What Now? September 21st, 2007
There is a gap between evangelism and integration into a local church body that new believers in Spain are falling into; the solution is follow-up.
In Spain, numerous evangelistic efforts target people of all ages. Although each effort strives for response from its target group and individuals do come to Christ, church growth often doesn’t seem to change. There is a gap between evangelism and integration into the Body of Christ, and new converts tend to fall through the cracks. Roland Walter, head of Spanish ministries at Málaga Media Center (MMC), believes the answer to this problem lies in follow-up.
Roland’s contact with missionaries and church workers throughout the area has revealed a need for follow-up materials for the younger generation. Workers from several local organizations and churches, and even a communications class from John Brown University, are joining MMC to bring Spanish youth into the Body of Christ.
Spanish teens are just like teens in the rest of the world. Spending countless hours on the Internet, they chat with friends, preview the latest movie releases, research information, and just hang out. These young people have grown up on media in every shape and form. Follow-up is needed that will appeal to them, the online generation. According to Roland, “It has to be upbeat, attention grabbing, doctrinally solid, practical, accessible and, of course, relevant to Spanish teens.”
Ideas are forming and excitement fills the air as the new follow-up project takes on a physical shape. The new project will target Spanish youth, new believers ages 13 to 17. Called Now What?, it is threefold: a DVD, a booklet and an interactive Web site. Together, these three will answer questions about God, Christianity and the importance of fellowship with other believers.
Once Now What? is complete, a teen will have somewhere to turn with questions when he makes a decision for Christ. Please pray with us as the project comes together.
Now What? (¿Ahora Qué?) website: http://www.ahoraq.com/
An overview video of the Now What? project is available on the Media page.