Outreach
A truly biblical church is not satisfied simply to
minister to itself. The Great Commission of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) directs
us to “make disciples of all nations.” “But you will receive power when the
Holy Spirit comes on you;” Jesus later said, “and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV).
Those words of Jesus, spoken just before He ascended into heaven, gave the church a
glorious assignment to tell everyone we can about His love! Jesus there identified
three spheres of witness for His followers—at home (Jerusalem), in surrounding
regions (Judea and Samaria), and around the world (to the ends of the earth).
At FBC, we attempt to minister in all three spheres. First, the Gospel (the “Good News” of Jesus’ death and resurrection to save us from our sins) is presented in each of our Worship Services, and those who have not yet come to faith in Christ are gently encouraged to embrace Him for salvation.
Our small groups are like miniature "churches" within the larger church community. Each group has a leader (or leaders) and usually consists of under 20 people who meet regularly in various locations for sharing, prayer, Bible study, and social activities. Often deep friendships are formed and needs are met through mutual support and encouragement. The activities may vary from meeting to meeting. Sometimes there may be a Bible study. On other occasions the meeting may include a potluck dinner or a sing-a-long or perhaps even a party! Small groups are great places to bring friends and to have fun while you fellowship!
Second, each individual at FBC is challenged to live in such a manner so as to attract others to the Savior. At FBC believers are schooled in “lifestyle evangelism.” That means we learn how to find opportunities to share the Gospel with family, friends, and even first-time acquaintances. Specialized training is offered to equip our people with effective means to communicate our faith. Additionally, we can point unbelievers to the love in the church as a way to see the difference Jesus makes in people’s lives and relationships. All FBC’s gatherings—formal and informal—are designed to help our guests see His love in action as well as hear about it from God’s Word, the Bible. In John 13:35, Jesus advocated love among Christians as the way to get other people’s attention—and this method has proven most effective over the years not only at FBC, but also among Christians everywhere.
Third, we touch our immediate church neighborhood by visiting homes, distributing portions of the Bible, gospel tracts, and invitations to the church. We gladly speak of spiritual matters with all who wish to dialogue.
Fourth, we hold ongoing series of home and all-church events in non-threatening environments designed to make unbelievers feel welcome and loved as they are presented with the facts about Jesus Christ. It’s a context in which folks from the church can invite friends that have not yet come to faith so that they may have their questions about Christianity answered.
Fifth, at FBC, home and foreign missions are among our top priorities. We are involved in supporting ministries around the world that spread the Gospel; distribute Bibles; train men, women, and children for ministry; mend broken lives; and feed and clothe the needy—all in the Name of our Lord. A group from the church ministers regularly to the homeless in downtown Detroit. We have always budgeted at least ten percent of our regular offerings for worthy missions endeavors around the world. Missionaries are invited to speak in our meetings about how the Lord is using them in ministry, and as we pray for their labors, we also pray that some of our own people will be led to follow in their footsteps!
When Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” He was talking about serious business, and at FBC we take that business seriously.
