Visitation Training: Training Members to Make Effective Home Calls (Student's Manual)
Visitation Training
Training Members to Make Effective Home Calls
Student’s Manual
A Ministry of Fairhaven Bible Chapel
|
Date |
Assignment |
Memory Verse |
Key Question |
Way of Life |
|
Week 1 |
READ: Pastoral and Evangelistic Visitation |
Eternal Life: John 10:10b; John 5:24; John 3:16; Romans 5:8 |
Would you mind sharing with me how you became a Christian? |
Pray, write name of an unsaved contact |
|
Week 2 |
READ: Goals and Attitudes in Visitation PREPARE: First draft of your testimony. |
What is Sin? Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6 |
“Have you come to the place where you can say for certain that if you were to die today, you would go to heaven?” |
Initiate an opening with an unsaved person |
|
Week 3 |
READ: Winning the Right to be Heard |
Death/Separation: Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14-15 |
“If you were to die today and stand before God and He were to say, “Why should I let you into my heaven, what would you say?” |
Confess fears to God, keep reaching out |
|
Week 4 |
READ: Initiating and Transitions |
Need to Repent: Acts 3:19; Isaiah 55:7 |
“May I share with you something that changed my life completely?” |
Share your testimony with someone |
|
Appendix A |
ROLE PLAY: Transitions and Initiating No Lecture Quarterly Exam |
Christ’s substitutionary death, resurrection. 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18 |
“In your opinion, what is the greatest change the Lord Jesus wants made in our lives?” |
Go through the gospel with one person |
|
Appendix B |
No Lecture. Turn in written Personal Testimonies & review |
Review Week |
Share testimony with an acquaintance | |
|
Week 5 |
READ: Call to Witness |
The God-Man: John 1:1, 14; 1 Timothy 2:5 |
“In your relationship to God, what do you feel is your greatest need?” |
Share testimony with a relative |
|
Week 6 |
READ: The Gospel Offer is Needed |
Grace, not works. Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5 |
“If you had a year to live, what changes would you make in your life?” |
|
|
Week 7 |
READ: The Gospel Offer is Just |
Understand gospel: 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 1 John 5:11-12 |
Bring a contact to church | |
|
Week 8 |
READ: The Gospel Offer Must Be Accepted |
Receive Christ: John 1:12; Revelation 3:20 |
“In what way would you like to minister to the Lord and His people? |
Share gospel with one person weekly |
|
Week 9 |
READ: Dealing With Oppositions |
Submit to Lord: Romans 10:9-10; Phil 2:10-11 |
None |
Goal to lead one person to Christ this year |
|
Week 10 |
READ: Asking Effective Questions |
Warning to Rejecters: John 3:36; 2 Thess. 1:8-9 |
None |
Share Gospel with one person weekly |
|
Week 11 |
READ: Hiding and Evading |
Know & review all Gospel verses, outline & key questions |
None |
Share Gospel |
|
Week 12 |
READ: Encouraging Others |
None |
None |
Share Gospel with one person weekly |
|
Week 13 |
READ: Analysis and Direction |
None |
None |
Continue to share gospel |
|
Week 14 |
READ: Using the Word |
None |
None |
Review efforts to date and determine need for improvement |
Commitment To Visitation Training
We do not ask for volunteers for visitation. Only those approved by the Visitation Training leadership and who meet specific qualifications are approved for visitation. The following considerations bear on approval:
· Sacrificially committed to Christ in daily living.
· Desire to minister to others in His Name.
· Committed unreservedly to the training for the full period, with a view to sharing this training.
· Be recommended. Apply for the training and be approved by the training leadership.
· Willingness to spend weekly 2 hours minimum in preparation for class.
Once approved, we expect the following of both trainers and trainees:
· On time, regular attendance.
· Memory work (verses and key questions).
· Reading assignments.
· Witnessing assignments (sharing Christ as a way-of-life outside of class or visitation calls).
· Respect and attention for those teaching or training. This means listening and participating in class and on the calls. It means directing any criticisms or complaints only to the leaders and not to third parties.
If you are consistently late, irregular in attendance, fail to do memory work or other homework, you will be asked to take the course at a later date. Our training depends on cooperation in this area. If an emergency occurs, which could not have been foreseen and is of supreme importance, then notify the Visitation Secretary of the need to be absent. This should be confirmed to the office before 2:00pm of the visitation day. Arrangement of calls and teams requires this courtesy.
My Commitment
During the coming period of training for visitation I make the following commitment before the Lord and with the believers who are investing their time and effort in sharing their experience with me. By God’s help:
1. I will finish the training and not drop out unless health or other emergency necessitates (2 Timothy 4:7).
2. I will be there ahead of time where possible and on time faithfully, so as not to disrupt the training input by the distraction of a late arrival (Ecclesiastes 3:1, Psalm 119:60).
3. I will conscientiously prepare my assignments in terms of memory work or reading material, just as any other important class (Proverbs 18:9).
4. I commit myself to share with others in their training when I have completed my own training (Romans 15:26-27).
I do this as unto the Lord Jesus and not unto men because He is the motivation for this effort.
Signature
Date
Sign this and keep it in the front of your notebook as a constant reminder. It is between you and the Lord (Psalm 15:4b).
Responsibilities Of Trainees
Our Purpose: To train in effective home visitation as a form of Christian ministry, including both evangelistic and pastoral calls. We intend to challenge believers to share the life they have in Christ in a regular way of life.
Prayer Partner: Each person will team with another class member for prayer support, assistance and challenge. There should be a minimum contact of once each week.
Evaluation: We will record your attendance, memory work, reading assignments, quiz scores, and visitation reports. We want to keep track of your progress in training. If you cannot complete your assignments or maintain progress, we will confer with you about the possibility of taking the course at a later date.
Role-Playing: We will ask some of you to participate in simulated sessions to demonstrate features of the training.
Testimonies: We want to help you develop your confession of Christ in a form as brief as one minute or as long as ten minutes. You should have opportunity to share it with others.
Book Study: These will stir up your thinking. Our questions are designed to help you apply the truths brought forth.
Way of Life Sharing: Any training limited to being practiced only one night a week would be deficient. Way-of-life reports are designed to stimulate your personal activity throughout the week.
Way Of Life Witnessing Assignments
One of the reasons why local churches don’t grow is that the believers simply fail to reach the unsaved with whom they are already in contact, and fail to seek new contacts actively. Someone has said, with regard to the life and future of any church, “evangelize or fossilize”. It has proven to be true time and time again. It will be true in your local church as well. That is why it is so vitally important to not only learn, but consistently practice witnessing as a way of life. Your training in sharing the gospel is designed to help you witness for Christ where you live, work, attend school, or anywhere else. Confessing Christ to others and sharing the good news of how you found eternal life in Him should be a way of life seven days a week.
