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Will programs out in the community attract the lost?

By FredK Mon, 05/30/2011 - 8:34am
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FredK
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Can any one refer me to a flourishing community outreach using a neutral site (not church) and offering Bible studies or messages on hot topics of the hour like Bible Faith v. Science; The Shack; Love Wins (2 controversal books) or similar. Who has had experience with this sort of outreach? Some folks will come to a neutral meeting hall that won't come in a church.

We recall how in the days of Moody or Sunday preachers would debate atheists, etc. Got good publicity too. Will this not work today?

Sat, 06/11/2011 - 10:04am
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Aaron Blumer
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Why not

I know some are doing it effectively today.

I've long been struck by Paul's selection of preaching venues. He tried to go to places where people who were already thinking about religious matters were gathering and teach them the gospel. Usually that meant finding a synagogue. At least once, it meant finding the philosophers (Acts 17, aereopagus)

    
Sat, 06/11/2011 - 11:22am
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FredK
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Fruitful Outreaches?

Aaron Blumer wrote:
I know some are doing it effectively today.

I've long been struck by Paul's selection of preaching venues. He tried to go to places where people who were already thinking about religious matters were gathering and teach them the gospel. Usually that meant finding a synagogue. At least once, it meant finding the philosophers (Acts 17, aereopagus)

Yes, I am for using whatever the HS puts on our heart and hopefully fruitful. We know how creative God can be in reaching people.

(Aaron, I think you mentioned WordPress for blogs to me some months ago? I took the advice and am appreciating WP. Thanks.)

Peace and joy,

    
Sat, 06/11/2011 - 11:36am
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Susan R
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Weighing fruit

I think weighing fruit is problematic on SO many levels. IMO, if we abide by basic Biblical principles of evangelization, the 'results', if you will, are not ours to measure.

Then the question would be whether or not setting up an event to draw people in for discussion and debate on 'hot topics' in society would depend on the method's consistency with Scripture, and then if you have the means and ability to do so effectively. I personally would not want to see this done by anyone who was not thoroughly educated and prepared to handle the response.

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Mon, 06/13/2011 - 7:12am
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Daniel
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We use Alpha and Christianity

We use Alpha and Christianity Explored. It can be done at any location, although we do it in a few rooms at church. We have seen quite a few come to faith and be mentored/trained.

    
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 11:57am
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FredK
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Daniel wrote: We use Alpha

Daniel wrote:
We use Alpha and Christianity Explored. It can be done at any location, although we do it in a few rooms at church. We have seen quite a few come to faith and be mentored/trained.

I am not familiar with Alpha and Chr Expl? Similar to Bible Study Fellowship for example? It sounds like it is effective. How do you attract the seekers?