The intention of this strategy is to show us how the Lord can help us make our vision a reality.
Bringing the un-churched into a vital relationship with Jesus Christ and the life of the church will only be accomplished when people who love Jesus Christ are convinced that lost people matter to God and then begin to build relationships with un-churched individuals. These relationships, however, should be handled with integrity, meaning that interactions with unbelievers are to be governed by authentic faith and genuine love; unbelievers should never be treated as "projects."
Un-churched people are usually insulated from Christianity. Rarely do they listen to or watch Christian radio and television, their lives are not touched by bumper sticker evangelism, religious mail that arrives to their homes is likely discarded, and they do not have any intention of visiting a church. Therefore, every believer attending Northside Baptist Church is strongly challenged to build relationships of integrity with their un-churched friends.
After establishing a relationship of integrity with the un-churched, every believer attending Northside Baptist Church should begin to anticipate opportunities to share their personal testimony with them, ask God to provide appropriate moments to do so, and then invite them to one of our worship services where they will be challenged in a relevant way to consider the claims of the Lord Jesus Christ.
As rapport is built, and the idea of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has been advanced to an un-churched individual, the believer then has an opportunity to invite the unbeliever to a small group environment through the Bible study ministry of our church where encouragement and fellowship are also offered.
When the unbeliever chooses to accept the saving grace of Jesus Christ, is baptized, and joins his/her life with the local family of God, he/she is encouraged to begin participating in a variety of the many areas of our church's life which are designed to support and edify the believer. They are also urged to discover, develop, and use their spiritual giftedness in some form of Christian service within The Body of Christ so that they can experience their spiritual potential as fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
Acknowledging that all we have comes from God, it is important that every believer recognizes stewardship as a form of discipleship and giving a form of worship. Believers also have a responsibility to manage their money in a God-glorifying manner. This includes living within their means, being gracious with their possessions, sharing with those who are in need, and giving generously to the Lord's work, while learning to avoid coveting material goods and unreasonable indebtedness.
In this spiritual process of becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ ("Vision Statement"), each newly developed believer must join others to set this six-step cycle into motion once more as he/she begins to build bridges with the un-churched (Step One) within his/her own sphere of relationships.