Redefining Culture -Part 8: A Bringing Culture

What We Believe

We believe in having a bringing culture rather than an advertising culture at The Ark!

We believe that the gospel was always spread from person to person & changed life to changed life.

We believe in Jesus’ Great Commandment to His people.

A Bible Example

John 1:39–42 NKJV

39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

Some Facts about The Apostle Peter:

The only apostle to have been recorded to deny Jesus 3 times

First person to preach the gospel after the resurrection of Jesus

3,000 & 5,000 people were added to the first church a few days apart

Peter’s shadow passing over people healed them

Brought the baptism of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles (that’s us)

Wrote 2 of the NT books of the Bible

Impetuousness lands him as the butt of Christian jokes

His brother, Andrew could never have known what Peter would become

2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

“Andrew simply brought Peter to Jesus, and Jesus did the rest.” - Pastor Mel Mullen

Every one of us is called to bring people to Jesus.

Christian, may I humbly ask you: When was the last time you brought someone to Jesus or to church?

Jesus draws greatness out of His people in a way that only He can.

2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

Jesus draws greatness out of His people in a way that only He can.

Jesus has the power to truly TRANSFORM our lives like nothing & no one else in the Universe can.

Look at someone next to you and tell them, “I think you could do something extraordinary for Christ!”

Pro-Tips From a Bringer

Grammie Bachran is one of the most effective “bringers” in this congregation

Why do you bring so many people to The Ark?

Can you give us a couple of pointers on how to effectively get people to come with us?

Just One Thing:

Psalm 103:2 ESV

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

Take this week to think about how your life has been changed & transformed by your relationship with Jesus Christ & stir up your gratefulness again.

These are great reasons to bring someone else to meet Jesus!

Discussion Questions:

What’s the funniest CLEAN joke you know by heart?

Who brought you to Jesus? How has your life changed since then?

Read the story of the paralytic brought to Jesus in . Please tell what stands out most to you about the bringing culture displayed in this account.

Please think of 3-4 people who you have never brought to church with you before. List their names. Pray with your Connect Group that you would be able to bring them to Jesus & to church.

What are the very best aspects of The Ark that you can honestly point to