ReachingOutLoud

Valentine's Day Outreach

2012-01-31T07:38:00.006-06:00

It's easy to put a Valentine's Day outreach together in a short time. People are really open this time of year, and everyone loves getting a little love shown to them!

Roses are a great idea, wrapped with baby's breath and some florist paper from your local florist. Order the parts and have your team wrap everything up. Wrap up each red rose individually. Wrap with baby's breath, red florist paper and clear plastic sheets, then tie a ribbon with an outreach card to it. Roses are great to give out on street corners, and people are surprised it is free. Some churches use a "$1 Roses" sign and then give the rose and the dollar to people! Red carnations also work well for this project.

Chocolates are a great gift of love this time of year. Put Hershey kisses or other wrapped candies into small clear bags tied with ribbon and a card stating that "This is a little way to let you know God loves you, no strings attached!" Gifts of candies to workers at stores are often well received, as well as showing love at nursing and care homes. Buy 3" X 5" zip-closure bags online.

Set the date and time! Get your team together, plan what you'll give out and set the date for your Valentine's Day outreach. Make sure you have all the items to assemble before the outreach.

If you pack them, your people will give them away! Another great way to get the sweets out to people is to send your Sunday attendees out the door with 5 or 10 sets of candies with cards attached ready to give away.

People need to know they are loved, and this is an easy and inexpensive way to do it!

Article reprinted by permission from Serve! by Steve Sjogren.

I Heart My City by Dino Rizzo

2011-12-31T13:05:00.010-06:00

Did you know Jesus has a plan for you in the city He has sent you to? We see a great example of this in Luke 8:26-38. This once demon-possessed man is ready to follow Jesus after this miraculous life change. But Jesus commands him to, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” Go back to the city I have called you to. Go back to your home. Go to your city. Go to your people. Jesus was smart. He knew this city would know this once demon-possessed man. They would recognize something had changed in him. Something miraculous had to have happened to make this once crazy man, sane again. Here we have the first missionary sent to his own zip code. God has a plan for you in the city He has sent you to as well.

If you want to make a difference in your city you must first love your city. Loving your city opens ears to hear the gospel, unlocks heart to be loved, and unleashes Kingdom influence. You can’t fake love. You can’t love behind your church walls. You can’t love behind judgment. You can only “speak” love so much before you have to “show” it in order for others to believe it. Opening up your heart, your arms, your finances, your resources, your building to others with a ridiculous love for the people in your city will catapult you into God’s purposes like nothing else.

Loving your city starts with knowing your city. You have to notice, understand, listen, and pay attention to the culture, the rhythms, the condition, the seasons, and the story of your city. Being with the people will create a love for the people. Simply researching your city, only creates a data connection. What you need is a heart connection with the people in your city. Jesus was always among the people. He bridged the gap between physical need and spiritual need, because He could see what type of bridge needed to be built to connect with them. Knowing your city will help you determine how to truly love your city, minister to your city, and provide for your city.

Once you know your city, you act. Do whatever you can to meet the needs of your city. Know the need, see what you have to offer, and act. Not too long ago we noticed that cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in local hospitals were not receiving the nutritional snacks they really needed. A lady in our church started with 5 volunteers and went once a week to bring a healthy snack to a cancer patient. One year later we are in 5 hospitals, 5 days a weeks, and have served thousands of snacks. We have been able to share the love of Christ with thousands through a simple healthy snack.

When you know your city and act on the true needs within the city, there will be impact. Know, act, and impact will follow. You will be blown away by the access, opportunity, influence, and visibility that opens wider than you imagined possible. The government starts calling you to solve problems in the city. They know your name. Road blocks and red tape are no longer blockades to ministry. Door after door begins to open. You set the example for others. People start thinking, “Maybe the church does know how to solve some of these issues in our community for the cause of Christ.” You are advertising without even having to advertise because serving creates chatter. Let’s create lots of chatter!

You want people pulling up on your property saying, “I heard from someone that this church would help me.” Be necessary. Be seen as a solution. Is your church necessary to your city? Does it matter that you are here? As churches we often ask ourselves if the poor matter to us, but the real question is, “Do we matter to the poor?” Does your city need you? I believe they do because they need Christ. Let us be found faithful with the piece of earth God destined for us to serve on. Love your city.

Dino Rizzo is the founding pastor of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana –a church with over 8,200 people in 8 campuses. HPC has been named one of America’s Top 25 Most Innovative Churches – a reflection of his overwhelming drive to reach the unreachable and to engage with others to show God’s love to the poor and hurting, wherever they are. His book, SERVOLUTION, exposes his passion to see believers join together in a revolution of serving others – Jesus style. Dino and his wife DeLynn have three children.

Reprinted by permission from Serve! by Steve Sjogren

Bullhorn Evangelism: Is There A Better Way?

2011-12-22T21:50:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been dogged by someone that was excited about their faith?

I was in the New York City area a while back when I got off a subway overpass in Queens to the sound of some Spanish preaching Pentecostals who were taking turns preaching (yelling loudly more accurately) into a bullhorn. As one finished his turn he turned the mic over to the next with a high five and a chuckle.

Those guys were having a good time at what they were doing, but clearly they were not connecting with the crowd. My ears were nearly bleeding! The crowd was trying to ignore them and everyone wished they would unplug themselves and go home. They were overly aggressive and not connecting with the passing crowds.

I believe God will use any approach to sharing the Gospel we make available to him, but some approaches are awfully difficult for him to use!

Just below there another church was doing an outreach based on serving. They were washing cars, trucks – even a huge metro garbage truck pulled up to test the sincerity of the team’s faith! (Yes, they passed the test and made it spic and span!)

This was a study in contrasts. The group below the overpass was attracting a crowd, bit by bit, little by little, and making an impact one person at a time with no sound reinforcement other than to say, “We are showing Jesus’ love in a practical way…” (There were plenty of conversations that followed those introductory words.)

Before I became a Believer I met an occasional person who was downright excited about Christ – not many of them, but a few along the way. Those people got me thinking about the possibility of following Jesus. It began to occur to me that there was something out there that was worth giving my life for. Positive zeal is powerful and beautiful. Our zeal needs to be a lot like the oath doctors take upon graduation before they treat their first patient: “First, do no harm…!”

Reprinted by permission from Serve! by Steve Sjogren

The Crystal Cathedral – BTW, How’s Your Definition Going?

2011-09-20T13:39:00.001-05:00

What lessons can we draw from the demise of the Crystal Cathedral?

No matter what you think of that congregation, know that at one time it was a thriving model on the American landscape of churches. It was an amazing, trend-setting place that was super creative.

Things slowly changed however. Mostly the Cathedral stopped defining itself to the public, both locally and nationally. For whatever reason her leaders assumed that the public knew all about this place. That was a common but poor assumption. They were forgotten.

Church plants usually do a good job of defining themselves to their community in their initial phase. It’s imperative that a new church clarify why they exist and how they are distinct in their community. I’m not too worried about new plants, but I am quite concerned about the next phase most plants go through. It’s easy to forget those initial lessons learned and fall into a pattern of an inward focused on money, facilities, staff – and forget what got us to that point of initial momentum. Then BOOM! We become stuck in a cycle of irrelevancy.

If we don’t regularly, clearly define ourselves to our community – through strong acts of generosity, love and service – those around us will have no idea that we even exist. We will soon have no worries about our facilities, money or staff because there will be no one coming!

The church I lead in Oregon has been in Newberg for over 100 years (just SW of Portland). It is well-known to other Christians (18% of the city) but virtually camouflaged to the rest of the people for whom God so loves that he sent Jesus to suffer and die.

Things are beginning to change. We have taken to serving the city in a variety of ways. We are going door to door with hamburgers – squeegeeing windshields at gas stations – cleaning toilets at public places – and using the doors those projects create as connections to share Christ at whatever level fits.

To get back to where we started – if we do a bang up job of defining ourselves by serving we will soon become relevant. We need to make a profound impression on those around us in a truckload of ways. The ways you serve can vary greatly according to your community’s needs. God will speak to you are you pray a famous biblical prayer, “Here we are. Send us!” He absolutely loves to answer that prayer. Count on it. He will speak to you. You will not be forgotten.

Reprinted by permission from Serve! by Steve Sjogren

St. Patrick – Patron Saint of Servant Evangelism

2011-03-17T12:38:00.005-05:00

Patrick lived a life of tragedy turned into victory. That’s supposedly why we celebrate March 17th by eating special Irish foods and drinking green beer. These are supposed to be celebrations of a life redeemed.

This time of year there is a lot of hoopla around a lot of silliness that has little to do with the origins of St. Patrick’s Day. Somehow I don’t think the real St. Patrick was all that excited about the color green. I’m pretty positive he wouldn’t pinch someone who wasn’t wearing green. I doubt he ever ate corned beef and cabbage. I’m not sure where those nutty traditions got started. They’re fun to do once a year but they have absolutely nothing to do with good ‘ol Patrick.

Yes he killed a few snakes as you have perhaps read, but that’s not what he was about. He was a champion of the underdog. He was all about liberating people who were stuck in sin, who were put down by an oppressive system. I relate to Patrick especially because he was someone who had been in slavery, he had gotten free, and now he was dedicated to liberating others from their captivity. Isn’t that what we are doing in evangelism? If we are up to anything it’s that we recognize in all humility that we are fairly messed up people who are in need of an intervention. We need saving. We don’t need a little bit of help or some reform. Like Patrick, if God doesn’t save us we will remain stuck in captivity. The good news it God has set us free just as he has done for Patrick.

Now that we are set free let’s do as Patrick—let’s make it our lifestyle that we will liberate others. For Patrick life took on greater momentum as he walked further on. The older he got the greater his impact. I believe God wills that sort of Umph for you and me as well. Let’s walk out our calling with zest, with passion and the enthusiasm of God himself. His provision rests upon us as we dedicate ourselves to losing our lives. We have nothing to lose other than our lives—and he will give us great joy in giving those up as well.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Snakes or no snakes, whether you are wearing green or not, it’s about setting people free. Let’s do it together! Thanks for being a part of the Servant Evangelism tribe.

Article reprinted by permission from SERVE! by Steve Sjogren

Recycling Ideas

2011-02-22T14:39:00.007-06:00

Some of my best current ideas come from things I have already done...at least in a slightly different fashion. The same goes for other people's ideas.
There is no patent on ideas. Truth be told, the creative idea you have heard or read from someone very likely didn't originate with them. They either picked it up from someone entirely or at least they synthesized it from someone.

Like Solomon wrote, "There is nothing new under the sun." We tend to be far too squeamish about using others' ideas. And when we finally give into plugging into those ideas we fall all over ourselves to overly acknowledge them as the originator of the idea. As an idea person I understand this dynamic.

Let's focus more on ideas that work regardless of their origin. It might be that your best stuff has been done, at least to a degree. Do it again. Tweak it if necessary. Stop trying to be original. Instead be effective.

Article reprinted by permission from SERVE! by Steve Sjogren

How to Write a Church Outreach Proposal

2011-02-10T08:22:00.005-06:00

Church outreach ministries attempt to extend the services offered to the congregation into a local community to make a positive difference.

Putting together a detailed proposal will help church leadership and congregational members to decide whether or not an outreach is worthy of the additional time or money required to offer these services.

Recently I responded to an opportunity to apply for a grant to fund a community service project. The experience was quite interesting and the grant writing exercise made me organize and present my thoughts logically.

This article from eHow should help anyone planning to write a church outreach proposal.

Keep On Keeping On

2011-01-20T13:40:00.002-06:00

I've been thinking about perseverance lately. There is a lot riding on our ability to simply continue to show up in outreach. We tend to think there is a secret involved in doing outreach with great success.

I am continually asked what the big insight is that will insure success in outreach. Kind of the "Come on, you can tell me-we're friends...spill the beans. What can you tell me that will cause me to be highly successful in all of this?"

I always say, "Just do it and keep doing it for the long haul. It's that simple." Usually people look a little disappointed. They really thought there was a hidden gem I was withholding from the crowd.

Show up. Keep showing up. Don't quit!

Reprinted with permission from SERVE! Magazine Steve Sjogren, Publisher.

It Never Gets Old

2010-12-22T07:47:00.006-06:00

Annie and I got up early because it's a very special day. Wednesday is the day our garbage is collected!

What makes today so extraordinary is a message that we heard at the National Outreach Convention in San Diego last month. Vince Antonucci talked about the power of servant evangelism. Simple acts of kindness to show the love of God -with no strings attached.

Vince related the story of a lady who was encouraged to bake a plate of cookies for her garbage man. Vince said that the church has engaged in big events to attract the unchurched. It's time for guerila outreach. When we heard the story it rekindled our desire to use practical minstry to reach our world 'one person at a time'.

When our Recycle Now truck pulled up this morning we handed over our precious cargo of sticky buns to an astonished driver. 'Thanks for being our garbage man" is all we said.

It never gets old.

Black Friday Outreach

2010-11-26T20:21:00.003-06:00

Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, many retailers open extremely early, with most of the ‘big box’ retailers typically opening at 5AM or even earlier.

Called Black Friday because it is the day that the momentum of holiday shopping for many retailers turns annual sales from negative to positive or ‘in the black’. Shoppers line up outside the front doors as early as midnight to save money on select loss leaders which are sometimes available in a limited numbers.

To an outreacher Black Friday represents a prime opportunity to demonstrate God’s love with no strings attached. Last year Driven Youth Ministry workers served coffee to dozens of cold shoppers lined up outside stores early on this busiest shopping day of the year.

On Friday November 26, 2010 a team of Living Word Driven Youth Ministry interns arrived at selected stores early in the morning and simply offered hot coffee or cocoa to those waiting outside in the cold. As with other servant evangelism efforts, the Black Friday outreach is not intended to receive donations, lead the shoppers in a prayer of salvation or gain membership in the church; it is simply to share God's love in a simple, practical way.

For more information on Living Word Outreach programs call the Outreach Hotline at (763) 315-7111 or email http://www.blogger.com/outreach@lwcc.org.

Mobilizing For Outreach

2010-10-31T17:11:00.008-05:00

Last weekend a pastor asked me, "Where I need help is outreach. I know we should do outreach, but how do we get started?"

If your church is more than a few years old it can be a challenge. Although I am retired Army, I like the naval analogy of turning a battleship. Even with a swift turn of the helm, often the mass and momentum keeps the church going in the same direction for awhile.

So here are a few thoughts on how to kick start community outreach:

Check the Compass
Vision drives ministry. Mark 16:15 must be at the foundation of what every church does. If your ministry statement does not include reaching the lost, you may have to revisit the biblical basis of your vision. Our church was founded in 1980 on street witnessing but only 5% of our congregation went to the streets.

In 2000 our pastor wrote a book entitled “Winning Your World” in which he outlined not only confrontational but also servant, relationship and invitational evangelism. His book established the spiritual direction we needed. The vision of outreach is to reach an ever-increasing number of non-Christians in the Twin Cities area and to mobilize more of our congregation to be involved in outreach.

Grab the Helm
Somebody has to lead the charge. It helps but is not absolutely essential if it is the senior pastor. It may be a staff member or a member of the lay leadership team. Someone has to own the prayer, the planning and leadership development; the “make it happen” part of outreach. Several years ago I attended an Steve Sjogren servant evangelism conference in Cincinnati. I was hooked. Servant evangelism is outreach for the average Joe.

Tell the Crew
Use what media you have available: We use our website, publish an outreach newsletter, print bulletin ads, flyers and inserts. Produce a video announcement. We acknowledge outstanding effort by giving the ‘Outie Award’ to staff members who step out of mediocrity and invite a friend or lead an outreach.

Take your Time
You can’t turn a battleship overnight. Don’t fall victim to short-sighted evaluation. Our decision evangelism teams have led 750,000 people to Jesus in 17 years, but our servant, invitational and event evangelism efforts have not even come close to reaching those prodigious numbers. With no staff and few leaders, conducting a monthly SE outreach seemed like a daunting task three years ago. Although it seemed to be a huge undertaking, I didn’t allow discouragement to set in. Often my wife and I were the only ones picking up trash on Saturday. Because we didn’t quit, now as many as 500 attend Operation Outreach. Our church had involved itself in the community but in more of a social service way. When we began to do simple acts of service to show the love of God, not everyone was convinced.

Make Yourself Accountable
I think it important to continually measure your progress. Check to see if you are on course. I remember a friend of mine who said that 'we’re seeking improvement not perfection'. Evaluate how you are implementing your vision. While we can’t always determine our effectiveness as outreachers, we can measure how many people are reaching out. We need to do better at measuring how many we touch.

Ask yourself this question:. "If our church were to disappear tomorrow, would anyone in our community know that we are gone?" The answer will set your course for the future.

Bon voyage!

Is Your Church Lying?

2010-10-20T10:03:00.004-05:00

“You shall not bear false witness….” The 9th Commandment

I’ve always been interested in church mission statements. They can range from typical (“to know him and make him known”) to transformational (“We strive to proclaim the Good News of Christ through worship, ministry, and their outreach missions.”) As I think about it I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a church’s mission statement that doesn’t make evangelism a central priority in one way or another.

But, when it comes to evangelism, a mission statement can turn from big black letters on a church marquee to a little, white lie that the church is telling the community. Strike that … it’s a big lie. If a church claims to be making evangelism a central priority and the people in that church are not actively sharing their faith then the mission statement of that church is not just a joke, it’s a lie.

