Q5. Do we reach out and draw others into the Calvary community?

People are brought to faith in Jesus Christ and involvement in His church through the Holy Spirit and our witness. We must connect with Christians, seekers, the unchurched and non-believers to welcome them into our membership and to provide them with a path for discovery of an active Christian faith.

Personal invitation is the most powerful way of reaching new people. 80% of new members join as the result of invitations from our members. The recent addition of an evangelism pastor and the implementation of programs that equip our members to become more intentional in evangelism are accelerating our growth.

New members come to us directly through worship experiences, programs, and community awareness. There are many paths for those who are unfamiliar with Calvary to find us. Mature Christians who are new to our community frequently find us through our Lutheran denomination and Christian reputation. Those who may have been active in a church at some point in their lives, but are not currently attending, may begin their involvement by enrolling their children in our education and childcare programs.

New Christians and seekers who are looking for spiritual and personal development may find us through Alpha. Others may be searching for a new meaning in their lives and are attracted to opportunities for community or global service. Youth may bring their families and friends as a result of connecting through our teen programs.

People may be introduced to Calvary through our monthly newsletter, musical events, our web site, and special services during lent and the holidays. Our evangelism program follows up with all that actively participate in our programs to encourage further participation.

Believers and non-believers alike are attracted to our support programs. Christians, as well as those who do not know Christ at all, encounter personal difficulties. They may join a program for direction and personal support when they are dealing with change, loneliness, and stress. Relationships with Calvary members during their time of need provide a witness to God's love, encouragement and the invitation to membership.

A hospitality ministry welcomes and embraces visitors. Research indicates that it only takes 10 minutes for people to form their first impression of a church. We train our members to reach out to all that attend our services with a welcome and direction. Visitors are encouraged to fill out attendance cards and meet with a pastor after the service. A visitor follow-up program includes a personal contact by a pastor who develops a relationship to discover needs and concerns. Visitors are invited to enjoy meals before and after various services to learn more about our church community and to meet our members. Our evangelism program is structured to reach out to all that actively participate in our programs to encourage full membership.

Early participation in a program provides a path for new members. Many base their decision for membership on how they were welcomed during and after their first visit to Calvary. Listening and connecting them with a meaningful program is vital.

Entry into a program starts with a relevant relationship. Children's ministry is often the one with which new members become involved first. We focus on both children's needs and the needs of the parents at this point of entry. Alpha participants frequently choose to continue their newfound relationships as a small group after they complete the program.

With so many options for service and participation to choose from, new members are encouraged to match their gifts with opportunities. Our Gifts Discovery ministry is available for members to help them discover their talents and apply them to specific ministries. Mentors are assigned to help them get involved.

When people connect socially it often leads to faith development and service participation. Fellowship ministries are available for all age groups and lifestyles including families, singles, youth and seniors.

Adult baptism is growing. A key result of these efforts is an increase in adults coming to Christ. People are finding a new meaning in life through Calvary and are receiving the sacrament of baptism during our worship services. This public action not only reinforces our own members'baptismal covenant but also encourages others who may be seeking a path to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

Strategic Imperative #5: Equip our members to invite people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and enhance the path for new member involvement.

next, Strategic Assessment - Question 6 and Answer

Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley
7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley Minnesota 55427 [see map]
Telephone: 763.545.5659 | Fax: 763.545.6953

Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m.; 8:45 a.m.; 10:00 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.;
Thursday Worship: 6:30 p.m.

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