Welcome to LIFE
                           Living in Faithful Evangelism

Commonly Asked Questions

1. On first glance, LIFE seems rather heavy. How intense is this process?

There is enough variety in LIFE that the intensity of the process tends to ebb and flow. At times it feels rather heavy, but for the most part it moves alongside the rest of congregational life in a natural, supportive way.

Many churches involved in LIFE share that the process, instead of draining them, has brought new energy. The depletion felt in congregations is often caused by a lack of direction. By bringing new focus, LIFE opens congregations to God's vision and empowering.

It doesn't have to. For the most part, LIFE utilizes the existing structure of a congregation. A notable exception is a special task force recruited to complete a self-study profile.

On the average, congregational co-coordinators give up to two days a month to LIFE activities. Because of the key role they play in LIFE, we recommend that coordinators notbe involved in any other major congregational responsibilities.

The pastor serves the important role of supporting the congregational co-coordinators. The pastor inspires the LIFE process by lifting up the biblical vision of evangelism through worship and teaching opportunities.

Congregations that do not have a resident or full-time pastor may become involved in the LIFE process if the lay leadership is clearly supportive. For congregations that are between pastors, it may be better to wait until a pastor has been called so the new pastor can also indicate full support. Such churches should communicate to prospective pastoral candidates their congregational commitment to making outreach a priority.

Some costs are fixed, but other costs will vary based on the size of the congregation and the amount of curriculum needed. Larger membership churches may want to budget more for materials, especially if they anticipate a strong interest in the LIFE emphasis.

A special presentation at a fellowship dinner or other church meeting concerning the need, followed by a request for funds or special offering, may produce much or all of the needed money. Or church leaders may choose to personally contact one or two individuals to contribute toward the costs. Remember that money spent in outreach is not a cost; it is an investment in the advancement of the kingdom of God. Wise leaders will ask, "Can we afford not to be involved in an evangelism process such as LIFE?"

Certainly; churches have used many options. The most effective approach is for every adult Sunday school class to use the curriculum. It is helpful to have one or two small groups study the curriculum at a time other than Sunday morning, however, so teachers of children and youth may also participate in the studies.

Our experience has been that churches experience the greatest impact when all or most of their classes use the adult study curriculum. Churches where only one class or only a few people receive the training have negligible results--in fact, it may not be worth the cost or effort. LIFE curriculum is provided for only two of the four quarters each year. When classes realize they will still have half the year for their regular curriculum, they may be more open to using the LIFE study materials.

Your church has the freedom to do or not do any part of the process. You need to understand, however, that the LIFE process is designed to yield certain results. Short-circuiting the process by "picking and choosing" may also short-circuit the results.

LIFE will give the congregation a shared vision for growth, involve more persons in caring outreach, and help the church work together in being an inviting, welcoming place for new people in Christ. Think of it this way. If, say, 20% of your people are involved directly in outreach, and you could increase that to 30% with a process such as LIFE, would that help advance the kingdom of God?

In all probability, LIFE will not bring a miracle cure to a congregation's conflicts or difficulties. Nor will it likely bring overnight or dramatic church growth.