Strategy for Reaching Your Mission Field

1. Strategy for Reaching Your Mission Field • Tim AhlenPastor, Forest Meadow Baptist Church, Dallas

2. Cleveland Cnty. Realities • 2010 Population: 255,755 • 29.7% speak a language other than English at home • At least 45 total languages • Total # evangelical religious adherents increased by 2,078 while population increased by 47,739 in the past decade. Cleveland County Oklahoma Context

3. Cleveland County OK

4. Conventional thinking patterns dominate our thinking making it difficult for us to think outside the box.

5. London • January 2003

6. Great Commission Initiative (GCI) • Purpose - igniting CPMs in North America • Principles • Penetrating lostness (people groups, people group segments) • Work within their worldview • Rapidly multiplying, healthy churches (easily reproduced) • Retreat in order to return (Celtic monasticism) • New Wineskins for New Wine (Leave the old wineskins alone!)

7. Great Commission Initiatives (GCI) • Purpose - igniting CPMs in North America • Principles • Particularities • Missiology- Great Commission, panta ta ethne • Ecclesiology- Simpler, easily reproducible, NT churches • Discipleship- Obedience based, 2 Tim. 2:2 • Communication- Oral and literate forms

8. Luke 15:1-10 • It is all about penetrating lostness. • Even if 99% are saved, the 1 gets priority. • Always.

9. The Great Commission • As you are going, as you are sent, • Live in Immediate, Radical, Sacrificial Obedience to Jesus Christ • Make Christ followers • Baptize them • Teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded • In the context of their culture and heart language • Make Christ followers of panta ta ethne • All ethne- ethnolinguistic people groups • All ethne- 11,500 of them- ½ have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. • All ethne- wherever you find them

10. Biblical Terms for People Groups • Hebrew (OT) Greek (LXX and NT) Laos– the People of God Ethnos– Everyone Else The nations The heathen The ethnic peoples • Am– the People of God • Goyim– Everyone Else • The nations • The heathen • The ethnic peoples The Bible uniformly tells us that we are to make disciples of the ethne– those people who do not belong to God.

11. History of American Immigration and Evangelicalism • From the 1500’s to 1775 By 1775 • Congregational (745 churches) • Anglican/Episcopal (405 churches) • Presbyterian (490 churches) • Lutheran (235 churches) • Methodist (Less than 200 churches) • Baptist (About 200 churches) • Immigrants (ethne) from all over Europe moved into colonies and established their faiths • Usually as a State Church. • Highly ethnic in their orientation

12. History of American Immigration and Evangelicalism • From 1775-1850 From 1850-1950 Methodist Baptist Presbyterian Lutheran Congregational Episcopal Baptist Methodist Lutheran Presbyterian Episcopal Congregational

13. History of American Immigration and Evangelicalism • How did this happen? Lutherans prospered on the frontier because they never developed a strong colonial base and thus were persecuted. Congregationalists had polity fitted to the frontier, but fractured with theological controversy, died out after 1900. Episcopals were wealthiest, most traditional, episcopal polity required highly trained clergy, tied to cultural centers • Methodists relied on circuit riding lay preachers who served God at great sacrifice (Endless Line of Splendor, by Luccock) • Baptists relied on lay led congregations, taught their frontier members to start a church wherever they moved. (Sandy Creek Assoc.) • Presbyterians required trained and ordained clergy, ruled by presbyterial polity.

14. By 1910 church members had grown to 43% By 1960 church members had grown to 60% (pp.33ff, Herberg) Beyond the category of “church members” at least 75-80% of all Americans said they were adherents of Christianity In 1775 church members were from 10 to 12% of the US population By the 1950s denominationalism was clearly established, active and very strong in term of loyalties and influence in America Denominational solidarity split along Protestant/Catholic/Jewish lines. US Religious Scene from 1775-1950

15. From 1820 through 1924 = 35,999,402 From 1925 through 1960 = 5,841,559 From 1961 through 2000 = 24,248,470 From 1820 through 2003 = 69,869,450 In 2000 A.D. the projection prior to the Census was 26,800,000 foreign-born persons in the US in July of 2000 Actual foreign-born enumerated in 2000 Census was 31,100,000 persons Immigration from 1820-2003

16. A New Wave of Immigration (1965) Africa Asia Middle East Latin America Eastern Europe These immigrants aren’t assimilating like the Western Europeans did What’s Happened Since 1950

