“Lost In America”

1. “Lost In America” Outreach Idea Exchange South Wisconsin District Jan. 19 & Feb 13, 2005

2. What is Evangelism? When you think of evangelism, what kind of things come to mind?

3. It’s all about Relationships! • Some insights from two authors: • Tom Clegg wrote “Lost in America – How you and Your Church can Impact the World Next Door” • Thom Rainer wrote: “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched,” “The Unchurched Next Door,” and a new book – “when Good Churches become Great.”

4. What people are looking for? “Lost in America” by Tom Clegg • People need transcendence. Everyone, at some point in life, wants to know God. • Many of the top grossing films of all time deal with supernatural themes • Lord of the Rings • Harry Potter • Star Wars • ET the Extra-Terrestrial • The Sixth Sense • The Passion of the Christ

5. What people are looking for? “Lost in America” by Tom Clegg • People are seeking significance. They want a purpose in life. • We all have a need for purpose – a reason to get out of bed in the morning. • People want to be more than a cog in the machine, a brick in the wall, or more than a number • “What are you going to be when you grow up?”

6. What people are looking for? “Lost in America” by Tom Clegg • People need community – to connect with other people through meaningful relationships. In the movie “Cast Away” Chuck Nolan, played by Tom Hanks, created “Wilson” out of a volleyball

7. Who are the Unchurched? From “The Unchurched Next Door” by Thom Rainer The “Rainer” Scale – Only 5% of unchurched are antagonistic toward the church. • “U5” Antagonistic = 5% • “U4” Resistant = 21% • “U3” Neutral” = 36% • “U2” Receptive = 27% • “U1” Highly receptive = 11% (Note: Formerly churched tend to be in the first two groups.)

8. 10 Surprises from the Unchurched #1 – True or False: If they would go to church, most of the unchurched want to attend on Sunday morning. True – A very distant second was a weeknight service. Sunday morning is the best time for them to go.

9. Surprise #2 True or False: Females are likely to be either the most antagonistic or the most receptive to the Gospel. True – Most women fall either in the U1 or U2 groups or in U5, but not in U3

10. Surprise #3 True or False: Most of the unchurched feel no guilt about not attending church. False – Most felt guilt about not attending, especially parents with children at home. So why don’t they just go? Many find the church intimidating – they think they will feel out of place.

11. Surprise #4 True or False: More than 8 out of 10 unchurched would come to church if they were invited. TRUE!!!! 82% of the unchurched surveyed would be at least “somewhat likely” to come if invited. However, only 21% of active churchgoers invite anyone to church in a year, and only 2% invite an unchurched person. This means there are 80 million people who would be willing to come to church if invited!

12. Surprise #5 True or False: Most of the unchurched have had someone share Jesus with them at some point in their lives. False! - - Very few have had someone share with them how to become a Christian. “While Christians think “the time is just not right,” the unchurched are wondering why we are so reticent.” (Rainer)

13. Surprise #6 True or False: Most of the unchurched have a negative view about pastors and the church. False! – Only a few said that ministers are hypocritical, and for the vast majority, the church is still relevant today. For many the church is seen as the most relevant institution in society. So why don’t they come? 1) Negative experiences when they did come and 2) No one has invited them!

14. Surprise #7 True or False: “Cold calls” are always ineffective False (and true)! - They are ineffective if you come to their home. But sharing your faith in casual conversations can be every effective. Make the most of every opportunity God gives you!

15. Surprise #8 True or False: The unchurched would welcome a real and sincere relationship with a Christian. True! – Most unchurched would respond positively to a “genuine” Christian who would spend time with them in a gentle, nonjudgmental relationship.

16. Surprise #9 True or False: The attitudes of the unchurched are shaped by where they live, their ethnic background or their gender. False! – One cannot make assumptions about the unchurched based on where they live, their gender or their ethnic background The only pattern noticed was with income – the higher the income, the more resistant to the Gospel.

17. Surprise #10 True or False: Many of the unchurched are far more concerned about the spiritual well-being of their children than of themselves. True – the churches that are highly intentional about reaching youth and children tend to be among the most evangelistic churches in America

18. Why does the Church Exist? “Lost in America” by Tom Clegg • 80% of church members believe that the primary purpose of the church is to provide a place of fellowship where Christians can share God’s love with one another rather than reach out to those who are unchurched.” (Kent Hunter) • Less than one out of three church attenders has shared his or her faith in Christ with a non-Christian within the last 12 months.

19. INSANITY Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results

20. Some suggestions “Lost in America” by Tom Clegg • Pray for lost people • Start small groups in the church • Develop more visitor-friendly ways to welcome people • Phase out stuff that doesn’t work • Invite an unchurched friend to visit and give their reaction.

21. “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched” by Thom Rainer • Be Intentional – Start by asking questions instead of telling. “How can we be a better church for this community?” • The surprising issue of doctrine • 9 of 10 unchurched will attend a church service at least once in a 2 year period. • What brings them back is conviction over what you believe.

22. “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched” by Thom Rainer • Preaching – The 2nd most important thing to bring people back. • Small groups that are open-ended. • Open-ended groups allow people to join at any time and have no preset termination date. • Close-ended groups have a set end date and are not open to people coming in. • Churches need both

23. “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched” by Thom Rainer • The Relationship Factor • Do relationships make a difference? Yes • What kind of relationships? #1 is family. • 35% of unchurched brought to church because of their wives. What are we doing to help them?

24. “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched” by Thom Rainer • God Using a Few or One • Transformed churches do not begin with many but with a few or one • The Power of Invitation – Don’t just invite, bring.

25. “Eight Tough Questions”(Thom Rainer, Unchurched Next Door) • How is your prayer life? • Whom did you tell about Jesus today? (Acts 1:8 is not optional) • How is your family life? When our family is in turmoil, our witness is damaged. • Do you need to reconcile with someone? “First, go and be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Mt. 5:24)

26. “Eight Tough Questions”(Thom Rainer, Unchurched Next Door) • Are you handling your finances and possessions biblically? Do you put the priorities of God before the material amenities of the world? • Are you committed to your church? • Do you love unconditionally? If we truly love people, we will seek out those who are different from us. • Do you have an attitude of gratitude? “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4)