Reaching Out in Faith

 

    There are a lot of people out in the world.  When you come together as a church to go share your testimony or connect with people to invite them to join you at church who do you go visit.  The leaders should have a clear plan, but if you have been praying and a name keeps coming to you then you need to share that with your team.  There needs to be structure with visitation, but also flexibility to give the Holy Spirit room to work.

    Reaching out to people about your faith have many avenues.  You can go visit people in the hospital, nursing homes, schools, houses, or other locations.  You can set up weekly coffee and devotional times, sporting events, hiking groups, or other activities where you can connect with people and talk about God.  You can reach out to the people on your Sunday School roster that have not been there or put yourself somewhere to meet strangers and try to talk to them about God.  There is not set way on how you have to reach out to people in faith.

    When you plan on going out as a group for visitation there are several ways you can do it.  I recommend coming together to read some scripture and pray before going out.  The Holy Spirit directs, but people need to get out of their own way sometimes.  You can go out with only your Bible (including being on your phone) or you can take other tools too like presentation guides, leaflets, assignment or participation cards, or polls.  Tools serve a purpose, but all you need is God's Word, prayer, open heart, and an attitude to go.

    If you follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, then you will not do it wrong.  Not every time you go out will people accept Jesus.  That is okay.  You planted a seed.  Celebrate the wins with a humble heart and be prepared to walk with the people that do come to Jesus.  They are starting a new life and will need help and guidance as they discover their new identity in Jesus.  

    As you help the newbie in growing their faith you get a friend.  Hopefully it will become a lifelong relationship based on holy love, trust, and submission to Jesus.  Salvation is meant to bring glory to God not you.  Your job is to teach them how to become a disciple and how to make new disciples.  However a true friendship is always a great perk.  It will help you lead them to their place in the church, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and worship.  At the same time it will strengthen your faith and position in following Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 17:14-20, Ephesians 2:8-10, & Hebrews 11:1-3