Possibly the hardest part of church planting is to successfully develop transformative communities out of people who were far from God. It starts by getting to know them.
We have planted churches in unchurched communities. Very soon, in two different communities I am remembering right now, two or three other church plants suddenly appeared from other denominations. These newcomers spent much of their time evangelizing the people who were frequenting our church, explaining their version of right and wrong. It is easier to engage in a theological discussion with a new believer than with an unbeliever, and especially if you come in with superior knowledge. Often a codependent relationship starts. The great teacher needs to be great, and the new believers need this person to tell them what to believe and how to behave. They both need each other. If the great teacher quits coming it is very likely the dependant church will quit meeting.
So how do we engage unbelievers and young Christians so they will connect directly to Jesus, resulting in transformed lives and transformed communities? It starts by finding teachable people who want to learn to connect directly to God, and who want to help others learn to do the same.
Lessons from Jesus
1. We eat from the Tree of Life.
We frequently spend quality time with God.
And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever” (Genesis 3:22).
And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die (John 11:26a)
2. We do not judge others.
We move away from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:1,2).
3. Who wants us around?
These are our people. Here we invest our pearls and sacred treasure.
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6).
4. Wolves like lambs.
Lambs are not scary. The wolves have the power. We spend quality time with Jesus every day to build up our superpowers which come through as mercy, empathy, and compassion.
Luke 10: 3 “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
5. Get out of God’s way.
We don’t have to know the answers. We share God with our friends, share how it works for us, and then we step aside.
John 6:45a “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’”
Summary
1. Spend time with Jesus. Feel His heart for the lost.
2. All people are created in God’s image. Feel the pain of their wounds.
3. Some people around you would love to be your friend. Find these people and share your pearls of wisdom and your sacred treasure.
4. Look for wolves. Do not be afraid to enter the dragon’s den to get the gold. Start with a prayer for direction, and then take the first step of obedience.
5. Once you find these people work to connect them to directly to God without your presence.
QUESTION: Have you had any success in engaging unbelievers that ended up with a transformed community?
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