I know. I know. These are bold words. But they are not meant to make you angry but to get you thinking. Think about it. If we are proclaiming to the members of our congregation and community that evangelism is a primary purpose via our church’s mission statement and we are not making it a central priority of our church’s program and budgets then that mission statement is a lie.

If evangelism is a central priority in a church then it would seem to me that evangelism training should be central as well. The people in that congregation should be consistently challenged and equipped to proclaim the good news of Jesus. If it were a priority then wouldn’t ministry leaders be lovingly and consistently held accountable to share their faith just like they are held accountable for personal holiness or to show up for meetings they are leading? In a church truly aligned with their evangelistic mission statement wouldn’t that priority into the Sunday morning program, just like worship, fellowship, teaching, communion and offering does? The average church would never consider missing taking the offering as part of their Sunday morning services, but how many miss giving the gospel and/or challenging their people to do the same during the week?

To gauge whether or not your church is lying about it’s priority of evangelism when it comes to their mission statement here are some questions to ask…

-Have you been equipped by your church to effectively share your faith and is someone in your church holding you accountable to do it? As a result how often are you evangelizing in your own neighborhood, workplace, school and circle of friends?

-How often is your pastor and church leadership personally sharing their faith with others (not counting the times they share the gospel from the pulpit or in a Sunday school class) and sharing the stories with the church congregation to inspire them to faithfully share the gospel as well?

-How many resources (time, talent and treasure) are being deployed by your church to mobilize God’s people for personal evangelism?

-Have sporadic outreach meetings (Easter, Christmas, etc) replaced the push for relational evangelism in your church?

-How much of your church’s numeric growth is due to newly converted people verses just Christian people trying to find a new church?

-How much effort is being put into training teenagers and children to share their faith since they are most open to the gospel demographically?

-On a scale from 1-10 how much is evangelism a true priority as opposed to a stated priority in your church in your opinion?

These tough questions deserve honest answers.

So what do you do if you discover that your church is lying about it’s stated priority on evangelism? You have two options: seek to change the mission statement or seek to make evangelism an actual priority. I would strongly encourage the latter!

I don’t believe anyone who has ever crafted his or her church’s mission statement has ever purposely infused a lie into that important sentence! Instead I think that, what started out as an aspirational priority, got lost as an actual priority in the fury of less dangerous activities (worship services, small group meetings, etc.) In lieu of mobilizing their people for personal evangelism the average church has occasional outreach meetings or highlights a Great Commission wall of missionaries they are paying (buying off?) to accomplish that priority for them. Don’t get me wrong, while I’m all over outreach meetings and missionary support, these are not enough to call evangelism a true priority in the average church.

So how do we stop the lies and start truly making evangelism a priority church-wide?

1. Pray!

Prayer is the supernatural precursor to proclamation. In Acts 4:31 Luke writes, “After they prayed the place where they were meeting was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and went out and spoke the word of God boldly.” If we want to get our churches to evangelize then we must pray for them to start evangelizing. We must pray that God would make it a priority in our own lives as the same time.

Samuel Chadwick once said that Satan laughs at our priorities and mocks at our plans but he trembles when we pray. We must pray for each other when it comes to the “e” word otherwise it will never happen in a way that is going to produce lasting change in the lifeblood of our congregation.

2. Live!

If you aren’t living THE Cause of evangelism then how can you ask our church to live it out? We must set the pace with our lives and our lips and then call those around us (including our spiritual leaders) to join us. Jesus blasted his followers with a don’t-be-a-hypocrite reminder in Luke 6:42 when he said, “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Before we try to pick the speck of evangelistic failure out of our church’s eye let’s take the plank out of our own! Then let us humbly challenge our church to do the same!

3. Inspire!

Whether it be through stories of changed lives, unveiling the eternal realities of what is at stake (heaven, hell, Judgment Day, etc) or focusing on passages of Scripture that command or compel us to share the gospel, we must inspire those in our congregations, small group, Sunday school classes and youth group to relationally and relentlessly share the gospel in their spheres of influence.

Richard Baxter, great Protestant preacher of five centuries ago, once said, “Satan will seek to do the most harm to those who seek to do his kingdom the most damage.” One of the ways the Evil One will seek to do damage to those who are seeking to do his kingdom evangelistic harm will be to discourage them. He will whisper lies in their ears that they can’t make a real impact. He will peddle his lies in their hearts that evangelism doesn’t work in a postmodern culture.

How do we counteract his lies? Through prayer and inspiration! We tell stories of changed lives. We drench the congregation with inspiration by baptizing the newly converted as a visual and visceral testimony of God’s saving power. We create a round-the-campfire church culture where we consistently swap stories of people we are seeking to reach with the good news of the gospel. That same story-based inspiration that encouraged the 1st Century believers throughout the book of Acts can inspire believers in the 21st Century as well!

4. Equip!

As you pray, live evangelistically and inspire those around you they must be equipped to actually do it. According to Ephesians 4:11-12 the purpose of the evangelists in a congregation is not to do all of the evangelism but to “equip God’s people for works of service….”

As the President of Dare 2 Share Ministries I wanted to make sure all of our staff was actively equipped to share the gospel (after all we equip tens of thousands of teenagers across the nation to evangelize and we don’t want to be hypocrites) so I did a ten part podcast series for them called Live THE Cause. These podcasts contain the bulk of what I know when it comes to how to effectively share the gospel. You can watch the podcasts here and then download the free pdf outlines and train others to share their faith. They are great for small groups, Sunday school classes, etc and they are totally free of charge.

Check out the field guide called Dare 2 Share while you are it. This practical book will give you the tools you need to share your faith with anyone, anywhere and anytime in a compelling and Biblical way.

5. Deploy!

How do you make sure that boots are on the battlefield and the bayonet hits the bone (so to speak) when it comes to evangelism? Maybe it’s through accountability on a small group level. Or maybe you get an accountability partner to keep encouraging you when it comes to sharing your faith. Whatever you choose to do to make sure you and your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are deployed for evangelism you must do something. As James 1 so bluntly reminds us we are called to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Because if we hear about God’s command to “make disciples” but don’t do it we are just fooling ourselves.

Once again I have to ask the tough question, is your church fooling itself and, in the process, lying to others that evangelism is a priority? Is your church living out its mission statement or lying through it’s teeth?

If your church’s mission statement is a lie please don’t confront the elders/pastors in anger but approach them in humility. Perhaps ask them to read this article and then talk about it as a group. I’m sure the last thing any godly leader would want to do is to tell a lie, whether it be personally or through a mission statement. No, most of them will want to do what it takes to make sure that their programs line up with their purpose. And if you approach them with the right attitude and ask them to consider these things then I’m sure that they will.

How do we help our churches to accomplish their mission statements fully and truthfully? We pray, live, inspire, equip and deploy! And we do it with gentleness and respect.

Let’s keep the 9th commandment everyone.

©2010 Dare 2 Share Ministries. dare2share.org. Used by permission.

Make a Difference Day

2010-10-11T21:06:00.017-05:00

On Make A Difference Day, Saturday October 23, dozens of Living Word Christian Center outreachers will conduct an eco-friendly community service project to eradicate buckthorn trees at the Brooklyn Park owned Edinburgh USA Golf Course.

The buckthorn plant is pervasive. It out-competes native plants for nutrients, light, and moisture, degrades wildlife habitat and threatens the future of forests, wetlands, prairies, and other natural habitats. It also contributes to erosion by shading out other plants that grow on the forest floor. Buckthorn lacks "natural controls" like insects or disease that would curb its growth.

This project will help to remove the invasive buckthorn by cutting the stem at the soil surface and then treating the stump with an herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. 'We appreciate what Living Word can do to help', said Edinburgh USA Superintendent Tom Fisher.

Workers will gather in the Living Word atrium at 8:45AM on Saturday October 23, leave for the project at 9AM and finish by noon. Participants are encouraged to wear warm clothing, bring gloves and hand tools (trimmers, loppers and brush cutters) if they have them.

For more information about Living Word Christian Center or National Make A Difference Day call the Outreach Hotline (763) 315-7111 or log on to http://www.outreacher.org/.

My Compelling Experience

2010-09-12T13:48:00.007-05:00

Today was a very special and unique Sunday. In addition to the glorious fall weather, it was visitor's Sunday at our church, Living Word Christian Center. Several times each year we host a special series of weekend services where the ministry, the music and the bible message are intentionally directed at first time guests.

Annie and I vow to invite newcomers whenever we can. We seek out invitational evangelism opportunities not just because it is an integral part of our church vision, not just because I am the Outreach pastor at LWCC and should be setting the example, but mostly because in Luke 14:23 the bible says 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.

This Sunday was special because of our guests Ingeborg and Ray. Ingeborg, a talented immigrant from Stuttgart Germany and Ray a retired postal clerk. I met Inge through our community service ministry when she needed help with yard work. A late summer wind storm caused a giant oak tree to crash into their yard last week and sweet Inge called asking for help.

In our conversations I learned that Ray had a paralyzing stroke five years ago. When I invited them to church saying that I would come and pick them up, Inge's voice lifted. I learned that they were home bound and unable to attend church without help.

What made today compelling was how this precious couple touched my heart. I watched as they lifted their hands in worship and soaked in Pastor Mac's message on Overcoming Adversity. Their genuine enthusiasm for 'such a large church' made it seem somehow very small and personal for me.

Today I saw how beautiful our church is through the eyes of a first time visitor. After I took my guests home Inge gave me a big hug and said 'we're coming back again'.

Yes. Today was special!

Back to School Time

2010-09-02T15:56:00.009-05:00

Increasing costs and decreasing financial resources are strapping schools for supplies. Many non-profits collect school supplies at this time of the year but through the school year thay they will continue to be stapped for the most precious commodity you have to offer: your time and energy.

Even if you can't afford to plan and implement one of the bigger, bolder ideas you see here, any contribution will have a profound effect. Simply offering to volunteer some of your time as a mentor or tutor will be a huge contribution.

Often times what kids really need is some one-on-one attention from an adult in this rapid, microwave-society that we live in today. Even if you don't have an expertise in a given content area, just being a caring adult is sometimes all that is needed. You don't have to be Smarter Than A Fifth Grader to serve one.

Most schools would love to have members of your church help out during ordinary daily programs if you can't offer help with some huge festivities on an important day. For instance, children love to be read to. If you are near an underprivledged school, you would be amazed at how this simple act that these kids are starved for will change lives.

Chances are if you had a normal upbringing, you were read to at night, if not on a constant basis. You may have lived in what experts call a literature rich setting.

Kids in urban schools do not get this for the most part. Just showing up during their reading times, if the school has them, will be a huge boost to their infrastructure. If they do not yet have some type of sustained silent reading program, help them with getting one started, even if it is on a small scale.

The idea here is to get inside the school and build rapport and trust. Find a need and fill it. Tackle the doable projects that you encounter. This could be as simple as sprucing up the entryway to the school with some quick landscaping or fresh paint. By getting into the school and getting shoulder to shoulder with the educators you will see their felt needs pretty quickly.

Our outreach department hosts a dinner for the teachers during parent conferences. It is easy to do. All it involves is taking the normal Sunday Church social or brunch on the road. Any investment of your time, energy and money will be greatly appreciated.

The economy is causing families with children to really feel the pinch. So are teachers and schools. Why not consider sponsoring a few kids, or classrooms if your budget can handle it, with books to read for sustained silent reading?

Your church has tremendous resources sitting in the pews that can be tapped simply by asking. Become a difference maker in your community. Invest in your local school.

Nine Ways to Create Momentum for Fall Outreach (Part 2 of 2)

2010-07-22T12:05:00.008-05:00

In a recent survey it was revealed that 79% of churches have no, to little, plans for fall outreach. This may be the reason why 80-85% of the churches in America are either in plateau or declining.

Designing, executing and implementing outreach plans and strategies is one of the skills pastors need to create positive momentum in their churches.

(Editor: In Part 1 Gary Rohrmayer discussed the importance of team building and planning. Here are the remaining tips to build momentum for a fall outreach campaign. )

4. Raise the spiritual temperature of the church.

It is a must to incorporate a church wide prayer project for before and during the campaign.

One example: Call the church to “pray for five neighbors, for five minutes a day, for five weeks” before the outreach campaign.

Another idea would be to mobilize the church to prayer walk your whole community before the campaign.

You could also call the church to a season of prayer and fasting.

5. Brainstorm ideas for creating buzz throughout the church and throughout the community.

Work with your team in thinking of ways to get the word out. I like to use sowing language when it comes to getting the word throughout a community. Here is a post on the Sowing and Reaping Principle.

6. Drive the theme throughout the church.

Creating a sense of synergy throughout the church is important. Getting every section of the church moving in the same direction is a momentum building experience that creates positive energy and good morale. So take your theme and drive it throughout the church from seniors to youth, from singles to toddlers!

7. Develop comeback events.

Creating opportunities for new guests to connect relationally, as well as spiritually, is crucial to having a successful outreach campaign.

Planning some type of family friendly event is a great way to get people involved in serving for the first time and connecting relationally with others in the church.

Offering entry level bible studies like Bible 101 or Christianity 101 with in weeks of your outreach campaign is important in providing those next steps for those that are spiritually interested.

Finally, you want to offer people an opportunity to connect with the church and its leadership by offering some type of newcomer’s luncheon or party at the pastor’s event where they hear the story and vision of the church as well as connect relationally with key leaders.

8. Recruit volunteers to fill needed ministry roles.

Doing campaigns is a great opportunity to recruit new volunteers for set up, event planning, children’s ministry, ushers, greeters, follow up, administration, new hosts for small groups, etc.

9. Drive your missional values deeper into the culture of your church.

Remember, anytime you do a campaign it is an opportunity to drive your missional vision and values deeper into the lives of your people. The values of evangelism, community, spiritual dependence and community transformation come alive during the campaign and provide opportunities for personal growth and corporate maturity.

Reprinted by permission from Gary Rohrmayer EvangelismCoach

Nine Ways to Create Momentum for Fall Outreach (Part 1 of 2)

2010-07-22T11:56:00.009-05:00

Legendary football coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant said, “Have a plan. Follow the plan, and you’ll be surprised how successful you can be. Most people don’t have a plan. That’s why it’s is easy to beat most folks.”

In a recent survey it was revealed that 79% of churches have no, to little, plans for fall outreach. This may be the reason why 80-85% of the churches in America are either in plateau or declining.

Designing, executing and implementing outreach plans and strategies is one of the skills pastors need to create positive momentum in their churches.

Here are a couple insights that you can apply in planning your fall growth thrust.

1. Develop a team
Too many pastors try to carry the load all by themselves, which is an unbiblical notion. Christianity is a team sport. Team building is one of the skills successful pastors need in their tool belts. Learning to pick the right players on your team is crucial. Guiding and leading the team is imperative. Trusting the team to execute the plan is empowering. Celebrating and encouraging the team is vital. I encourage pastors to use short-term task forces with a specific task along with a starting and ending point. If you built a task force for each of your major outreach initiatives for fall, winter and spring your team building skills would improve each time. Team building is a skill which is honed through the “learning by doing” process.

Getting key influencers involved in the process is vital to building positive momentum.

2. Develop a time line
To develop a good time line, start with the last date of the project and work backwards. If you are doing a fall growth push here are a couple ideas. End your fall outreach campaign on the first weekend in November with a family friendly comeback event and start July first with the selection of the team. This is what I call the “three month rule” which is to begin the detailed planning process at least three months before launch of the outreach campaign. Here is an overview of what would happen in those three months:

November
Celebrate and evaluate progress
Family friendly comeback event
Membership class offered

October
Newcomers luncheon set
Bible 101 or seeker study offered
Small groups launched around theme
Sunday worship theme launched
Second Touch teams equipped and empowered

September
Teaching series on outreach and prayer launched
Prayer walking implemented
Affinity groups launched – youth, singles, men’s & women’s ministries
Executing marketing plan
Equipping congregation with promotional tools

August
A clear call to prayer made to the entire congregation
Prayer emphasis kick off
Marketing and promotional plan set
Marketing and promotional tools sent to printer
Small group leaders trained and prepared

July
Team selected
Theme developed
Promotional strategy selected
Graphic images & promotional tools designed

3. Brainstorm ideas for a delivering strong biblical content that address the heart language issues of your mission field

Many pastors struggle with the creative aspects of leadership. I recommend that pastors research and purchase many of the good outreach or spiritual growth campaigns available. Many of these come with time lines, job descriptions, graphics, sermon ideas and small group materials. The key is planning ahead. After the church has done a few of these campaigns, then they can take a shot at developing their own.

Reprinted by permission from Gary Rohrmayer EvangelismCoach

Generosity

2010-07-15T11:05:00.005-05:00

“Jesus, worn out by the trip, sat down at the well. It was noon.”

It was noon. . .

At first glance this could be a throw-away statement, but not so. Noon says everything about the person who is about to visit and draw water. Nobody drew water from the well at noon unless you didn’t want to be seen by the townspeople, or you were a person of disreputable character, or possibly both. It was too hot for a journey to a well on the outside of the city, the women of the city would leave in the morning while it was still cool. It would be used as a social time, where they would walk and talk about life’s events. Not so with the woman who Jesus was about to encounter, he knew from the start she was an outcast, and his word’s of life would help recreate who she was.

“Would you give me a drink of water?” Jesus asked, “How come you a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman for a drink?” Jesus answered. “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh living water.” (The Message)

Generosity is what drives the kingdom of God! God so loved the world he gave; God isn’t stingy with anything He owns. I wish I could say that for the church. It’s often out for the best bargain, holding on to God’s grace like it thinks there isn’t enough.

