Reaching the World Where?

By Kathy Brown

Genesis 12:1 says, “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.”

This verse is true for most NAM church planters, as they leave home and family and move to the place God has called them to plant a church. North American Ministries has chosen “Reaching the World at Home” for our 2022 theme. Many nationalities are moving to North America and its territories. God is bringing the nations to us. How are church planters reaching out to those in their community?

• Chris Davenport, Fredericksburg, Virginia, is teaching his people to be disciples wherever they are.
  

• Joel Franks, Athens, Alabama, opens his home and encourages church families to do the same. They recently hosted a fish fry at their house with 70 guests. Some were new faces, and they hope to build relationships and eventually lead these individuals to Christ.
  

• Daryl Grimes, Erie, Pennsylvania, seeks to make everyone feel welcome, no matter their ethnicity. The church has future plans to start a Hispanic ministry and develop a college ministry for international students.
  

• Dan Houghton, Burlington, Vermont, is working with the city to meet needs of children in foster care. The new church has become a point of contact for donations.
  

• Travis McKenzie, Ashland, Ohio, is a city police chaplain and also serves on the board of local ministries. These connections have given him inroads with community leaders, and his congregation gets involved. They set up a booth at local soccer games to distribute water and Gatorade, and the church also has sponsored a team.
  

• Terry Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado, began giving away things on Craigslist during the pandemic. This became a great way to meet people in need and witness to them.
  

• David Osborne, Wytheville, Virginia, reaches others via website and social media. They have small groups for Bible study and focus on the youth on Sunday nights.
  

• Steve Schmidt, Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosts discipleship groups around Pete Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. This has proven to be a great way to help people learn a Christian approach to mental health and spiritual growth.
  

• Frank Webster, Summerfield, Florida, has a unique opportunity to witness to those transitioning into retirement. He has hosted a game night, had a street party outside their home, and he and his wife attend many of the hobby groups available to their retirement community. The couple recently started a beginners level Bible study. Their efforts have paid off in numerous ways: one lady is no longer Catholic; another purchased her first Bible at age 64; still another who struggles with anxiety and rarely leaves her home attends the Bible study.
  

• Kris Willis, Anchorage, Alaska, invites people into his home for food and Bible study. They also go target shooting with new friends and work in their backyard with others.
  

These are only a few examples of what church planters are doing to reach others wherever they are. We encourage you to reach the world at YOUR home, wherever your home may be.

About the Author: Kathy Brown is the accounting administrator for the Church Extension Loan Fund. She has worked at North American Ministries 30-plus years. Learn more: fwbnam.com.