Purpose Driven Church- Assign. #6

Chapter 11: Developing your strategy

Rick relates this chapter to fishing. The best fisherman doesn’t just use one tactic. He chooses the time of the day, location, bait, temperature, etc. There’s a lot that goes into being a successful fisherman. Jesus called us to be fishers of men. We are to not only share the message but to also follow the methodology that Christ demonstrated for us. There are five principles that can help one be a more successful fisherman. The first one being to know what you are fishing for. In a body of water, there are tons of fish, not just one type. The same is true with people. We aren’t all the same. Define your target specifcally (as stated before). A lot of times, your target should be just like yourself. Go where the fish are biting. You can’t feed fish that aren’t hungry. Move on. There are certain times people are more responsive. Don’t get down on yourself because people aren’t being receptive, just move on! If someone has rejected Jesus it’s not our job to keep bothering them. Third, learn to think like a fish. Depending on the fish, they have certain habits. Try to understand what people are thinking. A lot of times for christians, it’s hard to think like an unbeliever. The way to do this is to talk to them! Create relationships. Thisis how Rick started his church. He went door to door talking to unbelievers getting to know them by asking a few questions. By doing this he learned there are four basic complaints about church: church is boring and doesn’t relate to life (present the Word in a practical way that relates to an unbeliever and something that works throughout the week, not just Sunday); church members are unfriendly (make visitors feel welcomed); church wants money not me (when taking an offering maybe only make it for the members, not visitors); quality of church child care (create a great children’s program that is safe and secure). After he did the survey he sent out a community letter that appealed to the unbeliever. The next principle is to catch fish on their terms. Sometimes you have to go a great distance to get to people. It’s important to understand and adapt to their culture. Jesus said we are to eat what is placed before. Have something common with the people. When we can relate, we can penetrate the people. Let your target determine the approach. Act accordingly for each culture. Do not change who you are or your beliefs, but the tactics you use. Jesus had no standard form of witnessing, he simply went to the people where they were. Begin with the needs of the unchurched. To really minister to the unchurched you have to be prepared for the messy situations. This brings us to understanding and responding to the hang ups of the unchurched. If you know something bothers an unchurched or they are uncomfortable, try to counteract it. People choose the church that best ministers to their need. Change your methods when necessary. Stay up to date with “bait.” Use as many and different varieties as needed. Use more than one hook. Offer multiple servies, programs, locations, etc. Don’t rely on just one worship service to meet the needs of everyone. And remember, it costs to reach your community. Don’t put a price tag on salvation. If it costs money to win a soul, it’s worth it. God will supply all your needs when you are walking in the path he has set before you. And always remember, fishing is not a hobby it should be a lifestyle.

Chapter 12: How Jesus Attracted Crowds
(This was a really long chapter so I will do my best to condense it.) Who better to learn from then the master himself? Jesus attracted crowds throughout his life. There are a couple different ways he did this. He loved unbelievers. He met their needs and He taught them in interesting and practical ways. First we must love just like Jesus did. This is an essential key. People must be drawn to the church because they feel loved and accepted regardless of their situations. A lot of times a congregation thinks their church is loving, but it’s only because they’re loving each other…not the visitors. Love new people and create an atmosphere of acceptance. In order for your church to grow, you have to love. Make people feel accepted at your church. Maybe send visitor cards in the language of a visitor. Speak to them on a normal level. It’s important for the love to be practical. Not only do the people need to demonstrate love, but also the pastor. Get to know your people! Greet them before and after services and do your best to use their name. When a visitor is greeted with their name, it creates a feeling of belonging. Don’t be afraid to touch people. Give hugs, pats on the back, etc. Sometimes, you might be the only touch someone gets all week. Jesus touched people and they felt his love. As a pastor you must choose whether or not you want to “impress your people or influence them (215).” Just because you accept a person doesn’t mean you have to approve of their lifestyle. There’s a difference. Make a distinction between the crowd and the congregation. Those who are visiting might not have morals at all. Be prepared for that. Jesus wanted people to come as they were. After they came is when he cleaned them up. Next, meet people’s needs. To meet someone’s need, first you need to get their attention. How? You must discover the key to the person’s heart! What concerns them, etc. We must meet the needs of the people around the church. If you’re really meeting the needs of the people around you, you will have to lock the doors to keep people out! To find out what these needs are, use a survey in your community. Based off the results, adapt your programs or create new ones! Everyone shares some of the same needs, to be loved, accepted, forgiveness, etc. Whenever a need is met, a life is changed. Where a life is changed, word spreads. You want your church to grow? Meet the needs of the people. Last Jesus taught in practical and interesting ways. The bible states that people would be amazed, enthusiastic and spellbound listening to Jesus! Are your messages like that? So many churches bore the word of God. Jesus kept them this way because he met their needs. He would usually get a message from a need or question and go from there. He met the people at their level. His message normally offered practical benefits. “We must learn to share the Gospel in ways that show it is both “good” and “news” (224).” Crowds will rush to hear good news. The way the world is today, people long to hear something that’s good and inspiring. When you base your message off of what people are interested in, you automatically have their attention. We must realize that people aren’t necessarily looking for the truth, but relief from their problems. The bible states that we are to only speak what benefits others. In the same way Jesus related truth to life. Jesus taught in a simple, practical manner. Instead of being instructed on how someone should be living, teach them how to live like Jesus did. There’s a different in ordering and assisting. A lot of times the un churched just want to see the relevance of the bible in today’s time. Jesus also spoke with an interesting style. Entertain your congregation. The word of God isn’t to be dry and boring but full of life! Make it exciting! Jesus used a variety of stories to enhance his message. He also used simple language that everyone understood. Keep the message simple! We must remember that ministry to crowds is controversial. We find both “go” and “come” in the bible. This means that some people will come to church and meet Jesus, others will have to be confronted with a Christian to find his truth. Both of these are ok! One must also maintain a balance when relating to the culture. Jesus states not to imitate, or isolate the church but to infiltrate the culture of the outside. In order to attract people, you must be appealing to the culture. “Jesus ministered in the world, but was not of it (236).” Be prepared for people to speak up about how they feel!