1. Today I would like to begin our series of lessons on "How To Fulfill The Mission Of The Church."

2. The emphasis in these lessons will be on the work of the church, but even more so on how to fulfill it.

3. Lesson one will be devoted to "Preaching The Gospel To The Local Community."

1. The Great Commission (Matt. 28:19,20; Mk. 16:15,16).

2. Examples

• Acts 2:46,47

• Acts 5:42; 8:4

1. We have many things in common with those in the community.

• Similar income bracket

• Children attend same school

• Many work for the same employers

• Same language

• Common cultural habits

2. Many are our friends or friends of our friends.

3. The proximity (nearness) is helpful.

1. We have been commanded to "go."

2. We must realize people are really lost. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23).

3. We must realize the value of individual acts.

4. We must realize God has given us this responsibility.

5. We must overcome the fear of "no."

• Insurance salesmen must often make 40 contacts to have 2 or 3 sales.

• Each "no" brings us closer to a "yes."

6. We must understand not every one is interested.

• Some reject method.

• Some reject Jesus.

• Some reject us.

• Sometimes circumstances must change.

• Some reject our timing.

7. We must not let building enslave us.

• The early church grew at a very rapid rate.

• We sometimes let the building slow down our growth.

• We need to make greater use of our building.

• Our current cost per hour for the numbers of hours utilized is fantastically high..

• We should consider multiple services, special classes, etc.

8. We must overcome excuses.

• "I am too busy."

• "No one is interested."

• "I don't know how."

• "I've tried and failed."

• "What are we paying the preacher to do?"

1. Some methods which work but are not the most productive methods.

• Radio
• Television can be very effective.
• There must be good follow-up.
• The cost is sometimes prohibitive.
• Door to door
• Mail pieces

2. Some methods which have great potential.

• Every visitor receiving a prompt and caring visit.
• Keeping good records - A lot of folks are forgotten or overlooked because of poor records.
• Gospel meetings
• There must a lot of preparation.
• There must be a strong emphasis on the gospel .
• There must be some different approaches.
• Perhaps meetings some consecutive Sunday nights.

• VBS

• This is an opportunity to teach people of all ages.

• Many people in the community are receptive to VBS.

• Cottage meetings

• This is a very effective method.

• A closing rate of even 1 out of 4 or 5 will lead to many conversions

• It is important that we understand that not everyone will be converted, but numbers of cottage meetings will lead to many conversions.

• Bringing friends to regular services and special services.
• Bible classes

• The community is usually receptive to it.
• Each person can be taught on his or her age level.
• Most of us know people who could be brought to services.

• Children

1. This lesson has listed many ways we can impact many in our community to come to Christ, but it has not come close to exhausting all the ways.

2. It is vital that we remember that God has given us the responsibility and the intelligence to reach others.

3. We must in a loving and caring way keep reaching out to those in our community and the whole world.