Lesson Objective:
To help pastors recognize and activate the church’s collective and individual witness in the community, leading to gospel awareness, spiritual transformation, and people following Jesus.
1. Introduction: Rediscovering the Church’s Witness
Opening Thought:
“The church isn’t just called to gather the saved—it’s sent to reach the lost.”
Scripture Anchor:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
“You will be my witnesses…” – Acts 1:8
Prompt for Reflection:
“If your church ceased to exist tomorrow, would your community notice?”
2. What Is the Regeneration Element?
Definition:
The Regeneration Element reflects the church’s outward focus—how it displays, declares, and demonstrates the gospel in ways that awaken people to the presence of God and invite them to follow Jesus.
Why It Matters:
- It prevents inward drift and self-centered ministry.
- It aligns the church with Jesus’ mission: “to seek and to save the lost.”
- It connects your people to their everyday purpose.
3. Expressions of Regeneration in the Church
Let’s walk through the key expressions where the Regeneration Element is activated:
1. Community Awareness & Compassion Outreach
- Definition: Tangible expressions of care that meet real needs and build bridges of trust.
- Examples: Food drives, school partnerships, neighborhood cleanups, addiction recovery support.
- Guiding Question: “Does our community see us as a blessing, a burden, or invisible?”
- Healthy Sign: The church is known for what it gives, not just what it believes.
2. Evangelism Training & Culture
- Definition: Equipping people to share their faith with confidence and love.
- Key Focus: Moving from occasional outreach events to a culture of personal evangelism.
- Guiding Question: “Are our people ready and willing to talk about Jesus?”
- Healthy Sign: Stories of people coming to Christ are regularly shared.
3. Living on Mission in Everyday Life
- Definition: Empowering people to see their workplace, school, neighborhood, and home as mission fields. Work as worship. Making a difference in the world as a witness of the goodness of God.
- Examples:workplace witness, hospitality.
- Guiding Question: “Are our people compartmentalizing faith or living it out?”
- Healthy Sign: Members see themselves as missionaries, not just attendees.
4. Sunday Services as Evangelistic Entry Points
- Definition: Designing your worship gatherings with both the believer and the seeker in mind.
- Best Practices:
- Clear, compelling gospel presentation.
- Follow-up process for new believers and guests.
- Hospitality and language that is welcoming, not insider-only.
- Guiding Question: “Would a non-believer understand and be drawn in by our Sunday service?”
5. Missional Partnerships
- Definition: Working with other organizations or churches to extend the reach of the gospel.
- Examples: Church-supported missionaries, local non-profits, evangelistic campaigns.
- Healthy Sign: You’re known for both presence and participation in your city.
4. Reflection Activity: Assessing Regeneration in Your Church
- What is the primary way your church currently expresses the gospel in your community?
- When was the last time someone came to Christ through the ministry of your church?
- Which expression of regeneration needs the most development in your context?
- What’s the difference between outreach as a program and regeneration as a culture?
- What barriers hold your church back from engaging the community more deeply?
- What would it look like to prioritize regeneration in your preaching and planning?
Challenge for Pastors:
“Choose one initiative to elevate or launch that will help your church become more present, visible, and vocal about the gospel in your community.”
Examples to Consider:
- Start a neighborhood prayer walk initiative.
- Launch a 3-week evangelism training for your small groups.
- Partner with a local school or nonprofit.
- Revise your Sunday follow-up process to engage spiritual seekers better.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:15