OUTREACH & EVANGELISM

"...go out into the roads and lanes and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled." (Luke 14:23)


Current Team Leaders:  Mary Etta Sage & Linda Kent                                                    Contact email: dhklsk@aol.com

 

INTRODUCTION:

The word "outreach" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word for "stretching out." We use the term to express reaching out to others, including prospective new members, from all walks of life, race or class.

WHAT WE ARE CALLED TO DO:

The Kingdom Vision of Derbyshire commissions us to share our faith clearly, boldly and expansively. Inviting others into our fellowship is not a new idea, nor is it a separate concept from the rest of Derbyshire's values. In fact, it overlaps and is integrated with everything we do. We target the value of outreach and evangelism to specifically emphasize, energize and coordinate our other efforts in the church and community.

The work of only a few, however, is not enough; outreach needs to be bred into the culture of our congregation. We have stated that this is our value, and now we need to act - for "faith without works is dead" (James 2:1-3). This reminder of where we stand in our responsibilities as Christians, as well as a plan for keeping us on track, is what the Kingdom Vision plan addresses. It is meant to revitalize and organize more efficient ways of attracting, following up with and assimilating others into the Kingdom of God.

SUPPORT FOR THE CORE VALUES:

Our worship & music ministries are one of the major entry points for visitors to be introduced to our church and to our faith. Missions reaches out to others for the purpose of evangelism; for speaking of Christ through actions and words; and offering help for physical and spiritual needs. When we reach out, we invite folks into our faith community - to integrate them into the Derbyshire family. Faith development begins with outreach and evangelism, as someone is introduced to God, and then begins a lifetime of growth. Efforts take resources - generosity - to carry out a plan of action and systematic method of reaching out to other in the community. This overlap of other ministry areas helps ensure that no one falls through the cracks in reaching them for Christ.