If you really want more of God’s favor on your church so you can impact your community you have to become generous. Our outreach cost money big time. To a secular accountant, it looks like a bad investment, but the returns are amazing. A friend puts it this way, doing what we are doing (for more information visit loveyourcity.com) we are removing the black eye from the church.” It’s slowly changing how people (Christian and non) view the church.

We are actually moving out from beyond the four walls endeavoring to give people a small taste of the kingdom, usually in a tangible form like food, water, a cold can of Coke, new clothes, or ice-cream. The church, indirectly, makes this statement when being generous; “we are here to serve, not speak.”

Serving has always been the message of the church. In today’s changing culture we have to find creative and outward-focused ways to serve. How does a church best serve? When it decides to give itself away to lost and broken individuals, and the only way it can give itself away is through generosity.

Ten years ago, in May, we assembled in a gravel parking lot as a single church, ready to serve in any way possible. Our Coke was warm and we were a bit afraid. We were a church being restored from the ashes. One could say we weren’t quite the picture of strength, but God speaks truth in the middle of our weakness. He had given me a single scripture, “If you knew the generosity of God.”

I showed up at that gravel parking lot determined that God’s intention for us was to be generous, no matter what the bookkeeper told me. Generosity would be our calling and, generosity our passion. When we begin to see the world through the eyes of generosity we finally see the people Jesus came to love. The least – the last – the lonely – the lost and spiritually dead. This question needs answering in your community. Do the un-churched/pre-churches know the generosity of God through your serving?

Reprinted with permission from SERVE! Magazine Steve Sjogren, Publisher.

Guerilla Outreach - Part 2

2010-07-03T13:00:00.000-05:00

A colleague sent me a nonstandard outreach idea this spring. He said that craigslist is a great place to find people who are in need and touch them with God's love.

Craigslist is a centralized network of online communities, featuring free online classified advertisements – with sections devoted to jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, gigs, résumes, and discussion forums.

I have used craigslist before to buy some golf equipment but never considered it as a tool of ministry. I was a little hesitant to solicit our service having heard about widespread misuse.

After publishing our ad we soon connected with a young lady who had just moved to town with only what she could carry in her little car. She was living in a one bedroom flat above a bar in a nearby city.

She sounded genuinely interested in re-establishing her life saying that she didn't want a handout but was willing to contribute financially to her need.

I solicited our congregation for household items and got a good response. We asked for and received quality used household and personal care items.

The next step was to contact our Special Operations Team who on two separate trips delivered the items and shared God's love with this lady.

Two weeks ago I received an email from Shannon who said that everything we collected and delivered was 'needed and used'. What really made this outreach so satisfying is that Shannon said she was touched by our kindness and would like to help another person in her same circumstance.

Out of the box outreach? Yes. Don't know if we'll do it again, but it sure was fun.

Ever Tried To Run And Play In Flip Flops?

2010-06-09T15:41:00.006-05:00

We received a gift of $400 for shoes for Fairborn Elementary School and another great couple added $300 to the gift. This enabled us to purchase 70 pairs of various sized shoes for the kids. My friend Cindy went on a shopping spree. She had a blast purchasing the shoes she thought her kids would like.

Fairborn Elementary is one of the lowest income schools in our area. The principals are a good kind of crazy, and really attempt to maintain an upbeat, creative fun environment for the kids and the teachers. They have a clothing shop at the school for the kids. When they see kids walking around in flip-flops, they know the kid probably needs a pair. Discreetly, they take the kids to the shop and they are able to pick out their own pair of shoes.

One friend who is just beginning to serve his community, made a passing comment, "Hey what we are doing is far more than just giving people food, clothing or bottles of water, we are meeting the real long term needs." Implication, "You guys are not really doing the stuff." When I hear comments like this I often smile and think, "Glad you are getting it... almost."

Such thinking really is so narrow... It takes all kinds of service to meet the demanding needs of our communities. Small things, to large things, short term, to long term.

We supply about 1500 people a month with needed groceries... and by the way they receive much more than just groceries. We endeavor to ensure our touches and prayers are personal and caring. People often weep, exclaim with gratitude, "Thank you!" One lady this week came back to receive this months groceries with a huge smile on her face. You see, last month we heard it was her birthday, so after she received her groceries we gave her a huge birthday cake, and the crowd joined in as we sang Happy Birthday to you. Making it personal and making a difference. I think so.

Another dad brings his three beautiful daughters to our mobile food pantry. We noticed, they are there because he can't read or write. Noticing, in a nonchalant way, we now give the paper work to the kids. The dad has the biggest warmest smile you'll ever see and is grateful for the supplies he receives.

Yep, we know what we do is just a touch, but we do know it takes many touches of kindness to open the heart to the good news.

Mother Teresa was once confronted by a skeptic, "Isn't what you are doing just a drop in the ocean." She replied, "Yes, but many drops fill the ocean."

Ever attempted to run and play in flip-flops?

I went to the school to take pictures for this coming weekends Big Spring Clean! Last week, as I was snapping pictures in the playground during the recess period, a kid runs up to me and asks, "Hey mister, will you tie my shoes?" I replied, "Sure." As I bent down to tie the smiling kids shoes I noticed, new shoes, no socks.(was wearing flip-flops now had shoes) I asked, "Hey did you get your new shoes from the school?" Grinning from ear to ear, he replied excitedly, "yep!" I finished tying is shoes, He said, "Thanks mister!," and ran off to play. In that moment I felt the Son shine in my heart.

You know, small touches aren't often long term need meeting events, but for that kid, and for that family it was a small thing, done with great love.

Who knows it may have even changed his world.

Reprinted by permission from Steve Sjogren ServeCoach.com

How Can I Own My Community?

2010-06-05T20:33:00.003-05:00

Every time we go out to serve others we get the opportunity to fall in love with our city. There is no making up for it - we all need to be moved with compassion each time we venture out.

Outreach can take the starch out of you. Actually no - more accurately outreach will take a bit out of you each time you go out. It is therefore imperative that we are renewed in our love for our community on a very regular basis. At times it seems we have forces conspiring against our best efforts to simply love others. On a regular basis I become convinced all over again that what we are doing is very spiritual stuff. Why else would we get consistent opposition as we step out to serve?

As you go out anticipate God showing up in the margins - look for his presence in the mundane things that happen in your midst. Be thankful for even the seemingly smallish things that take place.

He will renew your strength for more outreaches. He is interested in stirring you and your people up - with his zeal for others.

Reprinted by permission from ServeCoach.com by Steve Sjogren

Small Things Bring Great Results

2010-05-24T10:38:00.003-05:00

The key to success in outreach is faithfulness in doing small things. It is possible to accomplish great things - big things - as we pursue a path of consistently done small things. I have a saying that explains things well: "Small things done with great love will change the world." We can do no large things.

When we try to do things on a large scale we end up making a mess of it all. Yet as we sign on for small things that are done consistently over the long haul we end up doing lasting things. God is able to take our small things and make them line up to become something great. God loves to breathe upon our acts of faithfulness and in turn make something great out of them.

Be encouraged. Your small things will add up in order to make something great come about. Look for open doors for doing small things God is showing you. Start today with small steps of obedience. God can (and will!) do amazing things with a life that is set on obeying him.

Reprinted by permission from Steve Sjogren's ServeCoach.com

Community Outreach Ministry

2010-05-21T12:37:00.007-05:00

Outreach ministry is important in many churches. A church is most effective if it functions as a beacon of Christ's love to the community. It needs to be a place that welcomes everyone, regardless of racial and cultural differences. Outreach that is energized by the Spirit of God will genuinely communicate God's love to others.

Community Outreach through Meeting Physical Needs
Many churches use outreach programs to meet the material needs of people in the community. For example, providing shelter for those who have been forced to leave their homes during a hurricane, flood or other natural disaster. Long-term outreach ministries are things like food banks, clothing distribution centers or small appliance or ministering to the needs of young mothers with newborns.

Some church outreach ministries offer job training for adults or after-school programs for children. These services are offered to the public. They are a way of equipping the unemployed with job skills and providing daycare so parents can work. They also serve the broader purpose of outreach of building relationships while providing Christian service to those in need. As trust increases the message of the Gospel is more readily received.

Community Outreach through Meeting Spiritual Needs
There are outreach ministries that specialize in providing services that help people spiritually and mentally. For example, counseling services, prayer hotlines, or visitation to the sick or elderly who are home bound or hospitalized.

A prison ministry is an example of a specific spiritual outreach service that strives to make a difference in the lives of the incarcerated. Church members can provide counseling to prisoners as well as comfort and assistance to their family members. If there is a chapel on site, Christians can lead Bible studies to help inmates grow in their relationship with Christ. In many cases they will help many come into a personal relationship with Jesus.

Community Outreach through Reaching Youth
Programs that reach out to youth and children are an important ministry of any church as they are the future of the church. Youth/children outreach must include activities that are young people-friendly and take place both inside and outside of the church. It is important that teens feel welcome and comfortable so they will be encouraged to return and invite others to come with them. Some examples: sports activities, video game tournaments, youth booths at local fairs or community events, opening of youth centers, etc. These activities can lead to more value orientated activities and incorporate Bible study. It is important they see God's people working together and that He can and does make a difference in our lives... both inside or out of the church building.

Reprinted from http://www.christianoutreachtools.com/

It's Time To Tip...

2010-05-14T22:30:00.004-05:00

Have you ever asked a restaurant server who the most difficult people are to wait upon? While you are quizzing ask them when during the week they find the most difficult to wait on customers. From years of waiting on tables I can tell you what they will say.

Church people are the most difficult by far. Sundays right after church lets out is the most difficult time. These people are demanding. They are often in a foul mood. To boot their tipping stinks.

It is time to make this matter a focus we as leaders insist changes. Week after week these "believers" are doing great harm to the cause of Christ.

Consider a couple of practical steps:

1. Take on a "triple tipping" practice. From now on 30% will be considered the norm.
2. Smile a LOT when at restaurants. Ditch the complaining routine. Your server is hussling to care for several parties besides yours.
3. If you insist on praying in public make it short and sweet ("Thanks for the food God" is fine). If you aren't going to tip generously absolutely don't pray.

I've done this for years with fruitfulness. Some 30+ years ago I treated my waitress so well she married me!

Reprinted by permission from ServeCoach.com by Steve Sjogren

Guerilla Outreach

2010-04-24T09:49:00.012-05:00

Not too long ago local newspapers had a virtual want ad monopoly. Anyone looking to buy, sell, or hire had to pay big fees to run a classified in their local newspaper.

CraigsList changed all that with its free, online, community-monitored classified ads. Now anyone can go online and post an ad for just about any item they want to sell, service they want to provide, or job opening they want to fill – for free!

A colleague sent me a Craigslist outreach idea last month. He said that CraigsList is a great place to find people who are in need and touch them with God's love. I have used CraigsList but not as a tool of ministry.

Hearing stories about how some use CraigsList for the wrong reasons, I proceeded with caution . . well not really.

Here's what we did:
- Go to CraigsList.
- Click into the listings for your specific location.
- Under the “for sale” heading click the “Wanted” category.
- Find a listing for someone in need.
- Meet their need.

We connected with a young lady who had just moved to town with only what she could carry in her little car. I advertized for household items and got a good response from our congregation. The next step was to contact our Special Operations Team who delivered the items and expressed support for our client.

As with any kind of servant evangelism, you may not have the opportunity to share the gospel immediately (though maybe you will), but maybe you can give the person your phone number of email address and tell them to contact you if they need anything else. Maybe you can invite them to join you at church (bring a brochure or invitation card).

What do you think? Is this use of CraigsList a way you might help people in your community?

Mission of the Church

2010-04-12T09:46:00.005-05:00

The church’s mission is to reach others for Christ and to help them become mature followers of Christ. When our plans or priorities conflict with that mission we must change. The mission statement Christ issued for his followers is actually quite simple, “Go and Make Disciples“. Somehow along the way it is easy for a body of believers to forget that mission.

Some get caught up in developing and carrying out a decades old great “master plan” that present day ministries must suffer to complete this plan. It is as if nothing is more important than following the plan. Unplanned opportunities to reach others for Christ are ignored in strict adherence to this great plan. What good is it to have a well-designed facility when there is no one to use the facilities?

Others get caught up in the functions of committees especially those that focus on the internal workings of the church that they lose sight of reaching others. Suddenly things like decorations and the appearance of the church become a higher priority than providing the necessary resources for outreach ministries. Keeping the church looking nice is good but what good is it when there is no one left to maintain the church?

For some adherence to traditions and maintaining the status quo becomes the primary focus. They become unwilling to move out of their comfort zone unaware that the unless the church is willing to adapt and change its method we will lose an entire generation. What good will our traditions do when no one is left to follow them?

I am reminded of something one of my seminary professors Dr. Roy Fish used to say. “The primary mission of the church is evangelism. Everything aspect and ministry of the church should be about evangelism, if it is not then we must change or jettison the things that are not.” What things must be changed or jettisoned from your church?

Reprinted by permission from The Dee Zone by D. E. Herrod http://thedeezone.wordpress.com/

Tweet Up - A Unique Invitational Idea

2010-04-05T10:47:00.009-05:00

If you are familiar with social media, you recognize the name Twitter. Twitter is a social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as ‘tweets’. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the author's profile page and delivered to the author's subscribers who are known as followers (called ‘Tweeps’). A ‘Tweet Up’ is a social gathering where Twitter advocates meet face to face.

We have done a lot of outreach and invitational evangelism at Living Word Christian Center, including a monthly Winners Luncheon for business professionals, job fairs, senior forums, and military family support events, but Tuesday night’s Tweet Up proved to be a gold mine in our efforts to reach those who don’t know about our church.

Several months ago, Carrie Rocha, a young entrepreneur in our church, launched a coupon cutters website call Pocket Your Dollars. PYD struck a chord in the hearts of thousands of followers and Carrie has quickly become a rising star, promoting her site through social media (Twitter and Facebook) and on local radio and TV programs.

When Carrie called to ask if our church would provide space for a ‘Meet and Greet ‘event where hundreds of her followers could get to know one another, it seemed to be a unique opportunity. She suggested that her followers might like to know more about Living Word’s dollar-stretching grocery ministry called Angel Food which gave me an opportunity to present its features and benefits.

So many PYD readers signed up for the event that Carrie had to limit attendance to 250. Carrie shared the story of how her vision to help consumers weather today’s economic pressures while staying at home with her two small children became a reality.

Our goal for the Tweet Up was to expose first time visitors to our facility, to greet them warmly and to treat them graciously. Carrie’s ‘Meet and Greet’ Tweet Up event more than exceeded our expectations and opened our eyes to another novel way to create exposure for our church.

Increasing Involvement in Outreach

2010-03-22T20:48:00.005-05:00

Many churches complain of a lack of dedicated volunteers for their outreach ministries. In some instances, they began their program with a substantial amount of volunteers and within a couple of months; the number of volunteers had dwindled to no more than a handful. In other instances, the church was unable to acquire any volunteers from the start of the program.

While the cause of a lack of dedicated volunteers varies, there are a few common culprits that your church should consider during the planning and implementation process of an outreach program.

Lack of Leadership
It seems trite to say but everything rises and falls on leadership. I have found that selecting motivated project leaders with vision is the first and essential step to ministry success. Ministry leaders with a vision for outreach are better off waiting to begin until after they raise up a motivated leader.

Lack of Planning
When designing their Christian outreach program, some churches forget to think of the role that volunteers will play in the implementation of the program. Outside of their planned program personnel, there aren’t any defined tasks for volunteers to take on. As a result, when church members show up to volunteer they end up sitting around without anything to do. When planning the outreach program, keep the volunteers in mind.

Lack of Advertisement
Many churches fail to advertise their outreach ministries adequately. They may announce the outreach opportunity during the announcement section of worship service, but they fail to mention it at any other time. This is a big mistake. Church members have a life outside of the church. They have full-time jobs, children, workout regimen, etc. While the outreach program at church may be important, it is added to the long list of “to-do” items that they church members accomplish each week.

Lack of Recognition
Some churches fail to recognize and/or thank their outreach program volunteers for the wonderful job that they’re doing. This may cause some church members to feel unappreciated and diminish morale. A recognition event could easily solve this problem. Your outreach ministries committee could simply have cake after worship service, put up a thank you banner, or if funds are available, have a dinner celebration.

While there are other causes of a lack of participation in Christian outreach programs, this list can help churches to avoid the common pitfalls that have hindered the success of worthwhile programs. If churches remember to keep both the target community and the congregation in mind while planning the program, these problems can be avoided.

What Angel Food Has Taught Me

2010-03-14T21:12:00.003-05:00

June 1980 was a turning point in my life when I made Jesus Lord and Savior. Shortly thereafter the Holy Spirit led my wife and me out of our denominational church to a charismatic Word of Faith church.

For thirty years the only Christians I knew swam in the same doctrinal stream of ministry. Thus my view of the Body of Christ was very myopic. I only preached at specific churches and went to seminars with those who were ‘like minded’. I felt like I had a ‘leg up’ on other believers simply because of the church I attended.

In the fall of 2008 our church became an Angel Food distribution site. Angel Food is a nonprofit, nondenominational food program dedicated to providing monthly food assistance to 500,000 families in 35 states across America. Every month, Angel Food provides boxes of high quality, cost-effective food items at over half-off grocery store prices.

Last fall I began to work with as a Minister of Outreach for Angel Food charged with helping Minnesota churches and ministries in reach out to their communities. The last eighteen months has been a learning experience for me.

