Whenever I see an article or book by Thom Ranier, I am interested. Ranier is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources and has dedicated his life to helping churches share the message of Jesus Christ more effectively. I read a recent article of his titled, “The Greatest Tragedy in the Church Today”.
His research shows that today in America it takes 40-60 church members to reach one person with the Gospel. Most churches that are growing numerically are gaining through the transfer of Christians from one church to another. He calls this sheep shuffling. Ranier believes the greatest tragedy in the church today is NOT sharing the gospel. No evangelism.
Our church is committed to reaching those in our community that do not have a church home and preferably are not followers of Jesus Christ; at least, not yet. A team of leaders from our church are meeting this week to pray and plan effective ways to share the gospel in our culture today.
Nobody wants someone knocking at their door asking where they would spend eternity if they died today. Nobody wants to be that person knocking at the door of a stranger asking that question. We believe that serving our community and developing meaningful relationships are the platforms that give us the right to be heard.
We also believe that the best way to share is to listen first. We begin asking people questions about their spiritual background. Did they grow up in a family that believed in God? Did your family pray, go to church or read the Bible? Was Jesus and God a swear word or respected. We use that as a starting point to directing them to Jesus.
Giving to our community shows that we are not just out to fill our church, but honestly want to see our community become a better place to go to school, work, and raise families. Another way of serving others is by The Bible shows that people believed when there was a demonstration of the power of God in their lives of restoration and healing.
Luke 9:6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.
I am looking forward to the Holy Spirit directing our efforts and the creative ideas that will be the result.
We will leave sheep shuffling to others.
His research shows that today in America it takes 40-60 church members to reach one person with the Gospel. Most churches that are growing numerically are gaining through the transfer of Christians from one church to another. He calls this sheep shuffling. Ranier believes the greatest tragedy in the church today is NOT sharing the gospel. No evangelism.
Our church is committed to reaching those in our community that do not have a church home and preferably are not followers of Jesus Christ; at least, not yet. A team of leaders from our church are meeting this week to pray and plan effective ways to share the gospel in our culture today.
Nobody wants someone knocking at their door asking where they would spend eternity if they died today. Nobody wants to be that person knocking at the door of a stranger asking that question. We believe that serving our community and developing meaningful relationships are the platforms that give us the right to be heard.
We also believe that the best way to share is to listen first. We begin asking people questions about their spiritual background. Did they grow up in a family that believed in God? Did your family pray, go to church or read the Bible? Was Jesus and God a swear word or respected. We use that as a starting point to directing them to Jesus.
Giving to our community shows that we are not just out to fill our church, but honestly want to see our community become a better place to go to school, work, and raise families. Another way of serving others is by The Bible shows that people believed when there was a demonstration of the power of God in their lives of restoration and healing.
Luke 9:6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.
I am looking forward to the Holy Spirit directing our efforts and the creative ideas that will be the result.
We will leave sheep shuffling to others.
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