APOSTOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE
VOL. 28 NO. 6
Outreach Ministry Copyright Apostolic Information Service, a ministry of Indiana Bible College, PO Box 47917 Indianapolis, IN 1-800-800-0247 T. W. Massengale, Editor
6 Reasons Why Outreach Programs Fail
End Instead of Means. Unfortunately, some people will be tempted to participate in outreach out of a sense of legalistic obligation. It is not enough for our outreach teams to simply tell people to knock doors in the modern age. People need to know not only what to do, but also the “why” behind it. New Converts Aren’t Encouraged. The best time to help shape expectations and responsibilities of new members is when they first become a part of the church. Sadly, the need for outward focus is rarely addressed in new converts classes and regular services. This is ironic, given that new converts are typically the members who are the most excited to share the good news of the gospel. Doesn’t Feel Natural. The most natural way to witness is to communicate the love of Jesus Christ through the overflow of our walk with Him in our daily lives. The most successful outreach ministries will teach their participants to channel that overflow. When we truly are able to see people the way that God sees them, outreach becomes a natural, enjoyable experience. Ministry for the Few. One of the most unfortunate aspects of an outreach program is that it gives some people the idea that it is a ministry for a few, select people who belong to that department. There could not be anything further from the truth. Outreach programs that fail adopt this way of thinking, rather than encouraging the entire church body to participate. Fail to Explain the Vitality for Growth. Most outreach programs that fail do not explain the necessity of outreach for a Christian’s spiritual development. For Christians to grow, they need to know that they must go beyond the four walls of the church and invite people to be reconciled to God. One Among Many Options. A common excuse to not do outreach for some church members is, “I’m involved in this other ministry, so I don’t have to.” Outreach programs that fail encourage this behavior by allowing it to happen, rather than encouraging all members of the ministry to participate.
Outreach Ministry Calendar: - December: Hand in your annual "Total Church Outreach Involvement" report to your pastor. List all church members and what outreach ministries they are presently involved in. Ask for time to promote the Outreach Department during Watchnight Service.
The Power of a Testimony. One way to reach out to unbelievers is through the power of your testimony! Utilizing this powerful outreach tool at events that are primarily focused on visitors, such as block parties or outreach picnics, will prove to be vital in your church’s ability to reach out and minister to the needs of the community. Hosting a testimony service at one of these community events will allow your congregation to exalt and magnify God to the people of their community, as well as strengthen their faith in their own personal walk with God. Never forsake the power of a testimony!
Resource Files for You OPMC11.txt Telephone Ideas Using the telephone in ministry. OPMC25.txt Radical Grace How to reach out to the gay community.
IBC Perspectives Magazine If you are in ministry leadership, be sure not to miss out on an excellent publication written just for church leaders. The IBC Perspectives magazine is a 20-page color publication published monthly by Indiana Bible College. It features interviews with growing revival churches and explores the methods and programs that make them successful. It also features articles devoted to: Feature Ministry Opinions, Plainly Speaking, Columnists, World News, Apostolic News, News You Can Use, Guest Pulpit and more. To receive a free copy and subscription form, call 1-800- 8000247 or write Perspectives, P.O. Box 47917, Indianapolis, IN 46247, or e-mail:
[email protected] or visit our web page at www.apostolic.edu. Subscription cost is just $20 per year for 12 issues.
