But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Evangelism & Outreach
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."—Matthew 28:18-20
Our neighbors’ happiness is contingent upon their treasuring of Jesus Christ, so we want our joy in Christ to overflow into a love for our neighbors through acts of service, gospel conversations and transformations. Here are some ways we are doing this.
Evangelism
- Every Tuesday a group meets at the Downtown Campus and goes out into nearby neighborhoods for evangelizing, discipling, and equipping.
- A primary setting for our Christian fellowship is the small group. We aim to be winsome and evangelistic together as a group—both in inviting non-Christians to group activities, and also in outreach events and service projects.
- The outworking of our faith should lead to gospel conversations in our friendships, families, and workplaces—in all areas of life.
Children & Youth
- Backyard Bible Clubs are ways for families to present the truths of Jesus Christ to children in their neighborhood in order to awaken and feed spiritual hunger. The God-centered, evangelistic curriculum we use is designed for grades 1-6, and it follows a five-day format.
- Bethlehem Urban Intitiatives operates a S.A.Y. Yes! youth outreach, which combines evangelism, discipleship, life skills, academics, and recreation in the context of community. Contact: Toph Majors, 612-600-4879.
- Adventure Girls’ Club is an after-school program for 5th and 6th grade girls who are paired with mentors. Contact: Marlene Johnson, 952-884-3982.
Local Cross-Cultural Ministry
Phillips Neighborhood is the most diverse neighborhood in the US; more than 100 languages are spoken there. Two of our ministries are actively involved in local cross-cultural ministry:
- All Nations ESL
These intermediate/advanced level conversational English classes are available for adults from any nation. Consider helping immigrants and international students with English while showing them “the hope that lies within you.” Classes meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00pm, at the Downtown Campus. Contact Hannah LeFeve at 612-423-3982. - Somali Adult Literacy Training (SALT)
These beginning and intermediate English classes are designed for Somali adults. Share Christ’s love through the one-on-one tutoring available to the Somali students. SALT meets Monday through Thursday, 10:00am-Noon, year-round at the Downtown Campus. Contact Carol Van Ess at 612-455-3481.