Quest Dave Malone May 31 st to June 2 nd Oklahoma Christian University

How does Spiritual Transformation impact Disengagement and Re-entry in our local congregations today?

Between 1965 and 2001: Church Attendance in USA has been in decline. There are more than 150 plus million unchurched Americans today. Nearly ½ of the US population never attend any fellowship. Source: George Gallup, Jr.

Definitions: Unchurched: A man or woman, of any age and marital status, who does not attend any synagogue, mosque, or congregation, nor does he or she contribute money, time or prayer in the support of any religious group – most likely by design or choice.

Definitions: Disengagement: A man or woman, of almost any age and marital status, who has not attended any assembly of a synagogue, mosque, or congregation for at least the past two years with no emotional, social or financial attachment or participation.

Definitions: Re-entry: A man or woman, of almost any age and marital status, who has committed again to regular assembly with a synagogue, mosque, or congregation with renewed emotional, social and financial participation after being disengaged.

What are the parameters and patterns nationally for disengagement and re-entry? National patterns for disengagement will be presented now on the overhead and you may pick up a take home copy later. National patterns for re-entry will be presented now on the overhead and you may pick up a take home copy later.

What are the parameters and patterns in the local congregation for disengagement and re-entry? Congregational patterns for disengagement will be presented now on the overhead and available to you to take home later. Congregational patterns for re-entry will be presented now on the overhead and available to you to take home later.

Why and how does spiritual transformation matter in dealing with disengagement and re- entry? (The BIG Issue!) A 1 min. simulation of being screened out (Please follow instructions.). A selected review of literature about the breakdown of Christian Community (Pick up a take home of this review later.).

NT Stories and ministry by Jesus and others, our option: Three disengagement stories from Luke 15. The disengagement of Peter and apostles in Matthew 26:31-35 and their re-entry with Jesus in John 21:1-19. The teaching and practice of early church is a model for Christian community today. (How do we practice the new commandment today for forgiveness, reconciliation and healing?)

A theology for our ministries: Love others as if they were Jesus. Grace in Advance – “The Lord knows who are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). Forgive others as we expect God to forgive us (See Matthew 7 on forgiveness, etc.). Becoming proactive over being reactive. Re-connect with disengaged where possible. Think, plan and structure systemically with pastoral leadership, Bible classes, ministries, staff, families, and small groups in caring assimilation and involvement in Christ.

Let’s finish tomorrow here at: 9:00-10:00 am – Dave Malone “Addressing Effectively the Needs of Church Members who are Disengaging and Re-entering” 10:00-11:00 am – Facilitation Group

God bless: You and yours! Your ministries! And the Body of Christ to reflect the forgiveness, grace and love of God to one another, the church and our world today!