In this series of posts, we will consider the practices of other churches that share some similarities with the OPC, though also some significant differences. With some of the examples (ten in number), we may see some ways in which their practice is inconsistent with our doctrinal commitments, but also hopefully learn from these brothers […]
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10 Things: Part 7 (Elders & Visitors Before Worship)
In this series of posts, we will consider the practices of other churches that share some similarities with the OPC, though also some significant differences. With some of the examples (ten in number), we may see some ways in which their practice is inconsistent with our doctrinal commitments, but also hopefully learn from these brothers […]
Stories From the Field: Normal Life
We have been sharing some more formal outreach efforts by OPC churches, but as we all know there are opportunities all around us in “normal life.” Sometimes God takes the most mundane aspects of life and turns them into moments of eternal significance. In today’s examples, eating dinner and taking a walk. We share these […]
Podcast Episode #5 (John Shaw Part 2)
John Shaw is the OPC General Secretary of Home Missions. He is a former church planter in St. Paul, MN that now (along with the Committee) oversees OPC church planting. In this episode, John discusses some very practical matters for churches to grow in their ability to reach and welcome people. Everyone will profit from […]
Who’s Visiting Our Church Plants?
As we move through our church plants getting updates, we ask them to tell us about a visitor who is regularly coming to the church. Who are they? How did they come to the church?, etc. We want to share those from time to time. We hope they will serve a couple of purposes: 1) […]
Stories From the Field: Hamilton, NJ
What comes to mind when you hear the word “evangelism”? Do you imagine a scenario where a Christian shares the gospel with a total stranger? While this is not uncommon, it is certainly not the only way evangelism takes place. It is also not uncommon for many Christians to feel frightened by the thought of […]
10 Things I’ve Seen: Part 6 (When Does Sunday School End?)
In this series of posts, we will consider the practices of other churches that share some similarities with the OPC, though also some significant differences. With some of the examples (ten in number), we may see some ways in which their practice is inconsistent with our doctrinal commitments, but also hopefully learn from these brothers […]
10 Things I’ve Seen: Part 5 (Call To Worship)
In this series of posts, we will consider the practices of other churches that share some similarities with the OPC, though also some significant differences. With some of the examples (ten in number), we may see some ways in which their practice is inconsistent with our doctrinal commitments, but also hopefully learn from these brothers […]
10 Things I’ve Seen: Part 4 (Turning Greeting Into Welcoming)
In this series of posts, we will consider the practices of other churches that share some similarities with the OPC, though also some significant differences. With some of the examples (ten in number), we may see some ways in which their practice is inconsistent with our doctrinal commitments, but also hopefully learn from these brothers […]
Podcast Episode #4 (John Shaw Part 1)
John Shaw is the OPC General Secretary of Home Missions. He is a former church planter in St. Paul, MN that now (along with the Committee) oversees OPC church planting. In this role over 4 years, he brings a breadth of understanding and awareness of what is happening in OPC church planting that is both […]
Rosaria Butterfield: How Do We Respond?
An earlier post shared an in depth video by Rosaria Butterfield regarding her testimony and view of hospitality in a time when there is great division. (Rosaria: Bridging the Divide) Here is a simple, straightforward complement to that. This is about your initial reaction when a friend or family member shares something that is radically […]
10 Things: Part 3 (A Different Perspective on Street Fairs & Festivals)
In this series of posts, we will consider the practices of other churches that share some similarities with the OPC, though also some significant differences. With some of the examples (ten in number), we may see some ways in which their practice is inconsistent with our doctrinal commitments, but also hopefully learn from these brothers […]
10 Things I’ve Seen: Part 2 (An Opportunity to Receive Prayer)
If you are new to Outward OPC or this series, the introduction is here (10 Things I’ve Seen: Intro). In this series of posts, we will consider the practices of other churches that share some similarities with the OPC, though also some significant differences. With some of the examples (ten in number), we may see […]
10 Things I’ve Seen: Part 1 (Entering Into Worship)
Last time, I (Brad Hertzog) gave you the background to this series of what we can learn from some “missional” churches about welcoming people into our churches. Particularly those churches that have some Reformed leanings or commitments (Intro & Background). My work, requiring travel and temporal stays in an area, as well as particular projects […]
10 Things I’ve Seen: Intro & Background
We are going to begin an extended series throughout the summer on practical ways to be more effective and helpful for visitors. Before digging into the ideas and examples, this series needs some context. (Note: This is Brad Hertzog writing) My work has provided a unique opportunity. Multiple times, I’ve spent a couple of months […]
How Are Things Going?
It’s been 3 months since the wider release of Outward OPC, initiated by the New Horizons feature article (March New Horizons). Your response as a community is very encouraging to us. We are about to share a couple of numbers, but not because we think this is all about numbers. But some numbers tell us […]
Podcast Episode #3 (Dave Crum)
Dave Crum is the OPC Regional Home Missionary for the Presbytery of Southern California. He joins Outward OPC to talk about how foreign missions service affects home missions service, doing evangelism and building up core groups in an ever-changing world, urban church planting, and gives updates on a couple Southern Cal church plants. Dave has […]
Rosaria Butterfield’s Hospitality & Bridging the Divide
A fantastic video featuring Rosaria Butterfield—her testimony, how hospitality was the patient means God used to draw her to Himself, and how that has affected her views of hospitality in an antagonistic world. Check it out: This video is a promotion for her new book, “The Gospel Comes With a House Key,” which is highly […]
On The Frontlines: Eric Watkins Part 4
As always, this can be viewed as a stand alone video, but we are deep into this discussion with Eric that builds on prior segments. (Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3). Today, Eric dissects how we think about church planting and how our distinctives as a Reformed Church relate to evangelism. He has […]
Outward Stories From the Field: San Francisco
A man walked up and asked, “Do you have free Bibles for atheists?” We assured him we did and had a short conversation about how they are really free and we are happy to give one to him. He ended up taking a “Confessing Christ” as well. He seemed pleased that his atheism didn’t faze […]