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This resource, called “Structures” is in the form of a 7-day mini seminar presented by “Everyday Evangelism”. Please subscribe to my E-zine for more Outreach tips. The links to the other days follow the article. Thank you so much for dropping by.
One thing which I firmly believe in any evangelism ministry is do one or two things well, NOT ten poorly. Pretty close to this is matching resources with activities. What I mean by this is don’t stress and overwhelm yourself or your evangelism team by taking on two much. This reflects back on my first statement: one or two things well, not ten poorly.
This does not mean we aim to low. In regard to goals, I once heard this quote: “The problem is not so much we aim to high and miss, but we aim too low and hit”. A good quote and certainly worth consideration in our evangelism activities.
Remember God will supply us with workers (Matthew 9: 35-38) for His evangelism, so constantly ask Him! Prayer is so important. Often, the need and opportunities are so great we feel swamped. Sometimes, we can even feel like giving up. Its times like this we must remember only one thing in our evangelism: God expects us to only do what He has called us to do, nothing more and nothing less. You and I can only do a little bit each, but when lots of us do our little bit, God’s huge evangelism plan is accomplished. We often forget we don’t have to (and can’t!) do God’s work for Him. I hope I make my Lord grin, but often I say to people (tongue in cheek) “God’s a big God and we have trained Him well. Let Him get on with the Job!” Hey, all children are sometimes cheeky to their Fathers and there’s no difference between me and my Heavenly Father! Knowing God is in control and His purposes will be done does not stop us constantly and passionately putting our non-Christian mates before God or weeping to Him about the overwhelming needs we see around us.
It may sound simple, but to be able to plan activities and follow up, we first must know the resources we have available. I personally break this up into two main categories: Personnel and Material. Personnel obviously mean people, but more importantly, takes into account their gifting. Good leaders will encourage the use of gifts in the specific areas needed. They will also know where skills and gifting lack and take that into account in planning. In the evangelism plans I am involved in I ask for a specific commitment which is particular to the group I am outreaching to. There I go again, my starting point is my target group (for want of a better term), not my resources. I match my resources to my target group, not visa versa.
Let me explain in terms of the Motorcycle Chaplaincy I am involved with. We focus our attention on outlaw motorcycle clubs. Most members of these organisations commit to the group for the rest of their lives. Many have been in the scene for many years before joining these groups. In the light of these aspects of the ‘culture’ a long-term commitment is required by our chaplaincy. I believe it would be counterproductive to have a large number of members changing every six months. So, we ask for a ten year (really lifetime) commitment to our chaplaincy. In fact, it will take a minimum of eighteen months to two years for one to become a full member with us. On top of that material resources are needed, mainly a Harley Davidson Motorcycle or equivalent. Harley Davidsons are not cheap (mine cost me AUD $36,000 New) at all but are essential to the style of ministry God has called us to do. All up, that is a big commitment. I believe that is one example of what Paul means in 1 Corinthians 9: 19-23.
Certainly (depending on your target group), you may not require the same huge investment as in my above example, but you will require commitment. Be clear about what commitment you require. You really do need to know this in your planning. Make sure people know what they are committing to. A certain time could be allocated as a mutual trial period. This can be very important. People need to specifically commit. For this to happen, they must know specifically what it is they’re committing to.
Remember be clear on knowing your resources. Implement them wisely in your plan and, through the Holy Spirit, extraordinary things can be accomplished.
May God bless you in all your endeavors.
Captain Andrew D. Carter Dip. Ev., CA.
“Everyday Evangelism”
www.everyday-evangelism.com.au
My parting thoughts for now:
Pick the primary people group you wish to (or are) engaging with. Write down all the team (including you).
After each (including you) write the specific time and duties committed to. Check to see if accurate and up to date. File ready to implement in Evangelism Plan.
Links to the other days:
Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4; Day 5; Day 6; Day 7.
Link to other Resources.
I would like to give you many more thoughts on evangelism. Please subscribe to my free E-zine at the Top.
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