Let's intentionalize our evangelism again!
Advertising...
A Cooperative of United Methodist congregations in the greater St. Louis area have received a $30,000 matching grant from the General Board of Communications to run "Igniting Ministry" television ads the first two weeks of September during network TV prime-time and news segments. Grace Church is part of the cooperative, which includes over 30 congregations in Missouri and Illinois. These ads will complement nationally-run 'commercials' on Cable Television stations. For the fall Igniting Ministry Campaign, and as part of our 110th Anniversary celebration, we will place new banners on Skinker Blvd. and in our vestibule areas. We will step up our advertising in local newspapers, including the Washington University Student News.Inviting… These additional ads typically only help solidify people's decisions to come to our church. The rest is up to us. It is time again now for you to make your own 'FRAN list' of people to whom you will reach out and invite to church. Make lists of Friends whom you will bring to worship or some other event. Relatives of yours who are not active in any congregation. Associates from work or volunteer organizations in which you participate these people, invite them to worship or a church activity, pick them up and bring them to church with you. Introduce them to others when they are here. Neighbors to whom you can reach out Pray for these people, invite them to worship or a church activity, pick them up and bring them to church with you. Introduce them to others when they are here.
Greeting and Welcoming...
80% of new first-time visitors will decide whether to come back within the first eight minutes of arrival- before they hear a sermon or a choir anthem- based on how warmly they were noticed and received. Volunteer to be a door greeter. Call Lucrecia Culberson (721-5429) to volunteer. Always introduce yourself to anyone who is new to you, whether before or after worship. Orienting and Enfolding New Visitors…. We have a two week orientation classes the from time to time. Encourage new visitors to attend. In addition, just answer their questions! Assimilating… After new persons join our church, it is important that we include them in small group activities matching their needs and interests. Invite them to your group! Sign up with Marie Darden to be a 'Grace Friend.' Grace Friends are matched to new members, with the understanding that they will make a special effort to get to know that new person and help them connect to others.
Discipling…
Our church evangelism efforts extend to every one of us. Do you desire to develop more maturity in your Christian faith? Do you want God to help you mature as a leader in the congregation? Join a Sunday School Class, Men's or Women's group, or new Companions in Christ group, or attend a Walk to Emmaus. If you are looking for a small group opportunity, come mingle with others as we form new groups.
New Web Pages for Justice through the Church…
Missouri IMPACT: www.moimpact.org
Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA):
Race, Class and The Education of Every Child: Organizing Civic Capacity for Action March 7-8, 2003 from the Hager-Holloway Forum