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In this episode, Josh interviews Pastor Peter Joudry from the Madison Assembly of God (“MAG”) about helping churches become “indispensable” in their communities. Josh talks about the time MAG hosted a teacher’s luncheon at a local public school and received a threatening letter from the Freedom from Religion Foundation for its efforts. Why was this significant? Because the local school corporations came to MAG’s defense!
We discuss the question, “If your church disappeared tomorrow, would anyone but the church members notice?” The sad answer for some churches is a “no.” So, how can a church turn from an inward focus to an outward focus? We discuss five practical steps:
Step #1 Develop a church culture that values outward focus.
Step #2 Identify and use the natural bridges from your church into the community.
Step #3 Identify the greatest challenges to and opportunities in your community.
Step #4 Identify community partners that can maximize your Gospel impact.
Step #5 Work strategically to help solve problems with a focus on Gospel impact.
Additional discussions/topics:
Tim Keller talks about four types of churches: (1) churches that in their city, churches that are with their city, churches that are against their city and churches that are for their city.
Quote from Peter (paraphrase): “The only time most political leaders hear from church leaders is when we are upset or we want something.” Ouch!
The story of Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle (Charle’s Spurgeon’s church). If Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle had disappeared from 1850’s London, it is said that the city would have grieved.
Peter’s Contact Information:
http://www.magchurch.com/peter-and-ruth-joudry-lead-pastors/
Peter consults with churches and church leaders on related matters:
Peter email: pajoudry@aol.com