Building a Lay Witness Network Bruce Sutherland -Constituent Relations Manager Gospel Outreach Your Church Your Circuit And Beyond

Psalm119: Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! 37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. 38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. 39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. 40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

Psalm119: Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! 37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. 38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. 39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. 40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

Agenda Purpose- Process- Payoff Introductions Building a Lay Witness Network Q&A Sticking together-Group Discussion Closing Prayer

Purpose-Process-Payoff Purpose – Assist each other in understanding how to build Outreach Networks in Congregations. Among Congregations (Circuit) And beyond (On line or within LLL Districts) Process – Through Interactive discussion (Laboratory) Payoff – Increased knowledge, motivation & tools – The opportunity to stay connected

Background Information

First Recognition We can’t do it alone Moses Prayer (Numbers 11:11-18) Request: “I am not able to carry all this people alone: the burden is too heavy for me.” Result: Moses recruited and the Lord equipped them for ministry.

Second Recognition God has prepared people 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Building a Lay Network Gospel Outreach Your Church Your Circuit And Beyond

Introductions Name Church or Organization Share your hope or vision for outreach in your area, congregation or ministry. What do you hope to learn in the next hour?

Promote the use of LHM outreach resources. Engage and energize Lay leaders, Professional Church Worker and others throughout the LCMS. Build Community and communication so that relationships are strengthened and growing. Polly Gregali Dionne Lovstad-Jones Keith PetersonBruce Sutherland Renee Blake Constituent Relations Team

Polly Gregali Dionne Lovstad-Jones Keith PetersonBruce Sutherland Renee Blake Constituent Relations Team

Building a Lay Network Gospel Outreach Your Church Your Circuit And Beyond

Your Congregational Network Begin with a simple structure before you start to recruit people Your Church

Congregational Network Structure 3 Models for Organizing your Outreach Structure

Outreach Structures Outreach by the Alphabet The three R’s The three P’s The three C’s Your Church

Outreach Structures The Three R’s (adapted from the book “When Helping Hurts” Relief (we provide & you receive) Immediate necessary Temporary Rehabilitation (We provide you participate) time effort relationship Reconciliation (God provides we all receive) Helping people understand God’s reconciliation Your Church

Outreach Structures The Three P’s (focused on discipleship & doing) Prayer Individuals pray for the lost The church has a list We engage the community with prayer Preparation Bible studies Training Practice-roleplay Proclamation Sharing Christ with words Group accountability Repeat Your Church

Outreach Structures The Three C’s Culture Shared Commitment to reach the lost Prayer, training & telling Stories Shared identity Connection Create and maintain a database of visitors & unchurched families. The church intentionally nurtures relationship with these people. Invite People to New Member classes (Discussion opportunities) Community Sense of mission Knowledgeable Active Your Church

How Well is Your church Connecting?

Congregational Networking (Recruiting Volunteers)

Serving is God’s design for serving in the church For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:4-6a

The Top 6 Mistakes in Recruiting Volunteers 1.Expect announcements alone to get volunteers 2.Fall into the BIC trap (Butt-in-Chair) 3.Go it alone (vs team recruiting) 4.Recruit life time volunteers 5.Assume that no means never (ask why not) 6.Being People driven rather than Position Driven

Emphasizing the P in Partnership See Handout

Volunteer Networks are part of good Discipleship & Stewardship 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 1Peter 4:10

Building a Lay Network Gospel Outreach Your Church Your Circuit And Beyond

Network Partnerships in Your Circuit What is a Synod? It means “on the road together”… to cooperate for the spreading of Holy Scriptures Examples of churches walking together – Joint community events – Circuit meetings for pastors and Semi-annual outreach meetings for congregations. – Youth programs – LLL – LWML Your Circuit

Network Partnerships in Your Circuit Benefits – Shared vision and purpose – Praying for each other – More resources (to meet changing community needs) – Shared expertise (e.g. Prision ministry) – Shared resources Your Circuit

Network Partnerships in Your Circuit Challenges of Network Partnerships – Differing visions – Spend more time cooperating than working – The perception of being unequally yoked – History Your Circuit

Network Partnerships in Your Circuit – LCMS District Office can Assist in the development of a congregational outreach plan specific to your congregation Network your church with other congregations of a similar size to foster mutual support, encouragement and accountability Provide Outreach resources to carry out your plan Provide coaching (as requested) Congregational Goals and covenant? Your Circuit

Do any of you have Circuit Partnerships? Your Circuit

Building a Lay Network Gospel Outreach Your Church Your Circuit And Beyond

Online & Beyond LHM is Your Partner in His Mission And Beyond

Online & Beyond LHM is Your Partner in His Mission And Beyond

Who is an Ambassador? An Ambassador is a member of a congregation who helps build and nurture relationships between LHM, the congregation and its members.

Ambassador Qualifications Love for Jesus Passion for outreach Active membership Church involvement Builds relationships Recruits, motivates, and coordinates Basic Computer skills and access to technology

Ambassador Role Prayer champion Understands needs of the church Guides to LHM resources, materials and ministry Collaborates with church leaders Learn about LHM resources Ask financial support Educate and inform

The Keystone Analogy Critical piece of connection It supports two structures Bears the least weight

You don’t have to be an expert