Al Hirsch, author of The Shaping Of Things To Come and The Forgotten Ways, estimates that only 40% of the US population can be reached with the prevailing church models of today (mega church, multi site, small groups, etc).
Of course 40% does represent 120 million Americans who are open to a church model built around corporate weekend worship and small groups.However, it is possible for the prevailing church models and leaders to reach out with incarnational ministry to the other 180 million people that will likely never attend church as we know it.
Christ exemplified this incarnational approach through His time spent with the scorned Samaritan woman at the well. And when he saw Zachaus in a tree, that wee little dreaded tax collector, and invited himself to Zachaus’ home. Many will be reached only by a similar one-on-one connection.
Forward thinking church leaders are currently exploring ways to develop this one-on-one passion for those inside and outside their congregations. It can no longer simply be the work of the pastor and staff to connect and lead others to a fully devoted walk with Christ. It will take us all to reach the other 180 million.
Do you think we church members are up to the challenge?
