Outreach: Overview

Relational Community Outreach
The goal of Relational Community Outreach is to build and stregthen the body of Christ by addressing the relevant relational needs of our changing culture. Life is about relationship. God designed us in his own image as relational beings to relate first to himself and then to others. Nothing reaches so deeply into the human personality or tugs so tightly at our emotional and spiritual health as relationship. However, today's culture presents many challenges that threaten our call to enjoy loving relationship with each other. Relational Community Outreach will address the relational challenges of everyday life and provide knowledge, understanding and practical application for healthy, fulfilling relationships. This Ministry will serve to nurture and cultivate healthy relationships and to support and encourage those in crisis. The offerings will incude such topics as marriage, parenting, friendship, intimacy, divorce, communication, grief, leadership, conflict, discipline, and many others. As almost every experience in life has a relational component, the list is endless. Relational Community Outreach offerings will be based on the integration of psychology and theology and will be firmly rooted in biblical principles. The following formats will serve as the primary vehicles through which this ministry will address the relational needs of the community:

Relationship courses taught by counselors and other professionals with expertise in their field. These classes will be offered at a designated location in the community.
Small discussion groups offered at the conclusion of each course series with the goal of further integration of course material and community building among class members.
Stand-alone study groups led by trained facilitators will follow and discuss designated material addressing relevant relationship topics. These groups will provide encouragement and additional insight gained from shared experience.

Evangelical Component for the New Church Plant....A Back Door to the Church �Throw your net on the right side of the boat and see what happens." John 21:6

As the new church "goes fishing" with Christ, they may find that the traditional approaches to evangelism may not bring in the non believers. Relational Ministry is one ways of "throwing our net on the other side" that we may bring in a full net for his glory.

The bait�.Addressing relevant relational issues of today
In the new church setting, this ministry offers a significant evangelical opportunity to build and strengthen the church body. As studies have indicated, people today are crying out for the church to be relevant to their everyday needs. Relationship issues are universal. However, those who do not yet have a relationship with Christ would typically not seek a Bible Study or worship service to address these issues.
The hook�.Finding Christ at the core of relationship issues
This program serves as a back door into the church. The integration of psychology and theology forms the foundation for all courses and discussion groups. As the people come, seeking help in their everyday relationship challenges, they will not only receive sound practical advice from professionals in their field, but they will also be led to the ultimate healer, Christ, and discover the difference he makes.
The net�Connecting and moving toward Christ and each other in community
Small groups are an integral part of this program. As it is possible to attend a class for many weeks and leave without knowing or being known by another person, this aspect of the program is crucial. This is truly the �net� opportunity to bring people into the church body. As they connect and begin to build authentic relationship, they will be drawn to each other and to Christ, building spiritual community.

Go on to Outreach: How To Start

Last Modified 8/9/05 5:07 PM

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