What's Hot in Outreach

[James Nored]

Here is an insightful article on outreach from Rev magazine, What is Hot in Outreach (Rev Magazine).pdf

The article explores evangelism and discipleship, exploring what is "hot" and what is "not" in these areas. While I'm not a big fan of the "hot" or "not" terminology (our approaches to evangelism and discipleship ought to be based upon more than trendy ministry), the writer is very in touch with the types of approaches that work with people today.

In today:
- Service evangelism - let me serve you, no strings (outflow, Sjogren)
- Incarnational evangelism/let's serve others together - (Bono, Habitat for Humanity, Group Workcamps)
- Co-Journey/Agenda-less friendships - (A New Kind of Christian, Jim and Casper Go to Church)

Out today:
- Turn or Burn Preaching/Street Corner preaching
- Confrontational Approaches
- Canned Plans (four spiritual laws, tracts)

What do you think of the author's analysis of what is "hot" and "not" in outreach?

[bobby capps]

Mission projects, like any of them... water bottles, weekend outreaches in the hood, washing cars 4 Jesus, etc. What I am hoping happens is that, like "real" missionaries, we immerse ourselves in the subcultures around us and be one... while I believe that takes intentionality (like 'going to church') I believe that after awhile the project becomes a part of your life... our ministry strives at this... ongoing intentional relationships in our various subcultures that become a part of our lives. Not visit the 'hood... move in!

[James Nored]

Thanks, Roger! I'll check it out.

[Roger Pritchett]

I agree with the author's assessment of hot/not. Another helpful writer is Michael Craven of the Center for Christ and Culture. His latest article on evangelism can be found at:
http://www.battlefortruth.org/ArticlesDetail.asp?id=344
He has written many other articles on evangelism worth reading.

[Carolyn Jo Gower]

The article was very interesting!

[James Nored]

Bobby, missionary lifestyles are indeed growing in popularity today, which is wonderful. Some are taking up the BELLS/BLESS model from Michael Frost. I've personally found these helpful practices as well.

When you say that project-based missions are merging into missional lifestyles, do you mean that things like Habitat for Humanity are becoming weekly practices, rather than a summer project?

[bobby capps]

I concur... I think he missed an emerging trend however. For many, project based missions is merging into missionary lifestyle. Look for missions to become just as important a spiritual rhythm as weekly worship and small groups... at least I hop so.