Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs -The Mega Church and Evangelism in the City

When Ted Haggard arrived in Colorado Springs in 1985, it was a city known as being a pastors graveyard. Ten years later, Colorado Springs is known as "The Evangelical Vatican," home of 80 Christian ministries and hundreds of life giving churches. What caused the change? In his book Primary Purpose, Ted Haggard outlines some principles he uncovered during this city's transformation.

Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting was soon a feature in his initial church of 25. Through prayer God gave them a vision for their city, he led them to pray that:

	the resources of their city would be used for global evangelism
	their city be a place of refuge for Christian families
	people would be exposed to an understandable presentation of the gospel
	churches would continue Biblical understanding with a fresh flow of the Holy Spirit.

They soon realized that God's plan for their city was bigger than what one church or pastor could do, and that their church was to be a catalyst for a larger vision.Their prayers were not passive:

	A group experienced in prayer warfare confronted the spiritual powers of the city.
	Each week every church member was given 5 names, from the phone book - and prayed for them.
	Prayer was offered for businesses (that they prosper and be blessed) and for other churches (that they be growing life-giving churches).
	Government workers and the police were prayed over.
	Church members would go to places where people congregated and pray silently for those they saw.

Prayer and the Primary Purpose - Evangelism

Christian prayer always diminishes the influence of demonic powers - over individuals and over the city, and it stimulates the ministry of the Holy Spirit. When the spiritual climate of the city is changed, the Kingdom of God can be manifested with greater effectiveness leaving the way open for mass conversion and life giving church growth.

When Colorado Springs churches distributed the JESUS video door to door throughout the city, 70% of the homes accepted the tape - as compared to a national average of 30%. Several churches made a practice of having 30 second television and radio advertisements over Christmas to encourage people to Christ. Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Baptist, Lutheran and Pentecostal counselors all manned the response phones. In 1986, 4,932 people called with approximately 700 making first time commitments to Jesus.

Healthy attitudes prevail in the Midst of Evangelism

With adequate prayer evangelistic efforts became very effective, and in the midst of prayer and evangelism believers automatically focus on their primary purpose, and mutual respect in the body of Christ increases. So evangelicals, charismatics and Bible-believing liberals all respect each other, leaders of churches genuinely enjoy one another, strained relationships heal and long-term friendships develop.

Principles for Partnership With Other Churches

Focus on the Absolutes of Scripture. All Christians embrace the core absolutes -- that Jesus Christ is the truth, and that the Bible is the written expression of absolutes. But we differ widely on our interpretations of scripture and even more widely on the deductions we make from passages. We must not confuse the absolutes with our interpretations or deductions. Inside each church there should be the full practice of what they believe, but outside the walls there must be a focus on absolutes.

Promoting the Ministry of Christ and His Word Above Our Own Method or Mission. Churches must not promote themselves and their method of doing things above other churches (e.g.. Best Bible teaching, best choir, etc...) Their aim must be to breach the cultural wall between church and world, always promoting Jesus above themselves. If the efforts of one church cause the number of converts to rise in another church as well this is to be greeted with joy.

Pray to Raise the "Water Level" of the Holy Spirit's Activity in Your City. The water level is the percentage of a city's population in life giving churches on a Sunday morning. If a church concentrates on their own growth only, they must be careful not to focus on transfer growth but on conversion growth. A mega church will be unable to sustain its own hugeness if there is not a rising level of church attendance throughout the whole city. When churches pour their evangelistic resources into a defined geographical area it is possible for them to see the rising "water level." This benefits all the churches within that

Appreciate One Another's Respective Interpretations of Scripture. Churches have the same primary message but they differ greatly in style. The differences should be celebrated. People will always prefer the style of one church above another. The primary purpose does not require every church to reach every person, instead God requires churches to reach specific groups effectively.

Practice Supportive Speech and Actions Toward Others. This includes respecting those in spiritual authority, being prepared to like those you disagree with and always looking for the good you can do to other churches. It is important to be servant-minded bearing in mind that the Christian leader is called to serve their congregation not Lord it over them (see Phil 2).

© Viv Grigg and the Encarnação Alliance Training Commission
For problems or questions regarding this web contact web@urbanleaders.org
Last updated: 05/15/09.

	Focus on the Absolutes of Scripture. All Christians embrace the core absolutes -- that Jesus Christ is the truth, and that the Bible is the written expression of absolutes. But we differ widely on our interpretations of scripture and even more widely on the deductions we make from passages. We must not confuse the absolutes with our interpretations or deductions. Inside each church there should be the full practice of what they believe, but outside the walls there must be a focus on absolutes.
	Promoting the Ministry of Christ and His Word Above Our Own Method or Mission. Churches must not promote themselves and their method of doing things above other churches (e.g.. Best Bible teaching, best choir, etc...) Their aim must be to breach the cultural wall between church and world, always promoting Jesus above themselves. If the efforts of one church cause the number of converts to rise in another church as well this is to be greeted with joy.
	Pray to Raise the "Water Level" of the Holy Spirit's Activity in Your City. The water level is the percentage of a city's population in life giving churches on a Sunday morning. If a church concentrates on their own growth only, they must be careful not to focus on transfer growth but on conversion growth. A mega church will be unable to sustain its own hugeness if there is not a rising level of church attendance throughout the whole city. When churches pour their evangelistic resources into a defined geographical area it is possible for them to see the rising "water level." This benefits all the churches within that
	Appreciate One Another's Respective Interpretations of Scripture. Churches have the same primary message but they differ greatly in style. The differences should be celebrated. People will always prefer the style of one church above another. The primary purpose does not require every church to reach every person, instead God requires churches to reach specific groups effectively.
	Practice Supportive Speech and Actions Toward Others. This includes respecting those in spiritual authority, being prepared to like those you disagree with and always looking for the good you can do to other churches. It is important to be servant-minded bearing in mind that the Christian leader is called to serve their congregation not Lord it over them (see Phil 2).