Ripe for Harvest

288 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

Launch: Expand the Church Exercise Guidelines

I. Definition: the second phase of cross-cultural church planting which penetrates the selected community by conducting evangelistic events among the target population

II. Purpose of the Exercise: to brainstorm and discuss how you might: A. Invite mature believers to join the church. B. Recruit and organize volunteers to conduct ongoing evangelistic events and holistic outreach to win associates and neighbors to Christ. C. Engage the community as God leads and follow up new believers. D. Adjust if there is no response in your initial target area.

III. Relationship to Parent-Child metaphor: Pre-natal care

IV. Question focus for your team’s dialogue in this exercise: A. Questions about character and number of evangelistic events B. Questions about communication and advertisement of events C. Questions about recruiting and coordinating volunteers to help in evangelistic outreach D. Questions (preliminary) about identity and name of the church

V. Cardinal virtue for LAUNCH phase: courage to engage the community with the love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

VI. Critical vices to avoid during the LAUNCH phase: A. Intimidation and fear at the obstacles and barriers faced B. Haughtiness and boastfulness as to our ability to move without God

Context Values/Vision

VII. The bottom line: Initiate your engagement in the community with boldness and confidence.

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter