In my talk on Sunday I laid out some summer vision. For 12 weeks from July 2 - September 17 we're embarking on an outreach adventure called Fill the First. The goal is simply to fill up the remaining empty chairs in our first Sunday morning service.
We wanted our summer outreach strategy to be as simple as possible. I honestly think that what we unveiled on Sunday is something that every person in our church can do. The challenge is for everyone to accept an invest and invite mission.
On June 25 we'll turn in commitment cards with one name written on them. Over the next two weeks we want to be asking the Holy Spirit which name that should be. It could be a co-worker. It could be a neighbor. It could be an old high school friend you haven't seen for 7 years. I just think that God has been getting someone specific ready. The only catch is that this is a person who has yet to cross the line of faith in Christ.
Once you've identified the current or potential relationship, the invest and invite mission has three parts.
Pray for that person to be saved once a day for 12 weeks. That's 84 prayers. They don't have to be long; just specific. Jesus, turn (insert friend's name here) life around!
Invest into the relationship once a week for 12 weeks. That's 12 touches. They don't have to be spiritual; just selfless. One week you might mow your friend's lawn. The second week you might write an inspiring encouragement note. The next week you might cook them dinner. The goal is to inentionally build your relationship by loving and serving like Jesus.
Invite your friend to attend church with you as God gives you the opportunity. Trust me. If you pray for someone's salvation 84 times and selflessly serve them 12 times, you'll get an opportunity:)
Ministry is not rocket science.
Summer is the best season to reach out relationally. I see neighbors during the summer that I rarely see the rest of the year. I can't help but imagine what our church will look like this fall if we all make a personal outreach commitment this summer.
I think we'll have two full services!
How about offering to help someone clean out/organize their garage/basement?
Or how about sending them an e-card with a dancing, singing frog on it? that always makes people smile. :0)
Two Words: Caribou Coffee
Posted by: kim | June 16, 2006 at 07:27 PM
okay. i just realized that i commented under the wrong post :0) sorry. it was meant for the next one.
Posted by: kim | June 17, 2006 at 11:52 PM