Pray that God will open up opportunities for you to witness and give you “divine appointments”. You must be expectant, and you must work at it. Note the following steps:
PRAY for God to lead you to at least one person with whom you can share your faith. Write down a name that occurs to you. List in your notebook the situations in your weekly schedule which might be open for opportunities to witness (have lunch with a co-worker or a fellow student, visit a relative or friend, or even strike up a conversation with a stranger).
“Many of those who heard the Word believed…” Acts 4:4
INITIATE conversational opening with an unsaved person whom you do not know well or at all. Do an act of kindness, show interest, and get to know that person by way of “building a bridge” of understanding, even though you don’t begin by presenting the gospel.
CONFESS your fears to God about witnessing and appropriate His strength to press ahead. Overcome the “fear of man” (Proverbs 29:25).
ESTABLISH your bridge sufficiently with one person so that you can share your testimony because you have earned the right to be heard.
GO COMPLETELY through at least part of the gospel with one person, using either a pocket New Testament or a tract, briefly outlining the gospel for them on a blank sheet of paper. Pray more intensively each day for divine appointments.
SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY with a waitress, clerk, barber, beautician, gas station attendant, or similar person. Establish a minimum quota for yourself of weekly speaking to others about Christ.
SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY and the gospel with a relative. If you cannot do it in any other way, use the phone or write a letter. Also express your interest in them in other ways than witnessing.
SHARE THE GOSPEL with someone on a home visit. For example, you could go and visit someone in your neighborhood, or a friend from school or work.
BRING one of your contacts to a home Bible study or to a church meeting. Or bring them to your own home and share with them.
CRY OUT TO GOD to permit you to bring one person to Christ through your witness in the next seven months. Set down on paper any hindrances and determine to root them out.
Way Of Life Witnessing Report
Your Name:
Date:
Their Name:
Phone:
Address:
What did you do?
How did they respond?
What follow-up action do you intend to arrange?
Prayer And Visitation
Nothing goes well without prayer. This is true of effective visitation. Paul told the Colossians, “I do not cease to pray for you”, (Colossians 1:9). He told the Thessalonians, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He begged them to pray for his ministry (1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:1). He prayed for an uncounted number of believers in many churches. He prayed for the unsaved, even a whole nation (Romans 10:1). The Lord Jesus was always a man of prayer. He still intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34) as does the Spirit.
In calling therefore, pray beforehand and afterwards. We are engaged in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12). We must know and obey the laws of prayer. These include faith, perseverance, the will of God, the Name of Jesus and our own spiritual condition.
Be specific when you pray (names, situations to be changed). As to the unsaved, pray for conviction of sin, relief from demonic oppression, spiritual blindness, bitter or unforgiving attitudes. Don’t just pray , “Lord, please save them”. Children never ask for things in generalities, “give me what’s good for me”. They are specific and persistent. It should be so with God’s children.
“And Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Mark 10:51
Have a prayer partner, during visitation training. Contact each other weekly by telephone or in person. Pray for each other and for those whom you have called or will be calling.
Assignment Completion Form
Name
Date
Were You On Time?
1. Write out memory verses and key questions.
2. Did you read your lesson assignment for the week?
3. Did you share Christ this week and turn in a Way-Of-Life report?
4. Did you contact your prayer partner?
5. Other assignments, if any? (books, etc.).
Please correct the verses with your version, and check the Key Questions before you turn this sheet in.
Hints On Hospital Visitation
· To gain admittance to a hospital, simply say that you are a minister of the Gospel. A minister may visit at any time. Except in emergencies, the afternoon and evening hours are the better. Tests, X-rays, and therapy are usually given in the morning.
· Always read a short portion of Scripture and pray. It often adds a special dimension of comfort and warmth to hold the patient’s hand or to “lay hands upon him”. Try to avoid a cold and professional manner, and do not have an anxious and troubled appearance.
“…I was sick and you visited Me…” Matthew 25:36
· Make your visit brief. Long visits can be harmful, exhausting and almost unendurable to someone who is ill.
· Do not discuss the patient’s physical problems with him, and never make negative remarks as to his appearance.
· If the Lord gives you faith, pray for the patient’s healing. Our God is the God of miracles, and we should not limit His power. Above all, help the patient to be aware of the presence of the Great Physician at his bedside.
· Even if the patient is in a coma, do not discuss anything he should not hear. It is known that sometimes people who are in a coma can hear and understand what is being said in the room, even if they cannot communicate.
· Try to be cheery and optimistic.
· Don’t sit on the bed or otherwise do anything that might disturb or upset the patient.
· Be ready to perform any service that is consistent with propriety and with hospital rules.
· Never break a confidence between the patient and yourself.
Personal Testimony
By the second week, you should start preparing, in writing, your testimony.This will tell how you came to know the Lord Jesus as your Savior.
On the third week, you will turn it in for suggestions, to the Coordinator or Director of the Visitation Program. This will be returned to you. Review and revise accordingly. Write on 3x5 cards key thoughts.
Before the fifth week you must be prepared to give an oral testimony in class not exceeding 10 minutes, using only 3x5 cards, not reading. Look your audience (two or three persons) in the eye, giving your testimony as is it were to an unconverted listener. Tell them “how Christ changed my life”.
Your testimony will be evaluated (and returned to you) for clarity, conviction, and conformity to the suggested procedure. Remember not to spend much time on before. Be clear on the how. Tell the changes that might matter to others in after.
Preparing A Personal Testimony
The courtroom is the usual scene for terms like “witness, “testify” and “testimony”. It is in the courtroom of this world that these same terms are used of believers in Christ as they witness, testify or give their confession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Paul charged his young disciple Timothy, “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of a many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Jesus Christ, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate” (1 Timothy 6:12-13 NASB). Confession of Christ before others is a great privilege which can be used of God to bring others to Himself. It can also be the occasion of persecution and even death. The words “witness” and “testify” are translations of a Biblical word which relates to our English word “martyr”. It is used in that sense in Scripture (Revelation 2:13) as believers testified to their faith even unto death.
The Lord was clear in His call to His followers to be forthright about their relationship to Him. “Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8; cf. Matthew 10:32). The opening of our mouths before others is linked even to salvation itself. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved” (Romans 10:9 NASB). Our allegiance to the Lord Jesus should be no secret.
