Offer Shorter Small Group Options

The Journey, a St. Louis, Mo., church with a weekly attendance of 6,200, offers a shorter small group option that allows newcomers to simply build connections without pressure to get involved right away. These Connect groups let people know they’re known about and cared for. They also hold a newcomers dinner, where the church’s leaders explain the mission, vision and values of the church and suggest ways to get involved. This path to membership gives people a clear entry point to the church and encourages them to stay. When they’ve invested themselves in membership and service, they’re less likely to leave the church.

James P. Long
James P. Longhttp://JamesPLong.com

James P. Long was formerly the editor of Outreach magazine and the author of a number of books, including Why Is God Silent When We Need Him the Most?

Reviving Personal Evangelism

If we are going to see more people saved in North America and more people engaged in personal evangelism, then we desperately need the Holy Spirit to work in all our hearts. Simply put, we need a mighty move of God in our land.

Oak Park Church: Outreach in the City

Rather than solely coming alongside communities following major natural disasters, the church decided to use the ministry’s life-saving—and life-giving—equipment year-round.

The Moment of Exposure

On Judgment Day, I won’t hide. I won’t run. Not because I’m innocent, but because I’m forgiven. Jesus paid it all.