Angel Food has taught me that hunger relief is not a doctrinal issue.
When the goal is to reach hurting people it doesn’t matter which seminary you attend or which version of the bible you prefer. What really matters is the God’s love. The heart of love that people like Dan and Marilyn from the Presbyterian Church, my Lutheran friend Berniece and Father Jose, a precious Catholic priest, have shown me has been very humbling. I so admire the energy and drive that these brothers and sisters have to become a force of good in their community.

Angel Food has taught me that we need each other
What an awakening this has been. There are so many awesome Christians that I never would have known. My limited exposure to other churches and the narrow parochial view of God’s people has been totally transformed. No longer do I think in terms of ‘we’ and ‘they’ when dealing with these other churches.

Angel Food has shown me that we are not in competition but rather we are in communion with one another when we allow ourselves to become the message of God’s love to a hurting world.

How To Do An Easter Outreach

2010-03-09T13:37:00.007-06:00

We have been doing an Easter outreach in Dayton, OH for a number of years. Each year the outreach seems to get better and better.

Last year we had over 100 volunteers and gave away over 15,000 eggs! This is more than your ordinary egg hunt. For many people it is the first carnival of spring. Each year we serve hundreds of Dayton kids complete with games, bouncy castles, face painting, crafts, hot dogs and prizes.

In Ohio, the weather can be bad even around Easter, but I have learned to lean into Jesus and look to His creative Spirit. He always shows up with a plan.

For instance one year we had the Giant Easter Egg Drive Thru. Wow! What a day that was!

Our special set up team arrived around 9:00 AM. We set up the Egg Stations, signs, unpacked the egg bags, ate some great Krispy Kreeme donuts, downed some coffee, and waited for the next team. Interestingly, we advertised the hunt to begin at 11:00 AM, yet people began to line up their cars at 10:00 AM. While I wasn’t really nervous, a sense of “Oh, boy! Now what?” began to drift into my head. I have learned when it comes to outreach, un-planned circumstances somehow increase my expectation. God is always faithful, and “where the Spirit of the Lord is there is fun!”

The Egg Drive Thru teams arrived and we went over our instructions. Have you ever tried to explain a concept for something you've never actually done before? What we were doing was a fluid, innovative, moving, morphing, and a learn-as-you-go type of idea. Who would have guessed that thousands of people would show up to an Easter Egg hunt in blustering wind that was blowing not snow, but sharp ice crystals?

We began moving the cars into the drive thru at 10:30 AM. The cars began to line up in a bumper to bumper fashion backing up past the entrance of the park down the street and past the entrance in both directions for over two blocks. That is a whole bunch of cars and most of the cars were loaded with people. Would 15,000 eggs be enough?

We found a great rhythm within less than thirty minutes. Cars pulled in. Egg givers walked to the cars, asked the parents how many kids they had, and reached out for the needed number of pre-bagged gift bags filled with Easter Goodies, and leaned into the car with a smile, chatting briefly and wishing folks to have a great Easter and inviting them to our place for a real Easter bash at one of special Easter Services the next weekend. Each bag had a flyer that briefly explained why we were serving them and included the needed maps and contact info.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement. We even had folks stirring the vibe circulating in costume, making sure everyone was having a good time. Dora the Explorer, Sponge Bob, Winnie the Poo, a 6-foot giant Easter Bunny, Zowie the clown and Ronald McDonald even made an appearance. The Drive Thru lasted for 2 hours!

The key is to keep your banter friendly and positive as a leader. You want volunteers safe and happy, and to be able to chat with the people you serve. No matter how demanding the circumstances may be, you need to lean into God’s kindness and grace.

I admit during the drive through, I felt a little bit bossy, but I attempted to stay upbeat as I repeated, “Keep em moving.” The outreach was approaching a small army maneuver given the steady stream of traffic and movement of supplies. Our troops did a wonderful job!

Even in the midst of all the excitement, there was a sense of peace, fun, and encouragement. Our community loved the idea, kids were hanging out of the windows, pictures were being taken with Dora and the other characters, and grateful parents were relieved that they didn't have to stand out in the cold. There were many smiles and thanks, peppered with a few “you guys are nuts,” and a couple of “atta-boys” as people drove away.

Our team out did themselves in their positive serving and flexibility, willing to attempt something new and out of the box. I like great ideas that are just a little bit audacious. It actually generates fun, teamwork, and energy. The next time you are faced with a challenge, don’t focus on the obstacles. Instead seize the opportunity for innovation and a new, genuine form of serving and caring for your community in a way that can really make a difference.

Steve Bowen is the Evangelism Pastor for The Dayton Vineyard.

Article reprinted by permission from SERVE! by Steve Sjogren

The Easter Bunny Hop

2010-03-09T13:29:00.006-06:00

I have been entrusted to jumpstart the outreach endeavors at our church up here in Northwest Indiana. I have done a number of the standards: Handing out free cokes, providing free oil changes for single moms, doing the $1.00 car wash since my DNA is preloaded with the concepts of “small things done with a great love will change the world” and “sharing God’s love in a practical way.”

Those are always fun things to do, but I want to do something a little bit bigger this Easter. Are you with me?

I have been doing some thinking about 1 John 3:18 lately: “Dear children, let us not love in word or tongue, but in action and in truth” We have put this (scripture) into practical action with a church wide challenge we call Triple-P: Pray, Provide, Participate.

Triple-P creates a fun atmosphere that provides an easy way for many to get involved. We get them to search their hearts, and seek God with earnest prayer to find a need they can fill. Then we encourage them to find a way they can fill that need with their own resources and energy. This moves folks from "praying about it" to actually doing something about it in a move towards getting out of their comfort zone.

We are going to launch something big this spring to energize it. I am calling it the Easter Bunny Hop. In a bag will be eight plastic eggs. Seven of these eggs will be filled with wrapped candy. In addition there will be one golden egg with an outreach card in it.

The week before Easter we will give out these bags to everyone that attends the church with the encouragement to look for somebody they can surprise with some Easter Kindness. They will put the eggs in the front yards of neighbors for them to find eggs that the Easter Bunny left with a message of God’s love in the golden egg. A note will be taped to the front door to explain that the bunny stopped by and that there are eight eggs to find.

We are hoping to surprise many, including our church body in a fun and silly way to spread God's love on a most appropriate holiday.

Reprinted by permission form Steve Sjogren Serve!

Help Visitors Find Your Church This Easter

2010-03-02T17:12:00.007-06:00

This Easter, some people might want to visit your church. This Holy Week, some out of town guests may want to visit your special services for holy week. You don’t know who they are.

God has given them spiritual thirst that propels them to seek a church. They don’t know where they want to go. So what do they do? They likely search the internet first. Will they find your church website? If they do, will they see your service schedule for Holy Week Easter?

What happened to me when looking for church in an unfamiliar city. I was in South Florida, visiting family and we wanted to attend a Christmas Eve service. Since my family had recently moved there, they were unfamiliar with any place to go, so our search was wide open. We did two things:

We asked a friend for a recommendation. When I asked him where that church was, he said 'use Google to find it'. So I went to Google and typed: “Presbyterian Church [insert city name here]. After all, I am an ordained Presbyterian pastor and every now and then would like to visit another church in my tribe.

The church my friend recommended did not appear in the first ten entries. I had to ask my wife what the name of the church was. Once I found the name, I could only find it in Google if I got the right name.

This church doesn’t have its physical address on its home page. That might help improve its appearance in Google for “Presbyterian Church [insert city name here]” With just a few small fixes they could rise to the top of Google quickly.

Does your church come up number one in Google for various keywords like your denomination and city? Maybe even for “Holy Week Services Richmond” or “Easter Sunrise Service Panama City.” What days and time are your special services?

Because it was Christmas time, we were looking for service times for Christmas eve. It wasn’t on the home page. It wasn’t on the calendar. It wasn’t even in the on-line newsletter. I couldn’t even find their regular service times on Sunday.

If you are having special services, can visitors discover it on your website? Hint: That information should be front and center in your home page.

We didn’t go. Since we couldn’t find the answer to our question at the website, we moved on with our search. Ultimately, because of some other scheduling conflict that materialized about 3 pm in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, we didn’t get to attend any church on Christmas Eve.

What can you do this Holy Week and Easter Sunday? My experience at Christmas left me wondering. How can your website help visitors find your church for special services? Are you planning special sunrise services this Easter? Are you planning special services for Holy Week, like Maundy Thursday, or Good Friday?
Make sure that information is front and center on your website for the week or two leading up to that event.

You don’t know who God might lead to your church. Perhaps someone hears the Gospel for the first time. Perhaps someone needs to come back to the Lord. Perhaps a new visitor who is moving in from another town.

Help them find your church as God prompts their spiritual thirst this Holy Week and Easter.

Reprinted by permission from Chris Walker, EvangelismCoach

Growing Past Resistance

2010-02-26T16:32:00.002-06:00

Today I am going out to serve the community. In fact I am writing this piece from the backseat as Janie drives us to the initial gathering point.

Today, like many Saturdays, I have a number of excuses going that could keep me from going out. It's funny how no matter how many times great things have happened during outreach I still experience personal resistance to outreach.

I know from experience great things will happen today as we go out. So what is a person to do when resistance sets in?

I don't think I will ever grow past this resistance. It has been a regular feature of my life for years. All I can do is decide to not pay attention to such inner ramblings that stand in the way of progress. This much I know for certain - when I ignore the part of me that stands in opposition to the progress of God I am blessed and I progress spiritually.

Long live our godly ignorings! Long live Saturday outreaches!

Reprinted by permission from Steve Sjogren ServeCoach.com

Each One Reach One

2010-02-14T15:45:00.011-06:00

As reports of declining church attendance capture the attention of social chronicles, my pastor is fighting back with God's Word.

Today Pastor Mac concluded the stewardship series by teaching our congregation from the gospel of Luke how to be 'inviters'. As an outreach pastor, I listened eagerly because I have sought but never heard anyone teach how to consistently succeed as an invitational evangelist.

You may remember the story about a man who held a great banquet and invited a lot of people all of whom gave excuses not to attend. Pastor Mac taught that there are three reasons first time attenders will accept your invitation and how we should respond.

1. The first group will come simply out of respect for you. When you invite friends relatives co-workers and if they refuse, ask them to do you a favor by being your guest.

2. The second group have felt needs in their lives that our church can meet. Should they decline your invitation tell them about our awesome small groups, marriage ministry and children's church.

3. The third group will come out of simple curiosity. If they decline your invitation tell them them to come and see our beautiful facilities and hear the good music or laugh at the goofy jokes Mac tells.

The only way that the body of Christ will reverse the downward trend of church attendance is by recognizing that that the Word of God is the only solution to life's challenges and that each one of us has the power to bring others under the influence of God's Word.

Attraction Not Promotion

2010-02-05T07:43:00.014-06:00

In the 5th chapter of John's gospel you remember the story about the the pool called Bethesda in Jerusalem where throngs of sick people waited around the pool for God to send an angel and stir the water. The first person in the pool once this happened was healed.

I was thinking about a modern day equivalent of this sovereign move of God's healing mercy. My thoughts went to the years I spent as a pharmaceutical salesman walking through the waiting rooms of hospitals and clinics, including our own Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. There people from all over the world came for a healing touch from great doctors and surgeons.

As an outreach pastor, a good deal of my time and energy goes into building the image in the community for our church. We appeal to the business and civic community through service projects and serve our local schools as tutors. We design special ministry to attract youth and provide hunger relief with food drives. This is good and necessary, but not the ultimate solution.

I am a very practical thinker, but when God begins to move through miraculous healings like the pool at Bethesda our outreach ministries will be quite different. Sick will be waiting in the lobbies of our churches 24 hours a day. The church parking lot will be jammed with ambulances. Clinics will call you because they have immediate openings. Pharmacies will slash their prices because of over supply of medications.

The reputation and image of the local church will change dramatically. We will scurry to keep up with the demand, not wait for the community to visit our Sunday service. Sick people will see that health care is no longer the property of doctors and Washington lawmakers but a product of the Great Physician.

When our prayer brings God's healing flow, like the pool at Bethesda, our houses of worship will no longer require promotion, the gospel will again become attractive.

Leadership is the Key

2010-01-20T20:25:00.012-06:00

My leadership career began in 1945 as the oldest of five children. I just didn't know it at the time.

Throughout grade school, high school and college, the leadership gift God placed in me lay dormant. It wasn't until I joined the Army in 1962 and four years later attended officer training that the concept of being a leader became somewhat of a reality.

Leadership was a office into which I grew. After college and before I was saved in 1980, I could not define my leadership calling although I occupied the position of a leader as a husband, father, lay ministry head and Army Captain. Leadership is not positional.

In 1988 I entered the full time ministry as senior pastor of a small rural church. It was when I read my first John Maxwell book in 1990, that I discovered what it meant to be a leader. John defined the role of a leader and inspired me to become one.

Maxwell taught that everything rises and falls on leadership. Leaders aren't the smartest, the strongest nor the loudest. They are the individuals who are able to influence others through their attitudes and actions. Leadership is influence.

Tonight as I met with my outreach ministry team leaders at Living Word Christian Center, I heard myself say it again; '"Everything rises and falls on leadership." When I select those individuals with leadership potential and invest my resources in them, my success is guaranteed because leadership is the key.

Living Word helps Brooklyn Park Take a Bite Out of Crime

2010-01-12T13:18:00.019-06:00

When Living Word Christian Center heard that the Brooklyn Park Police Department needed to replace retiring police dogs but lack funding, they responded with a contribution that defines LWCC's ongoing commitment to building community partnerships.

Last weekend, Canine Unit Supervisor Lt. Steve Pearson along with the dog handlers and police dogs 'Dingo', 'Falco' and 'Diesel' were introduced before the services. A special video was presented which explained how the new canines were acquired, trained and fielded.

It was heart warming to see the appreciation that was extended by our congregation to these public servants who place their lives on the line every day to maintain law and order in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis.

Living Word's cooperation with the police goes beyond financial support. The BPPD uses Living Word's facilities during the week to provide ongoing training in suspect search to the great delight of our staff and Maranatha school children.

The bible says in Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. The crime rate is down in Brooklyn Park, in great part to the cooperation between church and law enforcement.

An Invitational Experience

2010-01-04T09:44:00.007-06:00

It is always good to view your church or ministry through the eyes of a visitor.

One of our pastors sent me a blog article that was written by a visitor to our church yesterday.

From the header on his blogpost I can tell that this gentleman is a Christian, which means that he probably has attended other churches previously. Although everyone has different expectations of church, it is interesting to note that his observations center around the appearance of the facility, the way he was greeted and the content of the message. These are are all factors that we can control.

Note that had he not been invited, this blog post would probably never have appeared. He concluded by saying that he would return.

In 2010, we plan to report many more such experiences. Good going Living Word!

Bread Giveaway - Fun Easy and Inexpensive Holiday Outreach

2009-12-25T15:18:00.000-06:00

Everybody likes bread! Especially from those high-end bread stores with Bread Company somewhere in the name… Did you know that you can arrange to receive day-old bread from specialty bread stores for FREE? You can also check with national chain grocery stores that have in-house bakeries.

Talk to the store manager and explain your outreach concept. Tell a few stories of the people you are helping and you will likely establish your "daily bread" connection. It will only take one or two of these connections to begin a substantial ministry in your community.

Many of these stores do not have a reliable source to distribute their old bread to. The key is to be consistent and reliable in picking up their bread. You will need to have a team and as schedule so you don't disappoint the bread store managers. As a good public relations gesture, write a letter of thanks to the store manager for his company's generosity to the community (and don't be surprised to see it framed and posted on the wall of the store).

The ministry is simple and straight forward. Knock on the doors of the houses and apartments. Say, "Hi, we're giving away fresh, free high-quality bread. Could you use some, or do you know anyone in the neighborhood who could use some?" Give recipients an outreach card and offer to pray for them as you hand out the bread.

How Do You Find People To Give Bread To?

Cold calling (just knocking on doors) in lower-income neighborhoods and apartments complexes works fine with this project. Stay away from neighborhoods closest to the donating store.

(A couple of years ago we partnered with a local assisted living facility to serve their residents. After picking up bread at the local Panera Bread Company a team of 6 took our fragrant gift to the apartment complex. The bread was well received by the residents.)

Reprinted with permission from 2009 Serve! with Steve Sjogren

Christmas is a perfect time to share your faith story

2009-12-18T11:34:00.014-06:00

Take a couple of minutes to watch this video. I love the way Tony Stewart of lifechurch.tv has used relationships and holiday festivities to share why he loves Christmas.

What impressed me is the genuine concern that he has for his rugby teammates and the fact that he didn't burn his bridges by co-opting a Christmas party and turning it into a evangelistic service.

Some have called Tony's event a 'Matthew Party', but everyone who is passionate about seeing their friends move closer to a decision will be inspired at his candor and courage. Merry Christmas!

Angel Food for Christmas

2009-12-08T20:45:00.013-06:00

My grandchildren are so much fun to watch as we get closer to Christmas. They have a sparkle in their eyes when they talk about opening their gifts on Christmas morning.

I decided to capture some of their enthusiasm last week by filming a promo video for Angel Food, one of our most active outreach ministries.

Click on this short video featuring the Angel Food Angel and Santa Claus for a good laugh.

Watch D.O.G.S. Reaching Out

2009-12-01T20:25:00.005-06:00

At most elementary schools, you're likely to find a woman at the head of the class and lots of women volunteers, but at Maranatha Christian Academy in Brooklyn Park, men play a role in the classroom everyday.