Content
A good testimony involves two factors. First, there must be a first-hand authentication of a fact. Ananias told Saul of Tarsus upon his conversion, “Thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard” (Acts 22:15). A good witness deals with what he has seen or knows, not guessed or felt. A good witness for Jesus Christ tells how he met Christ, how his life has been changed and on what authority he makes claim to being a child of God. Second, a witness makes a solemn declaration under oath in response to a question about the truth of a matter. The believer is told, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). The Apostle John in his gospel gave testimony of the things he knew to be true (John 21:24). Paul wrote for the benefit of doubters that he was truly testifying that Christ was risen from the dead. If it were not so, he would have been found a false witness in the sight of God (1 Corinthians 15:15).
The testimony of a child of God often begins with the needs which brought him to Christ, especially the problem of sin. “Many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds” (Acts 19:18). These were evil in the sight of God. The Lord Jesus has brought relief to millions gripped with a sense of guiltiness, emptiness, lack of meaning, lack of peace, fear of death and loneliness. Joy and purpose have replaced them. Yet supremely Jesus came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), delivering then from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Believers therefore testify to the time in their experience when they heard the gospel of their salvation and believed it (Ephesians 1:13). They received “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7).
Any good testimony is Christ-centered (Acts 5:31-32). It is rightly called “the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:2, 9). Particular emphasis was given by first century believers to the fact that Christ has risen from the dead (Acts 2:32, 4:33, 13:30-31). Both prophetic fulfillment and the testimony of witnesses were cited by them. It is important to tell how Christ has changed our lives (1 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Paul once was a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians (1 Timothy 1:13). He became their foremost champion. A good testimony often brings opportunity to solemnly challenge hearers as to the need of “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Remember that spiritual opposition is overcome by believers through “the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).
General Outline
AS SEEN IN SCRIPTURE. The witness of Paul in Acts 26:1-29 is a scriptural example of a testimony which deals with Before, How and After aspects of receiving Christ.
· Before Christ was received (26:4-11). Paul tells of his religious background and resistance to Christ.
· How Christ was received (26:12-18). He tells of his meeting with Christ on the Damascus Road and how the Savior reproached him for his sins, yet called him to service of the One he had persecuted.
· After Christ was received (26:19-23). He speaks of the changes in his life and how he became a preacher even among countrymen who sought to kill him.
AS REFLECTED IN YOUR TESTIMONY. When giving your own testimony, keep certain things in mind:
· Befort Christ was received - a short account of your life before becoming a Christian. What elements in your former life caused you to see the need for a change? Which of them are common to the needs of others?
· How Christ was received - how, specifically you took the step of becoming a Christian. Be specific so that others will not see this as a vague spiritual change, but rather an encounter with the living God. How, when and where did this take place?
· After Christ was received - a very brief account of your life since becoming a Christian. What clear evidences of a transformed life took place? What are the benefits of becoming a believer? What touches the longings in the hearts of others?
Guidelines For Preparing The More Specific Content
The following guidelines should be observed in composing your testimony:
· Keep the Lord Jesus central, telling what He has done.
· Use the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17). Mention the verses that God used in reaching your conscience. This lends authority and brings conviction (Mark 1:22).
· It should end up sounding conversational, not professional.
· Say “I” and “me”, not “you” (share - don’t preach).
The Sequence Of Your Preparation
· •Accumulate brief notes on three separate sheets of paper labeled:
a) Before b) How c) After
· Write out a long, rough draft using your notes from the three sheets of paper (it will usually take about 10 minutes to read it).
· Cut your draft down to under four minutes to read.
· Outline your three-four minute presentation on a 3x5 card. Learn to give the testimony using only your outline.
· Learn to give your testimony in three minutes without the outline.
Testimonies Of Christians - Before And After
Before Salvation
terribly lonely, fearful, proud, selfish, frustrated, angry, searching, unhappy, dissatisfied, empty, haunted by unanswered questions, very shy, apathetic, messed up, insecure, seeking approval, loner, no meaning to anything, useless, desirous of things (cars, fun, drugs), void (missing something), bitter, just a number, life shallow, stubborn, lived for self, rebellious, depressed, aching for attention, hateful, restless, obsessed with death
After Salvation
love toward spouse/family, life is exciting/challenging/ enjoyable, acceptance, new motivations, able to quit bad habits, has purpose, not afraid to die, sense of direction, aware of God’s presence, re-aligned, desire to help others, secure, victory, no more fear, new ambitions, love, enjoy other people, obedient, joy, better person to live/work with, thirsty for the Word, inner peace, understanding, happiness (eternal), purposeful, lasting friendships
Personal Testimony
Read notes thoroughly and prepare your testimony according to the “Guidelines” and “Sequence of Preparation”. Your final draft should be recorded under the three major questions below which bring out the Before, How, and After of your conversion.
1. What was your life like before making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?
2. How and when did you make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior? What were the circumstances? What Scriptures did you claim by faith? In a simple, understandable way, make clear to others the way to God. Be sure that Christ, rather than people or the church, is central.
3. In practical terms, how has your life been changed after making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior? A commitment that resulted in a changed life is a mark of reality. There is no point in telling about a “decision” or prayer that had no such effect.
