Effective Counselling Follow Up NT 1804 INTRODUCTION 1

Effective Counselling & Follow Up NT 1804

INTRODUCTION 1. FGBMFI records show that each year, thousands of souls are saved through our various outreach platforms but only fractions of those numbers are retained. Follow up of converts is often left to chance without a strategic plan and significant budget. 2. This explains why in spite of the extensive labour and huge resources and applause over the salvations recorded, not much is evident on the ground a few weeks after the outreach. Little wonder then that we are battling with weak, ailing and dead chapters in spite of our regular outreaches. 3. Can you imagine the great jubilation in heaven the day a soul gets saved? Can you imagine the reciprocal sadness if that soul is won back by the devil? Luke 15: 7: “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance”. q Soul winning is the very heartbeat of God!

INTRODUCTION FGBMFI Mission Statement No. 3: “To help believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and to grow spiritually”. q. Growing Up begins with the New Birth, with genuine Conviction leading to genuine Conversion and progresses through immediate assistance of committed Counselors who as Midwives are equipped and willing to take delivery of the baby and give critical post natal care that will stabilize him at his entry point into the kingdom of God. q. Thereafter the follow up process begins with the objective of leading the new convert into full knowledge of Christ and a lifelong practical discipleship walk with Him. q A soul is not won until he is established in the Kingdom. Every member being a soul-winner must be devoted to effective Counseling and Follow up of new converts in order to stem the high infant mortality rate and ensure that the fruit of our outreaches abide. In this new wave of revival, we must go beyond Statistics because on the divine scale, a soul is of greater value than the whole world put together

CONCEPTS OF COUNSELLING Prov 11: 14. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall”. We engage in Counseling to provide spiritual help, nurturing and guidance based on the word of God, leading to growth, restoration and/or transformation of converts and other needy persons at FGBMFI meetings including those seeking help consequent to FGBMFI activities. The essence of Counseling is best understood through some familiar scenarios: 1. Counselor as a Spiritual Midwife taking a delivery: The Counselor undertakes the following actions to help preserve the newly born: i) Cuts the umbilical cord connection to sin. Heb 4: 12 ii)Ensures proper respiratory functioning through Prayer. IThess 5: 17 iii)Bathes the baby to remove body odour (habits etc) through the word of God. Ephe 5: 26. iv) Assists the baby to suck the sincere milk of the word of God. 1 Pet 2: 2

CONCEPTS OF COUNSELLING 2. Counselor as master builder laying a foundation(I Cor 3: 10 -11) The Counselor: i) Excavates and evacuates the unwanted overburden – the Old Nature of Sin, Rom 6: 6 -7. ii) Establishes the solid Base of Spiritual stone/concrete being Jesus, ICor 3: 11 iii) Commences the Erection of foundation Building blocks – laying the basic principles of Christianity. Heb 6: 1 -2. iv) Consolidates the life through Consistent devotion to Prayer and the Word. Acts 2: 42. 3. Counselor as Hunter/Fisherman preparing game. The Counselor: i) Opens up the catch to expose entrails, Prov 28: 13 ii) Cuts off and removes poisonous parts, Col 3: 5 iii) Exposes the convert to the salt and fire of the word of God to prevent decay, Mal 3: 3. Prov 12: 27: “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting. . ”

THE COUNSELLING CURRICULUM The Curriculum is Jesus. Col 1: 27 -28: NLT “ So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ”. The Behavioral Objective is Jesus §Rom 8: 29: ”For whom He did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ”. Matt 28: 19 -20 NLT: Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations…. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age”

SPIRITUAL BIRTH & GROWTH Growing Up Spiritually is a process (not an event) which entails 5 C’s: i) Confrontation against sin by means of the Word of God /Testimonies Heb 4: 12 ii) Contrition of heart resulting in Brokenness Psalms 51: 17 iii) Conviction , the critical step to genuine repentance Acts 2: 37 iv) Conversion , leading to The New Birth with exchange of the Old Sinful Nature with God’s Nature 2 Cor 5: 17. v) Conformity to the image of Jesus through growth in Christlikeness Rom 8: 29 q Omission of any of the steps in this process leads to spiritual deformity/malformation with attendant lifelong struggles (rising & falling) unless such is fully addressed through Teaching/Counseling with the word of God. q. The Process begins consequent to a sharp and effective Altar Call that confronts men with their sinful situation and leads to deep Contrition and Conviction rather than a mere “Mental Assent”. q. The Christ Content of the Testimony/Message and the delivery of the Altar Call are therefore very critical steps unto genuine conversion (Col 1: 27 -29). q. Several times, members share powerful testimonies, but the application of the “hook” is weak and ineffective in drawing souls unto deep spiritual conviction and conversion. q. We therefore need to learn how to make effective Altar Calls.

