WELCOMETO 160th Ave

CHURCH OF CHRIST

WE ARE GLAD YOU’RE HERE

Scripture reading: Matt. 9:35-39

WHY CHURCHES DECLINE

• CHURCHES ARE LOSING THEIR KIDS– Statistics range from 50-90% of kids that remain in the

faith/church they grew up in. – “if half the kids raised in the church were here today, the

building would be full!”– While this is a church focus, this is a family matter.

• Eph. 6:4• Deut. 11:18-21

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WHY CHURCHES DECLINE• Brethren Fight and Divide– We must not desire peace at any price- We stand for

truth!!!– So many divisions and fights are over personal issues

rather than doctrinal matters. (Gal. 5:26)– Acts 6- the first big controversy was over a perceived slight

• The brethren came together• Worked with the leadership• Worked out a strategy• The gospel moved forward

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WHY CHURCHES DECLINE

• “Nobody wants to hear the gospel”– Even if no one is interested that doesn’t change our obligation as

disciples. • Noah (1 Peter. 2:5; “preacher of righteousness”)• Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:1-7)• Jeremiah (Jer. 25:1-7)

• People won’t come to a building in this part of town. – If in a declining neighborhood, why not reach out to those in your

area.• A LACK OF EVANGELISM

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MYTHS OF DECLINE

4 Things Everyone can do to Evangelize

SHINE

• Phil. 2:14-15• Can you live right???• “Our world is very dark”• The challenge: Does my life look different?• Matt. 5:13

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Speak

• Living right (Shining) is crucial but will not convert my neighbor in and of itself. – God is seen through his invisible attributes so that man is

without excuse (Rom. 1:20)– God offers revelation so that we might know who he is! God

spoke to man and speaks to us today.

• We can’t expect people to know detailed information about God without telling them. – They may attribute our works to something else.

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SPEAK

• Consider the linkage in Matt. 5:16– How do people look at the works in my life and give glory to God?– Acts 8- Ethiopian Eunuch (preaching Jesus must have included

teaching the response to Christ. It must have included baptism).

• We naturally talk about the things most important to us/that we are interested in.

• Reasons we this may not be natural:– I’m a fraud– Involved in a cover up (Matt. 10:33).

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INVITE

• “Come and See”– John 1:43-46; Philip to Nathanael – John 4:29; Woman at the Well

• Most People who attend the church they are at are there because a close friend or family member invited them!

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“what was responsible for you coming to Christ and this church?”

• I had a special need: 3%• I just walked in: 3%• I liked the minister: 6%• I visited there: 1%• I liked the Bible classes: 5%• I attended in a meeting: 0.5%• I liked the programs: 3%• A friend or relative invited me:

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79%

INVITE

• Take those special opportunities to invite friends– When we have flyers made specifically for an event, use

them!!!– “extend 10 to get one”

• Be impartial in inviting:– Guess how you know who have a perfect candidate is to

accept an invitation to a Bible study/church visit?– People are looking for a cornelius to invite to church…

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WELCOME

• If we don’t do this last part it is like fumbling on the one yard line.

• How have you felt going and visiting a new church?– Think of the person who may have never gone to church. – Ex. Of woman who stayed in car 20 min before coming in.

• Don’t wait till you get in the church building, start in the parking lot.

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WELCOME• Do the same kinds of things that make

someone feel welcome in your house– Be courteous – Be warm– Be friendly

• Ex. Imagine being invited into someone’s home to come and see them…

• 1 Cor. 14:23-25; behavior impacts guests!13

WELCOME

• Be impartial in welcoming (Luke 7; James 2)• Tips:– “The 10 minute rule”– “The Hand off”– Ask questions/make connections

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A FINAL REMINDER:

• Find your niche in the evangelistic department:– Not everyone has to do everything– Some are far better at inviting– Some are far better at conducting a study– Use your abilities and do your part

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4 Things Everyone can do to Evangelize

- Shine- Speak - Invite

- Welcome

WELCOMETO 160th Ave

CHURCH OF CHRIST

WE ARE GLAD YOU’RE HERE