Outlining The Gospel
Offer Made
Eternal and Abundant Life: John 10:10b, John 5:24
Love of God: John 3:16, Romans 5:8
Give Your Personal Testimony
Offer Needed
What Is Sin? Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6
Death As Consequence (separation): Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:14-15
Need to Repent: Acts 3:19, Isaiah 55:7
Offer Is Just
Christ’s Substitutionary Death and Resurrection: 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18
The God-Man: 1 Timothy 2:5, John 1:1, 14
Grace Not Works (a gift): Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5
Offer Must Be Accepted
Understand Gospel Content: 1 John 5:11-12, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Trust, Receive Christ Revelation: 3:20, John 1:12
Submit to Lord and Savior Romans: 10:9-10, Philippians 2:10-11
Attitudes: the root of right and wrong
Positive: Loving (1 John 4:11-12); Teachable (James 3:17); Thankful (1 Thess. 5:18); Humility (1 Peter 5:5); Forgiving (Eph. 4:32)
Negative: Slander, hatred (Pro. 10:18); Argumentative (Pro. 18:19); Bitter, resentful (Eph. 4:31); Strife, jealousy (Gal. 5:20); Pride, self-sufficient (Pro. 16:18)
Guidance
Desire (Luke 22:42b)
Plans (James 4:15)
Trusting (Pro. 3:5-6)
Counsel of God (Psa. 119:10)
Counsel of others (Pro. 15:22)
Waiting (Psa. 106:13)
Growth:
Priorities (Matt. 6:33)
Lordship (Luke 6:46)
Commitment (Rom. 12:1-2)
Obedience (John 14:21)
Abiding (John 15:4)
Perseverance (Is. 40:31)
Reckoning (Rom. 6:11)
Yielding (Rom. 6:13)
Suffering (1 Peter 2:20)
Unity (1 Cor. 1:10)
Power (Eph. 3:20)
Holiness (1 Peter 1:15)
Discipleship (Lk. 9:23, 14:26, 27, 33)
Quiet time (Mk. 1:35)
Word (Jer. 15:16)
Prayer (1 John 5:14-15): Asking (Matt. 7:7); Interceding (1 Tim. 2:1); Praising (Heb. 13:15); Thanking (1 Thess. 5:18); Confession (Pro. 28:13)
Witness (Acts 1:8): Servant (Matt. 20:26-27) Laborers (Matt. 9:37-38)
Submission (Eph. 5:21, Heb. 3:17)
Grievances
Forgiving (Col. 3:13)
Overlooking (Pro. 19:11)
Correcting (2 Timothy 4:2)
Reconciling (Matt. 5:23-24) Confronting (Matt. 18:15-17)
Family
Husband (Eph. 5:23, 25)
Wife (l Peter 3:1)
Support (1 Tim. 5:18)
Children (Eph. 6:1-2)
Marriage (Heb. 13:4, 1 Cor. 7:3-5)
Divorce (Matt. 5:32, 19:9, 1 Cor. 7:15)
Finances
Giving (Pro. 3:9, 1 Cor. 16:2)
Borrowing (Pro. 22:7, Rom. 13:8)
Church
Baptism (Acts 2:41)
Communion (Acts 20:7)
Fellowship (Heb. 10:25)
Ministry (1 Cor. 4:1)
Activities (Acts 2:42)
Leaders (Phil. 1:1, Acts 20:28)
Gifts (1 Cor. 12:7, 11-12)
Missions (Matt. 28:19-20)
Problems
Success (Joshua 1:8)
Restoration (Psa. 51:2-3)
Help (Isa. 41:10, 13)
Devil (James 4:17)
Flesh (Rom. 13:14)
World (1 John 5:4)
Sorrow (Psa. 30:5b, John 16:22)
Anxiety (1 Peter 5:7, Phil. 4:6-7)
Loneliness (Psa. 27:10, Heb. 13:5)
Bereavement (Psa. 23:4, John 14:1-3)
Burdened (Matt. 11:28, Psa. 55:22)
Difficulties (Rom. 8:28, 2 Cor. 4:17)
Temptation (1 Cor. 10:13, James 1:12)
Encouragement (Deut. 31:6, John 16:33)
Trials (1 Peter 1:6-7, James 1:2-3)
Victorious (1 Sam. 17:47, Romans 8:37)
Strength (Phil. 4:13, 2 Cor. 12:9)
Deliverance (Psa. 34:19, Isa. 43:2)
Comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Needs (Phil. 4:19)
Chastening (Heb. 12:5-6)
Fear (Psa. 27:1, 2 Tim. 1:7)
Sickness (Psa. 41:3, James 5:14)
Depression (Psa. 40:2-3, 42:5)
Give Attention
Thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5, Phil. 4:8, Matt. 5:28)
Works/deeds (Titus 3:8, Eph. 2:10)
Conscience (Acts 24:16, 1 Tim. 3:9)
Body as the Temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
Return to the Lord (Luke 12:35-37, Titus 2:13)
Romantic Relationships
Not Anxious (1 Cor. 7:32, 35)
Priorities (Matt. 6:33) Others Directed (Phil. 2:3-4)
Yielded (Rom. 12:2)
Counsel (Pro. 15:22)
Yokes (2 Cor. 6:14)
Lesson 1
Biblical Goals In Visitation
Why have visitation? If people come to church, hear the message and then return home, have we not met our responsibility? If they have an emergency they can just request a visit and we will respond then. That is one way to look at it. It is the way most churches operate. However, in this system, there is very little opportunity to interact with people privately about needs and questions. A typical pastor (shepherd), or even the elders who are shepherds, can scarcely know the condition of their flocks by this system. How can they watch over their souls and give an account to God for them (Hebrews 13:17)? How can the Sunday School teachers and ministry leaders, be they men or women, shepherd their part of the flock without visiting them?
Visitation Is Biblical
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27).
“I was sick and ye visited Me” (Matthew 25:36).
“The foolish shepherd…which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young men, nor heal that which is broken…woe to the worthless shepherd that leaveth the flock” (Zechariah 11:15-17).
“Thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed My people; ye have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not visited them” (Jeremiah 23:2).
“They were scattered because there was no shepherd…none did search or seek after them…I am against the shepherds and will require the flock at their hand” (Ezekiel 34:5-10).
Visitation shows them that we believe people are valuable, and that we care about them. Routine calling merely to induce people to attend more meetings or to enlist workers is an inadequate spiritual objective. Effectively done it is an unfailing tool in assisting believers. It is a way of bringing souls to Christ. It requires spiritual people, the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Calling should involve the care of persons. It takes time.
General Objectives
PRESENT THE GOSPEL TO THOSE WHO ARE OPEN: Most converts are effectively won to Christ by personal contact, not mass evangelism. Learn to do this thoroughly and to avoid what has been called “spiritual malpractice” in evangelism.
SHOW INTEREST AND CONCERN. Reach out to them. Care should be evident in your manner and tone. We are taking an evening with them on their home grounds to say, “You are important”. We come as friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters. We are not there just to say things like, “We have not seen you in a long time. Where have you been?”
DETERMINE NEEDS REQUIRING HELP. An informal home atmosphere is ideal for people to open up about their feelings. A depth exchange is impossible with mere passing conversation at church meetings. We need to be aware of such things as hurts, offenses, marital strains or frustrated desires. This is an opportunity for spiritual, practical fellowship, not just a handshake at the door. We do not, like the Lord, have omniscience. Therefore we must be in touch with the Spirit, listen and observe carefully. Particularly, we must learn the method of the Lord in asking sensitive, thoughtful questions.
STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS. We may not know this person at all. Thus we need to establish some kind of relationship so that we can communicate. Draw together with them. The person may be attending the services or even be a member of the local body. In that case we need to know them better, to draw together on a deeper level. When we do this we are seen in a new light and people say, “You are not at all like I thought!”. Building bridges of understanding is a significant accomplishment in calling.
DEFINE NEEDED ACTION. How can we help? There is more than talk required on a call. A physician needs to get acquainted with a patient, but he also needs to make a diagnosis. This requires sensitivity and perception. Is there a need of encouragement? Is there indifference, lack of commitment, a root of bitterness? Is there a clear testimony giving evidence of true conversion? Are there practical needs? Where is this person spiritually?
