Planting today for tomorrow’s harvest

1. Planting today for tomorrow’s harvest Bruce E. Wurdeman

2. Things that have shaped my thinking

5. A visitor from San Francisco

6. The Hollywood scene

7. My Own need for grace and forgiveness

8. Life after church work

10. My outreach background • Bethalto, il – “family” church • Fargo, nd – working with “blank slate” people • Eureka, mo – dialogue evangelism • Lutheran hour ministries – outreach on a global scale • Texas district – helping churches reach their communities

11. Planting today for tomorrow’s harvestWhat does this mean? • Building bridges to the community • Establishing relationships with people and people groups • Working to improve the physical and spiritual wellbeing of People • Being the hands of jesus in this place • Opening doors

12. A Biblical basis • The Old testament pattern • Gleaning the fields • A coat taken in pledge • Jesus commanded holistic ministry • 12 sent out told to proclaim and heal – Luke 9:2 • 70 sent out told to “cure the sick who are there and say to them, “the kingdom of God has come to you” – Luke 10:9 • The greatest commandment • Jesus’ Ministry was in the neighborhoods • Jesus’ healings are noted as much as his teaching • Jesus’ compassion – John 8:1-11

13. A Wake-up Call for churches • Few attempts to minister to those in the community • Church meetings become arguments over preferences and desires • An atmosphere of criticism and complaining • Attempts to reach out are met with anger and resistance • Culture is the enemy—It’s us against them! • Pastors and other leaders become discouraged and withdraw from leadership

14. Is it possible that Christianity in the U.S. is becoming better known for what we are “Against” than what we are “for”?

15. Success stories • Teen Challenge drug and alcohol rehab recovery rates are far higher than secular programs • Faith-based work in Boston drastically reduced gang violence and homicides • Faith-based program in Michigan has moved people off welfare rolls • Faith-based effort in Chicago has drastically reduced infant mortality among the poor

16. Some general questions • If your church closed, would people in your community notice? • What would your community miss out on if your church closed?

17. Four Categories of Community Service • Relief – giving a hungry person a fish • Individual development – teaching a person to fish • Community development – giving a person fishing equipment • Structural change – helping everyone get access to the fishing pond

18. Danger!Dependency Work at creating independence

19. Building Bridges between church and community • Welcome all • Network in the community • Cultivate a sense of belonging to the community • Incorporate commitment to the community into church life • Interweave church and community – tithe from special offerings and give the tithe to the community • Encourage and “reward” individuals – dale and sandy

20. REady • Prepare the leadership team • Prepare the congregation • Develop an outreach focus • Determine congregational assets • Assess the community

21. Set • Seek god’s guidance • Share the vision with the congregation • Rally the congregation • Organize for ministry • Gather resources and partners

22. go • Address fears and conflicts • Develop new leaders • Build in accountability • Maintain a fresh vision • Keep growing

23. How does community involvement help us? • It allows us to better understand god’s heart—his love for the unloved • It brings us face to face with our own materialism, prejudices, concern for comfort • It helps us discover spiritual gifts • It helps us see god’s providence coming through us • It links us with other christians

24. Ideas for churches • Community tutoring/study hall • Open the gym to the community • Community plays/musicals • Summer enrichment experience for kids • Sports leagues • A free store • Shuttle service for elderly and ill • Sack lunches for day laborers • Concert in the park – free soft drinks • Teaching English to immigrants • Teaching computer skills • Classes for un- or under employed • Resume’ writing • Interviewing • Dressing for success • Filling out applications • Completing forms for government assistance

25. Ideas for churches • Prom dress resale shop • General resale shop • “adopting” problem pregnancy women • Free or low cost clothes for the work place • Neighborhood art festival • Outdoor movie night • Ice cream in the park • Christmas gift wrapping • Parents day out at Christmas time • Big brother type program • Basic car repair/maintenance for single moms • Adopt a school

26. Ideas for Individuals • Be generous with your tips—especially Sunday noon! • Ask those who serve you if you can pray for them • Attend your local public meetings—learn about your community • Volunteer at local schools • Participate in your community events • Make a conscious effort to spend time with people who aren’t “church people” • Volunteer at local shelters • Volunteer at food banks, resale shops

27. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 Jesus, let us see the world and its people through your eyes!