Leading Someone to Jesus - Part 4

Your Ministry in Evangelism - The Ends of the Earth

In this section you will explore areas in which you can step into the most important characteristic of a Christian – evangelism. Jesus left us to grow His kingdom.

Remember the quote “No one cares how much you know until…” Many people today do not respond to people knocking on their doors. Most of the time it is s waste of your time of which you are supposed to be a good steward.

You have to earn the right to share something as personal as faith. Just look at many of the examples of Christ. Read each one.

• The Syrian-Phoenician woman who asked for bread crumbs (Mark 7:26)
• The demon possessed (Mark 5:1-20)
• The blind (Matthew 9:27-29)
• The lame (Matthew 11:4-6)
• The sick and the dead (Luke 5:17)
• The leper (Luke 17:12-19)
• The hungry (Matthew 14: 14-21; take note of the word compassion in this passage)

Each of these is an example of Christ meeting the needs of others before discussing their sin and forgiveness.  Jesus came to make us whole (body and soul). The word salvation relates to wholeness or a restoration to fullness (Greek – soteria):

• What does Jesus say about faith in these verses?
• Are there other examples you can find using a concordance or Scripture references?

 Community Outreach - Sharing God’s love through acts of benevolence in the community

Take a look at these examples of care which can earn you permission to discuss Christ
with others. (Circle of Care Manual for Coordinators (2003, Care Ministries, Church of God, Cleveland, TN), p. 20-23)

Public Schools Appreciation Luncheon
Plan a luncheon during the school term for public school employees to say thank you for giving to our children.

Adopt-A-School Program 

Find out how the church can assist a local school. It may be through a beautification program, working in the school yard, or by donating supplies to classes or students. Many times schools will ask for volunteers to simply come in and read stories to children. Be available to partner with the school. 

Random Acts of Kindness 

Go into the community to share God’s love in practical ways. Examples include washing windows, totally free car washes, free Cokes, carrying groceries, raking leaves, shoveling snow, free water stands during community events and many more. No response is necessary; just tell them you and the church you represent did it because Jesus loves them.

Back-to-School Project

Volunteers offer free services and goods. These services will be determined by the skills and abilities of members in the church. Samples services: haircuts, hearing and vision screenings,
provision of school supplies. 

Jail and Prison Visitation 

Hebrews 13:3 commands us to “remember the prisoners” (NKJV). Many prison inmates have become Christians and need that extra support this team can provide. 

Food Pantry
Food and grocery items are offered to those who are unable to supply enough food for their families. Some local stores are usually happy to partner with your church either on a onetime or ongoing basis. 

Outreach for Orphans/Children’s Centers
Contact the facilities to see how your church can serve them best! 

Clothing Closet
Provide a place for needy families to “shop” for clean well maintained clothing. Clothes can be donated for this ministry from within the church or from area shops. 

Delinquency Court Center Ministries
Work hand in hand with the local government to provide church members’ skills, thus demonstrating the care and love of Christ. 

Ministry to Immigrants and/or Special Ethnic Groups
Provide practical and spiritual assistance geared to their specific needs. 

On-Call Emergency Service
Opportunities are available to serve in law enforcement chaplaincy or similar service. 

After-School Care for Children 

The church may offer a safe Christian environment for children of working parents. 

Day Care or Christian School 

The church may be equipped to provide a positive alternative to public school. 

Ministry to Widows 

Do you know widows in your area? I would believe the seniors in your congregation could point many out who do not belong to a church. 

English as a Second Language Programs (ESL) 

With the vast influx of other nationalities into the American culture, ESL is an increasingly
needed program. 

Military Base Outreach 

With the special needs of the military family, especially in light of the possibility of deployment, the church can be a strong place of support. Contact the nearest base to see how you can help. 

Hospital Volunteer Programs 

From answering the phone to delivering flowers or wheeling the new mother to her car, volunteers are needed at local hospitals. Some children’s hospitals need volunteers to read and sit with children while their parents work or eat a meal. 

Crisis Pregnancy Center 

This vital service can be a tremendous blessing to young girls and their families who are facing crisis pregnancies.

• How many of these areas have you seen in your church?
• Are you involved in any?
• Which one could you start or lead?
• Are there other areas (list them)?