Each January EFCA CONNECT sponsors a mission leaders’ network for local church mission leaders. Ellen Livingood, President & Director of Catalyst Services was the keynote speaker. In attendance, there were about 40 mission leaders from across the US. This event is open for one mission leader from each of the EFCA churches so potentially, we could have hundreds more attending. This three-day event is held annually in January at varying locations. Contact me for further information for next year.
The topic on day one was “Missions Messaging for New Generations.” There are three essential missions’ messages:
- One priority – disciples. God wants to make disciples everywhere.
- One way – Jesus. People can only find new life through Jesus.
- One goal – His Church. The church is exploding around the world. God is at work.
A couple of reflection questions to ask:
- Which of these essential messages are embraced by our congregation?
- Could any of these messages be more fully embodied in our congregation?
- In what context could we present these messages and help our people wrestle with their implications?
Ellen Livingood says that there are two premises:
- Appropriate messaging is more important than ever.
- Even the most powerful messages are sabotaged by lack of personal relevance.
A couple of reflection questions to ask:
- What was the most effective recent missions’ message in your church?
- What kind of message will engage and empower our congregations?
- What percentage of our congregation would you consider passionate about missions?
Ellen Livingood estimated that most churches are as described below –
- 5% – Passionate about missions
- 20% – Nominally supportive of missions
- 75% – Uninvolved/Uninterested in missions
There are many reasons why people are nominally supportive or uninvolved/uninterested in missions but messaging is definitely one factor that is often overlooked.
A recent survey showed that only 83% of church goers don’t know what the Great Commission is! What are we going to do about it? Discuss in your church what you need to do to present a relevant message.
Blessings,