Part 2 – Reaching New People
In the midst of trying to stay connected to the membership of our congregation, we must not forget or neglect those in our community who STILL need to hear the Gospel unto salvation and know that there is a church that cares about them. The Great Commission is still our mandate to Go and Make Disciples. The needs of those in our community without Christ or a church home, are similar to those in our church. Let’s not lose focus on the Main Thing. Besides, what our church probably needs more than anything is fresh perspective from new people. Also, new people know other people who may need Christ or need a class or group to minister and care for them.
Whenever your church begins re-engaging your classes or groups back on campus, or, into regular, weekly meetings, make sure you have a plan to reach out and connect new people. Let’s face it, maybe your classes or groups have become complacent or comfortable. This might be a great time to offer an opportunity to “mix things up”. Invite some new people. Take a chance and start a new group, join a different group or try a different time or location.
Here are three tips to make it happen when you re-engage your class or group.
- Make a list – Make a list of people that you and the members of your group know that are not connected to a church or small group. Collect contact information for each person.
- Pray for them weekly – Engage your class in praying for those people BY NAME every week. Ask God to speak to their heart about their relationship with you. Ask God to work in your life to connect with them in some way.
- Invite them – Why not invite these new people to join you as you re-engage your class or group? It is a great time to connect new people. The worst that could happen is they say no.
- Continue to pray and connect – Some people just need to know that you really care. If you do, then continue to call, email, text and visit. After a while, it may become apparent that they would rather you didn’t contact them so much. If so, just back off a little and continue to pray and focus more on those who are open to your contact. God’s timing is ALWAYS perfect.
Is it worth the time and energy to reach out, connect with new people and invite them to be a part of your class or group? Yes, Yes, Yes. It’s worth it. Need more ideas?
Join us on Monday, August 10th and Tuesday August 11th, for Louisiana Baptists’ first ever Digital ReGroup Conference. Not only will this be a timely message for those who lead the Sunday School and/or Small Group Ministry in their church, but ESPECIALLY for all those who lead a class or small group every week. We need to prepare these wonderful lay people who have the responsibility of making disciples through their class or small group for the New Normal.
We are asking you to commit to one hour. Below, you will see the schedule and the people who can help us understand the opportunities and challenges we face for the next few weeks and months. The webcast is free. All you have to do is register and watch (registration will open mid-July). If you can’t participate in the live webcast, you can view it online. The recording will be available by Friday, August 14th on our website at LouisianaBaptists.org/ReGroup20Recap.
Here is the Digital ReGroup schedule:
- Pastors/Staff/Key Ministry Leaders – Monday, August 10th, 6:00-7:00 PM
With Special Guests Steve Bennett, Pastor, First, Moss Bluff, Matt Endris, Pastor, Fairview, Coushatta and Sean Keith, Sunday School/Discipleship Strategist, Louisiana Baptists
- Adult Leaders – Monday, August 10th, 7:30–8:30 PM
Special Guest David Apple, Adult Ministry Consultant, Nashville, TN, and Jeff Ingram, Adult Ministry & Church Administration Strategist, Louisiana Baptists
- Preschool/Children’s Leaders – Tuesday, August 11th, 6:00-7:00 PM
Special Guest, Mark Jones, Children’s Pastor, Quail Springs, Oklahoma City, OK and David Anderson, Children’s Strategist, Louisiana Baptists
- Student Leaders – Tuesday, August 11th, 7:30-8:30 PM
Special Guests Blake Lewis, Middle School Pastor, First, Haughton; Ray McCon, Minister to Students, Walker, Walker and Brandon Lewis, Youth Strategist, Louisiana Baptists.
Mark these dates and times on your calendar and make every effort to join us live.
