Being Relevant

Understanding the culture -and the place of the church within that Some key principles for our work and witness - the 3 R’s

Community Moral compass Sense of belonging Place of activity Community builder Influence & Respect

Community Moral compass Sense of belonging Place of activity Community builder We have been here before! Influence & Respect Place of servanthood

In a place of servanthood you learn to listen & respond Not demand and direct

The 3 R’s for Outreach & Mission Real Relevant Relational

Real who you are is real what you offer is real

Real People Are you all you claim to be? When things are hard will you still be there? “Can I trust you?”

Real things “a more satisfying life” “meeting with God” “inner peace” “people who love one another”

Don’t dress it all up Be honest about who you are and what you face

Relevant

Questions the generations ask about faith and church: Over 65’s: Is it what I’ve been brought up to believe? How can I help? 50 – 65’s Is it true? Will I be able to help reshape it?

50 – 65’s Is it true? Will I be able to help reshape it? 30’s & 40’s Does it work? Will I be welcomed & involved? Teens & 20’s Will it build a better world where all are affirmed and supported?

To be relevant It has to be about life not about death How being a disciple of Jesus can make a difference to life now How he can use us to make a difference to the lives of others now

To be relevant Draw alongside others in the reality of life Be ready to address practical, emotional & spiritual needs And invite others to share in that

Relational The individualism of the 80’s and 90’s Revealed a deep seated need for meaningful relationships

People want to belong to loving, caring, affirming communities

Journeys and Stories Significant signposts: People The church Experiences The sermon

It’s people that draw people in It’s Christian community that roots and disciples them

Journeys and Stories “The church was probably the single most important factor in people’s spiritual journeys.”

One of the strongest messages from Journeys and Stories is that living as a community of believers who are welcoming, accepting, inviting, joyful, enthusiastic, encouraging and loving is the most powerful testimony possible. It constitutes a significant contribution to people’s journeys, a compelling invitation to a banquet, perhaps even a sign that the Kingdom of God is here.

The most important question for outreach & mission: How do we create authentic Christian community?

Lots of things might pique people’s interest But it’s this that truly disciples What we invite them to be part of is as important as how we invite them to belong Needs to be real, relevant & relational too!

To view this presentation & further work on generational characteristics: Supportnetworkconference.co.uk