Neighborhood Outreach

The Essential Jesus Challenge can be a great tool for neighborhood outreach. Almost everyone knows people in their neighborhood who aren't believers but are curious about Jesus. Combine that interest with friendship, lively discussion and good refreshments and you have the recipe for a rewarding time of getting to know Jesus together.

The most natural "invitation list" will start with your own friends and neighbors. Perhaps you've already had some conversations about "church" or "religion" and can tell if they might be interested in (what you might call) "an informal group to learn more about what the Bible says about Jesus."

Perhaps the best place to meet at first is in your home. That says "neighborly" and "informal" to most folks. And you'll be able to insure they find a warm, comfortable, welcoming place in which to explore what the Bible says about Jesus and ask any questions that arise.

Pray about who to invite and, when you do invite them, suggest a time and place for the first meeting. Let people know that you have a certain time frame in mind for this group (weekly for 20 weeks, for example). People are often reluctant to make an open-ended commitment. But be open to changes if made necessary by the needs and schedules of those you've invited. If leading a group is new to you, it may helpful to ask your pastor for information on how to lead a small group or read the section in this guide called "For Small Groups." And begin thinking and praying about how to follow up after the Challenge is over. (There are some great Bible reading and other resources available at www.ScriptureUnion.org.)

Using The Essential Jesus Challenge as a neighborhood outreach requires some effort but needn't be a big "chore." All it requires is a little "neighborly hospitality" from you and a genuine interest in knowing more about Jesus from everyone!

SOME TIPS TO HELP GET YOU STARTED:

Decide Who and How to Invite

Pray about whom to invite. Think of neighbors you know who might be interested. Invite them personally (personal invitations are always more effective), if possible, with a phone call or face to face.

Gather Your Resources

Have a couple extra Bibles on hand for folks who don't have one or forgot to bring one. And be sure to order copies of The Essential Jesus for everyone in advance of your first meeting. They can be ordered from www.EssentialJesusChallenge.com or by calling 1-800-621-LAMP (5267). There are quantity discounts available, too!

Start and End on Time

It's important that people be able to depend on the group keeping to the announced starting and ending time. But that doesn't mean you can't have informal fellowship and discussion time after the meeting concludes!

Create a Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere

Have light refreshments and a fellowship time to begin (15 minutes is enough). Greet everyone warmly when they come and be sure everyone has name tags (and introduces themselves) for the first meeting or two.

Keep The Group Small

In a group of no more than eight, people will feel more comfortable discussing what they think and have discovered from the Bible. A smaller group is a safer place to explore Jesus' story together and, if appropriate, to pray for each other. You may find it helpful to read the section in this guide "For Small Groups," also.

Provide Childcare if Necessary

Families with young children and single parents, especially, may find it a barrier to attending if there's no child care. Perhaps everyone can chip in to pay for a baby sitter on the premises—or someone who's not in the group might volunteer as a ministry of service. Make it as easy as possible for those you invite to attend.