Nearly two years ago, the private school started using a national program called Watch D.O.G.S. or Dads of Great Students at their school. The program encourages dads and other father figures to spend one day of vacation in their child's school.

"This is really about connecting dads and their kids back together," said Brad Klingman, a Watch Dog and father of two daughters at Maranatha.

Klingman is one of more than 200 dads at Maranatha who volunteer in the program. The men spend a day at their child's school and serve as an extra pair of hands in the classroom and on the playground, but they also serve as important role models for students throughout the school.

"They're seeing what it means to be a good dad and a good man," said Klingman.

The program has been such a success for Maranatha that local program leaders are now encouraging other schools to get involved with the program too. Tuesday night, Maranatha opened its doors to encourage other men and fathers at the school to get involved and the school also invited other local school administrators in to learn more about the program.

Rice Lake Elementary Principal Mark French said he likes what he sees with the Watch D.O.G.S. program.

"I'm impressed at the number of dads and fathers and families that are here being actively involved and volunteering in their children's school," said French.

French said he's planning to bring the program to his Maple Grove elementary school in January. That's news that Brad Klingman likes to hear because he's confident that having a regular male presence in the classroom helps make a difference.

"This should be in every school," said Klingman.

Outreach Doesn't Cost. It Pays

2009-11-26T21:29:00.002-06:00

An often heard objection to community outreach is 'Our budget is tight. We can't afford outreach.' If you accept the truth that unless you are reaching out you are dying, it becomes more and more important to find ways to pay for it.

Living Word has looked for ways to both extend God's love to our community and fund our outreach budget even when finances are stretched. Here are some of our experiences:

Every month our Outreach Department hosts Winners Luncheon, a monthly event for the business and professional community to which our members invite their colleagues. Several hundred members and guests attend the luncheon in our fellowship hall.

Winners Luncheon doubles as both an invitational evangelism event and leadership seminar where quality local and national speakers speak on topics related to leadership.

These events more fully utilize our church facilities during the week and generate revenue at the same time. Our Luncheon guests are charged $15 per person (much cheaper than a business lunch with comparable fare) but first time attenders pay only $10. Volunteers serve the food and guests register online which helps keep administrative costs down.

Living Word annually hosts John Maxwell's Chick-fil-A Leadercast which always attracts first time guests. The business sector has been using the power of live satellite training for years. The business model for the Leadercast consists of partnering with churches to bring relevant business and leadership training to workplace leaders in their local community.

Seminar host Dr. John C. Maxwell is the author of such best-selling books as The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork. The seminar participant fees and book sales have consistently provided the revenue to offset the costs of hosting the seminar.

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational food program dedicated to providing monthly food assistance to over 500,000 families in 43 states across America. Every month Angel Food provides boxes of high quality, cost effective food items at over half off grocery store prices.

Angel Food benefits our ministry in several ways. It not only helps our congregation stretch their grocery dollars, but is an excellent outreach to our community. Angel Food attracts the unchurched (one-third of our customers don’t attend church) and the ministry donates $1 per food box to our benevolence fund which offsets the administration costs and funds additional outreach.

Someone once said “When business is good, advertise. When business is bad advertise more.”

Because reaching out is to ministry as advertising is to business, don't let outreach suffer when money is tight. When the economy recovers, your ministry will be further ahead than ever. Because outreach doesn't cost. It pays.

That Prosperity Church

2009-11-20T11:15:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I attended a local Christian fair on behalf of Angel Food. Angel Food is a nonprofit, nondenominational food program dedicated to providing monthly food assistance to 500,000 families in 43 states across America. Every month, Angel Food provides boxes of high-quality, cost-effective food items at over half-off grocery store prices. Living Word Christian Center has partnered with Angel Food for over a year reaching hundreds of families who would not otherwise know about our church.

Several people who stopped by the Angel Food booth at the fair remarked “Oh, you are from Living Word. That’s that prosperity church.” Although there was a hint of hubris in their voice, I had to agree with them.

Living Word's doctrine states that the redemptive work of Jesus not only provided salvation for the believer, but also healing and prosperity for our spiritual, soulish, and physical man. We are redeemed from the curse of the law—poverty, sickness, oppression, and any other thing that prevents us from fulfilling God’s plan.

For 30 years Pastor Mac Hammond has taught our congregation Bible truths concerning God’s plan to flourish His people. As Christians, we don’t give to “get.” That’s a distortion of a truth and what some have called the “hundredfold heresy.” We give to “give.” God’s not trying to get something from you (your money), He’s trying to get something to you (full provision). Apparently, these precious saints had believed what someone else had said about Living Word, not what Living Word teaches.

This Saturday, November 21, 2009, in addition to distributing over 400 boxes of Angel Food to help families stretch their grocery dollars, hundreds of volunteers from Living Word will deliver 400 Thanksgiving meals to hungry families in the seven-county Twin City metro area. The food baskets contain turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings to feed a family of seven.

This annual outreach, called Thanksgiving Baskets of Blessing, is the result of tens of thousands of dollars that have been donated to help hungry families during the holidays. It is the product of a church that teaches that lives can be prosperous and healthy—spirit, soul, and body—as we walk in the light of Jesus’ redemptive work at Calvary.

As I thought about what these precious Christians said, I cannot recall in the ten years that we have delivered Thanksgiving Baskets of Blessing anyone ever saying “I don’t want a Thanksgiving Basket of Blessing from that prosperity church.”

Will the World End in 2012?

2009-11-09T21:45:00.007-06:00

December 21, 2012 has been suggested as the end of the world, earth as we know it. Some say that on an ancient Mayan calendar 2012 points to the end of the world. Others say that for Nostradamus 2012 is also a possible doomsday.

It has got to the point where the thought of a December 21, 2012 doomsday is freaking some people out. We shouldn't be alarmed. Given past doomsday predictions and prophecies about the end of the world, earth should have ended by now. Since the earth is still here, it would be fair to say then that all prophecies and predictions about the end of the world have failed.

Because I am confident in my eternal destiny because of my relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, all this 2012 talk has motivated me to invite others to know Jesus too.

This afternoon I had an opportunity to lead a young man to a saving knowledge Jesus. I struck up a friendship with Matt a couple of years ago at the heath club. He is a friendly and athletic guy who, today, was not feeling well. It seems that he just got out of the hospital after a bout of flu-like symptoms.

Because of the time I had invested in building a relationship with him, Matt prayed with me to receive Christ.

Bring on December 21, 2012. Matt and I know where we'll be!

Messy, Costly, Dirty Ministry

2009-10-29T10:28:00.006-05:00

The Tuesday night prayer meeting at Brooklyn Tabernacle felt like skydiving into a tornado, exhausting and exhilarating all at once. I'd read about the meeting in Pastor Jim Cymbala's book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, but nothing prepared me for the event itself: 3,500 God-hungry people storming heaven for two hours.

Afterward, my friend and I went out to dinner with the Cymbalas. In the course of the meal, Jim turned to me and said, "Mark, do you know what the number one sin of the church in America is?" I wasn't sure, and the question was rhetorical anyhow. "It's not the plague of internet pornography that is consuming our men. It's not that the divorce rate in the church is roughly the same as society at large."

Jim named two or three other candidates for the worst sin, all of which he dismissed. "The number one sin of the church in America," he said, "is that its pastors and leaders are not on their knees crying out to God, 'Bring us the drug-addicted, bring us the prostitutes, bring us the destitute, bring us the gang leaders, bring us those with AIDS, bring us the people nobody else wants, whom only you can heal, and let us love them in your name until they are whole.'"

I had no response. I was undone. He had laid me bare, found me out, and exposed my fraudulence. I was the chief of sinners. I had never prayed, not once, for God to bring such people to my church. So I went home and repented. I stopped sinning. I began to cry out for "those nobody wanted."

And darned if God didn't bring them. But then I found out why nobody wants them: they're messy and costly and dirty. They swear at you, lie to you, steal from you. Worse, they make you love them, and then often break your heart.

It reminds me of a scene from Entertaining Angels, the story of Dorothy Day and her ministry during the Depression. Dorothy is praying before a life-size crucifix. "Why," she asks Jesus, "did you have to wear such a revolting disguise, covered in vomit, smelling of urine, dressed in rags, cussing?"

But when God brings messy people, it does two things: first, it makes you real, and then it makes you desperate. It makes you real, because you're dealing with a magnitude of sin that bromides and platitudes are powerless against. You have to name sin in all its ugliness and minister the cure undiluted. A crack cocaine addict recently agreed to go through a year of intense rehab because I knew he was bluffing me and I called him on it. I leaned into his face and told him that unless he stopped BS-ing me, and right now, I was walking. He was in rehab in three days, and has now been there for three months with nine still to go. Anything less than hard reality at that moment would have fallen short.

Messy people also make you desperate. Until I began to cry out, most of the people I counseled were struggling with sins that, for the most part, had minimal social consequences. They became angry too quickly, or gossiped too often, or ran up their credit card too high. Problems, yes. Sins, indeed. But any of it, all of it, they could more or less manage on their own.

Ministry under those circumstances is like being in a boat when the wind kicks up. You strain against the wind and it's comforting to know Jesus is somewhere nearby, but you can tough it out alone. You can fall back on your basic nautical skills to get through it.

But that doesn't work with sex-trade workers and crack addicts. With them, ministry is like being called out of the boat to walk on the water: you've never been here before, there's no three-step technique, and unless Jesus is with you, ready to catch you when you fall, you are going to sink all the way down.

Some days I wish things were tidy again. But if ministry and mess are inseparable, I'll take them both.

Mark Buchanan is pastor of New Life Community church in Duncan, British Columbia, and a contributing editor of Leadership.

Copyright © 2009 by Mark Buchanan. Reprinted from Leadership.

Friendliness: Tool or Toil

2009-10-22T20:27:00.004-05:00

Comedian Alan King said, “Be friendly to everyone. Those who deserve it the least need it the most”.

Friendliness is a wonderful attribute that can open the door to a person’s heart. A cold personality is a detriment to evangelism. You can be spiritually confrontive if your facial expressions and body language convey warmth and love. Is friendliness an attribute that comes naturally to you or is it an effort?

I have experimented with friendliness to test its power to change the response that I receive when sharing God’s love. In almost every instance, people are more open to you when offer a friendly smile and a warm greeting.

A smile: a happy, honest, friendly and genuine smile. Go ahead, try it. Flash a smile. But let me warn you, it is contagious, it’s infectious. Just a simple smile can uplift someone’s day. It is a universal expression of happiness. Smiling is the first part of friendliness that plays an important role in personal evangelism.

We can each do our part to strengthen and build bridges between the church and our community. Never underestimate the power of friendliness, of a smile or of a positive attitude.

Next time you walk past a mother and child on the street, or pass an acquaintance in the hall, don’t be shy, try starting the infectious smiling disease. It doesn’t take any time or hardly any effort, but by smiling you are brightening someone’s day and beginning the building of a bridge of friendship between communities.

It all starts with a simple smile –the calling card of friendliness.

Kids Studio: Where Kids Bring Their Parents to Church

2009-10-16T21:08:00.005-05:00

My wife Annie and I took our grandson to Kids Studio at Living Word Christian Center this evening to enjoy "Eddie's Shake Shop", a 30 minute weekly serial stage-play designed to bring families a positive message in a powerful, entertaining way.

Kids Studio employs grade school aged actors and uses the latest multimedia technology including state-of-the-art lighting, high-definition video, and multiple plasma screens, widescreen projectors, and cutting-edge audio equipment to provide families with world-class entertainment while promoting strong family values.

What I have come to appreciate about Executive Director Mark Harper's unique stage production is the appeal that it has to the young unchurched families in the community. This fall my son and daughter in law invited their neighbors to the Friday night production and they haven't missed a single show. In fact they are now coming to church on Sunday morning.

Kids Studio: Another door of outreach. Another opportunity to impact our community for Jesus.

Does Your Church Need a Community Outreach Team?

2009-10-05T15:59:00.011-05:00

Some Ideas for You to Consider when Evaluating Your Effectiveness

When looking at innovative ways to reach out to your community, do not overlook meeting the basic needs of your community. Community outreach is not always limited to reaching out to them with the gospel of Christ. It also means reaching out to them and providing basic needs, necessities, sense of community and showing love and hospitality to those around you.

I recently heard our Middle School pastor relate a story about a homeless man who used to come to our church regularly begging, coming for free meals on Wednesday nights, who was very antagonistic towards God and all Christian or "religious folk."

A month or so ago, a gentleman came to the church receptionist and asked to see our Middle School Pastor. The Pastor recognized the name but was having a hard time putting a face with a name. When he came down to see the man they engaged in polite conversation and the mans countenance completely changed. His eyes started welling up with tears and he inquired "You don't know who I am do you?" Our Pastor stated that he did not know who he was.

Well, he ended up telling the Pastor who he was and what the love shown to him by the church had done for him. He had turned his life over to the Lord and experienced the life changing love of Him. He mentioned that it was the love, patience and generosity of the people from our church. That even when he was antagonistic and ungrateful they continued to love on him and provide for his needs.

Tears were pouring down his face at this time when he further shared that now he had his own apartment, had a job, was getting ready to buy his own home and was a completely changed person. He just wanted to stop by and say thanks to those who spent time with him. Wow! We serve an awesome God and praise the Lord for his working in the lives of His children!

I share the above story with you as a demonstration of the needs of a community above our presenting the Gospel to them. So, when you are considering a Community Outreach Team or effort, consider all the needs and meet them where you can and where they will be most effective.

by The Scotsman April 14, 2008

'How Not To Do Evangelism'

2009-09-29T20:30:00.001-05:00

"Wise men learn from fools more than fools learn from wise men. For while wise men learn from the folly of fools, fools do not learn from the virtues of the wise." Cato

Before you undertake an outreach project to your community please watch this hilarious video. Do not make the same mistakes that our friends "Dumb and Dumber" have made.

Lay Liberation - Still Serving

2009-09-21T21:59:00.009-05:00

For nearly 20 years Living Word has gone to the mission field, conducted street witnessing and organized servant evangelism and community outreach. Recently the Holy Spirit has impressed me with the fact that we aren’t tapping our full potential. The vision for outreach has been limited by what the Outreach Department can organize, lead, fund and staff.

In order to grow our influence we need to decentralize ministry. The church needs to experience what I call a ‘lay liberation movement’. In order to do that our staff must recruit, train, equip and motivate outreachers to reach out on their own.

Iraq veteran Chaplain Buddy Winn responded to an opportunity to exercise godly influence when the Crystal VFW needed a chaplain. By attending VFW functions and mingling with WWII and Vietnam era service members Buddy has earned the respect and gained an entrance into the lives of almost 700 veterans.

Chaplain Winn does none of this on his own time but in the evenings and on weekends. It’s an opportunity to influence others with God's love.

It’s homegrown and like my mom used to say "Homegrown is always better than store bought".

Lay Liberation – Doubling Our Influence

2009-09-14T20:38:00.012-05:00

For nearly 20 years Living Word has gone to the mission field, conducted street witnessing and organized servant evangelism and community outreach. Recently the Holy Spirit has impressed me with the fact that we aren’t tapping our full potential. The vision for outreach has been limited by what the Outreach Department can organize, lead, fund and staff.

In order to grow our influence we need to decentralize ministry. The church needs to experience what I call a ‘lay liberation movement’. In order to do that our staff must recruit, train, equip and motivate outreachers to function on their own.

Each summer homemaker Mary Nelson reaches out to her neighborhood and multiplies the influence of the gospel by hosting a backyard bible club. "I invite the kids up and down street, prepare the treats and act as host" she said. Childrens lives are changed when they hear about Jesus.

"Pastor Mac (Hammond) encourages us to bring one other person into committed fellowship annually", Mary explained. "In a matter of just a few years our whole community would be saved and growing in the knowledge of God".

The power to reach our world rests in multiplying our effort by a factor of two. When one of us reaches out like Mary, we double our influence. The Lord is asking is for each of us to simply multiply ourselves in one other person.

March to a Million: The Effect of the Gospel on Minneapolis Crime Rate

2009-09-08T12:42:00.006-05:00

An October 3, 2008 City of Minneapolis media release said “juvenile violent crime in Minneapolis is down 46 percent compared to 2006. From January to June 2008, citywide violent crime fell 14 percent compared to 2007”.

Many are quick to take credit for the decrease in crime. One factor that will never reach the public eye, but I believe has had the greatest impact on lawlessness in our community is the effort of a group of street evangelists from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Several times each week for the last 23 years Pastor Nick Kinn and the evangelism teams from Living Word Christian Center have shared the love of God in the neighborhoods and on the street corners of Minneapolis. Rain or shine, summer or winter, their message has been the same; God has a good plan for your life.

Beginning in 1986 Living Word began to keep record of documented salvations by our gospel workers. This summer a young girl became the one millionth soul committed to the Lord Jesus Christ at a gas station in Brooklyn Park.

On September 12-13, Living Word will open its doors to the public at an Open House to celebrate a milestone in ministry to our community: one million souls won to the Lord in 23 years.

Lawlessness is a result of the absence of God in the life of a community. Pastor Kinn and the workers from Living Word will continue to exert a downward pressure on crime by introducing millions more God’s good plan for their life.

Lay Liberation – The Dream in Your Heart

2009-09-02T21:46:00.012-05:00

For nearly 20 years Living Word has gone to the mission field, conducted street witnessing and organized servant evangelism and community outreach.

Recently the Holy Spirit has impressed me with the fact that we aren’t tapping our full potential. The vision for outreach has been limited by what the Outreach Department can organize, lead, fund and staff.

