New Demographics Resource

I have recently learned of a website that provides significant demographic information free. The site is www.zipskinny.com. The more you can know about the community you are trying to reach the better. For years I have recommended www.perceptgroup.com, still a great provider that is focused on helping churches. Check out both of these resources for demographics.

Cool Cup or Jesus!

It's been a while since my last posting (sounds like going to confession!). But I'm determined to get into a regular groove of posting ideas, comments, events, discoveries and who knows what else. So . . . stay tuned.

There is an area of concern that I continue to think and pray through. That area is evangelism. No surprise there, but there is a new twist, at least in my ministry. As a ministry trainer, coach and consultant, I constantly prod church leaders toward outreach. The leading cause of decline in the church is an ever-growing inward focus. The solution is for the church to turn outward in an ever-growing outreach focus. The good news is that many of the churches I serve are doing just that, with the rate of outreach increasing dramatically. However, there has been no corresonding increase in evangelism.

Question: At what point does increased outreach manifest as increased evangelism? How do church leaders make this happen? What are the keys?

Hint: Though a cool cup of water in the name of Jesus has its benefits, it's a poor substitute for Jesus himself.