Why should a local church use an evangelism initiative?  Why emphasize witnessing time after time?  Shouldn't Christians simply share their faith because they love God?

The church tends to move away from sinful societies. Hostility toward Christianity and the accompanying suspicion and persecution chases the church into hiding, silence or irrelevance. On the other hand, the passion of Jesus for the lost becomes an ever-motivating love among the people of God. We remind ourselves that we are to care for those who disagree and even oppose us. The church's purpose, as declared and demonstrated by Jesus, is to seek and to save the lost. So despite the outward obstacles and the inner fears God's people engage the unconvinced in conversation about the Good News.

These materials are to aid local congregations in the pursuit of the Great Commission, making disciples of all people. Sermons are designed to inspire congregations to care for those uncommitted to faith in Christ. Training modules instruct attendees to offer friendship to the unchurched. Christians are encouraged to go beyond the friendship to testify to God's love and forgiveness.

As a congregational leader you may pick and choose the materials you wish to use. They are developed for your benefit and the building up of the Body of Christ.

Connecting the Church with the Unchurched Program Materials
Historically and biblically the Church cared for the marginalized. This training session helps a local congregation explore the need and the possibility of reaching the poor, the mentally disturbed and single parents.  These groups share one thing in common--they need the church as an ally to living life well.
(These materials can be used throughout the program emphasis).

Bulletin Inserts
These inserts address fears people have in sharing their faith and focus on the theme, "Why I Can't Witness!"  Topics are the following:

1) "Evangelism is Not My Gift"
2) "I Just Live the Life; Don't Ask Me to Say Anything"
3) "I'm Not Comfortable Sharing My Faith"
4) "I'm Waiting for the Spirit to Direct Me"
5) "I Simply Sow the Seed and Leave the Rest to God"
6) "I Don't Want to Judge Anybody."

Sermon Outlines
Outline 1 - Philemon 6 - "I pray that you will be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."

Training Modules

Connecting with the Disconnected
Instructor's Guide
Instructor's Resource
Handouts
Powerpoint presentation
Bibliography

Teens in Crisis: Giving Hope
Instructor's Guide
Teens live close to other teens who struggle through various crises.  We can equip Christian teens to talk with their peers who face the tough realities of an unfair world.  Psalm 23 serves as a background for helpful conversations peer to peer.

University Years: A Window into a Spiritual Journey
College age students tend to leave the church during these years of newly found freedom.  This material gives helpful insights into what is happening and how the church can offer reasons for college students to connect with local congregations.
Powerpoint

Becoming a Spiritual Guide for Children
A children's minister provides helpful counsel for parents and teachers as they instruct children in their walk with God.  Children, receptive to Jesus, can be nurtured in ways that build strong and lasting foundations for spiritual growth.
Instructor's Guide
Participant's Guide
Powerpoint

Connecting the Church with Senior Adults
A comparatively small percentage of people over 55 years of age accept Christ as savior.  One reason may be the church accepts that as fact rather than targeting the fastest growing group of people for evangelism.  The possibilities for spiritual conversation are great among those who are considering their mortality.  Builders and Baby Boomers are far more receptive than generally thought.  Consider the natural ways to connect with them.
Instructor's Guide
Participant's Guide
Powerpoint

Heightening Visibility in the Local Church
Churches sit year after year in communities that are unaware of their existence.  Learn how to challenge the lack of visibility.  Decide to let your community know you exist.  This is a reachable goal for most congregations.  See how to make an impact.
Instructor's Guide
Participant's Guide
Powerpoint

Bringing the Church to the Unchurched: Bridging the Gap
This PowerPoint presentation suggests a teaching outline for training local church personnel. A new study of how laity evangelize using their particular spiritual gifts serves as a teaching background for a portion of the material. Abundant ideas for reaching out and links for drama are provided.  Worth a quick scan.