CATCHING FISH ON THEIR OWN TERMS.
If the Church is serious about reaching the unbelievers, you must be willing to put up with people who have a lot of problems.
Beware of people’s hang-ups about the Church, and take them seriously, even when their fears are based on ignorance. They may think we:
a) Focus on money,
b) Motivation by guilt/fear,
c) Expect them to attend every Church meeting, and
d) May be embarrassed to stand and introduce themselves.
People choose the Church that best meets their needs.
BRINGING IN A CROWD.
HOW JESUS ATTRACTED CROWDS.
a) Jesus did three things to attract large crowds: He loved them (Matt 9:36),
b) He met their needs (Matt 15:30, Luke 6:17-18),
c) He taught them in interesting and practical ways (Matt 13: 34, Mark 10:1).
LOVE UNBELIEVERS.
Many Churches have members that love each other and have great fellowship, but the churches are dying because all the love is focused inwardly. They don’t attract unbelievers because they don’t love unbelievers.
They love the people they feel comfortable with – the warm fellowship doesn’t translate into love for unbelievers and visitors.
We must love unbelievers the way Jesus did. This is the most overlooked key to growing a Church. Love draws people in like a powerful magnet. A lack of love drives people away.
To make an impact, love must be expressed in a practical way. Love is more than a feeling; it is a behavior. Behind every smile is a hidden hurt that a simple expression of love could heal.
The Church is a hospital for sinners – members are subject to church discipline, the crowd are not. Sanctification comes after salvation.
MEET PEOPLE’S NEEDS.
Jesus did not judge some needs as being “more legitimate” than others, and he certainly did not make people feel guilty for their needs. Jesus often established a beach-head for evangelism by meeting a felt need.
It doesn’t matter why people initially come to Jesus – what matters is that they come. Anybody can be won to Christ if you discover the key to his heart.
You must get people’s attention, - the only way a church can capture the attention of the unbelievers today is by offering them something they cannot get anywhere else.
Each time your Church meets someone’s need, a good rumour begins travelling the interpersonal community network. When enough of these rumours get around, your Church will begin attracting people that no visitation programme could possibly have reached.
ATTRACT CROWDS BY TEACHING IN A PRACTICAL, INTERESTING WAY.
)
Jesus emphasis was often on meeting needs and healing hurts; His truth “set the people free”, and brought blessings to their lives. We have to show the Bible’s relevance by applying its messages personally to people’s lives.
Crowds always flock to hear good news. They are looking for anyone who can give them hope, help, and encouragement. When you begin with people’s needs by preaching or teaching, you immediately gain their attention. You start where people are and move them to where you want them to be.
Most believers aren’t looking for truth; they are looking for relief. Sharing Biblical principles that meet a need creates a hunger for more truth.
Sermons that exhort people to change without sharing the practical steps of how to do it, end up just producing more guilt and frustration. The deepest kind of teaching is that which makes a difference in people’s day-to-day lives.
We should not be afraid of being interesting – a sermon does not have to be dry to be spiritual. Jesus told stories to make a point; the Bible is essentially a book of stories. Stories hold our attention, stir our emotions, and help us remember.
HAPPY 2ND ANNIVERSARY STEEMCHURCH INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY.
MOVE ON CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS THE LORD IS WITH YOU.
