Questions & Answers

about How to Reach Unchurched People in Your Community One-Day Seminar

How will the seminar help a local church?: How to Reach Unchurched People in Your Community is a one-day seminar that will help a church substantially increase the number of relationships between members and the unchurched people in their community. One of the assumptions behind the seminar is that relationships are the “bridges of God” that bring people to faith and active church involvement. And the reason many churches are not growing is simply a lack of relational contacts with unchurched people. In the seminar church leaders are introduced to Ministry-based Outreach — a practical way to organize this process in the church. As the examples in the seminar illustrate, the process is easy, enjoyable, involves a variety of people in the church. And it is surprisingly effective—regardless of the church’s size.
When and where is the seminar held?: The seminar is held whenever and wherever you want. Find a date (and several optional dates) that are open on your presbytery calendar. Times for the seminar are flexible. Most presbyteries schedule the seminar on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.. Another option is Sunday afternoon from 2:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m.. A third option is Friday 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What is the cost?: The cost is $19 per person, with a minimum of 60 people. This includes a 38-page seminar workbook for each attendee. This cost may be covered in several ways: you may charge participants $19 each. Or you may charge more than $19 to cover additional costs of refreshments. You may charge less per person and subsidize the difference through other sources. Some presbyteries ask churches to pay all or part of the cost for their attendees. The only other cost is the travel and accommodations for the seminar leader from Los Angeles.
Who leads the seminar?: Dr. Charles Arn, a well-known and respected authority in the field of church health and growth. Dr. Arn is a layperson who attends Glenkirk Presbyterian Church (Glendora, CA). He is an effective communicator and uses a variety of teaching techniques and media to guide participants through an enjoyable learning experience. Dr. Arn is president of Church Growth, Inc.
Who is the seminar geared toward?: The people who will find the seminar most helpful are: 1) church staff, 2) session leaders, particularly those responsible for outreach and lay ministry, 3) members serving on boards and committees concerned with community outreach, 4) anyone with a desire to see their church become more effective at reaching unchurched people in their community.
How do we invited churches, and publicize the seminar?: In addition to your regular communication channels, a one-page 4-color poster is available ($1 each) which may be imprinted with specific information about the seminar (seminar date and location, registration procedures, cost, etc.). The poster is available from the Church Growth office (800-844-9286). You may also have a .pdf electronic file of the poster (no charge) and print your own quantities. An e-mail letter is also available (no charge) to use or adapt in publicizing the seminar to churches in your presbytery.