Why

Why the LCMS?

What is Ablaze!?

A Worldwide Movement

Ablaze! is a worldwide movement among confessional Lutherans to reach 100 million unreached and/or uncommitted people with the Gospel by 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

The Goal

Related goals:• Start 2,000 new congregations in the US• Start 3,000 new congregations overseas• Revitalize 2,000 existing LCMS congregations

2004 LCMS conventionReach 100 million people

Justification by faith

“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law” (Rom. 3:28).

“Faith comes from hearing the message,and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17).

Why Ablaze!?

Why Ablaze!?

It is God’s desire that all be saved (1 Tim. 2:4) only under the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). 2004 Res. 1-01A

Why Ablaze!?

Our Lord has given all the baptized opportunity and responsibility to spread the Gospel—

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

All Christians are to share the Good News with friends, relatives, co-workers, and anyone else with whom they have opportunity.

The people of the world are in desperate need of the Gospel. (2004 Res. 1-04)

Urgency

Christianity

Islam

NonreligiousHinduism

Buddism

Chinese Traditional

primal-indigenous

SikhismJudaism

other Statistics taken from www.adherents.com

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Hostility towards Christianity is growing.

On the International level

The time to act is now.

On the National level

• Many in the United States are also unreached.

• God is bringing many without faith to our shores.

The time is ripe to plant new ministries and revitalize old ones.

• God is bringing many without faith to our shores.

Faith-sharing is not a thing Lutherans do naturallyFaith-sharing is not a thing Lutherans do naturally

This is what Ablaze! is changing

This is what Ablaze! is changing

Why the LCMS?

Our Constitution

LCMS Constitution, Art. III states:

“The Synod, under Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, shall strengthen congregations and their members in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world.”

Congregations are

“Our congregations, ministries, and schools are not only ministries for the teaching and edification of the saints but provide the foundation for the laity to be involved in mission.” (2004 Res. 1-02)

“mission outposts”

“…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts1:8b)

What does it mean to be a “mission outpost”?

As “mission outposts,” congregations will equip their people for mission in their own “Jerusalem.”

How are we doing in Ablaze!?

How are we doing in Ablaze!?

Asia Ablaze! Summit in Hong Kong

Here at Home

More than 1,500 of the 6,000-plus LCMS congregations have embraced Ablaze! in their own mission programs, in Bible study, and in training lay people for outreach.

Resources on the Ablaze! Web sitewww.lcms.org/ablaze

Suited to the Congregational setting:1. 50 Days Ablaze! 2. Groups Ablaze!3. Friendship Ablaze!

Start-Up to Ablaze! Ideas Resource lists online:

1. Individuals Ablaze!Personal Evangelism tools

2. Congregations Ablaze!

Ablaze! Idea-starters

3. Districts Ablaze!Idea checklist for congregations

Resources on the Ablaze! Web site

Mutual Encouragement

“Stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel” (Phil. 1:27).

Why tell you?

Everyday more than 155,000 people die worldwide.

Urgency

Why tell you?

We are called to be ambassadors for Christ.

Everyday more than 155,000 people die worldwide.

Urgency

Why tell you?

We are called to be ambassadors for Christ.

How much time do we have?