Outreach or In-drag

Churches offer many 'in-drag' events in the guise of 'out-reach'. But they are not, in most cases. Usually  they are simply in-drag with bait. And usually not a very good bait at that.

But I think the Seventh Day Adventists have an approach that is worth considering (not their crazy theology, of course). That is offering something of value to people in the community. They run 'courses' in quitting smoking and handling anxiety. Both commendable efforts (unless you are a tobacconist or pharmacist, of course).

That might work in some communities, but not others.

One things that Christians should be good at is communication (spoken word, I mean, because they are not usually that good at other media). So courses in personal communication in different contexts: for example, in formal meetings, giving presentations, on in manager-team relationships. The latter should be worthwhile in any locations where there is a sizable proportion of people in business or the professions.

Such course could be aimed at particular age-groups, or not, but to offer them, for a small fee, of course, with 'concessions' easily granted, could be of general interest and service.

The courses would be designed in terms of what we know about the ethos of communication we see in the Bible, and the personal attitudes and challenges that become important.

I'll see what I can do about this with a course on 'Leading People' that I'm developing.

The challenge for the church is to move people down the discipling 'funnel' from 'contact' (through some form of outreach or indrag event) to 'engage' (perhaps a course related to Christian faith or children at youth  group, etc..), to 'integrated'. This last stage is marked by regular attendance and participation at some level, and is the precursor to 'discipleship and service'. Which could be just 'service' to keep down the language temperature.