ASSIST WITH PROBLEMS. Who should be responsible to help? There are many who, in the words of the hymnwriter, are “weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care”. Many are the areas requiring practical help: marital tension, wayward children, grievances, financial disorder, doctrinal inadequacy, loneliness, and need for practical advice. By being observant, listening carefully, asking good questions, and desiring to be helpful, perhaps we can make a proper recommendation. Make sure that they are open to your recommendation before offering advice.
ENCOURAGE RESPONSE. Good discussion is often wasted by failure to invite specific action. Try to bring others to say exactly what needs to be done and to commit themselves to do it. Often it is necessary to challenge them. That is what the Lord did to the rich young ruler as well as with His own disciples. If they are willing to commit themselves to Christ, to spiritual objectives, to right priorities, then we should give them the opportunity to do so by asking.
COMFORT BY PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE. There is a dynamic impact of the Word of God on receptive hearts. There is a powerful effect when we pray with those upon whom we call. We should make use of both. The Holy Spirit is called “the one alongside”. He is there to encourage and we should do likewise. The Lord Jesus “healed the brokenhearted”. We can be used in the same way. Remember, in closing a visit, to ask: “Shall we pray together?” or “May I share something from God’s Word?”
What do we need to learn in a general way in order to do effective visitation? There is much lack in calling because callers do not feel confident that they know what to do. They lack experience and instruction and sense it. By improving your practical skills you can overcome even timidity in dealing with others. Timidity results in a lack of willingness to reach out. The spirit of timidity in the cause of Christ does not come from the Lord; it comes from inexperience and lack of proper training which builds confidence.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Seven Things You Need To Learn
Give thoughtful attention to each of these Scriptural principles.
TO BE SPIRITUAL (1 Corinthians 2:15, Galatians 6:1). How could you have real discernment unless the Spirit guided you and gave wisdom? You are not to speak “in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual thoughts with spiritual words” (1 Corinthians 2:13).
TO BE CONCERNED FOR OTHERS (Philippians 2:4). Unless a person is convinced that you care about him or her, you have no hearing. They sense whether you do or do not. People certainly saw the concern of the Lord Jesus for them. That’s one reason why “the common people heard Him gladly”. Why should we be concerned? Because each soul is made in the image of God and considered worth dying for by Him.
TO USE COMMON SENSE (Romans 12:3, Titus 2:12). There are too many unpredictable things that can happen for anyone to be instructed in advance about every situation. Common sense is the ability to do the right thing, especially where obvious, without being prompted. You sense what is right, helpful, needed.
TO WORK HARD (Proverbs 14:23, John 5:17). The lack of this is evident in almost all areas of endeavor. The Word condemns a lazy person (sloth, sluggard) and praises hard work. The Lord demonstrated on earth that He was and is a hard worker. Many difficulties can be overcome by this trait.
TO BE TEACHABLE (Proverbs 1:5, 9:9, 12:15). God places much emphasis on teachability as a key to learning godly wisdom. The Word condemns an unwillingness to listen, take heed, respond and apply truth. Such people are likened to mules or jackasses. We must learn with appreciation, from God, from godly teachers, and from experienced guides. We must learn to look for teachability in those in whom we purpose to invest time.
TO BE FAITHFUL (Luke 16:10, 1 Corinthians 4:2). This is an absolute requirement by God. It was a characteristic of Christ, and one of His many names (Revelation 19:11). Confidence in an unfaithful man is like having a “bad tooth or walking on an unsteady foot (out of joint)” (Proverbs 25:19).
TO SHARE WITH OTHERS (Luke 6:38, Matthew 10:8). God has been generous with all of us. People have already invested time in training you, They will be doing that in this course. You must feel responsible to share what you learn with others when your training is completed.
To learn these and many other useful skills, classroom or group training is helpful, especially if Bible-based, not secular in orientation. Principles and goals need to be clearly established in your mind. This is reinforced by study, homework, memory work and examinations to check your understanding. Retention of what you learn must be followed by integration of these things into your calling pattern. Classroom training is not enough.
The best way to learn good visitation principles is by on-the-job training with an experienced person. That is the method used by the Lord Jesus with His disciples. He was a field trainer more than a classroom trainer. He taught by example and practice. He was the perfect Trainer. We are not in His league. Still the more experienced can teach the less experienced something. Both can learn from the input of others if willing to make an effort. An observer-coach who understands sound principles can make very helpful suggestions to a trainee. Even an “old dog can learn new things”, if the old dog wants to learn.
Lesson 2
Attitudes In Visitation
Your attitude in visitation is an important factor in determining your effectiveness. It may be the most important thing since it underlies your words and manner in dealing with others. Attitude involves your mental position, feelings and way of looking at people. It determines what you do, how you do it and whether or not you are willing to do it. Your attitude ought to be like that of the Lord Jesus in Philippians 2:5, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself. Do not merely look out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus”. His was consistently the model attitude for all believers.
How would the Lord Jesus feel and act if He were making a call? He conveyed clearly an attitude of caring and sympathy.
Some Suggestions
BE INTERESTED. Show them they matter to you. Their names should be known, used, and pronounced correctly. Listen to them, without hurrying to differ. Show them you think they are worth your time and effort.
BE LOW PRESSURE. Results that endure lie with the Spirit, not man. More time may be necessary. Be cautious in evaluations, especially in reporting “decisions for Christ”.
BE TOLERANT. God gives man the right to decide, even if his decision is bad. We should do the same. Some areas are matters of Christian liberty. Do not impose your convictions on others. Try not to contradict, insist, or interrupt.
BE COURTEOUS. Good manners forbid us to be rude or obnoxious. Jesus was neither. Exit as pleasantly as you enter. Learn to give “soft answers” which turn away wrath.
BE COMPASSIONATE. He certainly was. Start where they are and show that you care. Try, in your mind, to stand in their shoes. Jesus wept over a city that rejected Him.
BE CONFRONTING IF NECESSARY. This means to deal with urgent issues. Helping others often requires going to the heart of a matter, even if it hurts. Jesus did this with the rich young ruler and the woman at the well. Don’t be overbearing however.
Check Your Attitude
WHY DO THEIR PROBLEMS MATTER TO YOU? That may be what they are wondering. Selfish people generally are not interested in others and don’t want to be involved. People should be important to you because they are important to God. They are made in His image and, in His thinking, worth dying for.
WERE YOU GUILTY OF COERCION? It is easy to pressure people or try to overwhelm them with your arguments. That is not dependence on the Spirit of God. He gives people the right to make their own decisions. You should do the same.
WERE YOU FORTHRIGHT BUT NOT SUPERIOR? We can be bold in the power of the Spirit, not timid. Yet humility is the attitude commended by the Lord even in confronting (Galatians 6:1). Jesus was “meek and lowly”, but not weak. He said, “Learn of Me”.
