Our church offers ESL (English as a Second Language) classes without charge. We have over 150 enrolled from 20+ countries. We are on a major university campus and many are spouses of internationals at the University.
We do not present the gospel in the ESL classes but do "advertise" a bi-annual International Friendship Banquet (attended by 200+), special events, Vacation Bible School, and an International SS Class. Over the past 30 years we have seen many come to ESL who later came to Christ and are solid believers -- some even now missionaries to their countries of origin.
Our approach is deliberate yet we realize it is the Lord that has given the increase.
As an elder and pastor I wrestle with what we decide to do and the spiritual propriety of our approach. For me, it is the responsibility of church leadership to exercise wisdom and their convictions. No two churches need come to identical convictions to be honoring to the Lord.
Steve I think God knows the heart..but is marketing any different than Arminian salvation....a God needs me approach
I believe there are some natural things a church can and should do AS MINISTRY like literacy classes..food banks...your ESL ...
There are things a church should do as family ..celebrate and morn.....BUT God knows the purpose . Is it to attract numbers or is it to wash feet?
I fought with my pastor about the saddle back program....it is very carnal.
The Baptist church in the same neighborhood started an awana program and has run a Thursday program during the summer to minister to the kids....the church will grow because of them....but God knows the intention was it to minister or to grow?
I did prison ministry for years...it was intended to bring the gospel ..not to grow a church...
Am I making what I think on this clear? We minister in HIS name because it is what we are to do..not to grow a church. The the compassion and love is a self serving lie if the real purpose is only church growth IMHO