Reaching the World for Christ

You may have heard the old adage: How do you eat a whale? One bite at a time. In the same way, how do we reach the world for Christ? One person at a time.

Statistics show us that there is more evangelism, excitement and activity in new churches. more so than what we see in older church congregations. Why is that? Because the newness of things always excites people. That’s our human nature. So there has always been a push to start new churches in areas.

Church planting process...

When planting a church or a network of churches, our job is not to start a church. Jesus didn’t tell us to go start churches. He said to go and make disciples. HE will build His church

Mat 16:18

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Jesus’ Model

If we follow Jesus’ model for building the church what will we see?

Turn to Luke 10:1-11

Jesus sends out the seventy-two

He started with nothing, show the progression: first disciples, then 12, sent out the 12, now 72

The Harvest is Plentiful

Luke 10:1-11

-Harvest

-Workers

-Go/Sent

-Stay there (doing what?)

-Heal and tell them…

-The kingdom of God is near you

-Near vs upon you...

-John the baptist - “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Mt 3:2)

-”God loves you and has a plan for your life”

-Receive or reject

-Man/Woman of Peace

-Open, they listen

-These are the “Workers”

-Tess - Salt Pond

-Nelson - Matson

-Carolyn - Pili Mai

-???

-You are ALL workers constantly look for other workers.

-Our job? Build God’s kingdom

Break into groups

Questions

What are your views on Luke 10 and reaching the world for Christ?

Do you have a plan to reach your family members the people at work or your neighborhood? Share

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Show the video https://vimeo.com/164104509

4 QUESTIONS

What does this story tell us about God?

What does this story tell us about people?

What does it tell us we ought to do?

Who am I going to tell what I’ve learned?

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How to start a Bible study

1. Engage people in conversation

2. Get to know people by frequent encounters - build relations, start praying daily for them (add them to your name list)

3. Invite them to your home for BBQ or for coffee, movie, etc.

4. Just pop the question: Do you go to church? Engage in a biblical conversation. Ask questions. See their views on life. The goal is not to force your view on them but to get them interested to see what the Bible tells us about God and life.

5. Plan to meet

6. Bible Study

-Read through the book of Mark, James, etc.

-Basic topics (Who is Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Reliability of the Bible, Salvation, Baptism, Discipleship, Quiet Time, Church, etc.)

-Right Now Media is an excellent resource

-Ask and have them answer the 4 questions mentioned in the video

-Offer snacks and refreshments. Be sure to have time to talk to get to know one another

-Pray

-Maintain connections throughout the week

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Hospitality is commanded:

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Hospitality

To entertain or receive a stranger (sojourner) into one’s home as an honored guest and to provide the guest with food, shelter, and protection. This was not merely an oriental custom or good manners but a sacred duty that everyone was expected to observe. Only the depraved would violate this obligation.

Lev 19:33-34; Dt 10:18-19;

Abraham Gen 18:1-8 Rahab - Josh 6:25; Heb 11:31; James 2:25

Lk 7:36, 10:4-11

1 Tim 3:2, 5:10; Titus 1:8; Rom 12:13; 1 Pe 4:8-9; Mt 25:34-36

Washing Feet Gen 18:4, 19:2, 24:32, 43:24, Judges 19:21, Lk 7:44, Jn 13:2-5, 12-17

Hospitality is unheard of in our culture. We’re very hospitable to people we know but not to strangers.

House churches are a step in the right direction

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REACHING A “COMMUNITY”

(House Church Style)

1. Pray for geographic Location

-Hanapepe Cliffside

-Ewa

-Your work place

2. Pray over that location

-Prayer walk

-Prayer drive through

-Prayer from the network

3. Find and pray over a central location to meet

-Park

-Recreation Room

-Community center, etc.

*WARNING!

If you begin meeting in a building, you run the risk of a “church building mentality.” Don’t allow them to get comfortable. Remember, the goal is to eventually move into a home. Sometimes it’s better to battle the elements outside and in a park for a while to see the need to meet in a home.

4. Figure out the logistics

-Place to meet

-Time

-Team

-Food/refreshments

-Set up

5. Meet the People of the Community

-Pass out flyers

-Survey (see below)

-Prayer requests

-Invite them to: “A Different Kind of Church”

6. Show up

-If people show up, you have made it to the 1 st Stage. Follow example.

-If no one shows up…

-Don’t worry if you and your team are the only ones. Use that time for prayer and bible study

-Commit to showing up for three months (if no one is showing up)

-Incorporate more prayer walks, door-to-door connections and a community event to establish relationships.

7. Community Events

-Easter egg hunt

-Fun in the Park

-Sports Camp

-Movie night

-Clean yards, etc.

1st Stage

Community Church (not in house)

-Low key (extremely relaxed environment)

-Music - (No music/worship time)

-Introduce worship music – have worship music playing in background as you fellowship

-Occasionally play a worship song from spotify or iTunes and follow along with printed lyrics. Talk to them about the song.

-Bible Study

-Basic topics (Who is Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Reliability of the Bible, Salvation, Baptism, Discipleship, Quiet Time, Church, etc.)

-Ask and answer questions

-Relationships are casual and acquainting

-Time for food and fellowship

-Maintain connections throughout the week

-Looking for commitment

GOALS for Stage 1: To introduce the bible, salvations, baptisms, build relationships and find the man and woman of peace that will open up their home.

2nd Stage

House Church

-The man and woman of peace is already found

-Started meeting in a home

-Get’s more serious

-Includes music/worship time

-Includes share and prayer time

-Relationships deepen

-The people begin to understand and are onboard with the vision and strategy

-Looking for membership

-Time for food and fellowship

-Combine worship with other house churches on the last Sunday

GOALS for Stage 2: To become a thriving house church community and part of the network

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SURVEY

1. Which answer would best describe your church attendance:

a. Every Week

b. Once a month

c. Once a year

d. Never

2. In your view, has the Christian church impacted the island in a positive or negative manner? Explain.

3. What would you like to see the Christian church doing more (or less) of?

4. If there is one religion or belief that you follow what would that be?

5. If we started a Bible study in the park where you could ask questions about life and look for answers in the Bible would you join in?

6. Closing

*Share the Answer tract

*Take prayer request (follow up)