DID YOU OVER-PROMISE? We are not salesmen trying to close a deal and therefore willing to exaggerate to help the process. We can not promise fulfillment of every human desire to gain an end.
WERE YOU TACTLESS? Even perhaps unintentionally. Consider the feelings and sensitivities of others in your speech and actions.
DID YOU SHOW YOU CARE? That is what people notice, long to see. They don’t want to be “a star in your crown”. They ask, “Do you care about me?”
DID YOU GET TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER? If you didn’t arrive at a decision about what might be needed, you are like a physician who can never seem to make a right diagnosis. Like a doctor, you must tactfully probe for any underlying problem.
Our attitudes strongly influence the responsive attitudes of others toward us. Their very willingness to listen, to be open to what we have to say, depends upon how they perceive us. Others may be thinking about us as callers:
· Can I respect this person at least in part, because he or she shows respect towards me?
· Would I like this person for a friend?
· Is this person believable and competent in the areas about which he or she is speaking?
· Is this person balanced, fair-minded and reasonable in the presentation of what he or she thinks, rather than an extremist? A good healthy sense of humor?
· Is this one interested in me as a person, not just someone trying to use or manipulate me for his own advantage?
· Can this person like me, even though I may not agree with him or her? Respect my right to have my own ideas, without “cutting me off?
Without a good attitude in the ministry of visitation, you will likely go about your work reluctantly and without enthusiasm. You will be tempted to feel it is a burden and to find excuses for cancelling the time allotted or dropping out entirely. With a good attitude, you can go in the power and Spirit of the Lord Jesus and with God’s blessings on your labors.
Lesson 3
Winning The Right To Be Heard
We sometimes feel that people owe us an opportunity to listen to what we have to say. Of course, they rarely feel this way. We must earn the right to be heard.
Most people would rather talk than listen. Often they go to places where people socialize in order to have someone with whom to talk. Children when playing together often try to shout louder than others in order to be heard. Wives often complain, “My husband never listens to me”. In conversation people sometimes impatiently wait for others to stop talking so they can express their views. They are not interested in listening. That is why the Lord said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear”. He really did have something important to say to the hearers. Sometimes we do not. Yet He too seemed to observe certain principles which help gain attention.
Our first objective is to establish a bridge of communication. This is called:
Getting On Their Wave Length
MAKE A FAVORABLE FIRST IMPRESSION. These are often lasting. You may not get a second chance. The first minute may decide if they will be open to you.
GET THEM TO TALK, INVITE RESPONSE. You are not there to do all the talking. You are there to encourage them to open up and express their true feelings. Use questions which invite discussion.
PLUG INTO THEIR EXPERIENCE AT THE RIGHT POINT. As you listen, try to find a point of connection between what they are saying and what you would like to bring up about the Lord and spiritual issues. Use a transition question and then pass the conversational ball back to them.
What To Do Generally
CEASE BEING STRANGERS. Break down barriers which arise when we don’t know each other well. Relax the atmosphere. Be informal. Appointments are helpful, but not essential. Review what information may be known before knocking.
MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE. They may not live or think as we would. Accept their right to do this. Don’t be critical
FIND THE ORDINARY INTERESTING. Learn to make “small talk” in opening the call. Comment favorably when you can. Speak to all, including the children.
CONSIDER THE SPIRITUAL SIDE. Move to these issues when you can. Make a good transition.
RELATE ON COMMON INTERESTS. Find some topic on which you can talk or share, even if unimportant to you.
COME TO THE POINT. Have the courage to get to the main purpose of your call. They expect that.
ASK WHAT THEY THINK. We are not there to browbeat or coerce, but to persuade.
“Come now, let us reason together…” Isaiah 1:18
When Making A Call Consider These Steps:
At The Door
· Knock, stand back without crowding the door.
· Talk casually while waiting. Be at ease and show it.
· Identify yourself (your name, your companion, the chapel).
· Name the person you are seeking. Find out who answered the door. Make sure if you are properly pronouncing the names.
· Be warm, friendly, at ease, informal, confident of reception.
Initial Conversation
· Meet each of those present in the family.
· Show interest in decor, animals, objects, books, as appropriate. Be tactful, sincere, not overdone.
· Speak informally, naturally, setting others at ease.
· Discuss briefly several casual subjects (their interest). Do not pry or bring up unpleasant things.
· Avoid lingering too long in this subject area. Look for an opportunity to open up spiritual matters.
· Move to church or spiritual matters; general attitudes towards sermons, classes, or their concern about God’s will for their lives. Move to crucial areas about fellowship with God.
DO’s
· Depend on the Spirit of God to prepare the way and give the right words (Luke 12:12).
· Be courageous and bold in going forth for God (Joshua 1:9). “The fear of man bringeth a snare” (Proverbs 29:25).
· Be tactful in questions and responses. “A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
· Be neat in dress and personal grooming. Nothing should detract from what we have to say.
· Be expectant that God will work through you to touch and change the life of another person for His glory.
DONTs
· Go out with the attitude that it is a burden and a duty. This communicates to others and hinders the Spirit. “The joy of the Lord is your strength”. Give yourselves willingly,
· Carry a large Bible. This has the effect on some of your carrying a gun and is intimidating. A pocket Testament can be carried instead. Most homes have a Bible that can be used.
· Feel that you must give a reference or full quotation whenever you cite Scripture. The Word has power without this.
On the following page is a diagram which indicates the path you should take in a conversation, depending on their response.
Win A Hearing
When you initiate a spiritual discussion, ask yourself;
|
1. |
Interest? Give testimony. |
Disinterest? Pray—Do not explain. |
|
2. |
Admit they have a need. |
Deny Sinnership—give literature. |
|
3. |
Understand that Christ died for them. |
Can’t understand the Gospel—offer teaching. |
|
4. |
Want to decide to receive Christ. |
Want to wait—allow time. |
We are called “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). The duty of an ambassador is to represent the interests of his or her country. It is also to give a favorable impression on behalf of your people. Finally it is to understand the viewpoint of these people and to convey this accurately to the responsible people at home. As ambassadors, we must be enthusiastic about our Lord, His kingdom and what He has done for us. We need to convey that He is interested in their problems or struggles. He is willing to help them.
When all is said and done, ask yourself, “Did I really earn the right to have others to listen to what I had to say on spiritual issues, not personal opinions or peripheral issues?” Would they want to have me come again? Did I discuss critical issues, without either tactlessness or the fear of man? If the answer is “yes” to all three questions, you did very well.
Lesson 4
Initiating, Conversing And Making Transitions
Nothing in this world would ever happen (from a human standpoint) unless someone took the initiative. This means to speak the first word or make the first move rather than wait for someone else to do it. That is one reason why we visit. Initiative is necessary in doing personal evangelism or to reach out to the lonely, the needy, the discouraged. Active initiators are apt to accomplish more than those who merely wait for something to happen.