In order to grow our influence we need to decentralize ministry. The church needs to experience what I call a ‘lay liberation movement’. In order to do that our staff must recruit, train, equip and motivate outreachers to function on their own.

Eric Rolland is a Living Word outreacher who uses his passion for golf as a stage to present the gospel. In addition, Eric is using the promises in God's Word to achieve his dream. Although 34 years old, which is older than most PGA rookies, Eric is preparing himself to attend the PGA Tour Qualifying School.

“Pastor Mac [Hammond] has taught us to follow the dream in your heart,” Eric said, “so I am preparing myself physically, mentally, and spiritually to achieve my life’s ambition to be a professional on the PGA Tour.”

Eric is an active member at Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park. In addition to street witnessing with Pastor Nick Kinn, he is one of the Living Word members who helps teach swing fundamentals to the junior golf team at Crest View Elementary School while incorporating life principles of determination and patience.

Eric is compelled to share the gospel with professional golfers. He uses relationships developed through the pursuit of his dream to lead others to Christ. Eric credits his training though Living Word street winning for the boldness to witness.

It’s another example of homegrown outreach. Like my mom used to say “homegrown is always better than store bought”.

Lay Liberation – Zaccheus

2009-08-28T20:56:00.011-05:00

For nearly 20 years Living Word has gone to the mission field, conducted street witnessing and organized servant evangelism and community outreach. Recently the Holy Spirit has impressed me with the fact that we aren’t tapping the full potential of our congregation. In order to grow our influence we need to decentralize ministry. Our church needs to experience what I call a ‘lay liberation movement’.

In the gospel of Luke the bible tells talks about a tax collector named Zaccheus who climbed a tree to see Jesus. Gary Albig who runs his own tree service has climbed many trees in his business as an arborist. His life changed one summer evening when our teams were picking up trash in the city park. When Gary learned where the workers went to church, he attended Living Word and received Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Now Gary spends part of his of time servicing the tree removal needs of elderly and disabled homeowners. Gary’s efforts have gained the attention of our city parks department who call on him regularly for help. Gary is an example of what I call homegrown outreach. Like my mom used to say “homegrown is always better than store bought”.

Homegrown Outreach

2009-08-25T15:05:00.007-05:00

Jesus said in Acts chapter 1 that ‘ye shall be witnesses unto me’. Our primary mission as Christian is to testify to the Lord’s goodness before not yet believers.

For nearly 20 years Living Word has gone to the mission field, conducted street witnessing and organized servant evangelism and community outreach. I am so thankful for what God has done. Recently we celebrated one million souls won to the Lord through the efforts of our soul winning teams.

Recently the Holy Spirit has impressed me with the fact that we aren’t tapping our full potential. The vision for outreach has been limited by what the Outreach Department can organize, lead, fund and staff.

In order to grow our influence we need to decentralize ministry. The church needs to experience what I call a ‘lay liberation movement’. In order to do that our staff must recruit, train, equip and motivate outreachers to function on their own.

It’s good to gather for service projects and soul winning events but its purpose should be to train the believer to outreach independently. I call it homegrown outreach. Like my mom used to say “homegrown is always better than store bought”.

Over my next few blog posts I am going to feature outreach efforts of laymen who are compelled to share God’s love on their own.

Prophetic Evangelism

2009-08-19T11:47:00.021-05:00

Do you or people you know lack courage to connect with people in your community? Would the wisdom of God help you to reach into people's hearts? If so, you definitely want to listen to Steve Sjogren’s latest expert interview with Doug Addison.

Doug Addison has been a pastor and church planter and is the author of the book, Prophecy, Dreams, and Evangelism. In 1985 he had a dramatic encounter with Jesus after having a reading done by a psychic. Since that time, Doug’s passion is to reach people who don’t know God’s love.

In this short interview Steve and Doug are talking about Prophetic Evangelism two words that are usually discouraging and misleading to most Christians. But don’t get the wrong idea, this topic is not for the overly spiritual.

Prophetic evangelism is something that almost anyone in the Church can relate to and practice in a powerful way. My colleague , Pastor Nick Kinn, credits prophetic evangelism for many of the miracles he has seen in leading over one million souls to the Lord.

Dog Days Outreach Ideas

2009-08-18T10:54:00.006-05:00

Everybody talks about outreach but . . . .

Sometimes we get so caught up thinking and talking about outreach methods that we forget to actually reach out.

One of the challenges in initiating outreach that will connect our church with those we desire to influence is simply some creative ideas. Often it's just a matter of surrendering our pride and loosening up a little.

Here are some fun, fresh ways to connect with your non-Christian neighbors during the last weeks of summer. Give one a try and let me know who won the race!

God-Rated Outreach

2009-07-29T09:33:00.010-05:00

Although movies can be a stumbling block for Christians, they sometimes present an opportunity to open a spiritual discussion with an unbeliever. Although it may be rated PG-13 for thematic issues, it may be God (God) rated for spiritual application opportunities.

This article by Sue Skalicky in Leading Outreach encourages Christians to take advantage of a film's God-rating by inviting others to share their lives as reflected on the big screen. Controversial, yet offers much food for thought.

Back to School Outreach

2009-07-28T21:26:00.010-05:00

Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota has turned a fall school-year ritual into an outreach to needy children at its partner public school, Crest View Elementary.

It started several years ago when community service director Sonny Fuller sought to help the school children, many of them from lower-income families, who attended Crest View.

Sonny created the Crest View school supplies drive by inviting church members to shop for pencils, notebooks, crayons, backpacks and lunch boxes. During the month of August church families who shop for back to school needs for their children buy extra for the Crest View kids.

“Sometimes the kids wouldn't start school because their parents would want to have supplies first", outreach pastor Phil Winn said. "Now our members look forward to buying supplies for kids who didn't have any."

Because of the relationship built between Living Word and Crest View “when the school has a need they just give us a call because they know we will help."

This back to school outreach is something that any church of any size can do well. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money and makes everyone feel a part of giving to the needs of others.

Unconventional Weddings

2009-07-22T11:46:00.007-05:00

In most large U.S. cities, 25 percent to 45 percent of all the weddings occur outside the church. Leading Outreach editor Drew Dyck recently published an article "Wedding Crashers" by Bill Yaccino. In the article Yaccino encourages pastors to perform wedding ceremonies for non-Christians as a form of outreach.

Aren't pastors supposed to perform ceremonies only for Christian couples? Isn't performing a wedding placing a stamp of approval on the union? In the article Yaccino relays letters from non-Christian couples whose lives he has touched just by agreeing to perform their wedding ceremonies.

This article isn't just a challenge for pastors. It raises a crucial question we must all consider: what unconventional practices are we willing to employ to reach those outside the fold?

Families Going Missional

2009-07-20T16:09:00.008-05:00

Missional is more than a trend as today's Christians respond to an old calling.

Ben and Julie Sawyer, members of Perimeter Church, represent a shift in purpose among many churches today. They are an example of what happens when a church and a family go "missional."

When they heard of an opening at an apartment complex in the inner city of Atlanta, the Sawyers packed up, left their suburban home, and squeezed their family into a four-room apartment to live among and minister to immigrant families.

Now their downstairs becomes a kids' club a couple of afternoons a week helping children who are struggling with math. "We felt it was important to move into the community itself because it lends credibility to what we're doing here."

To read the entire story click on http://www.christianitytoday.com/outreach/articles/newownership.html

Montana Medical Ministry

2009-07-02T20:24:00.002-05:00

The Glacier National Park area in Montana is beautiful, but tourist and construction industries tend to be seasonal, and 30 percent of the residents of Flathead County are without medical insurance.

Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish responded. In 1994 Jay Erickson, a physician, and his wife, Meg, a registered nurse, joined other parishioners to establish the Shepherd's Hand Clinic, transforming the church into a volunteer-staffed medical facility one night a week.

Each year they see from 800 to 1,200 patients. Patients fill out a brief form that includes a box to check if they would like spiritual counsel. Starting at 6:00 p.m. the clinic stays open until urgent needs are met.

"I've seen them wait three hours," said Angela LaRoque, "but the doctors and staff are incredible" She, with her husband, a self-employed builder, and their three children were seated recently among 25 other patients around tables in the reception area. The LaRoques were all suffering with pink eye, which was currently epidemic at the local elementary school.

"An office visit with a local doctor runs about $60," said LaRoque. "It would cost $300 for us without prescriptions. We'd have to take out a loan or something. This is really a blessing."

— Millie Norwich

Reprinted from Leading Outreach

Faith Is Not a Fashion Statement

2009-06-17T21:47:00.005-05:00

"What is your religion, if any?” That was the question asked of 54,000 Americans in a recent poll that made front-page headlines.

The survey found that over the past 18 years, the percentage of American adults who call themselves Christian has dropped 11 percent. Virtually every denomination has dwindled significantly.

So what’s the fastest-growing group? Those who answer, “None.” The number of Americans who say they have no religion has grown from 14 million to 34 million over the past 18 years.

Asked to describe his findings, the author of the study said, “Religion has become more like a fashion statement—not a deep personal commitment—for many.”

Do You Wear It or Bear It?

Do we Christians treat our faith as a fashion statement? If so, we ought to be deeply disturbed, concerned, prayerful and even repentant. Our lives ought to be a clear, unmistakable witness for Jesus Christ. No one should be able to construe our faith as a fashion statement.

The cross isn’t something you just wear—it’s what we are supposed to bear. Jesus tells us, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

In that same passage, Jesus poses a couple of questions that put the religion poll in perspective.

“Who do the crowds say I am?” (Luke 9:18). According to His disciples, the opinion of some was that Jesus was someone returned from the dead—maybe John the Baptist, Elijah or some other ancient prophet.

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” (Luke 9:20).

Only One Answer

That’s the crucial question we should be asking our neighbors, our nation and our world. It’s not a question of how you describe yourself, how you were raised or what church you attend.

Our world may treat religion like a multiple-choice question, but ultimately we all have to answer Jesus’ penetrating and revealing question. There is only one correct answer, as Peter declared in Matthew 16:16: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

The survey identified close to 50 million Americans who are lost in a spiritual vacuum. Of the 34 million Americans who claim no religion, only 1.6 million say they are atheists. Even 17 million so-called Christians say they don’t believe in a personal God. These people aren’t necessarily opposed to the Gospel—they are just lost.

They need to know Christ, the Son of the living God, and come to Him in faith and repentance. It’s a commitment, a firm decision to follow the Savior Who died and rose again for them.

It’s not the broad, easy way—it is the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Let’s go tell them the Good News of God’s love demonstrated in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Article “Faith is Not a Fashion Statement” by Franklin Graham reprinted by permission from Decision Magazine.

No Strings Attached

2009-06-16T08:20:00.004-05:00

Relevance in the community is a key component to creating influence for your church. Community outreach is a great way to express God's love for the lost through simple acts of kindness with no strings attached.

Living Word conducted our first summer Operation Outreach event last Wednesday night. Despite weather that has been colder and wetter then usual our experience was very positive. I thought it might be helpful to describe how we Rock the Neighborhood with evangelistic activities.

The midweek service starts at 6:30 p.m. which is one half hour earlier than normal. In this way we capture as much sunlight as possible. Our youth band gets everyone energized with Hillsong’s “Tell the World.” Workers don distinctive t-shirts identifying them as Living Word outreachers.

This time we had 225 workers participate in fifteen separate events. 40 teens staged a “reverse car wash” in the parking lot of a local food market. (At the completion of the $1 car wash we award our guests a $1 for the privilege of washing their car.)

Several yard care teams mowed, raked and weeded the lawns of senior and disabled adults. Four groups of outreachers cleaned up local parks of litter and trash and two teams replanted gardens for our community parks maintenance department. Fifteen families with small children handed out hundreds bottles of ice cold water to softball game spectators. Half dozen eager teens bagged groceries at the supermarket and another team washed windshields at a local gas station. Two dozen soul winners hit the streets and led 138 people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

All this outreach activity generates a pretty big appetite so the evening culminates with a free pizza party in the Fellowship Hall where testimonies are shared and new friendships are formed.

This is our tenth year conducting Operation Outreach. What I have learned is that if we will deliberately plan and organize every detail in advance, our congregation will respond and eagerly give their supply to these type of events.

Relevance in the community is a key component to creating influence for your church and community outreach is a great way to express God's love for the lost. Simple acts of kindness with no strings attached

Rock the Neighborhood

2009-06-07T20:52:00.009-05:00

Because summer in Minnesota is the best time to touch the greatest number of people, several years ago we launched 'Operation Outreach', an all-church event on one Wednesday evening per month in June, July and August.

At Operation Outreach hundreds of outreachers spread out into our communities in positive and practical ways by washing cars, mowing yards, grooming parks, bagging groceries and picking up trash. “Kindness in Action” signs and yellow t-shirts identify workers as Living Word outreachers.

To encourage attendance we make the event fun and family friendly. Safe projects such as ice cold water giveaways at summer softball games are enjoyed by adults and children alike. Community public works departments are always happy when families help to weed and mulch their flower gardens. Free pizza with fellowship and testimonies afterwards insure an evening to remember.

Operation Outreach starts 30 minutes earlier than our normal midweek service to take advantage of more daylight. After a short rock band introduction, I briefly explain the schedule for the evening. Within 30 minutes we dispatch as many as 480 workers divided into 50 project teams out of the front door to “Rock the Neighborhood.”

Experience has shown that leadership recruitment and project planning are the keys to success. Several summers ago after completing a summer of Operation Outreach events, tornadoes struck our community causing extensive damage. Our experience with Operation Outreach helped us mobilize and equip storm cleanup teams within 48 hours. This brought a special citation from the Mayor’s office.

It is sometimes challenging to get congregates to minister outside the church. Designing an outreach event such as Operation Outreach around a theme that compliments your vision and appeals to different segments and motivations of your congregation may rock your neighborhood!

Church Growth vs. Kingdom Growth: The Difference is Evangelism

2009-05-20T13:00:00.003-05:00

"Our church is getting larger, so we must be OK, right?" Not necessarily!

What is Church Growth?
Church Growth can be judged by simply counting heads. "How many people were attending last year as opposed to now?" Numbers, however, can be deceiving. Simply counting heads or bodies does not tell you anything at all about the spiritual growth of the people in a congregation. Counting heads also does not indicate whether or not the individuals in your church are new converts or if they simply transferred their membership from another church or denomination.

What is Kingdom Growth?"
Kingdom Growth is our true goal. When new souls are added to the Kingdom of God through evangelism efforts, the angels rejoice. Luke 15:10

Our goal as Christians, doing the work of an evangelist, is to lead lost souls into a relationship with Jesus Christ. True growth is only accomplished by winning souls!!

In trying to help churches develop effective outreach and evangelism ministries over the years, I have come to understand that many growing churches have fallen into the trap of being comfortable and satisfied with numerical growth. This is a dangerous trend that can easily lull the Christian church into a false sense of security, leading to a community that develops a social services mindset instead of an evangelistic outlook.

I have watched with interest over the past decade, as churches are started in local elementary schools and other public buildings in the suburban areas of our cities. Many of these churches experience rapid growth. I have watched as some have grown from 20 members to a church of several thousand, in just a few short years.

A large portion of this remarkable church growth can be attributed to the fact that the population is shifting from inner city areas to the suburbs. People are finding churches more convenient to their new location, so of course, these churches will grow quickly. This growth pattern has caused much excitement. Other churches have tried to duplicate the growth by copying the methods used by these new, upwardly mobile churches.

Make no mistake, at some level there are new souls being added to the Kingdom by these efforts. But for the most part, from my own observations and questioning, the majority of the growth is due to transference. We're moving existing Kingdom residents from one location to another and calling it Church Growth.

Reprinted from Effective Evangelism Training by Rev. Teddy Levron.

Rate Your Church For Evangelism

2009-05-19T15:07:00.003-05:00

Many churches and ministries profess to have an evangelistic mission. Far fewer are able to make it happen. It might be helpful to objectively assess how your church measures up by taking the following evangelism quiz.

(Give yourself one point for each positive response.)
____ Does your mission statement include the lost?
____ Do you pray for the lost in your community on a regular basis?
____ Is there leadership in place to carry out your vision for outreach?
____ Is part of your annual budget committed to outreach related activities?
____ Are personal evangelism techniques taught periodically?
____ Do teams from your church share Jesus on the streets?
____ Are salvations regularly counted and reported to the congregation?
____ Are your congregates encouraged to invite their friends to church?
____ Do you periodically hold services where visitors are welcomed?
____ Do your church leaders model invitational evangelism?
____ Does your church perform acts of kindness to show God’s love?
____ Are you known as a church that actively involves itself in the community?

SCORECARD: Maximum score is 12. If you responded positively to 6 or more questions you are on target to fulfilling the bible mandate to reach others with God’s love.

Eye of a Needle

2009-05-13T19:32:00.018-05:00

Is it okay to be rich and still be devoted to God?

There is uncertainty in the mind of many Christians about being wealthy and being Christian. Many make the terms mutually exclusive. After all didn’t Jesus say that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God?

Rich is a relative term. Americans in poverty are wealthy compared to those in Third World countries. More importantly, I believe that a person can be wealthy and be devoted to God. It is a question of the heart.

If a person is devoted to the Lord then their heart is concerned with the things of the Spirit. God can use a wealthy person to fund ministries, missionaries, and churches. Also the wealthy can evangelize the wealthy in the marketplace like others could not.

As Christians we have assumed that because people have money that aren’t interested in God. They are, but we simply haven't created an expectation that people of financial substance will attend our churches.

