Vital Ministry Small Churches Make a Difference

What are the barriers? Traditionalism “Niceness” “Club” mentality Paralysis in the face of conflict

If Onlies If only we had more … If only our people were… If only our pastor were… If only more ____________ would come… If only…

Some Hopeful Facts Large percentage of deeply committed people 40% ++ people in small town/rural areas are unchurched Strategic location Uniquely poised for growth Commitment Spiritual depth Program Giving Outreach Numbers

What keeps people out of your church?

Church leaders must be door openers

Unique ministries Relationships (+ and -) Every member is (can be/should be) important Spiritual growth can be customized and contextual Easier to be yeast (subversive element in culture)

What doesn’t bring people to Christ or to Christ’s Body? DUTY GUILT OPEN DOORS FAMILY TRADITION/EXPECTATION FEAR OF HELL OR HOPE OF HEAVEN COERCION FORMALISM/TRADITIONALISM

What might attract people to Christ and Christ’s Body? LIFE, ENERGY, DYNAMISM SALVATION AS A POINT OF HEALING SPIRITUALITY, NOT CHURCHIANITY BENEFIT (NOT ANOTHER PLACE TO BE SUCKED DRY) SENSE OF PURPOSE

Three things we can do Building Up (self-esteem) Breaking Up (fortress, monolithic structure) Getting Up (and going!)

Missionary Outpost Build genuine trusting relationships with those outside the church Make a conscious effort to bring yourselves to the community (not bring the community to you

Missionary Outpost Be yourself Be aware of these distinctions Christians seek a great CHURCH Strangers to Christianity seek meaningful RELATIONSHIPS NOT PROGRAMS NOT MEETINGS NOT PERFORMANCES (I.E. WORSHIP)

Missionary Outpost Invite less, testify more Raise up leaders from the locals Support the building/rebuilding of community infrastructure Translate God’s message into culturally relevant “language”

Missionary Outpost Missionaries don’t raise funds from those in the mission field Court local leaders Seek to share ministries and resources with other churches

Strategies for Small Church Evangelism Marketing Techniques Relational Networking Community Center Structural Changes Death and resurrection Nesting the new within the old

Strategies for Small Church Evangelism Being Church for the 21 st century Small groups Cluster Shared ministries