17. 2000 = 964,000 (Medium Assumption) 2005 = 872,000 (Medium Assumption) 2010 = 713,000 (Medium Assumption) 2030 = 1,100,000 (Medium Assumption) Notes: There are legal quotas by country that set restrictions on immigration into the USA There are no limits upon family members petitioning for others in their family to immigrate into the USA There are no limits upon the number of persons who can come into the USA through their seeking and being granted political asylum Projections of Legal Annual Immigration into USA

18. Church Planting Process TA ETHNE (Scripture) SEGMENTATION S.C. Selection & Mentoring RESEARCH ENDVISION MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION Often known as Jim's Tube.

19. Scripture forms the strategic foundation Great Commission Penetrating Lostness Scriptural mandates, patterns and principles determine our praxis. Making disciples, teaching them to obey Jesus Training trainers Heart language Scriptural outcomes comprise endvision. Revelation 7:9 The Priority of Scripture

20. Who Are the Lost? Ethnolinguistic People Group Segmentation Distinct ethnic groups= first line of demarcation Sociological Segments identified under EPG’s. Where Are the Lost? Mapping physical location Mapping spiritual location The Task of Segmentation

21. WIGTAKE? What’s it going to take to ignite a CPM in this people group? What is our current reality? What needs to be done to get us to our destination? What resources are needed to get there? Who is responsible? The Task of Strategy Coordination

22. The Task of Research • Harvest Force • Mission Team • Other Resources • Harvest Facilitators • Persons of Peace • Gatekeepers • Harvest Field • Ethnolinguistic People Group

23. The Task of Research • Characteristics of the People Group • History • Culture • Language • Religion(s) • Access • Communication Preferences- Literacy • Worldview Analysis • Bridges to the Gospel • Barriers to the Gospel

24. The Task of Endvisioning • Begin with the end in mind! • A detailed narrative description of what the CPM will look like in that people group when it occurs. • Based on compilation of SC’s research • Becomes the “north star” for all subsequent planning.

25. The Task of Master Planning • A detailed, stepwise strategic plan • Starts with the endvision • Works its way back to your current realities • Includes several components • Endvision • Objectives (or, Pillars) • Goals • Action Plans

26. The Task of Implementation • Starts With Current Realities • Develops and Deploys Resources • Carries Out the Master Plan • Evaluates Progress • Makes Needed Adjustments • “Sets the Sails” for the CPM • “Passes the Baton” as soon as possible

27. Phase 2 Objectives- Strategy Coordination • Identify the Dynamics of EPG Strategy as It Applies in Your Ministry Field. • Your Ministry Field- Segmentation • Your Ministry Field- Research • Your Ministry Field- Master Plan • Your Ministry Field-Implementation • Begin to Do Worldview Analysis • Understand Discipleship that Multiplies

28. Oral Strategies • Learn to Communicate the Gospel by Telling Bible Stories • Use Your Previously Done Research to Identify Bridges and Barriers to Communicating the Gospel • Learn to Select and Craft Bible Stories and Bible Studies for Effective Evangelization and Discipleship.

29. Church in Antioch • The Antioch Church was Multiethnic • Greeks (Lucius) • Hebrews (Paul, Barnabas) • Africans (Simeon) Acts 11:19-30 (NIV)  Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.  News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

30. Church in Antioch • The Antioch Church was Missional • They took up a famine offering • They sent Paul and Barnabas on a church planting mission trip. Acts 11:19-30 (NIV)  Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.  News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

31. Church in Antioch • The Antioch Church was Multiplying • Internally by multiplying groups within the church • Externally by multiplying churches in Asia Acts 11:19-30 (NIV)  Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.  News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

32. Church in Antioch • The Antioch Church was Mature • It was at Antioch that Christ followers were first called Christians • After one year, they were SOARing Christ followers Acts 11:19-30 (NIV)  Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.  News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

34. Incremental Growth v. Rapid Multiplication • Only fertile four times per year. • Only one baby per pregnancy. • 22 month gestation period. • Sexual maturity: 18 years. • 3 years: 2 -> 3 Elephants Wabbits • Practically continuously fertile. • Average of seven babies per pregnancy. • 1 month gestation period. • Sexual maturity: 4 months. • 3 years: 2 -> 476 million (ideal potential)

