is still speaking, Let’s practice Pastor had helped congregation simply to ask, do have a church you go to Are you ready to talk Why do you love your church What difference has knowing god, christ, and the holy spirit made in your life No theological words Richard peace, practice with unchurched

Resources for Missional Congregations Ready, Set, Grow Resources on ucc.org/vitality Vital-o-Meter Discovering your Congregation’s Strengths Discerning your Congregation’s Mission “It’s a Whole New World” Anthony Robertson Vitality Interviews Vitality Powerpoint - Retreat Resources www.ucc.org/vitality/retreat-resources/

Evangelism in the 21st Century Go Forth into the World! Missional in purpose Relational in outreach Conversational in witness