Definition:

The church is a spiritually called-out people intended by Christ to have a positive impact on their community. It is a dynamic organism. All the activities of a local church should bring positive and life-changing transformation to the community. The pastor should lead the church to impact their community through friendships, evangelistic outreach, official relationships, and various programs, using culturally relevant and life-changing methods.

Characteristics:

Be:

  • Strategic
  • Creative
  • Evangelistic
  • Empowering
  • Compassionate
  • Positive outlook

Know:

  • Culturally aware
  • Community dynamics

Do:

  • Productive
  • Catalyst for change
  • Clear communication
  • Effective in relationship building
  • Connect to community and government agencies

Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate a tangible act of compassion that impacts the community and demonstrates holiness as love in action as Jesus described in Matthew 25. ICO-1
  2. Identify various tangible ways the church can connect with the community. Identify vocational training opportunities the church can initiate in a given context in partnership with the community leaders. ICO-2
  3. Explain the basic steps toward individual or community disaster relief or compassionate ministries, if possible, in cooperation with other organizations or other ministries, use Scriptural examples and themes when possible. ICO-3
  4. Tell several Biblical stories where the people of God made a positive or negative impact in the community. Identify vocational training opportunities the church can initiate in a given context in partnership with the community leaders. Explain the process and steps of organizing a culturally appropriate evangelistic outreach. ICO-4
  5. Tell the story of historical examples of the interaction of meeting human needs and sharing the gospel and explain how to balance them. ICO-5
  6. Describe the mutual impact of Christianity and the following: Islam, Buddhism, Tribal / Pagan Religions, and Hinduism. ICO-6