New Ministry Seeks To Catch And Keep

Terry Shamberger, one of the founders of Encounter Ministries, recently shared some sobering statistics. "Lancaster County was thought of as the Bible Belt in Pennsylvania," said Terry. "Right now, if you take a look at the population in Lancaster County, (about) 51% of those people don't walk with the Lord ... don't know Him." With the population at more than 500,000, Terry estimated that number at about 250,000. "and we have churches on every corner," he noted.

In response, Terry has joined with four others - Ernie Simmons, Ron Steffy, Kevin Semrau, and Terry's son, Steve - to form Encounter Ministries. The organization's mission is to use events, an area where Terry and Simmons have extensive experience, to reach people with the goal of "encountering" God. However, the ministry does not plan to stop with just an introduction. As the ministry casts nets, the focus will be on more than simply catch and release. "It's not about making converts," said Terry. "It's about making disciples."

Encounter has its roots in a Bible study the men started attending each Tuesday morning a dozen years ago. "Most of us knew each other from that (study)," said Terry, who added that the men attend different churches. "We got to talking that we should be doing more." Terry noted that the Lord revealed to him that worship could be used as a weapon in the battle, backing it up with Scripture from Second Chronicles 20, where Jehoshaphat was surrounded and found victory by going to the top of a mountain to worship.

Presently, Encounter holds a Bible study each Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lititz City Gate location, 101 N. Broad St., Lititz. On Friday nights, Encounter holds a coffee house with live music from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Gate. However, the ministry has set its sights on a large worship event, hopefully to be held in the near future. "We're planning probably sometime in late spring or early summer ... to do a big prayer and praise event here in Lancaster County," said Terry, who added the group would like to bring in a worship leader to attract attendees and partnerships with other ministries.

Working in unity with other churches and ministries is an important concept for the founders of Encounter. "We want to work with everybody," explained Terry. "We would like to partner with every church that the Lord is willing to (bring us) and to fill those churches up with people." Terry said the idea is not to found a new church, but rather to create a "united body of Christ to bring in a great harvest."

Terry noted that he believes the ministry can accomplish all its goals by organizing worship events. "What better, easier way to get churches to be able to work together than through worship?" he asked.

More information about Encounter Ministries may be found at http://www.encounter-ministries.org. Readers with specific questions may call 717-413-7083 or 717-538-6678.