MAKING EFFECTIVE ALTAR CALL q. Pray earnestly for the lord to grant you a very sharp Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God in your mouth. q. Cultivate a good spiritual atmosphere for deep convictions: There should be no jesting, side comments, walking around or any other distractions as the meeting has graduated to the peak of Spiritual Tempo. q. Seek the Holy Spirit’s Utterance and make a simple presentation that will make the audience to identify with your message/testimony. q. Point men to Jesus and away from yourself - you must decrease and He must increase. q. Be sensitive to the move of the Spirit as the message/testimony intensity builds up. Make the Altar Call when the “Iron is Hottest”. No jokes or side comments at this time. v. Note: No FGBMFI meeting is complete without an altar call.

MAKING EFFECTIVE ALTAR CALL q. Make clear unambiguous altar call confronting men with Sin and inviting them to Jesus for Salvation. The only problem that separates men from God is Sin, every other challenge is a secondary consequence of Sin. q. As you make the Altar Call, give room for Conviction to build up, but do not coerce, cajole or threaten as Conviction and Conversion being the work of the Holy Spirit should never be simulated. q. The first Altar Call should target those who have never received Jesus Christ followed by a Rededication Call for those who have Backslidden. Thereafter make calls for Holy Spirit Baptism, Healing, Deliverance from depression/oppression, challenged Businesses and Homes etc. q. Where the main speaker fails to make a clear altar call, the Emcee or Chapter President should do so. Note: We must continually provide opportunity for spiritually dead men to come alive by the saving power of Jesus Christ.

THE EFFECTIVE COUNSELLOR An effective FGBMFI Counselor should possess the following attributes: i) He/She must be a Born Again believer in Discipleship relationship with Jesus. ii) A living Sacrifice who oozes out a pleasing aroma of Christ; iii) Spirit-filled and able to hear/respond to the Holy Spirit - the real Counselor. iv) Filled with deep love for God and for people, compassionate, patient, humble, attentive, truthful. v) A mature Christian with integrity, trustworthiness and dependability who keeps secrets vi) Possesses a deep passion for spiritual development of souls with a genuine concern and sensitivity towards others, vii) Should accept this ministry as a definite call from God. viii) Should be a current FGBMFI member, approved by the chapter leadership.

CHAPTER COUNSELLING COMMITTEE In addition to members’ Individual responsibility, every FGBMFI Chapter must set up a functional counseling committee headed by a passionate chairman. Responsibilities of the Counseling Committee Chairman: The Counseling Chairman: i) Manages all counseling activities, including counselors refresher trainings which should hold at least once in six (6) months. ii) Recommends prospective counselors to the chapter officers and upon approval, appoints Counselors. iii) Briefs the speaker on plans for after-meeting ministry. Advises him that counselors are available to assist him, and that they have literature for those who receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and those who receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. (Don’t try to direct the Speaker; let the Holy Spirit guide him). iv) Identifies location for counseling of converts and ensures availability of literature/forms.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COUNSELOR 1. 2. 3. 4. Attend training sessions called by the counseling chairman (at least once in six months). Regular at chapter meetings. Meet together and begin prayer at a specified time before meetings (recommended 30 min) Maintain high standards of personal appearance and behavior (Coat and Tie, Deodorant, Breath Mints, Respect for ladies, etc). 5. 6. 7. Wear FGBMFI pin, name tag, and counselor’s identification at meetings. Proceed to the counseling area at the appropriate time for ministry (be flexible and sensitive to the speaker’s desires). If the speaker invites persons to come forward, move to the counseling area without delay. Don’t interfere but be helpful. Don’t attract attention to yourself or away from the speaker.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COUNSELOR 8. If the speaker conducts the ministry activities himself, assist as appropriate (organize persons in lines, serve as catcher for those who fall under the power of the Holy Spirit and back up with prayer). Lay hands on persons the speaker is praying for only if the speaker invites you to do so. 9. Bring them to a pre-arranged place where they can sit (preferably) undistracted and they can be addressed corporately if the numbers are large. 10. Share with them Assurance of Salvation and a summary of “Now That You Have Received Christ” with emphasis on “Four Things God Wants You To Do”. 13. Be prepared to counsel for all needs using relevant scriptural references. 14. Only one person at a time should counsel another to avoid confusion. 15. Preferably, men should counsel men.

