Ideas to encourage church members to widen their vision. It contains material on the role of the church, leadership, Bible study groups, planning, working within the community and maintaining the vision of the church.
To download a pdf version of the book, click here (1007K). To view the pages of the book in html format, follow the links below.
Objectives
To take a fresh look at the purpose of the church
To build understanding, based on biblical teaching, of the role of the church in combining the role of preaching the good news with practical involvement in the lives of the poor
To ... More >> |
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To many people the word ‘church’ means a large building where Christians meet. To Christians it usually means the place where they meet with other believers to worship God. This may be in a home, a school, a church or under a tree. The word means bot... More >> |
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At the start of his ministry, Jesus read a passage from Isaiah 61:1-2 in a synagogue. The passage described the work of the Redeemer in preaching good news, freeing captives, giving sight to the blind and bringing justice to those who were oppressed.... More >> |
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Work in small groups and think about our own church. Describe what our church is like, using a picture or symbol. Draw this inside a large circle on a big sheet of paper. Then share together and explain what the drawings mean. You could also use a ro... More >> |
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Jesus was very clear, from his example and his words, that serving the Kingdom of God means more than just preaching. Through his example and through his teaching, he challenges us not just to talk about our faith, but to put it into action by caring... More >> |
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Jesus often met with ordinary, often poor and uneducated, people. He valued them, loved them despite their sin and understood their deepest needs and longings. Even more amazing is that he trusted them, and others like them, to do his work. Nothing h... More >> |
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Jesus had compassion for people with all kinds of needs, including disability, sickness, ignorance and injustice. Churches, too, should be willing to help meet all kinds of needs. Though our church may have few financial resources, it has people will... More >> |
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People often choose strong individuals with influence and wealth for leadership positions. Leadership involves taking responsibility for decisions that involve other people. It means making difficult decisions that may involve risk. Leaders who can e... More >> |
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The Bible gives many examples of how God provided leaders for his people. Jesus is the role model for all leaders. He had more power, wisdom and insight than any leader could hope for, yet his ministry was always one of service and encouragement. His... More >> |
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Just before Jesus began his ministry, he was led into the desert, where he took time to reflect and consider his role. He was tempted to abuse his great power as a leader, but chose instead to become a model of servant leadership.
Jesus never looke... More >> |
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Effective Christian leaders inspire their followers, encouraging them to develop as individual Christians and to put their faith into action. The most effective Christian leaders are usually those who take time to identify, support and inspire others... More >> |
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There is much emphasis on learning about biblical truths through preaching. However, there is also great value in studying the Bible in small groups. God does not need experts to help us make sense of the Bible. When people discover truth and new mea... More >> |
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We need to value and love people for themselves – seeing the image of God in them, no matter what their situation. We need to value what they have to share and their ability to understand their situations. We should give people confidence to look at ... More >> |
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People who are good listeners may also become good facilitators, able to lead others in discussion in small groups. Good facilitation is not easy. The facilitator’s work is to build the right atmosphere, to help each individual to participate and to ... More >> |
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Churches who want to respond to the real needs of their community as a whole, rather than as individuals, need to understand the common experiences and priorities of those who are suffering in the local community. Sometimes this may involve dealing w... More >> |
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Meet together as a whole church with community representatives to agree on the response to the community survey. Both church and community need to ‘own’ these decisions so people will remain committed to giving their support. Place people into small ... More >> |
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Active churches with members who share Christ’s love and compassion with their neighbours should have a positive impact on their community. We are called to be ‘salt and light’ in our communities, so our lives should be a good witness. Our actions sh... More >> |
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Good ideas need more than enthusiasm to be put into practice. It is easy to rush into new activities. The co-ordinating team needs to think carefully about what activities are planned, how to support this work, who will be needed, where to find the n... More >> |
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The church can build up and train people with skills to lead and teach church members. In the same way, members may be trained in practical skills, such as in health, water and sanitation, literacy, agriculture or engineering.
When a church wants t... More >> |
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Opportunities to learn together are important. Sometimes outside training is available. Churches may be able to help each other. Training can also be based around resource materials such as this guide. Bible study groups are another very good way of ... More >> |
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If a church is able to make a real difference in the life of a community, people will question why the church cares. Though the original aim may have been to reach out in love with practical support, one of the results is likely to be that people sta... More >> |
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A church that has little impact on its members will be unlikely to attract much attention. However a lively, growing church which has a challenging impact both on its members and the surrounding community, can expect to face all kinds of problems or ... More >> |
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A church should begin a new venture with real vision and a lot of support and enthusiasm among its members. As the work progresses, there will be encouragements and surprises, but also discouragements and problems. People may lose enthusiasm. Leaders... More >> |
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Is there ever such a thing as the perfect church? Everyone worshipping together in perfect harmony; continuously adding new members and discipling them; inspiring preaching and leadership; generous giving; a shining light both within the local commun... More >> |
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commission to give people a special piece of work, with the authority to carry it out
community people living in one local area, often with the same culture and similar interests
community ownership when local people take control and accept respo... More >> |
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Mobilising the communityThis is a PILLARS guide based on an exciting process of community mobilisation used in East Africa. The contents complement this guide and look in more detail at community surveys, gathering information, planning, and working ... More >> |
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