IGNITE: Planning Big Days

[John Dobbs]

This week I went to the seminar by Nelson Searcy that was named after his newest book, IGNITE. Nelson is the primary resource person at Church Leader Insights. I enjoyed very much the lively presentation and found it a source of inspiring great ideas and hearing about how others have put these principles to use. 

The basic thesis is that when we bring our friends and community into the worship time, we have an opportunity to share Christ with them. The more people we bring, the more seed we sow. Searcy is quick to point out that this is simply a structure - the most important thing is not the number of people in a crowd, or the program that brings them, but the opportunity to share the gospel with someone who is lost. 

What I like about Searcy's approach is that it is full of things you can actually do. Yes, the philosophy and theology is laid before moving into practicalities. The "how to" sections really give insight into some things I've done that may have kept some of my efforts from being all they could be for God.

From his website, here are the topics of the book and seminar:

*How to DOUBLE your church in a day (it can be done)

*How to immediately raise the evangelism effectiveness of your church

*How to mobilize your congregation to reach their friends

*How to spark growth in a stalled church

*How to keep momentum year after year in a growing church

*How to excite your people, even if they've not been motivated in the past

*How to influence your leaders to reach out to the community

*How to plan and implement a proven BIG DAY process

He did address each of these ideas. The seminar was only 3 hours long, so he did not stay on any one topic for lengthy times - but he did share the bones of his book. Many years ago I bought and used Elmer Towns plan to have a great Friend Day. Searcy has incorporated many of those principles but updated them into outreaches that have promise to work today.

This is a segment of what Searcy calls "systems". It is not meant to be THE outreach program of a church. But for those of us who are leading churches and helping to make plans and pathways for people to help their friends and family become Christians, it is an invaluable resource.

You can find out more about Searcy's live events HERE. 

Your thoughts and questions welcomed!

[James Nored]

John,

What type of "Big Day" do you think would be most effective at Forscythe?

[John Dobbs]

Good question James. We had success with Friend Day, doubling our regular attendance for the day. I'd like to see us do some days where we honor our community servants (police, fire, etc).

James Nored said:

John,

What type of "Big Day" do you think would be most effective at Forscythe?