Target: Who It Is That We Are Trying To Reach

Target: who it is that we are trying to reach

• wounded saints who have given up on the church
• the unchurched and unsaved

Seeking To Reach…

• a generation who is fearful, resentful and suspicious of the institution, who believes that actions speak louder than words, a generation that is looking for something, someone that will meet them where they are with authenticity, openness and honesty.
• (Typified by) 20 and 30 somethings who have either given up on church or have never graced the doors of a church.
  

This generation is not only “young” people, but anyone seeking a transparent … honest… life of service, to go into the lives and places of others and show them the love of God in Christ Jesus

1. “…love God...love others… as self…” Matt 23
2. “…go make disciples ...” Matt 28
3. “...go into the towns...the Kingdom of God near...” Luke 10
4. “...they gave to everyone who had need...” Acts 2
5. “...come and see...” John 1

Indeed, 40 percent of the "unchurched" do not entirely stay away from worship services, according to a survey by Ellison Research, a marketing group in Phoenix, Ariz. That means an estimated 43 million Americans categorized as "unchurched" will go to a place of worship at least once a year. It might be Christmas, it might be Yom Kippur or the birthday of a late mother.

Demographics Here...

• the average small city has
• up to 50% of their population under the age of 40
• 60% or more of their population not currently attending a place of worship, despite proximity churches
• up to 80% of the population considering themselves to religious and Christian

Meeting them where they are... 1Corinthians 9:19-23

Commitment to generational ministry: although the target of this church is 20's and 30's, it is essential that every living decade be represented in the body. The Bible demonstrates the need for generational ministry, or discipleship, throughout. There is wisdom, discernment and experience to be gleaned from those who have gone before us on the path of righteousness.

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18