MU 202 The Outreach Congregation: City – Suburban

The Thorns Abound PopulationFinancesPollutionHopelessness

The Hope of HeavenJesus 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 – 1850-1900

GermanLarge buildingsMany worshipersInfluential in NeighborhoodFounded “Daughter” congregations

Core ValuesLutheranGermanSchoolNeighborhood

THE LCMS IN THE CITY – TODAY

Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland

EnglishLarge buildingsFew worshipersNo influence in NeighborhoodSubsidized by “Daughter” congregations

THE LCMS IN THE SUBURBS – THEN

Early YearsLarge buildingsMany worshipersInfluential in Neighborhood

Core Values of early ChurchesEnglishLutheranSchoolNeighborhood

THE LCMS IN THE SUBURBS – NOW

Not Much DifferentLarge buildingsMany worshipersInfluential in Neighborhood

Take a Snap ShotDescribe Your Church1. List your congregation’s core values2. 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 QuestionWho are we aiming to serve?

Existing members?

Unchurched?

Not either/or – But both/and

Members

Ministry to unchurched

Members

Discipling MembersInstruct EncourageFor the purposeof 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 ChurchGet 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 WorldWhen cultures clash

Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman

Following Jesus into the WorldJesus 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 humilityMeet NeedsShare Love

The Gospel!

Meeting Needs in the CommunityIdentify areas of your city in needConnect with a city official or social worker to learn specific needsPlan servant events– Two+ times annually

Meeting Needs in the CommunityEncourage all ages to serveFocus on building relationshipsRevisit them

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