ROCHESTER, Pa., (BRN) – During the summer, First Baptist Church of Rochester in Rochester, Pennsylvania, utilized a Baptist Resource Network (BRN) evangelism grant to host a special concert on July 26, which featured Chosen Road, a Christian Bluegrass band.
Over 100 churches were invited to the concert, including all the BRN churches within one hour drive. They were given an invitation letter and promotional poster. First Baptist Church placed over 100 posters around Beaver County or personally handed one to a friend or family member.
To my knowledge, that resulted in spiritual conversations, although none were what I would define as a salvation conversation. Three local people called and two others texted asking about details. The event was also promoted on personal Facebook pages as well as the church Facebook page. Multiple posts were made and shared. During Sunday School the Sunday prior to the concert, seven adults were trained in how to lead one to the Lord.
In preparation for the expected number, the dividing doors to the overflow area were opened for the first time in 50 or more years. The church then set up chairs in anticipation of the number.
The Wednesday prior to the concert, three couples walked the church and spent one hour praying over each pew, the platform, the nursery and children’s area and the overflow. The cross walk in front of the church was also prayed over. Since the concert was scheduled, an elderly couple have been praying daily for the concert.
To meet the remaining financial need a man sold a possession and gave the remaining amount, so the church would have no financial responsibility. This was just like they did in the book of Acts. The Sunday prior to the concert the worship attendance was 16. The Sunday before that the attendance was 25. That has been the high attendance for the year.
Prior to the concert, a lady came over to the church and dusted under all the pews. Four different family units personally brought individuals to hear the concert. One Ohio SBC church canceled their mid-week service and brought a vanload to the concert. Almost the entire church was engaged and participatory in some level of making this an event.
A total of 93 people attended the concert. Each couple or individual who attended was given a sheet of paper containing a description of the upcoming six concerts to be held over the next 12 months. On the other side was a letter from myself. It contained a clear gospel message from the book of John.
During the concert, Chosen Road in word and song presented the gospel. Upon the conclusion of the concert, I went over the gospel using the gospel of John. Those trained as personal workers then came forward. An invitation for salvation was then given. No one responded, but approximately 75 sheets were distributed. That means 75 family units took the gospel home with them. We also collected follow up information by passing out contact cards to those in attendance. Twelve people filled out these cards, enabling further follow up.
To my count, those who are part of First Baptist personally invited eight who are in need of salvation. They may not have personally shared the gospel, but they brought them to where they heard it. The Sunday after the concert, we had two new visitors, who attended the concert, come to worship.
Have an outreach event you would like to host, but could use a little help when it comes to the cost? Apply for a BRN Evangelism Grant today by visiting brnunited.org/grant!
