Threshold Events

on October 31st, 2008

Tonight we’re planning a big event. We’re opening up the doors to The Refinery for a fun costume dance, pumpkin carving, food, games and a crazy maze. There won’t be a message, there won’t really be any formal spiritual moments – planned ones, at least.

I’m calling it a “threshold” event, where our main goal is to get students into our building for the first time. They’ll get an invitation card to HSM when they leave, their wristband has the weekend service times printed on it, and in the future they’ll will always have “been there before” which is a big plus. We’ll make sure to get contact information when they sign in, and I suppose we will possibly contact them once or twice inviting them back for a weekend service or to a next step event.

Someone once said that, “evangelism is the whole process by which people who are missing get found.” I really like that – evangelism isn’t just someone verbally explaining the Gospel to someone – it is everything from the first step inside church to the moment someone begins their life in Christ.

I’m excited about tonight, as many students for the very first time and step inside our church. I’m excited because when there is a crisis, they know we’re here and we care. I’m excited because we’ll be starting relationships with new students that don’t know Jesus. I’m not sure when or where they’ll actually accept Christ, but I’m excited to think they’ll be taking their first step toward Him tonight.

JG


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Rob Henschen at 9:11am October 31

Awesome thoughts…I totally copied and it and reposted on my blog, with all credit to you, of course.

As someone who works with youth in a much smaller church than yours, I appreciate the way you, Kurt, and others so freely share your knowledge, ideas, and plans. Learning from people already doing it sucessfully, but doing it far away is one of the reasons I love the internet. Thanks again!

Kenny at 4:24pm November 1

We do “Threshold” events and have found little numerical success from it, but great community presence. I always say that these events give us a presence in the area and so if someone needs a church, or someone to talk to, I have established at least a presence–if not some relationships!