WHY CHURCHES DECLINE CHURCHES ARE LOSING THEIR KIDS – Statistics range from 50-90% of kids that remain in the faith/church they grew up in. – “if half the kids raised in the church were here today, the building would be full!” – While this is a church focus, this is a family matter. Eph. 6:4 Deut. 11:

WHY CHURCHES DECLINE Brethren Fight and Divide – We must not desire peace at any price- We stand for truth!!! – So many divisions and fights are over personal issues rather than doctrinal matters. (Gal. 5:26) – Acts 6- the first big controversy was over a perceived slight The brethren came together Worked with the leadership Worked out a strategy The gospel moved forward 3

WHY CHURCHES DECLINE “Nobody wants to hear the gospel” – Even if no one is interested that doesn’t change our obligation as disciples. Noah (1 Peter. 2:5; “preacher of righteousness”) Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:1-7) Jeremiah (Jer. 25:1-7) People won’t come to a building in this part of town. – If in a declining neighborhood, why not reach out to those in your area. A LACK OF EVANGELISM 4 MYTHS OF DECLINE

4 Things Everyone can do to Evangelize

SHINE Phil. 2:14-15 Can you live right??? “Our world is very dark” The challenge: Does my life look different? Matt. 5:13 6

Speak Living right (Shining) is crucial but will not convert my neighbor in and of itself. – God is seen through his invisible attributes so that man is without excuse (Rom. 1:20) – God offers revelation so that we might know who he is! God spoke to man and speaks to us today. We can’t expect people to know detailed information about God without telling them. – They may attribute our works to something else. 7

SPEAK Consider the linkage in Matt. 5:16 – How do people look at the works in my life and give glory to God? – Acts 8- Ethiopian Eunuch (preaching Jesus must have included teaching the response to Christ. It must have included baptism). We naturally talk about the things most important to us/that we are interested in. Reasons we this may not be natural: – I’m a fraud – Involved in a cover up (Matt. 10:33). 8

INVITE “Come and See” – John 1:43-46; Philip to Nathanael – John 4:29; Woman at the Well Most People who attend the church they are at are there because a close friend or family member invited them! 9

“what was responsible for you coming to Christ and this church?” I had a special need: 3% I just walked in: 3% I liked the minister: 6% I visited there: 1% I liked the Bible classes: 5% I attended in a meeting: 0.5% I liked the programs: 3% A friend or relative invited me: 10

INVITE Take those special opportunities to invite friends – When we have flyers made specifically for an event, use them!!! – “extend 10 to get one” Be impartial in inviting: – Guess how you know who have a perfect candidate is to accept an invitation to a Bible study/church visit? – People are looking for a cornelius to invite to church… 11

WELCOME If we don’t do this last part it is like fumbling on the one yard line. How have you felt going and visiting a new church? – Think of the person who may have never gone to church. – Ex. Of woman who stayed in car 20 min before coming in. Don’t wait till you get in the church building, start in the parking lot. 12

WELCOME Do the same kinds of things that make someone feel welcome in your house – Be courteous – Be warm – Be friendly Ex. Imagine being invited into someone’s home to come and see them… 1 Cor. 14:23-25; behavior impacts guests! 13

WELCOME Be impartial in welcoming (Luke 7; James 2) Tips: – “The 10 minute rule” – “The Hand off” – Ask questions/make connections 14

A FINAL REMINDER: Find your niche in the evangelistic department: – Not everyone has to do everything – Some are far better at inviting – Some are far better at conducting a study – Use your abilities and do your part 15

4 Things Everyone can do to Evangelize -Shine -Speak -Invite -Welcome