South Texas will grow by over 600,000 people over the next four years. Population will climb from 6,091,795 people to 6,696,291 people.
How can we bring the Gospel to all who live with no hope in the living Savior, Jesus? Is the challenge impossible? Is the task too great?
Jesus said in Luke 10:2, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Jesus wants us to ask for workers.
What if 10% of everyone who worships in an Area C LCMS congregation steps up to be trained as Missional Worker? That would be over 1600 people.
What if each of those people recruited 3-5 people to become Missional workers after the one-year training? That would result in up to 8000 people reaching out into neighborhoods, schools, nursing homes, moms groups, work-places and more. What if those 8,000 people raised up 3-5 more workers each? Do you realize that in 3-5 years 40,000 people in South Texas could be reaching nearly half a million people with the love of Jesus Christ--reaching people we may have never imagined reaching with the Gospel?
What if the Lord of the harvest sends workers? What if God's people unleash a movement of mission that saturates our state with the transforming news of Christ crucified and risen?
In Luke 10:3 Jesus said, "Go! I am sending you!"
If you're interested in Missional Worker Training, go to www.missionalworker.org.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Profiles of Missional Workers
What is a missional worker?
Elsa was a resident in a senior housing center. After receiving communion from her pastor for a few months during monthly visits, she asked him if she could invite others from the housing center to join her for worship in her apartment. The pastor agreed. Soon, ten people were gathering with her for worship each month. Elsa asked the pastor if they could move to the chapel and invite more friends. The pastor happily agreed. Elsa publicized the gathering, made personal invitations, and recruited friends to spread the word. It didn't take long until two-dozen people were worshipping. Residents volunteered for music ministry, ushering, and serving on the altar guild. People were confessing their faith and taking new steps to follow Christ. A satellite church was born--from the zeal of a missional worker.
Jo Ann was passionate about reaching people who were suffering. After some training she launched a "care network." She recruited people to give rides, help with yardwork, cook meals, and send cards to people in need. It didn't take long before hundreds of people were involved. They were reaching thousands for Christ. The card ministry alone transformed the lives of young and old, single people and families. The love of Jesus was spreading far and wide--because a missional worker was sent into action.
Mike wanted to reach 20-something young men. Too many, he noticed were overlooked by the church. Too many were distracted by other things. After some training and sending, Mike invited seven young men to get together with him twice each month so they could talk about life. Five agreed. Every Tuesday evening from 9-11, Mike met with the guys in a local bar--that's where they wanted to gather. They used the time to get to know each other and to talk about what really mattered. Mike made his way into their lives as a friend and helper--in the name of Jesus.
Vianey wanted desperately to reach the children in her neighborhood with Jesus. After going to her pastor for training and support, she began a ministry for children in her home. The outreach developed into ministry to the moms and older siblings as well. Groups meet at her house three times each week to study, sing, fellowship, and serve. Vianey is now taking classes to become a deaconess!
Are you a missional worker? Do you know one? Go to www.missionalworker.org for more information.
Elsa was a resident in a senior housing center. After receiving communion from her pastor for a few months during monthly visits, she asked him if she could invite others from the housing center to join her for worship in her apartment. The pastor agreed. Soon, ten people were gathering with her for worship each month. Elsa asked the pastor if they could move to the chapel and invite more friends. The pastor happily agreed. Elsa publicized the gathering, made personal invitations, and recruited friends to spread the word. It didn't take long until two-dozen people were worshipping. Residents volunteered for music ministry, ushering, and serving on the altar guild. People were confessing their faith and taking new steps to follow Christ. A satellite church was born--from the zeal of a missional worker.
Jo Ann was passionate about reaching people who were suffering. After some training she launched a "care network." She recruited people to give rides, help with yardwork, cook meals, and send cards to people in need. It didn't take long before hundreds of people were involved. They were reaching thousands for Christ. The card ministry alone transformed the lives of young and old, single people and families. The love of Jesus was spreading far and wide--because a missional worker was sent into action.
Mike wanted to reach 20-something young men. Too many, he noticed were overlooked by the church. Too many were distracted by other things. After some training and sending, Mike invited seven young men to get together with him twice each month so they could talk about life. Five agreed. Every Tuesday evening from 9-11, Mike met with the guys in a local bar--that's where they wanted to gather. They used the time to get to know each other and to talk about what really mattered. Mike made his way into their lives as a friend and helper--in the name of Jesus.
Vianey wanted desperately to reach the children in her neighborhood with Jesus. After going to her pastor for training and support, she began a ministry for children in her home. The outreach developed into ministry to the moms and older siblings as well. Groups meet at her house three times each week to study, sing, fellowship, and serve. Vianey is now taking classes to become a deaconess!
Are you a missional worker? Do you know one? Go to www.missionalworker.org for more information.
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