Two Questions Matter in Life

What Am I In?Business

Business?Hows

GO and make of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Matt 28:19disciples

We Are in the BusinessNot Just to Make Disciples...But to MakeDisciple-MakingDisciplers

So, Hows Business?

Hows BusinessWorldwide?Source: Charisma magazine, January 199850.5 million people die each yearOnly 19.4 million are Christians31.1 million are not Christians12.5 million have never heard the gospel !!!

Hows Business in the United States?Source: George Barna Research95-100 million unchurched people in the USA32% of all adults are unchurched.

PsychographicsCompared to the churched, unchurched adults are more likely to:Source: George Barna ResarchBe independent in their thinking and behaviorDemand controlBe achievement-orientedStrive to be on the cutting edgeFeel busy and stressed outBe less relationalSeek meaning in life

Religious PracticesIn a typical week:Source: George Barna Research5 out of 10 pray to God1 out of 7 reads from the Bible3 out of 10 have a quiet time/devotional time

Religious PracticesIn a typical month:Source: George Barna Research1 out of 4 reads from the Bible1 out of 4 reads from other sacred literature, besides the Bible1 out of 5 reads a Christian magazine3 out of 10 watch religious TV1 out of 4 listens to the Christian radio

The BibleSource: George Barna Research40% find the Bible to be credible25% reads it with some regularity20% never read it75% of all adults in the US do not have the literary skills to understand the King James Version.75% own a Bible

Past Visiting of ChurchesThey usually only come when they are invited.Source: George Barna ResearchOnly 25% of the unchurched have been invited.Among those invited, only 1/7 attended.Among all unchurched adults, just 4% were invited and attended.

MisconceptionsYour major obstacle will be the attitude of the unchurched toward the churchSource: George Barna ResearchIf you are successful, a large majority of your new members will come from the unchurchedTo reach the unchurched you need a seeker serviceIf you do it right, most of your unchurched visitors will returnIf you can get an unchurched adult to attend 5 or 6 times, theyre hooked.Reality: Theyre not hooked until they build meaningful relationships and get involved (not repeat attendance). Small Groups get them involved.

Entry PointsWe expect them to come via a worship service; only a minority comes via that route.Source: George Barna ResearchYou need multiple entry points.Whatever path they choose, it is usually triggered by a relationship.

Common Attributes of Churches that are Effectively Reaching the Unchurched.The senior Pastor is a genuine advocate of reaching the unreached.The churchs culture is built on an outreach perspective rather than a program perspective.The ministry is culturally relevant.Efforts are made to ensure that the church is serious but that everyone enjoys the experience.Source: George Barna Research

Common Attributes of Churches that are Effectively Reaching the Unchurched.The church facilitates and emphasizes relationshipsThe people of the church are prepared to explain their faith.The church provides multiple entry points.When people come to worship, they experience the presence of God.Build name awareness for the churchSource: George Barna Research

Common Attributes of Churches that are Effectively Reaching the Unchurched.Minimize leakage (loss of visitors) by having a spiritually healthy congregation.Allow visitors to be anonymous, but once they show interest, respond appropriatelyConsistently track and analyze indicators of successAddress their felt needs.Source: George Barna Research

Common Attributes of Churches that are Effectively Reaching the Unchurched.Minister with relevance, authenticity and perseverance.Prepare the church to love themRelationships are critical but not invincible.Let them retain control; give them multiple optionsThey must experience Gods presence and peoples love.Provide opportunities for them to learn, to serve and to relate.Source: George Barna Research

How It Works

Disciple-Making Vs. -MakingDecision

Relationship Building Vs. SharingInformation vs. EventProcess

Inner Circle ofDailyPrayerFastingThreePrayer___________ Partners

Relationship Building Take the Lead

OrientedTimeProactiveGenuineNeed

and Sincere 1 Hour Per WeekMinimum

Evangelism

Drawing the NetPrivately

Prayer Partners OutreachOikosNet FishingSmall GroupPublicly

We do itDisciple-Making

You do it

I do it and do it and I watchImmediateMentoringyou watchtogetherYou

Disciple-Making

Outreach

Teach Them How to Their FaithTwelveShareOikosPray forLaunch Them Long-Term DisciplingContinue

Completing the CircleGoing OutTogether

VIP - Bookmark - the Key to SuccessPrayer

EvangelismOikos

Small Group Vs.

Individual

DisciplersMentoring

Strategic Growth For Small GroupsTeachers Edition - Missions International 2002Strategic Growth For Small GroupsTeachers Edition - Missions International 2002