MU 202 The Outreach Congregation: City – Suburban

The Thorns Abound Population Finances Pollution Hopelessness

The Hope of Heaven Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

What Can I Do? "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” - Romans 10:14-15

John 3:16 – More Than a Sign

All People? “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

Jerusalem

Judea – Samaria

THE LCMS IN THE CITY – A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland – German Large buildings Many worshipers Influential in Neighborhood Founded “Daughter” congregations

Core Values Lutheran German School Neighborhood

THE LCMS IN THE CITY – TODAY

Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland English Large buildings Few worshipers No influence in Neighborhood Subsidized by “Daughter” congregations

THE LCMS IN THE SUBURBS – THEN

Early Years Large buildings Many worshipers Influential in Neighborhood

Core Values of early Churches English Lutheran School Neighborhood

THE LCMS IN THE SUBURBS – NOW

Not Much Different Large buildings Many worshipers Influential in Neighborhood

Take a Snap Shot Describe Your Church 1. List your congregation’s core values 2. Is your congregation growing, stable or in decline? 3. Does your congregation mirror the community? 4. How many of your members are active in ministry – inside or out?

A Critical Question Who are we aiming to serve? Existing members? Unchurched?

Not either/or – But both/and Members Ministry to unchurched Members

Discipling Members Instruct Encourage For the purpose of training them to reach the lost. Read 1 Peter 2:9.

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Reaching Beyond the Church Get outside the walls of the church. Where are His lost sheep? How can God use you?

Reaching Beyond the Church “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” - John 4:35-38

Following Jesus into the World When cultures clash Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman

Following Jesus into the World Jesus Dines with Sinner – And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. - Matthew 9:10-12

Following Jesus Into the World To reach the sick, Jesus was called a drunkard and a glutton. What will we sacrifice for the sake of Christ; for the sake of others? – Popularity – Dignity – Things

Following in Jesus’ Steps Adopt humility Meet Needs Share Love The Gospel!

Meeting Needs in the Community Identify areas of your city in need Connect with a city official or social worker to learn specific needs Plan servant events – Two+ times annually

Meeting Needs in the Community Encourage all ages to serve Focus on building relationships Revisit them

Homework What “Baby Step” can you begin – today? How can the church take a Baby Step to intentionally reach a different culture?