As a new pastor at New Life Bible Church in Norman, Oklahoma I’m most excited about really establishing our church as a missions powerhouse. A “Missions Funnel” is a visual depiction the new missional strategy we are starting to implement. The philosophy is simple: in order to involve everyone who is a part of our church in mission, we must provide mission opportunities for all people regardless of their level of commitment. Our missions team is creating systems at each level of this funnel with the goal of leading people to continually pour out more of themselves in order to reach those who need Christ. Implementing systems that help people move from each level to the next is critical.
This is a work-in-progress, and I’ll let you know how it’s working out. Broader definitions of each part of the funnel are outlined below.
PURCHASES THAT FUND MISSIONS
- Coffee for Missions http://coffee4missions.org/
- NewLifeBibleChurchGear – buy a t-shirt, coffee cup, & bumper sticker to fund missions.
DONATE MONEY/GOODS TO MISSIONS AND INVITE FRIENDS
- Invite friends (self explanitory)
- Food Pantry
- Angel Tree
- Sponsor a child with Church of the Messiah
PARTICIPATE IN CHURCH-LED MISSION PROJECT
- Food Pantry Volunteers
- One day mission projects
SMALL GROUP MISSION PROJECT OR SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIP
- Groups identify mission opportunities and act on them independently of the rest of the congregation
- Short term domestic or international trips
MISSIONAL LIFESTYLE (Where we want everyone to end up)
- People and small groups pouring themselves out without the church’s prompting.
- Follow the prompting of the Spirit rather than the prompting of a pastor or ministry leader.
