Pillar 6. Reach the Lost
(evangelist/bringer)
a. FMC is committed to taking our next steps towards Christ together as evangelists
b. FMC is a church committed to an exponential growth paradigm through Christ-centered evangelism
c. FMC identifies & develops people who gather others and introduce them to the person/words/works of Jesus
d. FMC intentionally chooses greeters with this talent; FMC greets new people & walks alongside them
e. FMC has a brand that is easily recognizable & conjures a response of trust, peace, love, grace, & warmth
f. FMC procures platforms such as a texting service and other avenues that allow for an easy and safe plug in
g. FMC develops an evangelism curriculum offered regularly to help people continue to cultivate this talent
h. FMC does not use the cool or hot thing of the day; rather, it focuses on being authentic, genuine, ordinary, and real
Reformed [ECO] Theological Tenets
ECO Tenets, The clearest declaration of God’s glory is found in His Word, both incarnate and written. The Son eternally proceeds from the Father as His Word, the full expression of the Father’s nature, and since in the incarnation the Word became flesh all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are offered to His disciples. The written Word grants us those treasures, proclaims the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, and graciously teaches all that is necessary for faith and life.
We glorify God by recognizing and receiving His authoritative self- revelation, both in the infallible Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and also in the incarnation of God the Son. We affirm that the same Holy Spirit who overshadowed the virgin Mary also inspired the writing and preservation of the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit testifies to the authority of God’s Word and illumines our hearts and minds so that we might receive both the Scriptures and Christ Himself aright.
We are not elect for our own benefit alone. God gathers His covenant community to be an instrument of His saving purpose. Through His regenerating and sanctifying work, the Holy Spirit grants us faith and enables holiness, so that we may be witnesses of God’s gracious presence to those who are lost. The Spirit gathers us in a community that is built up and equipped to be light, salt, and yeast in the world. Christ sends us into the world to make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that Christ has commanded us. We are now in service to God’s plan for the fullness of time: uniting all things in heaven and earth to Himself. To this end, we preach Christ, calling all persons to repent and believe the gospel.
Will all men, then, be saved through Christ as they became lost through Adam?
A. No. Only those who, by true faith, are incorporated into him and accept all his benefits.
Since there is no other way of salvation than that revealed in the gospel, and since in the divinely established and ordinary method of grace faith cometh by hearing the Word of God, Christ hath commissioned his Church to go into all the world and to make disciples of all nations. All believers are, therefore, under obligation to sustain the ordinances of the Christian religion where they are already established, and to contribute by their prayers, gifts, and personal efforts to the extension of the Kingdom of Christ throughout the whole earth.
Recommended Books
Venues to Implement this Pillar
1. Leverage church outreach events
2. Consider family members, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and those you come across in your everyday ordinary life.
3. Work with other pillars, such as fellowship, to foster opportunities for evangelism
Platforms & Exercises to Develop this Pillar
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Read the Four Mile Brand guide
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Go to a local WalMart, Aldi, or coffee shop and strike up a conversation with 2-3 strangers about any topic
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Pair up with someone else in this pillar and practice sharing the Gospel message with each other
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Pair up and pray with someone else about your calling to reach the lost
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Discuss fears you may have about sharing the Gospel message with someone else
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Discuss the biggest obstacles we all face to sharing the Good News of Christ with those we know and those we've just met.
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In 1 page or less, write out what Jesus means to you
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In 1 page or less, write out your testimony
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Review Four Mile operating documents so you know what we believe as a church
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Go to another church one Sunday and act like a stranger to see if anyone tries to reach out to you - note the fears and apprehensions you may experience going to a new place of worship.
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Invite someone to a FMC event or worship service
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Read the Heidelberg Catechism