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Church Growth and Evangelism
The purpose of this section is to bring together what I feel are some of the best resources available on the subject of Church Growth and Evangelism for the Orthodox Church. Since there are very few books and publications written on this subject from an Orthodox perspective, most of the material gathered here will have a decidedly Protestant flavor. Hopefully this is just a temporary situation. However, this in no way detracts from the important information available in these publications. The key is to eat the fish, and spit out the bones!
Study the principles, learn them, adapt them, and then apply them.
If you know of any articles, books, websites, or other resources that would be of benefit to those who are interested in seeing the Orthodox Church, not just being planted in communities, but also growing there, please send me your suggestions.
Internet
- Orthodox Evangelism Courses: I recently came across what looks to be a very helpful website in regards to Orthodox Evangelism. It even offers online classes in the why's and how's of evangelism. It is a site produced by the Coptic Orthodox Church. Take a look at some of their articles and see if it might not be of some help to you
- Orthodox Mission Growth: The objective of this website is to disseminate information on effective growth programs and to report results from Missions and Churches that have tried (and evaluated) specific strategies (Webmaster: John Speckman)
- Faith Communities Today: This is the largest survey of congregations ever conducted in the United States. It is the most inclusive, officially sanctioned program of interfaith cooperation. The project was initiated to enhance the capacity of participating faith groups to conduct and use congregational research. This study is intended to provide a public profile of the heart and soul of religion in America - local congregations - at the beginning of a new millennium. 346 Orthodox parishes participated in this study.
- The INJOY Group: INJOY Ministries exists to partner with churches for maximum growth and effectiveness (ministry of Pastor John Maxwell)
- Barna Research Online: Strategic Information for Churches
- Mission and Evangelism article
- Ortho-growth Discussion: The purpose of this discussion list is to provide an open forum for Orthodox Christians to discuss the subject of Church Growth within an Orthodox context. It is a good place to ask questions, share ideas, and post relevant articles which would be of benefit to those wanting to read about how God is building up His Church around the world. Topics have included: Vision, Church Growth, Church Planting, Outreach Ideas, Suggestions for Books, Articles on Church Health and Growth, How to Develop Mission Statements, Lay Ministry, Outreach-oriented Bible Studies, etc. (Moderator – Brian Lehr)
- Theooze: Website discussing ministry to those living in today’s Postmodern culture.
- Resources Page from the Antiochian Orthodox Church Archdiocese
Conferences
- Boot Camp with Fr. John Reeves: Topics include developing vision and mission statement; clarifying core values; and assimilating people.
- Conference on Missions and Evangelism: Held twice per year, once in the States and once in Canada. Sponsored by the Antiochian Archdiocese. Contact Fr. John Finley for more information.
Books/Videos
- "The Resource Book for Orthodox Evangelism" by Fr. Constantine Nasr: Section One: Resources for Missions and Evangelism; Section Two: A Suggested Inquirer’s Class Outline; Section Three: Personal Journeys; Section Four: Church Organization and Stewardship
- "Bringing America to Orthodoxy: How to Begin and Sustain New Missions, and Expand Established Parishes" by Fr. Peter Gillquist: Manual that is used to help plant and establish new parishes in the Antiochian Archdiocese.
- Church Growth and Evangelization by Fr. John Matusiak
- "A Blueprint for Mission, Evangelization, and Church Growth" by Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff
- "Lost in America: How You and Your Church can Impact the World Next Door" by Tom Clegg and Warren Bird (Group Publishing): Important book explaining out the current culture we live in is so much different than that of previous years, and how we must learn this culture if we are to effectively minister to this generation.
- "Lay Ministers, Lay Disciples: Evangelizing Power in the Parish" by Susan Blum Gerding and Frank DeSiano (Paulist Press)
- "A User-Friendly Parish: Becoming a More Welcoming Community" by Judith Ann Kollar (23rd Publications)
- "St. Innocent, Apostle to America" by Paul D. Garrett (St Vladimir's Seminary Press)
- The Winning Welcome: Helping Church Newcomers Feel at Home" by Sharon Bushey (Beacon Hill Press): How to set up a Greeters/Doorkeepers Ministry
- "A Church for the 21st Century: Bringing Change to Your Church to Meet the Challenges of a Changing Society" by Leith Anderson (Bethany House Publishers)
- "The Magnetic Fellowship: Reaching and Keeping People" by Larry Weeden, ed., Leadership Library (Word Books)
- "Understanding Church Growth (Donald McGavran)
- "The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message or Mission" by Rick Warren (Zondervan Publishing House)
- "Oriented Leadership: Why Every Christian Needs It" by Benjamin Williams and Michael McKibben (Orthodox Christian Publications Center)
- "Orthodox Evangelism" video series by Frank Schaeffer
- "Where’s a Good Church: Canadians Respond from the Pulpit, Podium and Pew" by Donald C. Posterski and Irwin Barker (Wood Lake Books): Does for Canada what the Hartford Institute Survey does for the States - "Who Goes to Church?" "Why People Like Their Churches" "Why People Leave Their Churches" "Cultural Shifts in Canada"
- "Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model for Church and Ministry Leaders" by Aubrey Malphurs (Baker Book House)
- "Developing the Leader Within You" by John C. Maxwell (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Ideas for Outreach
- Visitor Sunday
- Home Bible Studies
- Dessert Fellowship
- Food Bank
- Marriage Encounter
- 12 Steps Program
- Single’s Ministry
- Young Adult’s Ministry
- Men’s/Women’s Ministry
- Senior/Youth/Children’s Ministry
- Perogy Supper
- Bookstore
- Advertising (yellow pages, newspaper, billboards)
- Prison Ministry
- Guest Speaker’s Series
- Annual Inquirer’s Classes
- ALPHA Ministry
- Campus Ministry
- Second Language Classes
- Mom’s Morning Out
- Summer Fair/Cultural Festival
- Deaf Ministry
Let me know what ideas have worked in your parish. I'll include them here.