More housekeeping: A few people have (kindly!) pointed out to me that in order to be truly useful, the summary must take less time to read than the book. Point taken! Okay, so today I'll try and be brief. Promise! (It's a long chapter, too . . . )
Jesus attracted crowds. I'm not going to go into this in too much detail because it's obvious. Warren believes a Christlike ministry STILL attracts crowds.
I have a feeling this may be uncomfortable. In fact, it probably is for anyone whose passion is a small church at which the word "Crowd" can seldom be used . . .
So how did Jesus attract crowds?
1) Jesus was loving to unbelievers.
This is a really important one. People called Him the "Friend of Sinners."
At first glance, my reaction was "Well, we do that." But the reality is that sometimes we don't. Oh, we love each other just fine. But does that love translate to those who come from outside? That's more difficult to judge. But sadly, the fact that many people have come for a while but not stuck around would seem to indicate that if we do love them, we're not communicating it.
Loving others like Jesus did
The command to love is the most repeated command in the New Testament - "Whoever does not love does not know God." It's key to our existence as Christians. To love each other but fail to love unbelievers is a terrible form of selfishness.
Creating an atmosphere of acceptance
Growing churches love, and loving churches grow. You need to be nice to people when they show up! To make an impact on a visitor, love must be expressed in a practical way. It means being sensitive to someone's needs and putting them ahead of your own.
The pastor must be loving
Church leaders set the tone of the congregation. Many pastors love preaching but don't love people. If people like you, they'll listen to you.
Ways to communicate love:
- Memorise names
- Personally greet people before and after services (Pray for people at some other time - they need you there now!)
- Touch people (This may be more appropriate in the USA than Australia).
- Use a warm, personal style when writing to people (many churches are excessively formal, especially Brethren churches!).
Accepting without approving
There is a difference between acceptance and approval. We are called to love people without approving of sinful lifestyles. We cannot expect unbelievers to act like believers until they believe! Jesus didn't say "Clean up your act and then I'll save you." He loved you before you changed. He expects you to do the same.
2) Jesus attracted crowds by meeting peoples' needs.
Jesus frequently asked "What do you want me to do for you?"
Getting peoples' attention
If you want to reach people you must first get their attention. That is what ministry is about -meeting needs in Jesus' name! God cares about every part of peoples' lives, and we must need all of them (not just the "Spiritual" needs). A church will never grow beyond its capacity to meet peoples' needs. Whilst there are many specific needs you'll find when you survey people in your area, there are some universal needs: love, acceptance, forgivness, meaning, self-expression and purpose. Also freedom from fear, guilt, worry, resentment, discouragement and loneliness. If you are meeting these needs, growth will not be a problem.
3) Jesus attracted crowds by teaching in a practical, interesting way.
The crowds were spellbound by Jesus' teaching.
Jesus began with peoples' needs, hurts and interests
Jesus usually taught in response to a question or problem from someone in the crowd. We do not have to make the Bible relevant - it already is - but we have to show the Bible's relevance by applying its message personally to peoples' lives, just as Jesus did. The Gospel is both "good" and "news". It offers people answers to their needs (listed before). When you preach, if you begin with peoples' needs, you immediately get their attention. Proclaimers of truth don't get much attention, but whilst people aren't looking for truth, they are looking for relief. If you teach a truth that relieves pains or sloves problems, unbelievers say "Thanks! What else is true in that book?" Most people who followed Jesus were similarly seeking relief from pain, leprosy, blindness etc. After their felt needs were met, they were anxious to know more. Instead of asking "What shall I preach on Sunday?" ask "To whom will I be preaching?" God knows who are there, and in His forknowledge he has ordained messages that will meet their needs.
Jesus related truth to life
Jesus' goal when teaching was to transform lives. Much preaching today is long on diagnosis, short on treatment. We need fewer "ought to" sermons and more "how to" sermons. The deepest preaching is that which makes a difference. Key words: "Go and do likewise". Your goal is to teach theology to the unchurched without telling them it is theology. You do not have to transform the message, but you will need to translate it.
Jesus spoke to the crowd with an interesting style
Crowds listened to Jesus with pleasure. Preachers should capture attention! To the unchurched, dull preaching is unforgivable. On the other hand, they will listen to foolishness if it is interesting! Watch late-night TV for a while . . . Jesus' stories were key. They hold attention, stir emotions and help us remember. He also used simple language. He didn't use the Greek or Hebrew of the scholars; He used common aramaic. Keep it simple! But not simplistic.
Ministry to crowds is controversial.
The controversy is based on two real questions:
"Go and tell" or "Come and see?"
* The Bible commands both. We do not need to choose between the two. Some will be reached by either.
Responding to culture - imitation, isolation or infiltration?
Some churches become like the world. Some isolate themselves from it. A third option is better - infiltrating the world! Jesus walked among people, in their world.
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