Purpose Driven

Chapter 9 ~ Who is your Target?

Purpose Driven Church

“It takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people” Warren believes. Warren likens it in this chapter that it takes different kinds of bait to catch certain kinds of fish. Never criticize any method of evangelism that God is blessing. Deciding what type of people live in your area and then pursue them in an ethical method of evangelism trusting the bible to be your source of message. Pointing to Jesus as our illustration and how he focused on the lost sheep of Israel giving us an example of evangelistic targeting. The smaller church would prove useful by focusing on one or two targets while the larger or mega churches may be able to support multiple targets. Some examples would be style of music, sermon, classes and events the church offers. Specializing in one or two areas that the church can handle the best will prove the most effectiveness.

Chapter 10 ~ Knowing whom you can best Reach

Reaching out to those whom you already have something in common with in your community. Look at those that are already attending your services and the people you have in leadership. Are you attracting first time visitors or those to come back again? Warren speaks about what if the problem is that your church may not be what your community needs building on your strengths as a church reinventing your congregation or makeup through programs, structure or worship style and gives you three options to address and revitalize your church. Recognizing spiritual receptiveness, God uses all kinds of change (people in transition) and pain (people under tension) to bring them back to the church, therefore the church needs to be open and willing to change in approach as well. Needing to understand the parable of the sower and the types of soil may help you understand the different kinds of hearts of the people who are staying away from the church. I love that Warren says, “Growing churches focus on reaching receptive people…. Nongrowing churches focus on reenlisting inactive people”   So ask yourself what type of church do you attend? Are you ready for the next step?