COUNSELLING TIPS DO’S 1. Immediately After An Altar Call, give the booklet “Now That You’ve Received Christ” to those who receive Jesus Christ as Saviour. Invite them to diligently go through the study. 2. Assist the converts to fill a Decision Card ensuring that information provided is complete and legible. 3. Find out where the “hook” caught the convert, i. e. why he/she answered the alter call and carefully explain the implications of the new birth (2 Cor 5: 17). 4. Share briefly on Assurance of Salvation, 4 things God wants you to do etc (10 -15 mins). 5. Encourage convert to forgive offenders and make restitution for wrongdoing as applicable. DO’S… 6. Ask appropriate questions. Refrain from prying, but help the person to see the problem clearly. 7. Take permission to ask personal questions. e. g. Can I ask you a personal question? 8. Some will talk about the problem, rather than seek for the answer to resolve it. For such ask, “What do you see as your basic problem? ” Then, “In light of God’s Word, what do you understand that He wants in this situation? ” or, “What would you like Jesus to do for you? ” 9. Give counsel (point him/her to God's will). Do not offer personal advice, but guide counselee into the truth of the word of God. Encourage them to search the Bible for the answer and obey it.

COUNSELLING TIPS DONT’S. 1 Never instruct, as no one has the right to tell another person what to do (e. g. don’t ask a wife to leave her husband, go into business etc. ); They must take personal responsibility and live with the results of their choices. 2. Never, never tell a person to discontinue medicine. Let God give them guidance, or let a doctor confirm. 3. Never cause to derail through misleading counsel, harshness, condescending engagement. 4. Don’t seek to impress. 5. Never criticize or be judgmental (about Persons, Denominations Races, Churches etc). DONT’S… 6. Offer help but don’t turn into a benefactor. 7. Never recommend that a person leave their church. God will reveal whether or not a person should leave their church if it isn’t teaching the Word. 8. Don’t seek personal favours nor exploit counselee. 9. Don’t give false hope or impressions but use the word of God rightly. 10. Don’t counsel opposite sex alone in a closed room. 11. Respect confidences. Don’t discuss counselee’s problems or confessions with a third party. 12. Don’t overstay your visit (during Follow Up).

FOLLOW UP AGENDA q. Every new convert, irrespective of status or age is a spiritual baby and requires motherly care and attention to survive. q Maintain close touch with the converts and seek appointments to teach, counsel and pray with them and help out in their spiritual growth. q. The primary objective of Follow Up is to ensure that the new converts is given intensive spiritual assistance to help him/her to grow properly until he/she is weaned and able to follow Christ steadfastly as a committed disciple. Follow Up should be Pre-planned ! q. Within 72 hours of an Outreach meeting/rally: i) Collate the contact information of new converts in a spreadsheet to facilitate analysis. ii) Call/Send text messages to all Converts and First Timers appreciating their attendance and inviting them to the next meeting. iii) Send Follow up letters to all converts (by email, post or by hand) and let them know you are available to provide help. iv) Ask members to adopt at least one convert as a spiritual son/daughter.

FOLLOW UP AGENDA q Within a week after an Outreach Meeting/Rally: Ø Organize a smaller pre-planned Follow up Outreach (Breakfast/Luncheon/ Dinner). Ø When running multiple outreach meetings, plan to hold One (1) Follow Up Outreach for every Four (4) MPO or FTO held. Ø Pre-Arrange venue, prepare Invitation Cards and give to your converts and 1 st timers to attend a scheduled follow up breakfast/luncheon/dinner. Ø After the Follow Up Outreach, leaders should personally Interact with the Converts and get to know what they do, where they live and also exchange complimentary cards. Ø With proper planning and where the numbers are sufficient, the Follow Up Outreach may mark the commencement of organisational meetings for a new Chapter. q. Subsequently expose the Converts to the monthly Chapter Discipleship meetings, Abundant life Seminars and ALTS which are designed to help new converts and members to develop the kingdom lifestyle and grasp the Fellowship’s operational principles.

FOLLOW UP OUTREACH: MEETING AGENDA MC: 1. Opening Prayer 2. Welcome Pleasantries - 2 mins - 3 mins 3. Meals - 10 min 4. Vision/Voice - 5 mins 5. Testimony 1 (Salvation) - 5 min 6. Testimony 11 (Life after - Victory over habits etc. ) - 8 min 7. Altar Call - 5 mins 8. Discipleship (Teaching) Session: NYRC - 30 mins Focus: a) 4 things God wants you to know. b) 4 things God wants you to do. (Area of emphasis). c) 4 things God wants you to have. 9. 10. Ministrations (HSB, Healing, Habits, Other needs) 12 mins 10. Interactive Session – Q&A-15 mins 11. Membership Promotion/ First Timers 5 mins 12. Offering - 5 mins 13. Announcements/Vote of thanks - 3 mins 14. Closing prayer - 2 mins 15. Anthem Total 110 mins (1 hr 50 mins).

