Let’s be honest. When churches talk about “going beyond socioeconomic boundaries,” they refer to middle-class (and higher) people who reach the poorest. You don’t see many poor churches in needy areas that are launching programs to reach, for example, mothers. who drive expensive cars and live in luxury condos. I don’t know, maybe they should.
In any case, many churches consider the economic barrier to be the most difficult to overcome in evangelization; ethnic barriers, on the other hand, are more obvious and mature congregations will work more sensitively to make sure they do not create divisions in the church. But the call? Differences can be more subtle. People from different socioeconomic backgrounds may look and speak the same language, but they still have very different experiences in daily life.
Here are some lessons I learned from running a church that tries to reach people from different backgrounds.
First, we’re not that different. It can be intimidating to try to build relationships with people who live life differently, especially in areas that seem so important: work, education, expectations, clothing, living conditions, but in reality these problems represent only a small fraction of what makes us who we are.
You probably have a lot in common, even with people who look a lot like you. Everyone wants to be loved, known and accepted. We all love our children and are grateful to the people who are kind to them. We’re all inclined to worry about what the future holds. But more important than that, are we all in Adam?And in a desperate need for a savior (1C 15:22).
Churches that want to reach people beyond socio-economic boundaries must take the first step on the basis of these common ground. It’s pretty simple: treat people with sincere understanding and respect. This approach will help prevent the sense of condescension that permeates and spoils many people. Well-intentioned attempts to reach people beyond socioeconomic class boundaries.
Second, being a blessing helps
Don’t you want to build your evangelization around giving things to people?food, money, etc. Those things may be useful, but if that’s all you do, you’re giving people a chance to approach only what they’re given, and they won’t be challenged by the source of love behind what they’re given. . This does not mean that you cannot use the resources the Lord has given you to help connect with others. Some examples:
In all these cases, we were able to use the resources we had to bless people, connect with them, and finally share the gospel.
Third, the environment is important. If you want to reach people less rich and less privileged than you, look around and into your life, try to imagine how someone less fortunate than you (sorry, I run out of euphemisms) can see them.
Do the illustrations of his sermons assume that everyone went to college or that everyone has a car?Or that everyone has access to a computer, cable TV or designer clothes?This kind of thing has its own voice and tells people if they are really welcome to be part of their church.
Is your house the size, the neighborhood, the furniture?Is that intimidating for someone with few resources?If that’s the case, you’ll probably have to go through more levels of defense to reach people.
Is your home in a place where the poorest people (who may not have a car) can walk or take public transportation?Otherwise, it will be harder to be hospitable.
Finally, if you want to reach people from different backgrounds, think about how you explain the gospel. To be clear, the message must remain unchanged. All men, women, and children need to hear about their sin, God’s holiness, Christ’s death and resurrection, and the need for repentance and faith, but you may need to find new ways to get this message to people who are unsused by Portuguese or do not read new words and content.
If I share the gospel with an educated professional from the city of Sao Paulo, I might well invite you to read a book with me to help you investigate Christ’s statements, and there are certainly poorer people who have a good education and like to read. we must also have other ways to communicate the gospel to non-readers. Two examples: using videos or stories to communicate the mechanisms and topics in the scriptures.