The Andrew Plan for Outreach & Assimilation

I. The Andrew Plan

• Attend a Bible Information Class
• Bring your unchurched FRAN (friend, relative, associate, or neighbor) along with you, and when your FRAN becomes a Christian and joins your church,
• Sponsor that individual until he or she becomes assimilated into the life of the church.

II. The Advantages of the Andrew Plan

1. It's Simple
   There is nothing complicated about this plan. You could easily explain it to anyone in a matter of minutes. In fact, it was this feature that one of our elders found most attractive. After I presented it to our congregation a few years ago he remarked, "You know I really like this plan. But what I really like about it is that it is so simple."
2. It's Effective
   There are many different ways to reach the lost for Christ. But surveys show that between 70% to 90% of people who are brought into the church are brought in through this method. It's what we call “Friendship Evangelism;” people like Andrew bringing their FRAN (friends, relatives, associates & neighbors) to meet Jesus.
3. It Involves Everyone
   The Great Commission ( to make disciples of all nations) was given to the Church, that is, to all Christians. This means that it's not just the job of those who are professionally trained (e.g. pastors & teachers) but all Christians are to share in this most important work. And really, how difficult is it to simply invite your unchurched FRAN to church or a Bible class. And to encourage you to do so, I would remind you that a recent survey conducted among unchurched people showed that over 96% would be “somewhat likely to attend church or a Bible class if invited by a friend”.
4. It Will Bring Joy
   It will first of all bring great joy to our FRAN. Indeed, what greater joy is there than to know that because of what Jesus did (because he lived a perfect life for us, and paid for our every sin on Calvary's cross) that we are completely forgiven, and have the certain promise of eternal life in heaven. But we also have the joy of knowing that we had a part in bringing that soul to Jesus. It has been one of my greatest joys in life to come to church and worship along side of those whom I was priviledged to say, as did Andrew, “Come and see”.
5. It Accomplishes Assimilation
   Surveys show that if new Christians are not assimilated into the church in a relatively short period of time, there is a high probability that they may fall away and not remain active members. This plan calls for the person who brings the new member to Christ, to also sponsor that individual until they become assimilated into the congregation. Now surely the church can do much to help in this assimilation process; but a truly concerned sponsor can add greatly to these efforts. Some of the things they can do are: introduce the new member to other members of the congregation (especially those with whom they have something in common); encourage then to come to church & Bible study, and be available to answer any questions they may have.