“For All Its Intended Purpose,
Easter Outreach No Longer Works.”




By C. Michael Johnson and Tom Bowers

Is this the prevailing picture of Easter outreach in the US today? So much effort paraded out that day, so little to show for it the next. Could we be doing something wrong? Are we missing keys that could transform our impact on this high day of the year when so many people turn their eyes toward the church?

We think so..

We believe the difference is found in the difference between outreach and withreach, a difference so profound it can change everything we do, but so simple and illuminating it can even effect today...the way you see your community, your mission... even the way you approach your next staff meeting or the next conversation with a friend.

Sound ambitious? Maybe. But let’s begin the conversation.

First a few promises. If we do our jobs well, you will come away from this article with...

The answer to... Why Easter Outreach No Longer Works.

In fact, you’ll see why most outreach no longer works.

5 reasons most outreach efforts are doomed from the start.

A clear definition of withreach.

Three primary missing elements, based in the heart of God, that can transform every outreach effort.

7 benchmarks of multiplication growth, a more meaningful way to measure success.

Why Easter is the best time not to do outreach (but a great time to do the unexpected... something truly remarkable).

Your Most Important Easter Checklist: 18 Factors That Will Really Impact Easter.

We’ll also show you how to begin to form the kind of long-term, integrated cityreaching plan that can even impact next month.

But what’s your experience with outreach?

Do you draw a crowd one week, but have empty chairs the next?

Are you really reaching the Unchurched, or mostly the recycled?

Do you attract some, but find it difficult to compel the attention of many?

Do you have a good flow of newcomers, but sense they view your church the way they’ve viewed every other past church experience?

Have you seen limited success with certain efforts, but feel it’s been “hit and miss” overall?

Do you ever wonder if God ever meant to departmentalise in-reach, out-reach, up-reach, and friendship?

Do you want to draw new people into a transforming relationship from the very first contact?

Do you long for a way to see discipleship become passionately self-motivated?

Do you desire to reach people in a way that strongly establishes an integration faith and life?

Do you want to shorten the time span between first contact with people and seeing them activated in their calling?

Do you desire to widen the circle and influence of your church and affect significant impact in your community?

What do you want to invest the next 10-20 years of your life to...safe, incremental growth, or something truly remarkable? After all, if you really think about it, doesn’t counting sheep put you to sleep?



-- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Withreach defined. Maybe Easter outreach no longer works because outreach no longer works.

-----See a quick comparison of outreach and withreach values >

So what about Easter? The high day of the year when the community turns to the Church is not a time to be invisible.

The Most Important Easter Checklist: 18 Factors That Really Impact Easter.

National Ministry Partners

Breakthrough Media
Neighborhood Connections
Mindstorm Idea Forum

Print Full Article
Subscribe free to every issue of Mindstorm
Read available past issues of Mindstorm

Easter Cityreach 2008