What is an advocate?
Having an advocate can run the range from helpful to critical. Finding an advocate when attempting to mend a broken relationship can be important, finding an advocate when standing in a court of law can be crucial. As Christians we know that we have an advocate that never fails us – Jesus. He is able to stand before God and speak on our behalf, asking for forgiveness and mercy because of what he has accomplished for us through His death and resurrection.
One very important role of a Director of Christian Outreach is to be an advocate within a congregation for those who are not yet connected to the Body of Christ. Often without realizing it congregations make decisions that profoundly impact their ability to proclaim the Gospel. Who are we inviting? How are we inviting them? What are we inviting them to participate in? How will they be welcomed when they accept our invitation? Questions of Why we do What we do and the Way we choose to do it most often are answered in ways that reflect the values of those inside the congregation, but inadvertently communicate to the pre-churched person that they are not welcome.
A Director of Christian Outreach is trained to advocate on behalf of those who have no voice in the congregation and train others to do the same all the while equipping the members of the church to see their gifts as the tools God uses to proclaim His Good News to lost people. Teaching, training, equipping, leading,and, yes, advocating on behalf of lost people. These are all ways in which a DCO serves a congregation as the congregation seeks to carry out its unique place in the Mission of God. If you have questions about DCO training, or want to learn more about opportunities to have a DCO or DCO student-intern serve your congregation contact Prof Phillip Johnson at pjohnson@ csp.edu or call him at (651)641-8246.