The Post Quarantine Church By Thom S Rainer

The Post Quarantine Church By Thom S. Rainer Erie-Meadville District Book Discussion

All Things New! Rev. 21: 1 -5

Six Urgent Challenges+ Opportunities Gather Differently and Better Seize Your Opportunity to Reach the Digital World Reconnect with the Community Near Your Church Take Prayer to a New and Powerful Level Rethink Your Facilities for Emerging Opportunities Make Lasting Changes that Will Make a Difference

Gather Differently and Better Simple Church- Focus and Eliminate Use facility to reach community “ a place for the community not just in the community. ” Multiple worship gatherings at different times Online is here to stay

Think of Alternate Times and ways your Congregation could gather for worship

Seize Your Opportunity to Reach the Digital World Many Churches have gained members through online presence 3 groups in the future- Digital Only; Digital transitioning; Dual Citizens Engage all three groups in prayer Digital Simple Church- Find your niche and do it well The Digital Mission Field- “back to normal approach is dangerous”

How could your Church best connect with a nonchristian using digital connections?

Reconnect with the Community Near Your Church Rediscovering our Address- Connecting with Neighbors Be Intentional about evangelism; include neighbors in prayer efforts Pastors should lead the congregation to reach the community Avoid the distraction of inner focus (focusing on members needs at the exclusion community needs) There is a Shift from the “regional” Church back to Neighborhood Church

Think of ways your Church can become a positive influence in your community

Take Prayer to a New and Powerful Level We pray more in times of crisis Use of Zoom and other online tools for prayer ministry Pray and Go (Walk/Drive by Prayer) Intentionally Keep Prayer at forefront Revive interest in Prayer on a regular basis (revival method) Teach on Persistent Prayer

How can you more fully involve your members in praying for the community?

Rethink for Your facilities for Emerging Opportunities Many Churches need a change of mindset. From pseudo country club to outreach center Know your community, How does community view Church? Design a plan to reach your community using your building Explore Partnerships: with other Churches, non-profits and for profits. Impact of Pandemic: Smaller venues; multisite, multiple times

Think of ways your Church can partner with another organization in the use of your facility

Make Lasting Changes that Will Make a Difference We will be leading in the midst of uncertainty Long range plans will be a matter of months

Failures to avoid: Lack of urgency: We are on a mission field Failure to gain allies in congregation No clear vision Failure to create short term wins (4 -12 months) Failure to Communicate Focusing too much on obstacles

Seven ways to lead for lasting change Remind people of Biblical Hope Remember Cultural Change comes last Visible steps are essential- consistent action apparent to community Allies are imperative Communication must increase exponentially Leaders willing to accept membership losses Leaders must align with the future- lead for change.

Where will your Church face its greatest Challenges? How will you adapt?

From Challenges to Opportunities 9 Key Changes Simplicity will be vital- Don’t become too busy again Only Outwardly Focused Churches will Survive Worship Gatherings will be smaller Multi will multiply- sites and services Staff realignment will focus on digital proficiency Stragglers will be subject of outreach and focus Digital services will be repurposed Ministry Training will change Senior Pastors will move to second chair roles