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Evangelism
2 Timothy 4:5
"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
make full proof of thy ministry."
Western Presbyterian Church's belief is that true evangelism should be born from
our members' love and relationship with God and the desire for others to become
aware of His grace. If we demonstrate the graciousness of Jesus Christ
others will see it in us and seek the same path for themselves.
Being in a formative phase of evangelism, the WPC congregation
is recognizing the need for spiritual formation and leadership to become
effective evangelists. We are hopeful that our new pastor can guide us
along this path. One of our stated
Goals (click here),
is to grow our membership to 500 by the end of 2011.
Although very active in numerous forms of mission outreach as witness to
Christ's love, it's becoming increasingly clear that different forms of more
directed activities may be required to be effective at bringing the unchurched
to Christ. The material
below, from PCUSA, helps us understand what forms those activities may take by
separating evangelism fact vs. fiction.
The U.S. Congregational Life Survey provided a unique look at what works in the
areas of evangelism and church growth. Responses from samples of fast-growing
churches helped debunk common myths.
1. Only congregations in growing
areas are adding members
- Fact:
Three strengths are positive
predictors of growth — Caring for Children and
Youth, Welcoming New People, and Participating in
the Congregation.
- Fact:
Other factors don't predict
growth — denomination or faith group, congregational
size, income levels of worshipers, average age of
worshipers, and population growth around the church.
2. Only new or recently established
congregations are growing
- Fact:
Less than half of fast-growing
Presbyterian churches were established after 1960.
Most are older.
3. Only large churches grow
- Fact:
39% of fast-growing Presbyterian
churches have fewer than 200 in worship. Small
congregations grow, too!
4. Most people have been attending
their congregation for years and years
- Fact:
One-third of worshipers are new
in the last five years; in fast-growing churches
one-half are new.
5. Most new people are new to the
faith
- Fact:
Most new people attending their
congregation for five years or less have changed
congregations within the same denomination
(transfers: 57%). Only 7% are first-timers who are
new to the faith. A few (18%) are returnees who used
to attend worship but recently have not been
involved, and 18% are switchers who changed
denominations.
6. Denomination is irrelevant to
church seekers
- Fact:
Most new people (73%) say
denomination is important in their search.
- Fact:
Denomination is less important to
mainline Protestants (59%) and those under the age
of 25 (48%).
7. New people usually learn about the
congregation from advertising
- Fact:
Many new people (47%) visit for
the first time because someone invited them; only 6%
came for the first time due to advertising.
- Fact:
Most new people visit between 1
and 3 congregations before choosing their new home.
- Fact:
Advertising helps raise awareness
of the congregation and can make current members
feel proud of their congregation.
8. New people usually come back after
the first time because of the coffee hour
- Fact:
People return because of the
quality of the sermon (36%), the friendliness of the
people (32%), and the overall worship experience
(30%).
- Fact:
Too many new people (38%) report
no follow-up from the congregation after their first
visit. In Catholic parishes, 53% of new people
report no follow-up.
9. Growing congregations rely
exclusively on church signs and big advertising
campaigns
- Fact:
Growing congregations use
multiple methods to attract new people.
- Fact:
Growing congregations are more
likely to hold events to meet new people or to add
members, advertise in the newspaper or telephone
book, use email, have a church Web site, and send
materials to or telephone first-time visitors.
10. All congregations do the same
things to integrate new worshipers
- Fact:
Growing congregations use
multiple methods to integrate new worshipers.
- Fact:
Growing congregations are more
likely to have a specific group for newcomers and to
invite such people to take part in small groups or
service opportunities.
11. New member integration methods
are successful
- Fact:
New people are less involved in
their congregations than those who have been there
for longer.
12. Worship services in growing
churches offer only contemporary music
- Fact:
Almost all worship services in
growing Presbyterian churches (89%) include
traditional hymns.
-
Fact:
Services in growing congregations are more likely to
include contemporary music and laughter.
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