That’s the part that interests me. Why should the majority of our evangelism efforts be directed primarily to the poor? Our soul winning teams typically visit the poor neighborhoods in south Minneapolis. Why not create a way for our churches to evangelize wealthy people?

That’s what I am working on right now. Stay tuned. I’ll keep you informed as my project unfolds.

The Dream In Your Heart

2009-05-10T10:53:00.007-05:00

Eric Rolland is using the promises in God's Word to achieve his dream. Although 34 years old, which is older than most PGA rookies, Eric is preparing himself to attend PGA Tour Qualifying School this fall.

“Pastor Mac has taught us to follow the dream in your heart”, Eric said, “so I am preparing myself physically, mentally and spiritually to achieve my life’s ambition to be a professional on the PGA Tour.”

Eric attends and is very active in ministry at Living Word Christian Center. In addition to ushering and street witnessing with Pastor Nick Kinn, he volunteers to teach swing fundamentals to the Crest View Elementary School junior golf team while incorporating life principles of determination and patience.

Eric’s accomplishments are admirable. He placed in the top ten at the 2008 Tapemark Charity Golf Tournament in South St. Paul and eleventh in the 2008 Minnesota State Open Golf Tournament. Eric hones his game through practice and by competing in local professional tournaments. He was "Man of theYear" for the Chippewa Valley Golf Association. Last weekend he won the event at St. Croix National Golf Club near Stillwater.

Eric's mission field is professional golf. “Without Jesus the life of any professional athlete is incomplete. I have wept in the middle of a golf tournament for the souls of these players", he shared recently.

Eric and his wife have a three year old child and live in Rogers, MN.

Developing Ministry Leaders

2009-05-04T11:42:00.023-05:00

As we prepare for John Maxwell’s Maximum Impact leadership simulcast later this week, I am impressed with the importance of developing quality leaders within our church, Living Word Christian Center.

Leadership guru John Maxwell has taught us that leadership is influence. Motivated leaders share our vision to influence non-Christians in the Twin Cities area with God's love and mobilize our congregation to be involved in outreach.

Regardless of the size of your church the one thing all churches have in common is the need for more workers. The truth is, the bigger the vision, the more people serving and helping it takes to make that vision reality.

Ministry was never designed to be done by only a select few. Jesus had the Spirit of God without measure, yet the first thing He did upon starting His earthly ministry was to recruit leaders.

What is the best way to recruit good leaders?

John Maxwell in his book Developing the Leaders Around You, says “I really believe that it takes a leader to know a leader, grow a leader, and show a leader. I have also found that it takes a leader to attract a leader.”

The best thing that we can do to assure the success of the ministry vision God has given us is to invest in our own leadership skills.

If you desire to develop leadership within your team, then pay the price of getting better. Personal growth involves challenging yourself, and pushing beyond the realm of comfort. As you grow and improve as a leader, so will those that you lead.

That said, it’s not too late to register for John’s Maxwell Maximum Impact Simulcast this Friday at Living Word Christian Center. See you there!

Take It To The Streets

2009-05-02T15:15:00.007-05:00

Some exciting things have happened through our street ministry. Last fall LWCC workers prayed with 1,354 precious souls at the Minnesota State Fair. Then we had a city blitz (evangelism event) at our satellite church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin during the Labor Day weekend. We led 701 people to Christ at the UWEC campus and also on the streets of Eau Claire. Their church went out the week afterward and prayed with another 36 people to receive the Lord. They are on fire!

A team of 11 evangelists travelled to Fort Mitchell, Alabama and conducted another city blitz where they had the honor of praying with 428 souls to accept Christ. A deaf and dumb man was healed on the streets! Back home in Minneapolis three people who were deaf received their hearing.

We achieved the soul goal for our street ministry in 2008. With a goal of 40,000 confirmed salvations we prayed with 44,300 souls.

This weekend dozens of soulwinners are sharing Jesus at the Cinco de Mayo celebration in St. Paul, Minnesota. In a couple of weeks a team will travel to Milwaukee Wisconsin to once again 'take it to the streets.'

Evangelism Pastor Nick Kinn has been keeping records from 1986. Living Word teams have prayed with over 974,333 souls to accept the Lord! We have a vision to have prayed with a total of 1 million souls before the end of this summer.

Praise the Lord for what He continues to do through the faithful ministers from Living Word Christian Center.

Healing is the Dinner Bell

2009-04-26T11:49:00.008-05:00

Our pastor, Mac Hammond, recently experienced a miraculous healing from prostate cancer. In his Sunday April 26, 2009 message Pastor shared the circumstances surrounding this event. He credited the prayer of the saints, praying in one accord, as the reason for his healing.

Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin was gifted with a miraculous ministry of healing. Brother Hagin used to refer to divine healing as the 'dinner bell’ of the gospel. Years ago people living out in the country had a big bell on their back porch, and when dinner was ready, someone would ring the bell to let everyone in the fields know it was time to eat.

In Jesus ministry it was the miracles of healing that drew huge crowds to hear Him preach. People who are searching for truth will always be attracted to the spectacular demonstration of God’s power.

You can’t argue with results. In the days to come, outpourings of God’s grace and mercy, much like we have seen in our pastor will bring unsaved people to hear of God’s love and be saved from eternal damnation because healing is the dinner bell.

The Ultimate Solution

2009-04-25T16:08:00.003-05:00

In my study time yesterday I read in Judges 2:10 how the Joshua generation that served God died and another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.

It seems to me that we are facing the same predicament in the church today. Because many in the current generation of parents have not created an enduring Christian legacy in their children, churches like ours are scrambling to keep 18-20 year olds in the church, much less attracting unchurched kids to become fully functioning followers of Jesus Christ.

Mass crusades such as Rock the River go part way to solving the problem, but the ultimate solution rests with the exercise of personal influence. I appreciate the special youth friendly services our church schedules every week such as the as Fifth Service but we cannot discount the power of one-on-one relationship evangelism with unsaved 18 - 35 year.

The answer seems to once again rest with the exercise of personal influence. When we live a lifestyle that draws the attention of the sinner, we gain entrance into their lives.

The generation of Israelites that followed Joshua did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal. And they angered the Lord so He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them.

There is still time for us to become a people of influence. We can’t choose to live a certain lifestyle for another person but we can certainly model it for them. The ultimate solution rests in the power of influence.

Reaching Out Loud YouTube Channel

2009-04-14T16:28:00.010-05:00

Living Word Christian Center Outreach is now on YouTube. Our videos center around the theme, "Simple Acts of Kindness to Show God's Love."

We will be adding videos to the channel frequently. To be notified of a new video simply subscribe to our channel. Leave comments on the videos and let us know what you think.

To view our YouTube channel Click Here.

Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook.

Making a Significant Contribution

2009-04-10T13:04:00.003-05:00

Since the first of the year I have heard the Holy Spirit say, “Your best days are ahead”. I know that it is His encouragement to me to prepare for greater opportunities to contribute.

One of my core values is that I must believe that I am making a significant contribution. Whether it’s my marriage, family, community or ministry, being part of the solution energizes me greatly.

Recently I have been reviewing God’s plan for the last third of my life. One of my prayers is that I will continue to make significant contributions to the world in which I live. I’m 63 years old have a sound mind, am in great physical condition and financially stable. (When my precious father was my age, he was retired, enjoyed gardening and playing solitaire.)

1 Corinthians 2:9 encourages me. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

An opportunity has arisen in the last few weeks to expand our Outreach Department and reach into areas of our community that once seemed impossible to me. These opportunities, although challenging, possess two very important components: I have experience that brings me great confidence; I have desire that brings creative energy. This is a formula for success.

Thanks for following Reaching Out Loud! As these new outreach ventures take shape, I will keep you informed.

It's All Relative

2009-04-06T21:49:00.006-05:00

In preparation for Easter weekend, Annie and I have been inviting our relatives, neighbors and an acquaintance to join us for church. So far my sister and her husband are joining us for the Saturday evening service.

Like street evangelism, sharing Jesus with people you know requires prayer and preparation. Here are some thoughts on how to evangelize your friends, relatives, acquaintences, neighbors and coworkers.

Know the Scriptures. You can’t share the gospel if you don’t know it. Read the scriptures and understand them, and have a personal testimony to their truthfulness.

Build Solid Friendships. Though sharing the gospel with strangers can sometimes build friendships, sharing the gospel is more effective when you have friends that know you will remain whether or not they choose to accept Jesus. When you share the Lord with friends it shows them how important the gospel is to you.

Be an Example. Live the gospel to the very best of your ability. Be an example of God's love to your friends and neighbors, co-workers and colleagues. The true gospel involves caring for others, and living uprightly.

Open Your Mouth. Though being an example is important, it is just as important to start talking. Individuals may become interested in the gospel by how you live, but one way or another you’ve got to start telling them about the gospel. Share your convictions about the gospel, and invite those you share the gospel with to pray to know of its truthfulness. Share your testimony whenever you get the chance.

Be Led by the Spirit. When you share the gospel the Spirit must be present to confirm your testimony to the other person. It is the Spirit, not you, that convicts another person with the truth.

CEO’s In Your Church?

2009-04-04T10:57:00.004-05:00

Easter is the cornerstone event of Christian faith. On Easter the church celebrates the resurrection of Our Lord and His defeat of death, hell and the grave.

Studies indicate that more CEO's (Christmas and Easter Only) people attend will attend church next Sunday than any other day of the year. This makes Easter the prime outreach opportunity event of the year to invite friends, relatives and neighbors to church.

In Thom Rainer's book, The Unchurched Next Door, Dr. Rainer indicates that 82% of unchurched people are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited. What’s more interesting is that only 2% of church going people ever invite someone to church in a given year. In fact, seven out of ten unchurched people have never been invited to church in their whole lives.

To capture the opportunity that Easter presents, our church Living Word Christian Center prints and distributes thousands of calling card sized invitations to our special Easter service "Unfailing Love". Easter Sunday will be highlighted by Pastor Mac's message as well as fantastic multimedia, special music, and a repeat of last year's impacting human drama "Everything”.

This Easter I have decided to chronicle my invitational evangelism efforts. Annie and I are inviting our neighbors, an acquaintance named Dan and a relative. Check back next week as I will report the results.

If you have invited someone to church please let me know. You could have a CEO in the pew next to you on Easter!

How to Start a Community Outreach Ministry

2009-03-30T13:11:00.006-05:00

Community outreach connects the local church with the people in their city by meeting existing needs. Starting or adding Christian ministry initiatives will help positively impact your local community and grow your church membership. These services will help you engage your community, attract and give help to needy individuals, build relationships with the community and share the faith.

Church outreach ministries look at their community, assesses the needs and say, ‘Our community needs this, and as a church we feel like God has given us the resources and skills, and so we’re going to meet that need and use that as the our vehicle through which we’ll share Christ’. This ministry can have many different expressions.

For example, you have people in communities who are hungry or need help with clothing. Our church saw the toll that the recession was taking on families and engaged Angel Food Ministries to provide quality food items at half the cost. Years ago we identified a need for value priced clothing so we opened the Maranatha Storehouse. Another example would be a church that realizes its community deals with alcohol and drug abuse. That church might want to start a recovery program such as Living Free to address the issue.

Other popular community outreach ideas include jail or prison ministries, after-school programs for children or yard clean up for elderly and disabled. The nature of the ministry depends on the needs of the specific community where the church is located.

Here are some simple steps that will help you plan for a successful start up for your church outreach ministry:
• Develop a detailed ministry plan and share your vision with church leadership.
• Be prepared to resource your vision with time, talent, prayer and even your own money.
• Recruit, organize and develop a team of volunteers to implement your outreach programs.
• Develop a website to communicate your services and success stories.
• Evaluate success and recognize volunteers and donors.

The American church is by some standards losing its influence on society. One way to regain a voice in our communities is to harness the strength of the church through community outreach. For more information, call our Outreach Hotline at (763) 315-7111.

Best $10 Lunch in Town

2009-03-26T12:46:00.007-05:00

Twelve years ago, Living Word Christian Center launched a noontime outreach to the business community called Winners Luncheon. A "luncheon and learn" format featured a delicious meal followed by a leadership presentation from Mac Hammond and a variety of local and national speakers.

The impetus for Winners Luncheon came from the many successful years Pastor Hammond spent in the air freight industry and his desire to share leadership principles for success in business and life. Another reason for the luncheon was to provide a platform by which our members could invite business colleagues, clients, and friends to our church in a non-threatening environment.

The first event was held at the Minneapolis Athletic Club, so it seemed appropriate to call it “Mac at the MAC.” Today, the Winners Luncheon is held on the first Wednesday of each month in our fellowship hall. Several hundred business professionals from throughout the Twin Cities enjoy the best $10 lunch in town as they're taught practical leadership principles from Mac Hammond and a variety of local and national speakers.

Leadership is not just a position. It's also a skill and something that must continue to develop throughout our lives. The Winners Luncheon provides our guests with new leadership insights and powerful principles to help them become a more influential and effective leader.

In the spring of the year, Winners Luncheon takes a one-month break when we host John Maxwell’s Maximum Impact Simulcast in our sanctuary.

The Winners Luncheon is just one more way Living Word is reaching people, touching lives, and making a difference.

Building Community Partnerships

2009-03-22T08:44:00.011-05:00

Three dozen area pastors and educators met at Living Word Christian Center on Thursday March 19 for lunch and an open discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing churches and schools in our communities.

Limited Resources
Cuts in state aid to our school districts coupled with the economic downturn are causing under resourced school districts to tighten their belts. A failed budget referendum in a nearby district has forced the closure of three schools. These circumstances create an opportunity for churches to positively impact their communities by partnering to support our public schools.

Service Opportunity
Called "the greatest missional thinker" of our times, Ed Stetzer, in his book Comeback Churches, reported that 3500 – 4000 churches close every year in America. Stetzer concluded that churches that will reach out to their communities with a relevant presence are the ones that will survive.

After a delicious luncheon there were presentations of best practices by Dave Lowe, Executive Pastor of Edinbrook Church, Tommy Watson, Principal of Palmer Lake Elementary School in Brooklyn Park and Suzette Erickson, Principal of Crestview Elementary School in Brooklyn Park. Examples of homework helpers, an after school junior golf program and food distribution to needy families all contributed to the idea exchange.

Partnership Results
This timely forum revealed that many schools are open to partnering with non-profits for help in bridging the gap in public funding. In addition, churches looking to gain relevance and positive exposure will create opportunities for community outreach.

New alliances were established between ministers and principals and everyone left the meeting with a greater appreciation for the value of partnering for mutual benefit.

A Friendship Evangelism Story

2009-03-18T17:37:00.004-05:00

I met Dan, a restaurateur, three years ago when cleaning their restaurant during a servant evangelism outing. My wife Annie and I like the Vietnamese food so well we have eaten there often since. We always compliment Dan and Becky on their food and leave generous tips for the wait staff.

Recently, after a delicious bowl of Pho Tai, Dan sat down at an empty table next to us and asked if I was a minister. As he opened his life to us, explaining the stress of being an Viet Nam war orphan sent to America and owning a small business, he asked how he could find peace through Jesus Christ.

What an awesome privilege it was leading Dan to the cross of salvation! He also agreed to be our guest at Living Word and to read the gospel material I delivered to him. We have a new friend and a brother in Christ.

So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; Mark 4:26

Random Acts of Kindness

2009-03-15T21:26:00.005-05:00

I first heard about random acts of kindness in 1992. A random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual.

Random acts of kindness didn’t register with me as a ministry tool until I met Steve Sjogren in 2005. Steve taught about performing simple acts of kindness to show the love of God. Acts 10:38 “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good . . .”.

Acts of kindness soften the hearts of persons who are not yet Christians—people who often think the church exists only for itself or that it only wants people's time and money.

Living Word began to incorporate ‘on purpose’ acts of kindness into our servant evangelism activities. We handed out cold water on hot afternoons, provided yard care for the elderly and disabled and picked up trash along the streets in our community.

These are activities in which almost anyone can participate regardless of age (children and youth love to participate) or spiritual maturity. They may be done individually or in small groups.

Purposeful act of kindness can move people toward a greater understanding of God’s love. By doing a "low-risk" activity that shows "high grace," those resistant to the faith have become more open to the saving message of Jesus Christ.

Incorporating acts of kindness into your outreach ministry efforts pay high dividends not only for your community, but in the hearts of your congregates.

At Home Heroes

2009-03-11T13:59:00.004-05:00

The stress of military deployment takes a toll not only on warriors but also their stateside loved ones.

Living Word Christian Center hosted a special event for hundreds of family members of currently deployed and recently returned veterans.

At the Military Family Fair we pampered our guests with a luncheon and spa treatments. Attendees were given opportunities for pedicures, manicures, facials, and massages. Our children’s ministry provided infant care plus fun activities for the children. Seminars were presented on various topics such as home décor, scrap booking and physical fitness. Everyone was awarded door prizes that were donated by local merchants.

All the spa technicians were church attenders who wanted to do their part to serve the needs of our family members. None of our 200 guests had previously visited our church so all our volunteers had an excellent opportunity to show God’s love.

President Obama recently announced scheduled withdrawals of our Iraq deployed troops. This means that many service members will be returning home. Churches still have time to show how much we as Americans appreciate the sacrifice that our soldiers and families have made by reaching out to our ‘at home heroes’.

Let’s Party

2009-03-09T15:57:00.004-05:00

If you are looking for ways to make sharing Jesus fun and effective, hosting a Matthew Party is a creative way to meet people and share God’s love. So what is a Matthew Party?

