Download the Guide to Outreach at FCC (PDF)
Sunday Morning
Alpha
Outreach in and through Small Groups
Personal Outreach
Events
Current News
When we talk about sharing the love of Christ in Word – we usually refer to that as “Outreach” as distinguished from sharing the love of Christ in Deed, which we call “Service”. FCC outreaches in three main ways:
- With our Sunday morning services
- Through our small groups (particularly Alpha)
- As individuals in our daily living
Sunday Morning
Sunday morning services at FCC are designed to be accessible and welcoming to all, whatever their spiritual background. For many people their first step toward a relationship with Jesus Christ is to come to a church service on Sunday. We also encourage people who attend the church to bring their friends and neighbors to church with them on Sunday. This is often the simplest way to help other people hear the gospel proclaimed in Word. However, many people will not come to church on a Sunday so FCC invests in a more holistic approach to outreach.
Alpha
Over 8 million people worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations, and at universities, in prisons and on military bases across the world. Over 500 people have taken the Alpha course at FCC over the past 10 years. At an Alpha course people explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away.
Alpha at FCC is offered twice a year, starting in September and January, dates for 2008 are:
- Any adults on Tuesday evenings 6:30-9:00pm (includes supper)
- Women on Wednesday mornings 9:30-11:30am
Go to the Alpha page for more information or to register for a course.
Outreach in and through Small Groups
One of the barriers to outreach for many people is the sense that they are on their own. Small groups are a wonderful antidote to this sense of isolation. Outreach is one of FCC’s five purposes and we encourage every small group to focus on the topic of outreach at some point during this small group year. Pick up an Outreach Manual for Small Group’s at the Small Group desk in the Rotunda for lots of suggestions and help.
Pray for the empty chair
Have an extra empty chair each time you meet to remind you to pray for someone to invite and fill the chair. When someone new comes, add another chair and continue praying. If your group gets too big you’ll need to start thinking about multiplying the group!
“Matthew” Parties
This idea comes from the gospel account of a party that Matthew threw for his friends after he decided to follow Jesus, see Matthew 9:9-13. The idea is that you simply have a small group party where each member of the group agrees to bring at least one un-churched friend. You don’t need to have a “Christian” agenda for the party but do pray for the people coming and for each other to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as you engage in conversation with your guests.
Outreach Small Group Curricula
Select an outreach curriculum that would fit your group best. In addition there are a number of ways to integrate outreach into your regular meetings even when you are studying something else. Check out the Small Group Leaders Manual for curriculum suggestions.
Seeker Small Groups
Bestselling author and evangelism expert Lee Strobel describes seeker small groups as “One of the most powerful and effective tools in evangelism.” A seeker small group is facilitated by a Christian leader, but group members are seekers – non-Christians investigating Christianity. The group provides a safe context for seekers and believers to ask questions and dialogue about faith. They can provide an effective way to share your faith with people in your neighborhood or in your workplace. They offer a no-pressure way of having spiritual conversations with seekers on a regular basis. They are extremely flexible and can happen at times and locations that suit the participants.
Personal Outreach
Many of us struggle to talk about our faith with people who do not share it. Many times we are preoccupied with other stuff, and simply forget to be aware of opportunities to share our faith with others. We get seized up with fear and when we try to reach out or invite someone to something at Church, we often feel like we make a mess of it. We conclude that we don’t have the gift of evangelism and give up talking about our faith with others.
Peter writes to Christians in the midst of persecution: “in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15. All of us are called to be witnesses to what Jesus has done for us and to partner with the Holy Spirit in the process whereby others come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Personal Outreach Training
Jesus trained his disciples by teaching them and then giving them opportunities to put his teaching into practice (see Luke 9 and Luke 10). One of the best ways to train for outreach is to go through an outreach oriented curriculum with your small group.
We will also periodically offer the Contagious Christian Course. It is a 6 hour course, which we typically offer over two Sunday afternoons.The Contagious Christian Course is designed to equip believers for relational evangelism. It is open to anyone who considers themselves a follower of Jesus Christ and is particularly relevant for those who do not feel they have the gift of evangelism. Please watch our news to find out when the next course will be available.
Outreach Events at FCC
Sometimes the easiest and best way to reach out to your friends and neighbors, is to invite them to a Sunday morning service or another event at FCC. It’s always best to come with them the first time, as most people find it intimidating walking in to a strange church for the first time, particularly if they are not used to attending church.
You can always bring guests to Sunday morning services. But the list below gives other ideas of events sponsored by Free Christian Church that may be more suitable options. Always check back to this website for up to date information on these events.
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