Reports - Central Illinois District - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

SHOULD WE START A MISSION?Not enough churches ask this question. They see other churches in the area, they know theyare not growing, and they presume that most unchurched folks are determined to stay that way.They do not see the necessary dollars and energies within their congregations to do anythingabout starting a mission anyway! Some say, “There’s a greater need in other countries thanhere!”Should we start a mission? Perhaps we should be asking this question for these reasons:1. The unchurched population in the United States is over 150 million people. There areonly two nations in the world with an unchurched population greater than that (Chinaand India). We have a mission field at our doorstep that is being added to daily.I Peter 3:15...... and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for thehope that is in you, with meekness and fear;2. Most areas of the Central Illinois District average 50% of the people being unchurched.Even though they try, existing churches have not been able to reach these people.Matthew 9:36-3836 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassedand helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "Theharvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, tosend out workers into his harvest field."3. It is a proven fact that missions attract people who have previously left another churchor were never churched in the first place. It is easier for them to become part of a newbeginning than to go back to where they once belonged or to join a congregation wherenewcomers are in the strict minority.There are basically two ways to reach people for Christ: through existing churches andthrough new churches. (Of course, it is all up to God working through His word andsacraments.)Luke 19:1010 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.4. Gallup surveys reveal that 51% of America’s unchurched people envision joining achurch some day. Jesus said so long ago,Isaiah 55:1111 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but willaccomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.2009 Convention Section B – Reports Page 23