by Steve Cordle
Developing an outward-oriented mindset in our groups and churches may be simpler –and maybe harder — than we think.
Knowing that the older a church gets the less outwardly-focused it tends to be, I once asked Larry Kreider “From your experience, what are the keys to keeping a church fired up about evangelism?”
He replied, “You don’t really want to know.”
“Sure, I do”, I said.
“Well,” he said, “the churches which stay strong in evangelism have pastors who are evangelistic.”
Larry was saying it was the heart of the leader that mattered most, not a program or practice.
Jesus said, “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40)
As leaders, it is sobering to realize that our groups and churches are becoming a little more like us everyday. So the first place to look for the key to vital outreach is in our hearts. Is my heart increasingly reflecting Jesus’ passion for the lost? Am I personally connecting with preChristians? Am I praying specifically for a few people I know? If so, it is likely my group, my staff, and my church, will be doing the same.
Ouch!