Seminars encourage community involvement
Filed Under: District, evangelism, seminar
In an effort to help congregations get involved in their communities and gain more opportunities to spread the gospel, WELS Commission on Evangelism is coordinating "Connecting to Communities" seminars to be held throughout the districts beginning in September. This is the fifth in a six-part series on what congregations should consider when developing a plan to reach the unchurched.
"As a church our prime purpose in this world is to lead people to Jesus," says Rev. Michael Hintz, administrator of the Commission on Evangelism. "At the same time, by doing acts of Christian service—showing the love of Christ in a very practical way—we may gain a greater audience for the gospel."
The Saturday-morning seminars are hosted by a congregation and other churches in the area are encouraged to attend. Before the seminar concludes, participants will plan a year of activities in their local congregations.
This year's seminar will focus on helping churches build bridges with people in their communities. Previous seminars have covered topics like the relationship between worship and outreach, locating and nurturing prospects, and new member assimilation.
"I liked the last seminar so much that I adapted it for a Sunday morning Bible class, too," says Rev. Steven Pagels, a member of the Southeastern Wisconsin District Commission on Evangelism and outreach pastor at St. John, Wauwatosa, Wis.
Pagels says he is looking forward to this year's seminars because his congregation is already doing some community activities—like hosting a Red Cross blood drive and serving meals at the local Ronald McDonald house—but there has never really been a plan. "I think this is something we're getting better at—recognizing that we’re part of a community and that there are things we can do to create a positive identity in the community," he says.
More than 30 seminars have already been scheduled in six districts through the beginning of next year. For more information about the seminars, or to register online, visit www.wels.net/jump/conncomm
