About our Digital Ministry
From its foundation, the RLDS (CofChrist) Church has always recognized the need to maintain communication with seekers, friends and members and utilized print media through the development of the Herald magazine/newspaper, which began publication in 1860.
|
The church also utilized radio technology for outreach, and for many years produced a radio ministry in the Kansas City area.
From 1916 through 2010 the Church produced George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" in Independence, Mo.
The performance was recorded and distributed to radio stations during the holidays. Early 1960s RLDS (CofChrist) church membership statistics show the success of evangelizing methods. Effective use of developing technology, personal evangelism materials, and a strong determination to proselytize, are among the many factors that account for the steady membership increase. Church records show in1960 an average of 5,000 Baptisms per year. Source: The Journey of a People: The Era of Worldwide Community, 1946 to 2015 By Mark Scherer
|
In an effort to improve communication of the Church’s message through personal evangelism, the “Faith to Grow” program was implemented in the 1980s to mobilize the church by training every member in principles of evangelism, missionary techniques, doctrinal differences and distinctive beliefs. This was to be a decade long program with growth and expansion of the Church being the natural result. It was difficult to measure the success of this program due to the dissent in the church reducing membership, but it was estimated this program resulted in a growth of about 1%.
In continuing to search for new and effective methods to communicate the Church’s message, again through personal evangelism, the “Transformation 2000” program was implemented. This program led to the addition of almost 200 new field ministers, the planting of more than 200 new congregations, and a focus of ministry on children, youth, and young adults. The Community of Christ Church budget grew significantly from the operation of this program. This was paid for by a modest fund-raising effort to cover the additional cost in the first few years, to be replaced on a sliding scale in subsequent years by increased tithes and general offerings. While the Church experienced membership growth as projected, there was a decline in giving. The Church was deficit spending and could not sustain this program.
In continuing to search for new and effective methods to communicate the Church’s message, again through personal evangelism, the “Transformation 2000” program was implemented. This program led to the addition of almost 200 new field ministers, the planting of more than 200 new congregations, and a focus of ministry on children, youth, and young adults. The Community of Christ Church budget grew significantly from the operation of this program. This was paid for by a modest fund-raising effort to cover the additional cost in the first few years, to be replaced on a sliding scale in subsequent years by increased tithes and general offerings. While the Church experienced membership growth as projected, there was a decline in giving. The Church was deficit spending and could not sustain this program.
Invite People to Christ
Christ’s Mission of Evangelism. Community of Christ Doctrine & Covenants Section 155:7 states: “There are many techniques for proclaiming my word . . .”
As Disciples, we are called to go places where we have never been, to do new things that we have never attempted and to be things we have never envisioned. But what does this scripture mean? |
“Know, O my people, the time for hesitation is past. The earth, my creation, groans for the liberating truths of my gospel which have been given for the salvation of the world. Test my words. Trust in my promises for they have been given for your assurance and will bear you up in times of doubt. Be not overly concerned with method as you go forth to witness in my name. There are many techniques for proclaiming my word which may be used as needs and circumstances dictate.” D&C 155:7 |
At this time, Community of Christ had very few congregational resources for electronic outreach, however some Community of Christ Mission Centers and congregations were experimenting with digital ministry, and sharing their information on line. (Community of Christ has since significantly increased it’s digital ministry resources.)
Searching the Internet for information regarding successful church outreach strategies, we found numerous church growth consultants, websites, classes and books on Digital Ministry/Evangelism. There are also YouTube presentations (videos) about successful ideas that other churches were using for church growth and outreach. These presentations talked about using electronic media, including Church Websites and Church Social Media accounts for outreach.
Over the years the Topeka congregation had been using traditional print media outreach methodologies, such as pamphlets, phone book and newspaper ads. The Topeka Congregation also had a website which was developed by a member using the free Weebly website software.
The free Weebly software is limited and has ads. Based upon what we had learned, specific to church websites, we upgraded to Weebly Pro website software and significantly reformatted and expanded the Topeka Congregation website. (If you have suggestions or comments about our website please Contact Us.) We have tried to transition our website from a “church bulletin” to sharing what the Topeka Community of Christ congregation has to offer.
The free Weebly software is limited and has ads. Based upon what we had learned, specific to church websites, we upgraded to Weebly Pro website software and significantly reformatted and expanded the Topeka Congregation website. (If you have suggestions or comments about our website please Contact Us.) We have tried to transition our website from a “church bulletin” to sharing what the Topeka Community of Christ congregation has to offer.
Our congregation has been recording our Sunday worship services for many years. The audio recordings are transferred to a CD and made available to persons who are unable to come to church for an in person service.
We also learned that churches should use Social Media, as it is very effective for outreach and to promote social ministry. We established a Facebook page, Facebook Group, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter social media accounts for the Topeka congregation.
With the onset of COVID, like many churches, we began live streaming our Sunday Worship through our Topeka CofChrist Ministry Facebook Group. This is a private group so members of the group can just go to the published link in the group and watch the worship live stream. This eliminates the need to publish and email a weekly login code to persons who want to watch the service.
If you miss our worship service live stream, or if you do not want to join our Topeka CofChrist Ministry Facebook group, you can watch a recording of the service on the WORSHIP LIVESTREAM page of this website.
If you miss our worship service live stream, or if you do not want to join our Topeka CofChrist Ministry Facebook group, you can watch a recording of the service on the WORSHIP LIVESTREAM page of this website.
Many Community of Christ affiliate organizations produce podcasts and live stream worship services, musical programs and educational events. We post the direct links to these events in our Facebook group. (Check the Events section of our Ministry Facebook group page for the links to these events.)
If you are not a member of our private Facebook group and would like to participate in these activities, please request to join this group through your Facebook account; and make our Topeka CofChrist Ministry Facebook group your destination for Online Ministry.
|
We are trying to make our Online Ministry more than a Sunday Worship live stream. We hope that you will continue to access the information we provide on this website.
Check the ACTIVITIES page of this website and see what we are doing to make Christ’s Mission - Our Mission.
Check the ACTIVITIES page of this website and see what we are doing to make Christ’s Mission - Our Mission.
If you appreciate our ministry please leave a positive review of our ministry on our Topeka congregation Facebook page and on our Google Business listing.
You can also assist this ministry by Liking and Sharing our Social Media Posts. |
Topeka Community of Christ does not have any paid staff. Our ministry is produced through the efforts of volunteers who share of their time and talents each week to bring you this ministry. We welcome your comments.
Thank You,
Topeka CofChrist Digital Ministry Team
Thank You,
Topeka CofChrist Digital Ministry Team
PS: The Herald is still published by the Community of Christ in print and in a digital media format.
Click the button below for information about subscribing to the Herald and other Community of Christ publications. |