35. Reproduction rate matters! Reproduction rate in months Years

36. Reproduction rate matters! Reproduction rate in months Years

37. Reproduction rate matters! Reproduction rate in months Years

38. In 2003, FMBC was one congregation. . . . . .averaging less than 30 in attendance

39. 7 Nepalese House Churches 1 Ethiopian Rockwall House Church Sudanese Community Church Mesquite House Church Zambian Light I.B. Forest Meadow Pleasant Woods Apts. TEAM Church The Well In the last eight years, we’ve planted 17 congregations Oromo Baptist Fellowship

40. 29 H.C. Verde Valley AZ 7 Nepalese House Churches 1 Ethiopian Guatemalan House Church I.B. Luzy Verdad Indian House Church TEAM Church Plant Zambian Light Rockwall House Church Sudanese Community Church Mesquite House Church I.B. Hebron I.B. Indigo 2 Nepalese House Church Stone water East Meadows Life Pointe Stone bridge Gate way Rock bridge Life House Key stone Break through Pleasant Woods Apts. I.B. Forest Meadow TEAM Church I.B. Ivy Me’en Sud. Arlington Sud. Dinka Anglican Hurst Sud. Uduk Sud. Bedford Sud. Journey Crossing The Well FBC Sud. 6 Flint MI That have planted 62 congregations. . . Oromo Baptist Fellowship

41. Park land House Church 19 H.C. Verde Valley AZ Sudanese Community Church Stonewater Church Plant GuatemalanHouse Church Guatemalan House Church 4 Nepalese House Church I.B. Luzy Verdad Indian House Church TEAM Church Chicago Arlington Sud. The Spring High land Summit Hurst Rockwall House Church 6 Nepalese House Churches Flint, MI Mesquite House Church I.B. Hebron I.B. Indigo 2 Nepalese House Church Bayview I.B. Forest Meadow Stone water Woodland Trails Stone bridge Gate way Break through Life Pointe Key stone Rock bridge Life House Zambian Light Pleasant Woods Apts. Dinka Anglican Hurst Sud. TEAM Church Bedford Sud. I.B. Ivy Me’en Sud. Malek Sud. Uduk Sud. Journey Crossing The Well Nepalese Iraqi FBC Sud. Aliet Sud. Amookm Sud. 7 H.C. Verde Valley . . . That Planted 32 congregations Hisp anic Plant Chicago Bulgarian Chicago Oromo Baptiist

42. Park land House Church 29 H.C. Verde Valley AZ 7 Nepalese House Churches 1 Ethiopian Stonewater Church Plant GuatemalanHouse Church Guatemalan House Church I.B. Luzy Verdad 4 Nepalese House Church IndianHouse Church TEAM Church Chicago The Spring High land Summit Hurst Rockwall House Church 6 Flint, MI Mesquite House Church Sudanese Community Church I.B. Hebron I.B. Indigo 2 Nepalese House Church Bayview I.B. Forest Meadow Stone water Woodland Trails Break through Rock bridge Life Pointe Life House Gate way Stone bridge Key stone Zambian Light Pleasant Woods Apts. TEAM Church I.B. Ivy Me’en Sud. Malek Sud. Uduk Sud. Dinka Anglican Arlington Sud. Hurst Sud. Bedford Sud. Journey Crossing The Well Nepalese Iraqi FBC Sud. Aliet Sud. Amookm Sud. That planted 2 Congregations Hisp anic Plant Chicago Hispanic Fla. Bulgarian Chicago A Total of 113 Congregations Averaging more than 9000 in attendance!! Bulgarian Oromo Baptiist

43. GCI FMBC CSI Associations Conventions Lausanne Neil Cole ION Soma Real Life

44. Challenges • Lack of awareness • Mental models • Social complexity • Baptist systems • Lack of urgency • Resistance to change

45. Cost • Spiritual warfare • To the church • To the association • To individuals

46. Benefits to Existing Churches • Disciples who SOAR • Units that multiply like rabbits • A church that transforms • A Kingdom that grows

47. Benefits to New Churches • A tailored approach for evangelism/ discipleship/gospel communication • Disciples who SOAR • Units that multiply like rabbits • A church that transforms • A Kingdom that grows

48. Learning more • GCI • www.mygci.org • training offered around the country • imb.org (Global Research) • usapeoplegroups.com • peoplegroups.org • peoplegroups.info • namb.net • ubahouston.org