I wanted to add that the outreach of our church is done out of social holiness. Very few people come into our food pantry without being offered a time of prayer. We have Bibles available to give away in both English and Spanish. Several people have come to our church after having developed relationships with our members who volunteer at the community center. If we are going to be in ministry out of a love for Jesus Christ, then we need to tell others about our motivation. If I were to eat at a great new restaurant, I would tell my friends. If I watched a great new television show, I would tell someone. It only stands to reason, that when we encounter the Risen Christ and experience transformational events on our faith journey, we cannot help but sing God's glory (Rev. Leah Hidde-Gregory, Pastor Frost-Italy Charge, email 02-23-12).
Last Sunday worshipping at Genesis, Rev. Ginger Watson shared a similar story of how neighbors invited people to an open house and graciously shared a witness about their church and ministry (which is not United Methodist). Both remind me of the critical need to explicitly connect (or should I say reconnect evangelism and social holiness).