LCMS Outreach Resources
The “&” in Witness & Outreach underscores that there are two different elements to this ministry of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Witness is the work we have been given to do as the church scattered. We have opportunities to speak of Jesus with the people in our everyday lives who are our friends, co-workers, neighbors, family members, etc.
Outreach is the work we do as the church gathered. It is our collective effort through ministries, services, events and other activities as the church through which we invite and include others into Word and Sacrament ministry.
Witness & Outreach are distinct, but they work together so people will know of Jesus and be gathered into His Church through us.
Task Force Presented Programs
For I Know the Plans I Have for You
We all desire to serve Jesus. Our congregations exist to preach the Gospel. So much is possible within those broad endeavors. How do we plan specific programs or activities that carry out this godly work? This workshop will assist God’s people in identifying God’s grace working among and through them in their specific congregation. Further, participants will consider the opportunities to share God’s grace in their specific community. Finally, congregations will be led to wrestle with the question, “Are there additional ways God is ready to act in and through us in preaching the Gospel to our community?” A method for acting on the answer(s) to that questions is then presented.
Building Bridges Personal Evangelism
Do you wonder how to share your Christian faith with un-churched friends, relatives, associates and neighbors? This seminar will help you understand how you can share your faith with your friends who don’t go to church.
For more information on the above workshops, contact Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Robinson at geoff.robinson@in.lcms.org or 260-423-1511 x 2207.
Outreach Grant
The New Ministry Initiative Matching Grant is given with the intention of assisting Indiana District congregations, Indiana RSOs, and Indiana District circuits with new outreach efforts in their communities. Learn more about this grant and download an application form on our Grant page here.
Bible Studies & Tools
Evangelism & Outreach Power Points
The Evangelism Task Force prepared two power point presentations that speak to the need for evangelism. You can view both power points on our district website here.
From Prospect to Disciple
This is a tool which will help congregations generate prospective member lists. It will also help members invite those prospects to the pastor’s information class.
Do you need ideas concerning establishing a prospect list for the pastor’s class? Would you like to encourage congregational members to invite their friends, neighbors, associates and relatives to church? Pastors, would you like ideas on how to improve your Adult Information class? Download ‘From Prospect to Disciple’ here.
Preparing to Witness: Witnessing with Confidence
This is a personal witness resource guide that an individual or a small group can work through which provides an overview of witnessing to a friend, relative, associate or neighbor. This piece can be used in a variety of ways – Bible study, Evangelism training, small group study and many more.
Telling What You Know
Here is a new one session Bible study based on the Apostles’ Creed which will help you share the Gospel message of Christ with others. Download the Bible Study here. You can also download the Leader’s Guide here.
5 Things You Can Do to Witness Christ
This brief book by John Wollenburg is divided into 5 chapters. Topics include:
- Witness Christ Where He Speaks and Works
- Witness Christ as an Expert Witness — Law and Gospel
- Witness Christ as an Expert Witness — Justification by Faith & the Sacraments
- Witness Christ in Life as Well as Words
- Witness Christ on the Front Lines
This book is well-written for anyone who wants to improve their Christian Witness. Each chapter includes a summary of key points, discussion questions and action items. It is useful for individuals, Elders, Evangelism boards or committees, Bible study groups or any gathering of Christians desiring to reach the lost. You can purchase this book at www.cph.org.