Take Initiative
BE ALERT FOR OPPORTUNITIES. The Lord was and is the Great Seeker (Luke 19:10, Genesis 3:9). We are called to seek, to “go”, to reach out.
USE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE. Witnessing and pastoring requires dialogue, not monologue. Ask good questions that help others think, rather than give a speech.
FIND THE INTERESTED PERSON. Only “the few” will respond and show interest. Find them by sowing the seed widely and observing carefully who wants to follow the Lord.
WE MUST PERSEVERE when necessary, especially in prayer. Leave off pursuit when it is not indicated as Jesus with the swine-keepers (Luke 8:37).
Making Transitions
One of the most important skills to be mastered in speaking with others about spiritual things is the art of making a good transition. This involves a change in conversational matter, a passage from an ordinary topic to the spiritually sensitive area of a person’s relationship to Christ. Many people find this difficult in spiritual matters although practicing it in other matters fairly easily. This may be due to fear of offending or lack of purpose or direction.
Consider seeking to make effective transitions because they are:
Customary…a normal conversational form used even by small children.
Helpful…avoiding abrupt introduction of subjects by helping the other person shift to a different area
Necessary…getting to key spiritual issues without prolonged generalities.
Three Major Steps
CONNECT WITH THEIR CONVERSATION. Begin at the point where the person is speaking. Listen closely to the conversational flow, looking for connecting opportunity.
MOVE FROM ORDINARY TO SPIRITUAL CONVERSATION. Consider how to connect this point of conversation to a significant spiritual area with a meaningful statement and/or question. This is like shifting gears in a car. Skill involves making a connection where there is some apparent relationship between the two points.
· Be alert for an opportunity to introduce the transition.
· Relate your transition to the point of their conversation, showing that you are listening. Example: “I have sometimes felt that way myself”.
· Use a connective word like: “but” or “however” to show a contrast or relationship of thought. This sets up your following statement and\or question. Example: “However, I realized that this did not help to solve anything. Life involves more significant issues”.
MOVE TO A SPIRITUAL QUESTION. In one or more sentences tie the two together in a transition which resembles the changing of gears in a car. The smoother the shift, the less jolt there is in the motion of the car. Now use a question which provokes thought in the area of the spiritual. Example: “If you had only six months to live, what would you be doing with your life? How would you prepare to meet God?”
Some transitions may be simple, direct questions without the connective form shown on the previous page. Paul Little in his teaching on how to share your faith, used these questions:
· “Are you interested in spiritual things?”
· “What do you think a real Christian is?”
· “Would you like to know how to become a real Christian?”
There are other possibilities in this approach. For example:
· “If someone were to ask you how to be sure of going to heaven, what would you tell them?”
· “If someone were to ask you, ‘Who is Jesus Christ?’, what would you answer?”
· “What is your chief goal in life?”
These illustrate how one can cross the gap between the ordinary and the eternal. The Lord Jesus showed great skill in moving from simple topics to eternal truths in a challenging way. He spoke no idle words. May the Lord help us to use our tongues as He did.
Improve Your Conversational Skills
Most people are poor conversationalists and may not know it. You can improve by working at it and observing sound principles. These include:
SHOW INTEREST IN OTHERS. Move out of self-absorption. Center conversation in them, not yourself.
GUIDE TACTFULLY TO THE SPIRITUAL AREA. Listen, draw them out. Help them think. Stay off detours leading nowhere.
Some Further Reminders: Avoid gossip. Keep confidences. Don’t interrupt. Ask yourself, “Is this edifying or uplifting?”
Lesson 5
Call To Witness
The Lord Jesus has commanded us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). His first call to the disciples was “Follow Me and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). His closing words of challenge are called, “The Great Commission”. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…teaching them to observe all things, that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20). Those commands included that of being His witnesses in an unbelieving world. This is not just for the few who have the gift of evangelism. They could never do it all anyway and could not assume responsibility for those in our circle.
We have a divine command and calling to witness which should not be conveniently forgotten. Read Ezekiel 3:18-21 if you need reinforcement on this point.
What Hinders Us?
· Is it that we doubt, “few are bound for heaven” (Matthew 7:14), and most are doomed? Do we believe this is in our heads but not in our hearts? Is it that we don’t care?
· Is it fear, shrinking from possibly offending someone or being ridiculed?
· Is it lack of commitment to Christ or spiritual strength that comes from a close walk with Him? We need the power of the Spirit (Luke 24:49, 1 Corinthians 2:4). Do you seek this daily?
· Is it that no one showed you how and you feel inept? Then, let this course encourage you to learn.
Our Calling To Witness
THE NEED: FEW ARE SAVED. The disciples asked, “Are there just a few who are saved?” (Luke 13:24). Listen to His answer in another gospel account. “Many will seek to enter and not be able. The gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life and few are those who will find it” (Matthew 7:14). Look around you and remember His words. Remember also the consequences of not being among the few, “Anyone whose name was not found in the Book of Life was thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:15). Jesus said, “Fear the One who has authority to cast into hell. I tell you, fear Him” (Luke 12:5).
THE COMMAND: SOW THE SEED. “The sower sows the Word” (Mark 4:14), that is, the gospel message (Ephesians 1:13), “the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). It is the means of people being born again (1 Peter 1:23). It may fall on different soils in human hearts, but it must be sown (Matthew 13:20-23). When we sow little, we reap little. When we sow much, there is more to reap. The problem is not lack of opportunities. It is not that there are few believers. It is because “the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). We have a command to bring others to Christ out of a dying world.
THE HINDRANCE: FEAR OF MAN. Someone may say, “I don’t witness because it is not my gift”. But witnessing is not to be confined only to those with a special gift. Who will reach your circle of contacts? Some say, “I don’t know how”. But what efforts are you making to learn how? There are many people and books to help you. Can’t you speak up about what Christ has done to change your life? Some say, “I don’t know any unbelievers. Most of my contacts are Christians”. Then reach out to meet unbelievers in a world swarming with those who have not so much as heard about the opportunity to “have a personal relationship with Christ”. The problem with most people is “the fear of man”. You may fear rejection, scorn, misunderstanding. Are you ashamed of Jesus? (Mark 8:38).
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25
What To Do In Witnessing
GET EXCITED ABOUT JESUS CHRIST! Be enthusiastic about Him before others. Though He is the most controversial man in all history, He is the most fascinating. He is the main issue, not the unsatisfactory churches or the failing Christians.
