Evangelism

St Stephen Church Mission Statement:

Exalt God in Worship (Acts 2:43)

Evangelize the world through proclamation and witness (Acts 2:41&47)

Equip believers through teaching and mentoring (Acts 2:42)

Enrich others through ministry and service (Acts2:44-45)

Encourage one another in fellowship (Acts 2:42)

Encounter God through prayer (Acts 2:42)

reaches out to non-believers with love and gospel message of Jesus Christ.

gives support and guidance to those taking the walk of faith from a fear-filled living to a faith-filled living.

In following the mission statement of St Stephen Church the Evangelism Department exists to mobilize and engage every church member evangelize “our world”. Our objective is to win souls for Christ through proclamation and witness.

St Stephen strives to be a “Great Commission” church. What does that mean?

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The scriptures says, " Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: God authorized and commanded me to commission you: 19Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." (Matt 28:19-20 MT)

8What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world." (Act 1:8 MT)

We are to be witnesses to the world.

Who is “our world”?

Our families
Our Friends
Our neighbors
Our co-workers
And beyond

How do we witness?

I. Be an Inviter

This is how:

Start with your closest circle of acquaintances and outward

Family
Friends & neighbors
Co-workers
Strangers

Must be intentional

Make a list of un-churched or de-churched people you know
Determine the best way to contact them
Set aside time specifically for extending invitations
Just do it!

Methods: phone call, card or note, one-one conversation, special printed invitations, special one-on-one dates (ie invite that someone to lunch, dinner, special event)

Go the extra mile

Be willing to spend time with invitee
Be willing to listen to their story
Be listening for how you may help
Be willing to bring them to church

II. Join the Evangelism Team

We will:

· Teach methods for evangelism

· Teach ‘witnessing made easy’ (how to tell your story)

· Train groups on door to door canvassing

· Train group team leaders

· Assist other church ministries in evangelism efforts

· Establish an on-going presence at the Fountain Ministry of St Stephen

· Pray for the lost

Jesus said of himself, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

If you have a desire to see the ‘lost’ come to Christ, the Lord has need of you.

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Premise: Know that your guests are gifts sent from God

Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood--being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2)

1. A gift must be extended with grace.

2. A gift must be received with gratitude.

3. A gift must be treated with care.

Facts:

People will visit one time but often will not come back.
People may give the church a second try to test its authenticity.
People will come again and again depending on their perception of the church.

I. The Invitation--How to invite guests

Start with your closest circle of acquaintances and outward

Family
Friends & neighbors
Co-workers
Strangers

Must be intentional

Make a list of unchurched or de-churched people you know
Determine the best way to contact them
Set aside time specifically for extending invitations
Execute!

Methods: phone call, card or note, one-one conversation, special printed invitations, special one-on-one dates (ie invite that someone to lunch, dinner, special event)

Go the extra mile

Be willing to spend time with invitee
Be willing to listen to their story
Be listening for how you may help
Be willing to bring them to church

II. The Follow-up – It is A Must!!!

Tracking Guests/Visitors

Guest data should be recorded/input with the purpose of follow-up
Guest data should be kept confidential
Must have a key person to handle visitor data

Methods for Follow-up

Phone call the week of the visit
Personal note from the inviter week of visit

i. Note cards with church logo provided by church

Letter from the Pastor
Invitation to special church dates (ie Church Anniversary, Pastor’s Anniversary, Easter, etc)

III. From Guest to Becoming a Member

Make Them Disciples

They made the decision for Christ, but you must make them disciples of Christ
New members are fragile baby Christians. What you do and say will determine how they grow or remain immature.

Your guests are gifts sent from God!

Things to do:

Pray for the lost
Share the invitation points with the class
Be a witness

Evangelism adheres to the needs of the “lost” and “unsaved” by providing spiritual guidance one's personal relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ.