THERE ARE STILL FISH IN THE SEA BIG

THERE ARE STILL FISH IN THE SEA

BIG DIOMEDE and LITTLE DIOMEDE

AMERICA IS BECOMING A “POST-CHRISTIAN” NATION Ted Turner Jesse Ventura Bertrand Russell Robert Reich Christopher Hitchens Sam Harris Richard Dawkins “The great conflict of the 21 st century will not be between the West and terrorism. Terrorism is a tactic, not a belief. The true battle will be between modern civilization and anti-modernists; between those who believe in the primacy of the individual and those who believe that human beings owe their allegiance and identity to a higher authority; between those who give priority to life in this world and those who believe that human life is mere preparation for an existence beyond life; between those who believe in science, reason, and logic and those who believe that truth is revealed through Scripture and religious dogma. Terrorism will disrupt and destroy lives. But terrorism itself is not the greatest danger we face. ” - Robert Reich, The American Prospect, July 2004

“I am of the opinion that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Spirit, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God and Heaven without Hell. ” - William Booth, Founder of Salvation Army

GOALS FOR OUR TIME TOGETHER HOPE H elps O verview P lan E ncouraged

AGENDA The Sea: M. A. P. The Fish: Meaning and Motivation The Fishing Boat: Model and Ministry The Rod and Reel: Methodology The Tackle Box: Means

THE SEA: M. A. P.

THE CHURCH Acts 2: 41 -47 (GW) Those who accepted what Peter said were baptized. That day about 3, 000 people were added {to the group}. The disciples were devoted to the teachings of the apostles, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. A feeling of fear came over everyone as many amazing things and miraculous signs happened through the apostles. All the believers kept meeting together, and they shared everything with each other. From time to time, they sold their property and other possessions and distributed the money to anyone who needed it. The believers had a single purpose and went to the temple every day. They were joyful and humble as they ate at each other's homes and shared their food. At the same time, they praised God and had the good will of all the people. Every day the Lord saved people, and they were added to the group.

THE BODY OF CHRIST Romans 12: 1 -11 I Corinthians 12: 12 -31

THE BODY OF CHRIST Romans 12: 1 -11 I Corinthians 12: 12 -31 …. . Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don't all do the same thing. In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other. God in his kindness gave each of us different gifts. If your gift is speaking God's word, make sure what you say agrees with the Christian faith. If your gift is serving, then devote yourself to serving. If it is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. 8 If it is encouraging others, devote yourself to giving encouragement. If it is sharing, be generous. If it is leadership, lead enthusiastically. If it is helping people in need, help them cheerfully. Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good. Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. Rom 12 (GW)

THE BODY OF CHRIST Romans 12: 1 -11 I Corinthians 12: 12 -31 Vital Signs: Pastor Parishioners Purpose Program Structure Perceptions Providers Praising Prayer

Metrics

Exaltation and Evangelism Metrics # of pre – Christians in Worship # of pre-Christians in Church Community # of annual outreach events 6 -8 # of newcomers involved in leadership in the past 2 years – 20% # of members who know their spiritual gifts 60 %

Edification Metrics # of small groups 1 12/15 adults in worship # of worship attenders who are part of a small group 60%-70% # of small groups formed within the last 2 years target 20% minimum

7 Habits of a Newcomer Friendly Church 7 impressions newcomers receive before first visit 7 loving touches on the first visit 7 caring contacts over the next seven days 7 weeks to build seven new relationships 7 months to find a place of significant service 7 new prospects developed in seven weeks 7 months to decide if this is home

M. A. P. PARADIGM MINISTRY ACTION PLAN…. A PATHWAY TO DISCIPLESHIP Sow Come Know Cultivate Grow Disciple Show Lead World Changers

LEADERSHIP PARADIGM SHIFT

LEADERSHIP PARADIGM SHIFT

TIMES HAVE CHANGED….

CHURCH SIZE TYPOLOGY 10 -75 75 -200 201 -450 451+ Parishioner Centered Pastoral Centered Program Centered Corporate Centered

ORV BREAKDOWN

CHURCH HEALTH “The body becomes stronger as its members become healthier. The whole church of God gains when the members that compose it begin to seek a better and a higher life. " A. W. Tozer

COMMON CHURCH DISEASES Ethnikitis Ghost Town Disease People Blindness Sociological Strangulation Koinonitis Hyper-Co-operativism Arrested Spiritual Development St. John’s Syndrome Hypopneumia

COMMON BARRIERS Facility Staffing Governance Church Calendar Cultural Worship Times Website

CHURCH GROWTH PRINCIPLE I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 Corinthians 3: 6 (ESV)

4 AXIOMS OF CHURCH GROWTH Pastor Parishioners Purpose Proper Conditions

EIGHT ESSENTIAL QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS Empowering Leadership Gift Based Ministry Passionate Spirituality Effective Structures Inspiring Worship Holistic Small Groups Need-Oriented Evangelism Loving Relationships

THE FISH: MEANING AND MOTIVATION Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. – John 4: 35

MEANING: WHAT EVANGELISM IS NOT Recruiting new members The style of a sub-culture Emotional worship Any single theological party line Bible quoting – text slinging Event led by specialist Whatever I like Mission Confirming our children Talking like an evangelist Soul winning Renewal A revival meeting All that the church does Social action Being a loving influence in the world

MEANING: WHAT EVANGELISM IS Joseph Aldrich in his work Life-Style Evangelism. He writes, “Evangelism is expressing what I possess in Christ and explaining how I came to possess it. In the truest sense, evangelism is displaying the universals of God’s character – His love, His righteousness, His justice, and His faithfulness – through the particulars of my everyday life. Therefore evangelism is not a ‘special’ spontaneous outflow of our individual and corporate experience of Christ. Even more specifically, evangelism is what Christ does through the activity of His children as they are involved in (1) proclamation, (2) fellowship, and (3) service. ” Life-Style Evangelism, Joseph C. Aldrich, page 29.

OTHER DEFINITIONS OF EVANGELISM That set of intentional activities which are governed by the goal of initiating people into the kingdom of God for the first time. - William Abraham Professor That set of loving, intentional activities governed by the goal of initiating persons into Christian Discipleship in response to the reign of God – Bishop Scott Jones

What is your definition of evangelism?

“ Evangelism is everything we do to make faith in Christ an option. ” - Bill Bright, Founder of Campus Crusade for Christ

WHY EVANGELISM? Commandments Commission God's motivation in sending Jesus was unconditional love exhibited by His grace and mercy. Jn. 3: 16; Rom. 5: 8 How can we not be compelled by such love to share Jesus with others so they too can know Him? 2 Cor. 5: 14

WITNESS vs. EVANGELISM Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5: 20 (ESV)

What are some of the reasons we don’t evangelize? Barriers to personal evangelism…. Rejection Perceptions Knowledge Unequipped

DEFINE “SUCCESS” Acting out your Christian life… Sharing the Gospel… Trusting God for the results “Simply Sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God. ” Bill Bright – Campus Crusade for Christ Founder

Describe Evangelism in your Congregation At Your Table Discuss What evangelistic ministries are you and/or your church involved in?

THE FISHING BOAT: MODEL AND MINISTRY

It’s been said that there are two reasons people do not go to church They don’t know a Christian They do

MODEL: 5 “D” APPROACH Devoted PIBO TECH Discovery Newcomers and seekers Disenchanted Disillusioned and unhappy Disconnected College Students, Military, Home-bound Disbeliever Unchurched, De-churched

LEVELS OF EVANGELISM Harvesting Cultivating 10% 50% Winning Befriending Inviting Planting 80%

How can I accomplish the following goals? Include a higher percentage of Christians in evangelism Reach out in significant ways to a lot of people in my city Answer: Servant Evangelism

Caring and Sharing effective because it is…. quick high volume done in groups culture-current gives the Holy Spirit an open door to convict those we are leading to Christ allows shy people to launch into effective evangelism an approach families can do together easily picked up by new Christians simple friendly non-pushy, non-aggressive appeals to every segment of our cities emotionally safe giving-centered rather than asking-centered provides a safe place for ambitious people to expend their energy provides an open door for the miraculous if God so moves big fun!

PACK (Planned Acts of Christian Kindness) Stamp Give-A-Way Battery Give-A-Way Hand Cleaning Towelettes Windshield Washing Bag Groceries Tutoring School Supplies Give-A-Way Umbrella Give-A-Way Gift Wrapping at Christmas

Listening (Felt Need) Learn to Listen to their Story Learn to Tell Your Story Learn to Share Christ Story

Ministry Areas Prayer Ministry Front Line Ministry Invitational Ministry Tele-care Ministry Small Group Ministry Outreach Ministry Alpha Ministry LEAD Ministry

BRAINSTORM YOUR CONTEXT How could Your Church model genuine Servant hood and care on a congregational level?