Remember the story of Levi the tax collector? After Jesus recruited him he was so excited that he invited all this friends over for supper with his new boss. Jesus sat down with ‘many publicans and sinners’ and they all got saved.

The most important pre-party preparation is prayer because it is an excellent way to hear God’s direction. Ask God who He is calling you to reach. Your neighbors? Friends? Co-workers?

It’s easy to think of reasons to have a party. The primary reason is to simply be friendly person. A neighborhood barbeque is a great place to start. You might team up with another Christian person or a couple to help co-host your party.

When sending out invitations, put yourself in the place of your guests and ask: Would I want to go to this party? Avoid using words such as ‘evangelism’ and ‘gospel’.

When Dan and Jane hosted a Neighborhood Party at their home last summer, they sent out invitations that said ‘Join the fun’; ‘Meet your neighbors’; ‘Bring the kids’.

Icebreakers are sometimes a relaxing way to start a Matthew Party; to get people comfortable. Participation should be optional. Don’t embarrass your guests.

Set the environment with relaxing background music. While food is always essential to a party, don’t spend excessive time in the kitchen. If you are challenged by the thought of having to serve alcohol, schedule your event for earlier in the day.

Set a start and ending time for your party. Leave your guests wanting another reason to get together in the future. It’s the first step to one more opportunity to share God’s love.

We live in a ‘garage door opener’ neighborhood. People come and go but seldom do they connect. If we are influence those who are far from God we will have to reject exclusivism and purposely build bridges into their lives.

A Matthew Party is a good way to start!

Qualities of a Great Assistant

2009-03-04T22:57:00.009-06:00

Before I hired my current administrative assistant, Adam, I spent considerable time thinking about the qualities I was looking for in this individual. With some specific requirements in mind, I had the framework to begin praying for my Elisha.

While everyone’s needs differ, my experience has shown that there are certain qualities that every great Elisha will have.

Organizational Skills
Every great assistant must have strong organizational skills. I rely on Adam to write and answer emails, order supplies, request space for meetings, place requisitions, attend meetings and other important organizational tasks. An assistant who has trouble keeping the workflow organized and things in order can often result in more work rather than less.

Work Ethic
In Minnesota one of the highest compliments that can be paid is that someone 'is a good worker'. Because much of our community outreach projects are labor intensive, sweat is just part of the job. Adam comes to work on time and doesn't leave until it's done. When Elijah hired Elisha he was tending cattle. If possible, hire a farm kid.

Pleasant Telephone Manner
Because not all calls need my personal attention, I ask Adam to answer calls for our department and sometimes to return calls for me. His telephone manner forms the basis of the first impression that many callers have of our department. A great assistant has a pleasant telephone voice and communicates clearly and politely.

Multitasking Ability
Our community outreach department extends ministry in several different directions at once. For that reason a great assistant must be able to manage different types of assignments and projects concomitantly. This requires a good memory and the ability to prioritize according to deadlines and available resources.

To use a military analogy, a great assistant makes your department more effective by fighting today’s skirmishes, so you can strategize for tomorrow's battle.

Customer Service
Strong customer service skills are vital for an effective assistant. It is important to hire an individual whose communication skills are in sync with the type of service you take pride in providing to your customers. Because I trust Adam’s ability in this area, I am able to delegate some of my responsibility for customer service to him. I know he will represent our department well.

Elisha committed himself to help Elijah fulfill God's plan. His reward was a double portion of God's blessing.

March Madness

2009-03-01T10:17:00.017-06:00

February was a good month for me. Opportunities to reach out appeared daily. I found a new sense of purpose as I discovered blogging. I began reading again. The gym became an almost daily purgative to the press of ministry. Most importantly, my heart is turning more and more toward the needs of other people who are struggling amidst the economic downturn. (Probably needful for a pastor.)

Now March.

My assistant, Adam, and I have been counting days until the first day of spring. With the average high temperature at 34 degrees and college basketball playoffs in the air, I am making a commitment to Go MAD in March. That’s right. I am going to Go Make A Difference this month.

This month I am committing myself to:
• Keep my ears open for how God wants to use community outreach in a BIG way.
• Work closer with our food shelf Emergency Food Shelf Network

• Look for more ways to use our church facility for public access.
• Corroborate with local pastors and public school principals to promote mutual goals.
• Honor and acknowledge the value that lay leadership brings to the ministry.
• Help feed more hungry people through Angel Food Ministries.

What awesome opportunities to make a difference await us this month.

I’m going MAD in March! Join me?

The Backbone

2009-02-25T13:37:00.006-06:00

In the mid 1990’s our church adopted CrestView Elementary School in Brooklyn Park. What began as a homework helper ministry has become an important part of our Community Outreach program.

Our involvement with Crest View begins before students return in August when our maintenance staff and dozens of volunteers clean and reassemble the classrooms. It continues throughout the year with Welcome Back luncheons, Teacher Conference dinners, reading contest awards, Valentines Day cards and candy, Carnival and Track and Field Day activities, school supplies drive, Thanksgiving Baskets of Blessing and a Christmas Toystore.

Last spring we received a financial grant from the United States Golf Association to fund a Crestview Junior Golf program. Several LWCC amateur golfers and a professional volunteered to teach 5th and 6th grade students the fundamentals of golf.

These outreach activities create hundreds of lay worker ministry opportunities. Doors of opportunity open to model God’s love. More than financial and logistical assistance, we are looked upon as a source of emotional support to the staff. They call Living Word their backbone.

Cuts in state aid to our school districts coupled with the economic downturn is causing under resourced school districts to tighten their belts. A failed budget referendum in a nearby school district has forced the closure of three schools. These circumstances create an opportunity for churches to positively impact their communities by partnering to support public schools.

Your mission field is right down the street. Consider visiting the school in your community and tell them you want to become their backbone.

Give Me Your Eyes -Brandon Heath

2009-02-24T09:30:00.003-06:00

This very moving music video touched my heart.

Thinking Outside the Flocks

2009-02-22T17:05:00.010-06:00

Too often churches focus on its discipleship needs to the exclusion of outreach. While the Great Commandment is an essential component of Jesus’ mandate to the church, it would seem that churches need to place as much emphasis on the Great Commission and to think outside of the flocks.

What makes this so important is that the church in America is losing its influence. 3,500 to 4,000 churches are closing each year while, according to George Barna, the number of unchurched adults has increased by 92%. Ed Stetzer, in his book “Comeback Churches”, said that churches that are growing are doing so through evangelism.

When I pastored a small rural church in 1988, I honestly didn’t know how to do outreach. The fellowship I served had been birthed out of the Charismatic renewal and great emphasis was placed on the teaching ministry and revelation of the Word of God. Young Christians grew quickly and many went off to bible school and into the ministry.

What didn’t happen was evangelism. Like so many pastors, I encouraged the congregation to invite unsaved friends, but provided little training in relationship evangelism. Services were designed with the believer in mind. Outreach, although often a part of the vision statement, was not practiced locally.

Thank God things are changing. More resources are being made available. Men like Steve Sjogren have shown us that small acts of kindness draw people with God’s love. Bill Hybels of Willow Creek modeled friendship evangelism. Nick Kinn has trained hundreds of soul winners and has led hundreds of thousands to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ on the streets of our community.

As the return of Our Lord nears, pastors and church leaders are realizing that it takes more than just building a church and preaching a wonderful sermon. It takes thinking outside of the flocks.

The Church Has Left the Building

2009-02-18T22:04:00.029-06:00

One of the most popular and rewarding outreach ministries is servant evangelism. SE involves doing acts of kindness for people who don't expect it, simply to show that God loves them.

Servant teams regularly reach out to the community through Operation Outreach, a high energy, group activity that provides opportunities for everyone, including families who want to serve together. Typical our servant evangelism projects include:

Rock the Neighborhood One Wednesday night a month in June, July and August, Operation Outreach becomes a church-wide event as hundreds of outreachers put on yellow t-shirts and invade our communities to wash cars, clean windshields, mow yards, and pick up trash, impacting people in a positive and practical way with the love of God.

Angel Food Ministries Each month we host Angel Food, a food program that sells food boxes, filled with meat, vegetables, eggs, and much more for only $30. We have mobilized hundreds of workers, many who come from the community to help distribute food and have also fed thousands of families who don't attend our church.

Baskets of Blessing Thanksgiving is a time when hundreds of needy families in our community look forward to receiving a food box complete with turkey and all the trimmings donated and delivered to their home by LWCC congregates.

CrestView Toystore Nothing says Christmas to a child more than toys. Yet the families of many children who attend CrestView School are unable to afford them. LWCC and Maranatha Christian Academy annually donate thousands of toys and distribute them to

Homes for Heroes Life must go on for the families of deployed soldiers. When a home maintenance or repair need arises our Homes for Heroes team will perform yard work, and fix or repair projects to demonstrate support for our troops.

Serving others often involves going to where they are. A small act of kindness nudges a person closer to God, often in a profound way as it bypasses ones mental defenses. This often results in a heart open to the gospel – a gospel of love.

You Are Cordially Invited

2009-02-14T09:31:00.023-06:00

In my last post I talked about the opportunities presented when we organize for different types of outreach ministry. One type of outreach is what we call Event Evangelism.

North Americans are an event-oriented. Many churches have seen event evangelism as an excellent way to communicate Jesus Christ to our communities.

Our goal for event evangelism is to invite newcomers to our facility by sponsoring community or business related events that will attract first time guests. We encourage our members with ties into the business community to invite their friends, colleagues and business clients. These events include:

Winners Luncheon: Since 1996 business professionals from throughout the metro enjoy lunch and learn practical leadership principles from Mac Hammond and a variety of local and national speakers.

Maximum Impact Simulcast: In the spring LWCC will host John Maxwell’s leadership seminar. Hundreds will attend; many invited by LWCC members.

Job Fair Several hundred Twin Cities-area job seekers attend the Fall Job Fair and network with employers seeking to fill positions.

Back-to-School Rally In late summer we hosted 2500 school teachers and staff who held their Fall Back-to-School Rally in our church sanctuary.

Military Family Fair With troops deployed overseas, this pampering event invites hundreds of service families to take time out and enjoy massage or manicure.

In a pluralistic society, it is not impolite to refuse an invitation to church. But there is still something culturally compelling about an invitation to a meal.

Evangelistic sports events also can serve as a wonderful platform for the gospel. Golf tournaments can culminate in a get-together with a meal and a testimony speaker. A Christian fisherman like Al Lindner will always attract unreached people.

There is no overt evangelism during our events. The goal is to expose newcomers to an environment that emphasizes the love of God and community service. Some of these events are even self supporting through reduced ticket fees for attendance.

An important part of planning an event is prayer. If we program, we get what programming can do. If we promote, we get what promotion can do. But if we pray, we get what God can do!

Tears and Cheers

2009-02-11T07:58:00.006-06:00

This week was an eye opener for me.

My assistant Adam and I took the last three days to personally deliver financial gifts to support the work of local ministries and to see the wonderful things they are accomplishing.

Art Erickson of Urban Ventures is reshaping the Powderhorn community turning a generation of cocaine kids into tomorrow’s leaders.
The Minneapolis Salvation Army is really rescuing young men from alcohol and drugs.
Peg Benicke and the staff at Robbinsdale Women’s Center saved 1500 babies from being aborted. (See below)
Shelli uses her horse ranch to rehab handicapped kids and Iraq war veterans.
Brooklyn Park Treehouse offers rejected teenagers warm and unconditional love.

Every ministry we engaged this week was genuinely blessed and encouraged by our partnership with them. There were tears of joy and cheers of gratitude.

Thanks to the generosity of our Living Word congregation the vision that God has placed in their hearts to be an example of God’s love can continue.

Too often I get immersed in the demands of ministry and forget about all the wonderful work going on in our communities. It won’t ever happen again!

If I Had a Hammer

2009-02-08T14:49:00.006-06:00

The well-known motivational theorist, Abraham Maslow, once commented: "If the only tool you have is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail." This applies to organizing for outreach ministry because each person approaches evangelism from a different motivation.

When reorganizing our Outreach Department in 2005 we wanted to align the ministry with our pastor's vision for evangelism. In his minibook "Winning Your World", Mac Hammond describes how to develop a personal style of evangelism custom tailored to your own personality, temperament and gifting.

Pastor's vision resulted in an organization that divides our efforts into several different types of outreach. They are servant evangelism, street witnessing, event evangelism, invitational evangelism and community outreach.

More and different tools of ministry mean more laborers for ministry. By creating several doorways of opportunity, more workers can respond to the Great Commission.

We've now created ministry opportunities for both the bold and confrontive as well as the shy and introverted. If folks are unavailable for week night events then weekends are an option. Families who want to serve together can reach out along with teens and singles.

I'll discuss these different types of outreach ministry in a future post. In the meanwhile, keep reaching out!

Help From On High

2009-02-06T14:28:00.011-06:00

Last September our church undertook Angel Food Ministries, a food program that sells food boxes, filled with meat, vegetables, eggs, and much more for $30.

We have always embraced feeding the hungry at Living Word Christian Center but didn't know the tremendous response we would have. In six months we have mobilized hundreds of workers, many who come from the community to help distribute food and have also fed thousands of families who don't attend our church.

The best way to appreciate the impact of this wonderful outreach is to hear the thankful expressions from our customers and to see the looks of happiness on the faces of our workers.

The economy may be exacting its toll on our communities, but Angel Food is fighting back with help from on high.

The March to a Million

2009-02-03T20:22:00.015-06:00

My sidekick in the outreach ministry is Nick Kinn. Nick has been the staff evangelist at Living Word since 1986. In that time Nick has recruited, trained, equipped and mobilized hundreds of soul winners while building one of the most active street evangelism ministries in America.

In his book "Have You Heard the Good News" Nick shares his testimony and how easy it is to lead someone to the Lord.

I have never met anyone who is more passionate about winning souls. One summer afternoon Nick agreed to help me drag hoses to a local Wal-mart where our teams were staging a car wash. No sooner was I unloading the van but Nick began sharing Jesus with a young man outside the store. He wasn't much help setting up the outreach that day but we both basked in the knowledge that eternity had been altered for several new Christians.

Since the beginning of this ministry, Nick has seen over 900,000 souls come into the kingdom of God! This year his efforts will top one million souls. Pastor Mac recently announced that when we reach one million souls we will have a party.

The march to a million. It's reason to rejoice and we plan to shout!

A Community Outreach Chronicle

2009-02-02T12:59:00.008-06:00

Out of the Pews
Too commonly churches find themselves mired in ministry that focuses almost entirely on meeting the needs of their congregates. Now more than ever churches must make a statement to the communities they serve that goes beyond a Sunday morning sermon. When churches connect with their community through ministry and service, the church is seen as relevant and its reputation is restored.

As my pastor friend Tim says, "The church must go out into the community before the community will come into the church. Before they will accept us we have to accept them".

How It All Started
In January 2005 our church leadership team merged several unconnected outreach activities under a coordinated vision to influence our community with the love of God. A mission statement was developed and staff was hired. The goal of the new outreach department was to influence an ever increasing number of non-Christians with God’s love and cause more in the congregation to become outreachers.

Existing events such as a monthly business luncheon, an annual Job Fair, sponsorship of a local elementary school and a weekly street evangelism outreach were partnered with monthly servant and invitational evangelism activities. Teaching on personal and relationship evangelism was initiated on a monthly basis.

What Happened
Five years later this increased emphasis on outreach has resulted in a significantly increased involvement in outreach and positive exposure for our church in the community.

Over the next few episodes of reachingoutloud I will simply chronicle how we got to where we are now. I don’t want to be one more self-proclaimed prophet laying down my version of how ministry should be conducted. We have done some things right and alot wrong, yet I am compelled to chronicle the journey.

Why Blog?
Why do I blog? I love my church but can’t personally connect to every outreacher. The people at Living Word deserve everything I’ve got and this blog is one more way to give it. I blog because ministry and leadership are better when learning is shared. I blog because I’d rather offer my journey than just assert my conclusions.

Reaching Out Loud

2009-01-29T12:10:00.003-06:00

This initial blog entry should probably describe my intentions as a blogger. The name reachingoutloud is a play on words and suggests I’ll be blogging about what I believe is the primary responsibility of every Christian – to openly demonstrate God’s love to those who don’t know Him. I intend to offer practical insights on being a light of evangelism in the dark world that most of us live in.

Outward Focus
Steve Sjogren’s book Outflow changed my paradigm of ministry. I learned that my life is to be filled to the brim with God’s love, joy and hope. It starts with a deep relationship with God, then flows out to touch my family and friends, my neighbors and my world.

Tending the Flock
Most churches invest the majority of their time, money and people power on tending the flock. (I was the pastor of a small rural church for almost seven years, so I know the importance of growing up God’s family). Yet the biggest step of maturity is when Christians learn to reach out beyond their own needs and serve others.

My process of maturity began in 1980 when I became born again and began attending Living Word Christian Center. The first years were spent at the feet of my pastors-teachers Mac and Lynne Hammond. There came a point, however, when I knew I needed to become a steward of the truths they taught. That's when I entered the minstry of helps and began reaching out loud.

The Church Has Left the Building
When it comes to the question of where should the church invest it's resource, I must admit that I am biased. If the church is to reach it’s full potential, it must equip the saints for the work of the ministry. This work is primarily outside it's four walls.

That is where I live. That’s how I think. Outreach consumes my life. The Lord has seen to it that I am able to reach out and get paid for it - although I would do it free.