Organic Outreach Encouragement

Over the years I have read many studies and statistics that indicate that if Christians would kindly, prayerfully, and humbly ask their non-believing friends and family to come to church, many would say, “Yes!”  These studies indicate that many people are open and hungry for spiritual truth and meaning in their life.

Jesus put it this way in Matthew 9:37-38:

 “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

The emphasis on Jesus’ exhortation is on those who already know God.  The harvest is plentiful…people are open and receptive.  The workers are few… believers are reluctant to reach out.  Pray that God will send out workers into the harvest… pray that Christians will be confident and reach out in the name of Jesus.

Who is God inviting you to call, text, e-mail, or connect with so that you can invite them to Easter services at your church?  Pray for your self, make the ask, and see what God does.

I love the local church and I hope you do too.  But, I am aware that there is a certain gravitational force surrounding the church that pulls people in.  Just like gravity keeps our feet on the ground, so this force in the church pulls believers to each other.  This is good, to a point.  It is good to be in fellowship, to encourage each other, and to worship the Lord together.  We are called to gather as believers and warned not to forsake gathering with God’s people.

But, we also need to be out in the world.  We are called to be salt and light.  We are to “Go” make disciples of all nations.  Sometimes the goodness and comfort of being with like-minded people in the church can draw us in when we should be pressing out.  If you are part of a healthy and loving local congregation, there are often many activities and responsibilities that pull us in and together.

If you find yourself spending lots of time gathered with God’s people and discover that you have very little margin and time to be with those who are still wandering like sheep without a shepherd, it might be time to press out.  Fight the gravity that pulls you into the church and press outward.  Look at your schedule. If you are not getting time with friends or family who are still far from Jesus, make the time.  If church stuff has enveloped your life, change your schedule.  If you don’t have friends who are still far from God, make some new friends.

Be honest, if the gravity of the church has pulled you in, press out!  “Go” and make disciples of all nations, starting with your own neighborhood!

Joy is a missing element in the lives of so many people in our world.  The idea that we can walk in consistent, deep, rich joy seems like a dream to so many.  Yet, the second fruit of the Spirit is joy (Galatians 5:22-23).  When you walk joyfully with Jesus, in the power of His Holy Spirit, even in the tough times, you show the people around you that God is alive and real in your life.  When they ask you how you can be so joyful, let them know that the reason your joy is enduring is that the author and source of Joy is your closest friend.  Tell them about Jesus.

One note, true joy is not a fake grin, a perpetual declaration of, “Praise the Lord,” or pretending things are fine when you are hurting.  The joy that God offers, and the joy that will resonate with those who are still far from God, is an honest awareness that whatever we face, we are loved, forgiven, and God has something amazing in mind for us today.  This kind of joy is honest and carries us through each day.

Slow down. It is one of the keys to organic outreach.

I had a chance to share my faith, tell my conversation story, and make a new friend recently. It all happened over a salad. I was grabbing a quick dinner and a friend wanted to introduce me to a buddy of his. His friend is an adherent of a religion different than mine.

I had limited time, but knew I needed to slow down and join these guys for a relaxed conversation. We talked for almost an hour. It was warm, this gentleman was kind and articulate, and we really hit it off. I look forward to getting to know him better in the coming months. If I had grabbed my dinner and headed out, as I had intended on doing, I would have missed meeting a fascinating person. As I slowed down, God opened a door for a wonderful conversation about faith.

As you walk through this coming week, look for chances to slow down. Create margin in your schedule. Make space for people…and see what God decides to do!

Names.  They really matter.

To be honest, I am terrible with names.  This is a challenge for me.  But, because I know that remembering names speaks volumes to people, I am working harder at it.  I have met a few new people in the past week and felt convicted to write their name down, pray for them, and remember their face, story, and name.

In particular, when we are interacting with people who are not yet followers of Jesus, remembering their name is very important.  I invite you to tune in to this for the coming month.  Even write names on a card, keep a list in your phone, or find some other way to remember names.  Then, pray for people by name and address them by name next time you see them.

I received an email this past week from a friend who happens to be the Lead Pastor of a great church just one city away from where I pastor.  He wanted me to know that a wonderful couple from his church was now attending the church where I pastor.  He was not bitter.  He just wanted me to reach out to them and make sure they feel welcome and get connected.  He wanted to be sure they were part of a Bible believing, outreach oriented local church…and he did not care if it was the church where he was pastor.

After Sunday services this past weekend a young woman came up to me to talk and pray.  She was struggling because she had spent a good deal of time in Europe this last year and had grown to love the liturgy, hymns, and a more traditional style of worship.  She told me she missed it because she really connected with God during her time in Europe and her experiences in some traditional worship settings.

Our church is quite contemporary in style.  So, I told her about Carmel Presbyterian Church.  I assured her that she would find traditional worship, sing hymns, and that I was confident the people there would be welcoming and embrace her.  I also told her that the two pastors are friends of mine and I truly respect them.  The church is biblical and they have a deep love for the lost in their community.  I said, “I want to encourage you to go visit there.”  She looked a bit surprised and a little hurt.  I went on to say, “I love having you as part of Shoreline Church.  I am not trying to drive you away.  But, I want you to be where you can really connect with God.  I encourage you to explore this other great church.”  She smiled and I prayed with her…for God’s leading in her life and walk with Jesus.

Simple truth…not every church is for everyone.  And, not every church fits the same people through their whole journey of faith.  If someone does not fit at your church, if they are longing for a very different worship experience, if they can’t find a place to connect, it is OK to refer them to another biblical and loving church community.  The family of God is much bigger than any one church or denomination.  Don’t be shy to point people to other churches.