PRAY FOR DIVINE APPOINTMENTS. God wants to lead us to seeking souls (Acts 8:26-39). Each individual person is important to Him and He will lead workers a great distance to speak to even one (John 4:3-7). Pray to win at least one soul to Christ!
TAKE THE INITIATIVE. Jesus was a seeker. He did not wait for people to come to Him. He visited many homes and communities to find lost souls. Seek to build bridges of understanding with others and to converse freely with them. Be interested in them. Anticipate that God has prepared someone and has a divine appointment for you. Consider strangers, neighbors, and casual contacts. Be alert for opportunities to start conversations. The Lord moved among diverse people, making contacts.
LISTEN CAREFULLY, INTERACT. Seek dialogue using the conversational formula previously presented (ask-listen-comment-ask again). Do not preach or give a long speech. Get involved in a profitable “give and take” of ideas. Steer the conversation to serious or spiritual questions. Evaluate their attitude, especially toward God. Find some common ground. Seek to detect spiritual hunger.
SHARE YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY. You must be clear about your own salvation and be able to make the way clear to others. Write it, rehearse it, and then use it. The next lesson will be devoted to helping you do this. Study the chart on “HOW TO WIN A HEARING”. Set a goal to share with at least one unsaved person each week.
USE GOOD QUESTIONS. This was the method of the Lord Jesus. Ask, “Are you interested in spiritual things?”. Those using questionnaires in general contact work ask, “We have been talking to people about how Jesus Christ relates to life today. Do you have a few minutes?”. Probe their attitudes about what is happening in the world today and where it is heading. A popular subject, due to a number of recent books, is the question of whether there is life after death.
Motivation For Witnessing
LOVE FOR CHRIST. Our greatest motivation should be the love of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14). We can consider this in two ways. First, because He loved me and this love should constrain me to be obedient to His wishes. Second, it might be my responding love to Him in taking His view of the needs of the multitudes around us. The Lord didn’t ask Peter, “Do you love sheep?”, fish or people. He asked, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17). If we do, we will obey Him (John 14:15, 21). He said, “Go, and tell them about Me”.
CONCERN FOR THE UNSAVED. If you need further motivation, consider this challenge by an unbeliever to a famed British athlete who was trying to witness to him. He said, “If I truly, firmly, consistently believe, as millions say, that the knowledge and practice of religion in this life influences destiny in another, religion would be to me everything. I would cast aside earthly enjoyments as gross, earthly cares as follies, and earthly thoughts and feelings as less than vanity. Religion would be my first waking thought and my last image when sleep sank me in unconsciousness. I would labor in her cause alone. I would not labor for the meat that perisheth, not for treasures on earth, but only for the crown of glory in heavenly regions where treasures and happiness are alike beyond the reach of time and chance. 1 would esteem one soul gained for heaven worth a lifetime of suffering…! would strive to look only on eternity and on the immortal souls around me, soon to be everlastingly miserable or everlastingly happy. I would deem all who thought only of this world, merely seeking to increase temporal happiness and laboring to obtain temporal goods -- I would deem all such pure madmen. I would go forth to the world and preach to it, in season and out of season; and my text should be, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” That challenge sent C.T. Studd to Africa to be a missionary. The fact is, as the atheist knew, most Christians don’t truly believe this.
ETERNAL FRUIT. There is eternal reward promised for those who win souls (John 4:35-36). Such a one is called wise (Proverbs 11:30). The one who does not warn the wicked of their eternal danger will find that God says, “his blood I will require at your hand” (Ezekiel 3:18, 33:8). We can sow, water, or reap but we are called to be active in the field where, “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Are you a worker, a sower, a soul-winner or just a bystander? Over 90% of all believers are said never to witness on any consistent basis.
Lesson 6
Outlining The Gospel
Careless evangelistic presentations are a danger to souls in two ways. First, it obscures true understanding. Second, it may result in a false profession. There are many aspects to the Gospel. That is why we see the Lord did not always use the same approach to all. There is no single way to present the Gospel, although there are many points of emphasis. It may be His Person; the One to whom sinners are invited to come. It may be His love that reaches out to the multitudes. It may be the sin that defiles and separates man from God. It may be His substitutionary death on the cross. It may be the fear of eternal punishment. Each of these is evident in Scripture.
To assist your understanding of the way of salvation, we have made available what we call the “Gospel Outline”. This is to help you keep in mind all aspects of the Gospel, without attempting to pin anyone down to one rigid presentation method. The full outline is contained in this course. The four major points are as follows:
OFFER MADE. Salvation is God’s offer to man to save him from his sins, that’s why Jesus came (Luke 19:10). It is made to “whosoever will”. All are invited to hear this proclamation of “good news” which is the meaning of the word Gospel. It is good news because the sinner is in grave danger of perishing if he doesn’t accept the offer of deliverance. The offer must be accepted to be effective, just as a drowning man must accept an effort to pull him to safety from the waters. This offer has been heard and rejected by millions. It has been accepted only by a few.
OFFER NEEDED. The finest offer in the world means nothing to a person who sees no need for it personally. The one we seek to find must experience the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and realize the need of forgiveness and deliverance.
OFFER IS JUST. God’s forgiveness for man’s sin is not as easy as many think. As a God who is both fully just and fully holy, He requires the due payment or punishment for sin. It is death. If we are to be saved from eternal death, then someone must pay the death penalty for us. That is what the Lord Jesus did on the cross.
OFFER MUST BE ACCEPTED. Millions have heard that “Jesus died for our sins” or that God is willing to forgive sinners for that reason. Jesus is wonderful. Salvation is wonderful. Some may even admit the need in their own lives. However, unless the offer of salvation is accepted in the Person of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, it is not effective. We must accept God’s offer on God’s terms unconditionally.
We will now break down the first two major headings into explanatory subpoints, each supported by Scripture.
Offer Made
· ETERNAL AND ABUNDANT LIFE. “I give unto them eternal life”, He said (John 10:28). “I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly (John 10:10). The offer takes man beyond this life to the life to come. Life is more than existence. It is a partaking of the satisfying life of God. It has peace, joy and many other blessings, far from the sad and troubled experience of many here. It is a life that starts here and now on planet earth, “He that hath the Son hath life” (1 John 5:12).
· THE LOVE OF GOD. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This is perhaps the best known verse in the New Testament among believers. “Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be propitiation (satisfying God’s justice) for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God offers true love, self-sacrificing love. God loved and God gave. God does not just love nice people. He loves sinners, even the worst, despite their sins which He does not love.
· PERSONAL TESTIMONY. It is in this context that you may have opportunity to tell what the love of God has meant in your life; how you came to experience the eternal, abundant life which He promised.
“I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25
The second major Gospel outline heading is:
Offer Needed
· WHAT IS SIN? (Isaiah 53:6,