Podcast Episode #577
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The local church is responsible for engaging the community. Many churches today are declining because they are too inward focused. In today’s episode Thom and Sam discuss the basics of engaging the community and neighborhoods around the church.
A few episode highlights –
- The call to pastor a church is the call to pastor a community.
- Established churches can become busy with programs and get distracted from serving the community.
- If you are going to reach the community there needs to be an intentional plan.
- God honors churches that put prayer as a priority.
- The pastor needs to take the lead on inviting people.
The five key reasons are:
- Busyness with activities
- Lack of intentionality and priority
- Scarcity of tools
- No prayer about or for the community
- Leaders and members who fail to become an active part of the community
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:
Episode Sponsors
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Feedback
If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Becoming a Welcoming Church.
I observe and experience one other reason churches/people fail to reach out to the people of their community – Fear.
Yes, fear that they will come join the church and upset the apple cart.
Very relevant subject. I was challenged by it.
The goal is to reach our community and I agree with the 5 reasons listed, but I am not sure actual success looks like if they are accomplished. What is the litmus test to say “We’ve achieved the goal?” Is is numbers, finances, mission support or souls saved & disciples. I think we get caught up in the numbers game which leads us astray from the actual goal. So again, what is the actual goal to reach to say we’ve succeeded?
I am curious as to how you define “your community”.
Is it the immediate neighborhood around the church?
Is it your side of town?
Is it your zip code?
Is it a certain radius around the church?
I am guessing that it depends. 🙂
Our church is in a neighborhood, on the outskirts of a city of 25,000, in a county of 70,000