wfn.org | Lutherans Develop Unique Ways to Invite People to Church

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

May 23, 2001

LUTHERANS DEVELOP UNIQUE WAYS TO INVITE PEOPLE TO CHURCH
01-133-MR

     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.html  on the ELCA's Web
site.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html