MINISTRY…. The Foundation of Ministry is Character The Nature of Ministry is Service The Motive of Ministry is Love The Measure of Ministry is Sacrifice The Authority of Ministry is Submission The Purpose of Ministry is the Glory of God The Tools of Ministry are The Bible and Prayer The Privilege of Ministry is Growth The Power of Ministry is the Holy Spirit The Model of Ministry is Jesus Christ

THE ROD AND REEL: METHODOLOGY Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us constantly

C. A. S. T 18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. ” Matthew 4: 18 -19 (ESV) C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story

C. A. S. T C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story 3 Important Objectives PIE: Personal Invitational Engaging

C. A. S. T C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story Key Ingredients to PIE: LETUS Approach L ove E stablish rapport T alk about Jesus U se stories (if time allows) S equence of questions

C. A. S. T C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story 3 Important Goals PIE: Personal Invitational Engaging

C. A. S. T C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story Conversational Expanders Principles of Building Relationships Who What When Where Why How Good Listener Eye Contact Visual Affirmation Verbal Affirmation

C. A. S. T C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story

C. A. S. T C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story Styles of Evangelism Confrontational – Billy Graham, Chuck Colson Cerebral – Josh Mc. Dowell, D. James Kennedy Confirmation – Corrie ten Boom, Joni Tada Conversing – Becky Pippert, Joe Aldrich Contending – Ruth Graham Caring/Share – Mother Teresa, Jimmy Carter

C. A. S. T C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story Heart of the Conversation

Questions C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story Important Principle: Never make a statement at least at first when a question will do

Advantages of Asking Questions C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story Invites Participation Advance without Stating your Case Shifts the Burden of Proof Puts you in the driver seat

Role Play Scenario

Share Jesus Questions Do you have any kind of spiritual belief? To you, who is Jesus? Do you think there is a heaven or a hell? If you died tonight, where would you go? If heaven, why? By the way if what you believed is not true, would you want to know?

Two Scriptures: An Important Principle So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ. Romans 10: 17 (RSV) Jesus answered him, “What is written in Moses' Teachings? What do you read there? ” Luke 10: 26 (GW)

YOUR BIBLE

Share Jesus Scriptures Romans 3: 23 - All Have Sinned Romans 6: 23 - Wages of Sin is Death John 3: 3 - Must be born again John 14: 6 - I’m the Way Romans 10: 9 -11 - If you Confess 2 Corinthians 5: 15 - No longer live for themselves Revelation 3: 20 - Here I am standing at your door. To each of these ask: What does this say to you?

TELL YOUR STORY C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story

KNOW YOUR STORY C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story Three areas of a personal testimony My life before I made a commitment to follow Jesus How I came to know Jesus personally How Jesus has changed my life (since I came to know Him personally)

WRITE YOUR “GOOD NEWS” STORY C. Connection A. Activities S. Spiritual Matters T. Tell Your Story What is your “Good News” story?

“FRAN” GELISM Write down persons in your circle of influence Friends Relatives Acquaintances Neighbors

SOME KEY PRINCIPLES… 1 Peter 3: 15 (GW) …Always be ready to defend your confidence {in God} when anyone asks you to explain it. …. Habits of a Highly Effective Witness Prepare Share Anytime, Anywhere Adapt Expect Trust Involved Pray

TACKLE BOX: EQUIPPING RESOURCES

…And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, Ephesians 4: 11 -12 (RSV) OUR BIBLICAL MANDATE

TACKLE BOX: EQUIPPING RESOURCES Books Externally Focused Church Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson Faith Sharing H. Eddie Fox, George Morris DR 158 How to Reach Secular People George Hunter Share Jesus without Fear Bill Fay Witness: Learning to Share Your Christian Faith by Ron Crandall DR 493 Celtic Way of Evangelism George Hunter III How to Break the 200 Barrier Kevin Martin

TACKLE BOX: EQUIPPING RESOURCES Websites http: //www. umcdiscipleship. org/leadership-resources/evangelism http: //www. gbod. org/lead-your-church/evangelism http: //billygraham. org/what-we-do/evangelism-outreach/ http: //www. umcdiscipleship. org/resources/getting-started-evangelism http: //www. tentm. org http: //laymobilization. seedbed. com/ http: //www. reasonablefaith. org/ http: //www. apologetics 315. com/ http: //www. link 2 lead. com/Getting. Started/Home. aspx http: //www. thearda. com/rcms 2010/ http: //missioninsite. org

TACKLE BOX: EQUIPPING RESOURCES Studies Becoming a Contagious Christian Willow Creek Catch Adam Hamilton Go Fish Andy Stanely Caring Evangelism Course by Kenneth Haugk The Faith Sharing Congregation: Developing a Strategy for the Congregation as Evangelist. Roger K. Swanson and Shirley F. Clement DR 153