At the Organic Outreach Conference in Monterey, CA, Kevin Harney shared the following thoughts:
“Organic outreach isn’t a program or method or something you memorize. Organic outreach is a natural way of connecting with others spiritually and helping others connect with God.
There are specific attitudes we need to become organic in our outreach to others:
1. Reckless Generosity – We get so excited about the new band or the new restaurant that we find so we tell everyone we know about it. Why is it that we are so quiet about talking about things that really matter?
We need to be reckless with our generosity, grace, care, and love for others!
Luke 8:5 The farmer generously threw seeds all around him. Rather than being stingy or even “strategic” with where he planted the seeds, he threw the seeds in all types of different soils. This was not the norm! We aren’t smart enough or discerning enough to know if someone is spiritually open or closed, so we should share the love of God with anyone.
People are eager for a spiritual connection. Too often we are too self-absorbed to see that and help others.
2. Passionate Love Reflecting the Very Heart of God – When we aren’t sure what to do, we should pray to God asking Him to help us love God, love the church, and love people. Connecting deeply with God propels us outwards to love and serve others. Do you realize God loves you?
1 John 4:11 ‘Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ‘
When we are overwhelmed with the love of God and a love for people, we cannot help but serve others.
3. A Humble Awareness of Our Partnership with God – God cares more for the people around us than we do. He is pursuing the people around us with His love.
‘I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.’ – 1 Cor. 3:6
We should never try to make people change. Instead, we should love and serve people knowing that when they want to change, God can and will transform them.”
