"Levi gave a large dinner at his home for Jesus. Everybody was there, tax men and other disreputable characters as guests at the dinner. The Pharisees and their religion scholars came to his disciples greatly offended. "What is he doing eating and drinking with crooks and 'sinners'?" Jesus heard about it and spoke up, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I'm here inviting outsiders, not insiders-an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out" (Luke 5:29-32, MSG).

 

All of our churches are developing the heart of Jesus to connect with outsiders, which is thrilling! We want to be a church with a focus on outsiders, being Christlike in our ministry. Thom Rainer gathered some main reasons why some churches do not evangelize and focus on outsiders. Here are 10 of his results, organized into mistaken attitudes, beliefs and behaviors.

 

Mistaken Attitudes

 

1. Some Christians are apathetic and have no sense of urgency to reach spiritually lost people.

 

2. Some church members focus more on "getting my needs met" rather than reaching outsiders.

 

Mistaken Beliefs

 

3. Some churches have beliefs that focus more on what they are against than what they are for.

 

4. Some churches believe and use an ineffective strategy of "you come" rather than teaching Christians that "we go."

 

5. Some church members wrongly believe that evangelism is only the role of the pastor and paid church staff.

 

6. Some church members no longer believe Christ is the only way of salvation.

 

7. Some Christians no longer believe and share the truth of the gospel for fear they will offend others. In too many places, partisan thinking on political issues is replacing the gospel.

 

Mistaken Behaviors

 

8. Some Christians and church members do not befriend and spend time with outsiders.

 

9. Some church members are in "retreat mode" as the culture becomes more worldly and unbiblical.

 

10. Some churches have so many other activities that they are too busy to make evangelism and outsiders a priority.

 

We are so thankful that evangelism and reaching outsiders is a primary focus for our churches on the Chicago Central District! As we study churches that are healthy, growing and multiplying throughout the world, without exception these are churches with a focus on outsiders. 

Thanks for reading, for praying and for serving. "In our prayers, we always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel...we are confident that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..." (Philippians 1:3-6). You are loved. You are prayed for. In our Mission Area gatherings, we look forward to seeing you soon!