CHAPTER FOLLOW UP VISITATIONS q In order to retain members, chapters should set up follow up visitation teams involving all chapter members. q Group the members into teams which will regularly visit (weekly/monthly) the following in their homes/offices to counsel and pray with them: Team A new converts Team B first timers Team C new members Team D Inconsistent Members (i. e. anyone who misses 75% of meetings in a month becomes eligible to be followed up. Records to be drawn from weekly attendance sheets. Appoint team leaders to drive the visitations, under the general coordination of the follow up chairman who presents comprehensive visitation report at Chapter Business Meeting. Track and analyze the results of the visitations for strategic decision making.

FOLLOW UP CLASSES q Follow up classes should be established for grooming new converts corporately. q. This can be done centrally as a chapter, area or zonal programme depending on capacity and availability of venue etc. q Resource Persons are drawn among trained Counselors. q The Classes may run concurrently over time to accommodate new entrants. q The Converts are thereafter encouraged to follow through the Chapter Membership Admission Process, register and actively participate in Chapter Committees. q Resource Material: “Now That You Have received Christ”, taken in Five (5) weekly sessions, each lasting Ninety (90) mins as follows: Ø Session One - Welcome – God’s Plan and Assurance of Salvation Ø Session Two - “Four Things God Wants You To Know” Ø Session Three - “Four Things God Wants You To Do” Ø Session Four - “Four Things God Wants You To Know” Ø Session Five - Ministration of Holy Spirit Baptism & Practical Evangelism within the neighborhood.

FOLLOW UP CLASSES The Follow Up Class Meeting Agenda 1. Opening Prayer 2. Welcome Pleasantries/Introductions. 3. Testimonies since last contact or conversion date) 4. Study/Sharing session (NYRC). 5. Q & A. 6. Assignment 7. Prayer Session (Needs based). Total 2 mins 3 mins 50 mins 15 mins 10 mins 90 mins q At the end of the course, the convert is integrated into the discipleship programme of the chapter.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED CHRIST q 4 THINGS GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW. � God loves you – Jn 3: 16, Titus 3: 3 -7; Rom 5: 4 � You are a new person – II Cor. 5: 17, Jn 3: 6, 1: 12 -13. Gal 2: 20. � You can live victoriously – Rom 6: 1 -2, 6 -7, 12 -14. � God is with you each moment of your life – Matt. 28: 20; Ps 23: 4. q 4 THINGS GOD WANTS YOU TO DO. Study your Bible – 1 Peter 2: 2, II Tim 3: 16. Pray – Matt. 7: 7 -11; 1 Thess 5: 17; John 14: 14 Fellowship with Christians – Hebs. 10: 24 -25; Acts 2: 41 -42 Witness for Christ – Jn 1: 40 -42; Acts 1: 8. q 4 THINGS GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE. � Peace – Jn 14: 27, Roms 5: 1 � The Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Mark 16: 17; Acts 1: 8, 2: 3, 10: 44; 19: 1 -7; lk 11: 9 -13. � Abundant life – John 10: 10; Matt. 6: 31 -33, III Jn. 2 � Heaven – John 14: 1 -3; Rev 21: 1 -4

FINALLY q In this New Wave of Revival, souls will flood into the Kingdom of God in multiples of thousands, yet like Jesus we must be able to testify that “. . . none of them is lost. . John 17: 12 b. q Each Soul is drawn by the Father at a great price – the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They must not be allowed to slide back into the ocean of Sin. Thus our leg work escalates after men have received Christ in our meetings! q. For us to stem the high spiritual infant mortality rate and prevent further waste, the planning of our various FGBMFI outreaches/rallies must entail a comprehensive follow plan with adequate budget provision. q The FGBMFI outreach is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. . . the making of Disciples. Matt 28: 19 (AMP): “Go then and make disciples of all the nations. . ”. We are to make Disciples not Converts. q Since disciples aren’t made overnight and being born again is only an entry point into discipleship, we must pull up our sleeves and set out to Counsel and Follow up our chapter converts until they are weaned for the master’s use. q Thus we shall walk in complete obedience to the Master’s Last Command, fulfil the FGBMFI Vision/Mission, eliminate Weak, Ailing and Dead Chapters and raise a well prepared army (possessing requisite spiritual stamina) that can Occupy the Gates For Jesus!