Lutherans Develop Unique Ways to Invite People to Church

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Some congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have developed unique ways to nurture people spiritually and build meaningful relationships with people in their neighborhoods. These congregations are featured in "Making Christ Known: Outreach to Go!"
Staff of "the ELCA Christian education and evangelism team look for congregations that are flourishing" -- a congregation's ability to nurture people spiritually and build relationships with one another and God, said James Petersen, associate director for evangelism communication and network support, ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries. "When we find congregations across the United States and Caribbean that are succeeding this way, we share their story with the entire church," he said.
Making Christ Known: Outreach to Go! is a "comprehensive video workshop" developed by the Christian education and evangelism team, ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries. It features 37 congregations recognized for their ability to creatively reach out and bring people to church.
"From a South Dakota country congregation that's growing so fast it had to build a new worship space, to a flourishing inner-city congregation, viewers will see the church at work reaching out to neighbors, who do not attend church, and inviting them to come in," Petersen said.
Making Christ Known consists of three video cassettes (labeled Volume I, II and III). It also contains a facilitator's guide and a study guide "printed on heavy paper" and organized "in a three-ring binder to allow for easy removal and duplication," Petersen said.
"Volume I is a video workshop intended for congregations who are beginning an intentional focus on evangelism. It features the Rev. Marta Poling-Goldenne, director for witness, ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries, "talking about why congregations are commanded to evangelize, marks of a healthy congregation, and more," said Petersen.
Volumes II and III outline nine strategies for effective evangelism and outreach. They are calling ministries -- door-to-door visits and telemarketing; social ministries; invitational evangelism; children and family ministries; personal witness training; new neighbor outreach; community involvement; public media; and banners, brochures, bumper stickers and CD-roms," Petersen said.
"The video workshop is not theoretical. It is practical, presenting proven ideas and techniques that are taught by pastors and lay leaders who are making these [strategies] work every day," Petersen said.
"Interviews with pastors, lay leaders, church staff and guests are combined with footage of congregations in worship and engaging in the strategies. Combined with the study guide, viewers are able to examine the strategies from a scriptural, practical point of view," said Petersen.
"A goal of the resource is to share ideas about evangelism and outreach and establish a context for those ideas. We're hoping that those viewing the congregations featured in the videos will say: 'If they can do it, we can, too,'" Peterson said.
"Making Christ Known: Outreach to Go! is a result of a two-year focus on communication evangelism and intentional outreach," Petersen said. _ _ _
Information on "Making Christ Known: Outreach To Go!" is maintained at http://www.elca.org/eteam/resources/disciple1.htm on the ELCA's Web site.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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