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Building a Lay Witness NetworkBruce Sutherland -Constituent Relations Manager

Psalm119:33-4033 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;and I will keep it to the end.34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your lawand observe it with my whole heart.35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,for I delight in it.36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,and not to selfish gain!37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;and give me life in your ways.38 Confirm to your servant your promise,that you may be feared.39Turn away the reproach that I dread,for your rules are good.40Behold, I long for your precepts;in your righteousness give me life!Psalm119:33-4033 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;and I will keep it to the end.34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your lawand observe it with my whole heart.35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,for I delight in it.36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,and not to selfish gain!37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;and give me life in your ways.38 Confirm to your servant your promise,that you may be feared.39Turn away the reproach that I dread,for your rules are good.40Behold, I long for your precepts;in your righteousness give me life!AgendaPurpose- Process- PayoffIntroductionsBuilding a Lay Witness NetworkQ&A Sticking together-Group DiscussionClosing PrayerPurpose-Process-PayoffPurposeAssist each other in understanding how to build Outreach Networks in Congregations.Among Congregations (Circuit)And beyond (On line or within LLL Districts)ProcessThrough Interactive discussion (Laboratory)PayoffIncreased knowledge , motivation & toolsThe opportunity to stay connected

Background InformationFirst RecognitionWe cant do it aloneMoses Prayer (Numbers 11:11-18)

Request: I am not able to carry all this people alone: the burden is too heavy for me.

Result: Moses recruited and the Lord equipped them for ministry. Second RecognitionGod has prepared people 10Forwe are his workmanship,created in Christ Jesusfor good works,which God prepared beforehand,that we should walk in them.Ephesians 2:10Building a Lay Network IntroductionsNameChurch or OrganizationShare your hope or vision for outreach in your area, congregation or ministry.What do you hope to learn in the next hour? Promote the use of LHM outreach resources. Engage and energize Lay leaders, Professional Church Worker and others throughout the LCMS.Build Community and communication so that relationships are strengthened and growing.

Polly GregaliDionne Lovstad-JonesKeith Peterson Bruce Sutherland

Renee BlakeConstituent Relations Team

Polly GregaliDionne Lovstad-JonesKeith Peterson Bruce Sutherland

Renee BlakeConstituent Relations Team

Building a Lay Network Your Congregational NetworkBegin with a simple structure before you start to recruit peopleYour ChurchCongregational Network Structure3 Models for Organizing your Outreach Structure Outreach StructuresOutreach by the AlphabetThe three RsThe three PsThe three Cs

Your Church Outreach StructuresThe Three Rs (adapted from the book When Helping HurtsRelief (we provide & you receive)Immediate necessaryTemporaryRehabilitation (We provide you participate)timeeffort relationshipReconciliation (God provides we all receive)Helping people understand Gods reconciliation

Your Church Outreach StructuresThe Three Ps (focused on discipleship & doing)Prayer Individuals pray for the lost The church has a listWe engage the community with prayerPreparationBible studiesTrainingPractice-roleplayProclamation Sharing Christ with wordsGroup accountabilityRepeat

Your Church Outreach StructuresThe Three Cs Culture Shared Commitment to reach the lost Prayer, training & telling StoriesShared identityConnectionCreate and maintain a database of visitors & unchurched families.The church intentionally nurtures relationship with these people.Invite People to New Member classes (Discussion opportunities)CommunitySense of missionKnowledgeableActive

Your Church

How Well is Your church Connecting?

Congregational Networking (Recruiting Volunteers)Serving is Gods design for serving in the churchForas in one body we have many members,and the members do not all have the same function,5so we,though many,are one body in Christ, and individuallymembers one of another.6Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.Romans 12:4-6aThe Top 6 Mistakes in Recruiting Volunteers Expect announcements alone to get volunteersFall into the BIC trap (Butt-in-Chair)Go it alone (vs team recruiting)Recruit life time volunteersAssume that no means never (ask why not)Being People driven rather than Position Driven

Emphasizing the P in PartnershipSee Handout

Volunteer Networks are part of good Discipleship & Stewardship10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,as good stewards of God's varied grace:1Peter 4:10Building a Lay Network Network Partnershipsin Your Circuit

What is a Synod? It means on the road together to cooperate for the spreading of Holy ScripturesExamples of churches walking togetherJoint community eventsCircuit meetings for pastors and Semi-annual outreach meetings for congregations.Youth programsLLLLWML

YourCircuitNetwork Partnershipsin Your CircuitBenefitsShared vision and purposePraying for each otherMore resources (to meet changing community needs)Shared expertise (e.g. Prision ministry)Shared resourcesYourCircuitNetwork Partnershipsin Your CircuitChallenges of Network PartnershipsDiffering visionsSpend more time cooperating than workingThe perception of being unequally yokedHistory

YourCircuitNetwork Partnerships in Your CircuitLCMS District Office can Assist in the development of a congregational outreach plan specific to your congregationNetwork your church with other congregations of a similar size to foster mutual support, encouragement and accountabilityProvide Outreach resources to carry out your planProvide coaching (as requested)Congregational Goals and covenant?

YourCircuitDo any of you have Circuit Partnerships?YourCircuitBuilding a Lay Network Online & BeyondLHM is Your Partner in His MissionAnd Beyond

Online & BeyondLHM is Your Partner in His MissionAnd Beyond

Who is an Ambassador?An Ambassador is a member of a congregation who helps build and nurture relationships between LHM, the congregation and its members. Ambassador QualificationsLove for JesusPassion for outreachActive membershipChurch involvementBuilds relationshipsRecruits, motivates, and coordinatesBasic Computer skills and access to technologyAmbassador Role

Prayer championUnderstands needs of the churchGuides to LHM resources, materials and ministryCollaborates with church leadersLearn about LHM resourcesAsk financial supportEducate and informThe Keystone Analogy

Critical piece of connectionIt supports two structuresBears the least weight

You dont have to be an expert