Yesterday I wrote about leadership development using the phrase: “missional inreach.” The phrase may sound strange to our ears, because it connects missional with internal church dynamics. I believe there is a sense in which missional outreach efforts begin with and are based on effective missional inreach efforts. The church which honors God’s purpose and plan, develops Christ-followers (Christians) and disciples based on biblical teaching, shares the word of God, is organized biblically, is led by spiritual leaders, with the ability to support and encourage one another in faith, fellowship and family….this kind of church characterized by effective missional inreach is the vessel through which God can work most effectively for missional outreach.
Latin American churches in most places are sharing the word of God in ways that put the US church to shame. Home Bible studies, studies with friends and family, entire denominational church groups taught the way of the Lord more perfectly, contacts with co-workers, meeting people on buses, in neighborhoods and in sometimes unimaginable ways. If there is a lack, it is the lack of evangelism skills by those in the pew (as also in the US). The Latin American preachers see their task as evangelism and share the word almost daily through the contacts and visitors made possible by the church members. The preachers preach evangelistically, and not merely pastorally (actually, their preaching addresses both dynamics!). Their preaching is fresh and vibrant, urgent and relevant, seeking to share the very essence and heart of the gospel.
A tool for helping members develop evangelistic teaching skills is available through the series: “En Busca de la Verdad.” These eight lessons can easily be used by any Christian to share the gospel. The materials are linked on my Spanish Index Page. More information, including information about training seminars, is available by contacting me.