Contextual Evangelism

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P G
Focus Here
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MD TrainingContextual EvangelismFebruary 2008
You Will Be My Witnesses To the ends of the
Earth!
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A Biblical Mandate for Contextual Evangelism

• For as I went through the city and looked
  carefully at the objects of your worship, I found
  among them an altar with the inscription, To an
  unknown god. What therefore you worship as
  unknown, this I proclaim to you (Acts 1723).

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ELCA-EOCM Mission Statement

• Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are
  claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the
  world.

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Our Vision is to Make Disciples Who Are

• Biblically based - Vision driven -
• Mission minded Community focused -
• Culturally relevant Ethnically diverse -
• Cutting edge Well equipped Healthy -
• Vibrant Generous Growing

And Committed to the Mission and Ministry of
Jesus Christ!
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NCD - Contextual Evangelism

• Key Question Is the form and content of
  evangelical outreach related to the needs of
  those you are trying to reach?
• Healthy churches are characterized by the way
  they share the gospel, so that it is culturally
  relevant, respectful, and comprehensive in
  meeting the needs, utilizing the gifts, and
  addressing the life questions of the un-churched.
• Unlike "manipulative programs this
  "need-oriented/asset-based" approach uses
  appropriate ministries and authentic
  relationships to guide others into the life of
  the church and community.
• Contextual Evangelism is always intensely
  relational!

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So WHO IS my Neighbor?
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You Your Community

• Outward FocusGO!
• And make Disciples
• More than noses numbers
• Its about inviting people into a life-changing
  relationship with Jesus Christ!

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Mission Focus

• Think about your home church
• What difference would it make to your community
  if your congregation didnt exist?

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What is Contextual Evangelism?

• Taking the church out of the building into the
  world
• The answer to the question, Who is my NEIGHBOR?
• do you know their joys, sorrows, hopes, fears,
  dreams, passions, interests
• Our 2nd NCD Minimum Factor/Leverage Point!
• Evangelism that is driven by a genuine desire to
  meet people at their point of greatest need?

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Demo/Life-Style Data

• Percept (Synod Contract)
• U.S. Census Bureau
• National Decision Systems
• Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates
• www.Link2Lead.com (Percept Snapshot)
• www.ELCA.org (Research Evaluation)

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Welcome to My World! (single zip code)

• Current Population 46,010
• 16 Growth over the next 5 years
• Lifestyle Middle American Families
• 89 Anglo/White Population
• Multi-Cultural Growth Hispanic-Latino (11)
• 34 of households are un/de-churched
• 61,183 Avg. Household income
• 14 Single Parent households
• Average age 35.5
• College Graduates 14
• Church Style (worship, music, architecture)
  Both Contemporary and Traditional

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Concerns Issues

• Finding a Good Church Home
• Finding Spiritual Teaching
• Problems in Schools
• Raising Children (teen/children problems -
  Children At Risk)
• Marriage and Divorce
• Realizing Hopes and Dreams
• Personal/Spiritual Issues

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Needs Resources Contextual Evangelism
(Ministry)

• What are you going to do to meet the needs of
  Gods hungry and hurting people?

• Finding a Good Church Home
• Finding Spiritual Teaching
• Problems in Schools
• Raising Children (teen/children problems -
  Children At Risk)
• Marriage and Divorce
• Realizing Hopes and Dreams
• Personal/Spiritual Issues

Begin with the END in Mind!
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Consider This

• If God wants us to do something, God has already
  given us everything we need to get started!
• What resources do you already have?
• How are you going to use what you already have?

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Mission MomentNeeds Resources Ministry

• What are you going to do to meet the needs of
  Gods hungry and hurting people?
• Brain-storm Ministry Ideas

• Finding a Good Church Home
• Finding Spiritual Teaching
• Problems in Schools
• Raising Children (teen/children problems -
  Children At Risk)
• Marriage and Divorce
• Realizing Hopes and Dreams
• Personal/Spiritual Issues

Begin with the END in Mind!
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Contextual Evangelism

• Bible Study and Prayer Groups
• Family Activities
• Spiritual Growth Development
• Parent Training Support
• Marriage Enrichment
• Divorce Recovery/Support
• Sports Camping/Recreational Ministry
• Number 1 Preference Spiritual Development

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Contextual Evangelism

• Is sharing the gospel in a way that meets the
  needs of the church homeless and addresses their
  life questions and key concerns.
• Is entering into the life journey of those who
  are not yet a part of a community of faith.
• Is equipping disciples to share their faith in
  the arenas of life outside the church wherever
  they are called to serve work, home, school,
  social and civic settings

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Red Neck Lutheran Sweet Home, Alabama