Personalizing My Missionality Profile

Transcription

1 Personalizing My Missionality Profile Table of Contents Introduction... page 3 First Things First... page 4 My Missionality Questionnaire... page 5 Scoring Instructions... page 6 Interpretation... page 7 Begins in my Community & Continues into my Region... page 8 Reaches into my Nation and Stretches into all the World... page 9 Fine-Tuning Outreach Skills... page 10 Fine-Tuning Outreach Skills (continued)... page 11 DISC Model of Human Behavior Science Interpretation... page 12 Outreach From A Personality Perspective... page 13 Outreach Styles... page 14 Outreach Insights... page 15 Receptivity Styles... page 16 Outreach in the Workplace... page 17 Discipleship... page 18 Disciple Styles... page 19 Discipler Styles... page 20 Discipling Insights... page 21 Notes... page 22 Action Plan... page 23 My Missionality Profile Copyright 2006 by Mels Carbonell, Ph.D. All rights reserved. No portion of this guide may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in reviews, without written permission from the publisher. You may not copy entire lessons to distribute to students in order to avoid purchasing a guide for each student. Uniquely You Resources PO Box 490 Blue Ridge, GA Phone: (706) Website: drmels@myuy.com

2 My Missionality Profile Missions is not another program of the church! Missions is THE mission of the church. Just like businesses have "Mission Statements," so every Christian should live with intentionality. This involves having a Global Focus seeing the lost from God's perspective. It is a command, not an option! It is ministry with intentionality! My Missionality Profile is designed to help you identify your "missions mind set" and means to accomplish it. Identifying your Missionality Profile can help you improve your obedience to God's Great Commission. Having a Personal Mission should be one of your most important goals! It's not like climbing the ladder of success and reaching the top only to realize your ladder was leaning against the wrong wall! It's a step-by-step course. The Apostle Paul considered everything else he did in life as garbage that he might WIN Christ (Phil. 3:8). Every believer should have the same attitude toward "winning the race" or "game of life." Even though the Christian life is not a game, we should work and worship with intentionality to serve the Lord. Paul encouraged us to "finish our course with joy," Acts 20:24. For many Christians there will be deep regret and sorrow when they finally stand before the Lord at the Judgment seat of Christ. Others will be rewarded for their labor (1 Cor. 3:8). We should serve the Lord with eternity's values in view. Reward motivation is biblical, but the most mature servants eventually come to a level in their lives where they do everything for the glory of God and not for rewards. Living with intentionaliy is vital to your continual spiritual growth and success at the end of life's journey. Your plan must include a personal mission statement and clear commitment of what you will do with the rest of your life! You must also have a personal plan to help fulfill the "Great Commission" (Mark 16:15) to go where ever God leads you and share the gospel! Every mature Christian should be involved in evangelism and discipleship. Jesus' last words as recorded in Acts 1:8 before He ascended after His resurrection were And you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit is come upon you and you shall be my witnesses, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. You shall be my witnesses! Acts 1:8 This admonition is a great outline to develop a Personal Mission Plan. Starting at Jerusalem, our mission should then spread outward to Judea, on to Samaria, and finally into all the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15). This would be impossible as an individual, but if every believer would develop this plan, we could touch the entire world for Christ. Reaching the world must first begin in our homes and communities ("Jerusalem"), then we should actively be involved in our region near where we live and work to win the lost ("Judea"). Every Christian should also have a burden for the lost in his or her entire nation ("Samaria") through some kind of outreach. And finally we should expand our vision for a lost and dying world without Christ through worldwide missions. Where there is no vision the people perish, Prov. 29:18. Evangelism and discipleship are part of God's plan for the church. Every church's purpose should be to win the lost and train its members to do the same. My Missionality Plan can help a Christian grow from just being a spectator and watching things happen to becoming a coach and making things happen. There are typically 5 types of church members: (1) Spectators who just watch what is happening; (2) Substitute players who help once in a while; (3) First Team Players who are faithfully involved in the ministry of their churches; (4) All Stars who go beyond just being a player and are willing to do whatever necessary to help; and (5) Coaches who are the leaders, training others to grow from just being a Spectator toward also becoming Coach. Your My Missionality Profile will help explain your personality type as it relates to missions. It is developing a Global Focus and ministry by intentionality. It is seeing yourself as a leader and the best possible church member God would have you be. This mission is possible! It will be the most exciting thing you will ever do since becoming a believer in Christ. See people as Christ sees them as sheep without a Shepherd, as lost without a Savior! Having a Global Focus is more than sending money to missions. It's is also praying, going, and more! Your My Missionality Plan should be to minister by intentionality and use your personality for God's glory!

3 1 st Things First My mission in life must begin with a clear understanding of my relationship with God. By the time I get to this step in my trip around the bases I should be certain of where I will spend eternity. Scripture admonishes us to Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). The following is a good way to do this. It is a brief quiz having you answer the question, "Am I Going To Heaven?" Follow the simple instructions: Check below what you think is necessary to get you to heaven. 1. Obeying God s laws and commandments. 2. Doing any religious deeds like water baptism, charitable giving, and going to church. 3. Doing any good deeds like helping humankind. 4. Doing any spiritual things like following Christ s lifestyle or even stop sinning. 5. Doing good deeds AND believing in Christ. Now, find out if YOU are going to heaven. If you answered No. 1 It is impossible to get to heaven this way. Romans 3:28 says: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. No. 2 These things could never save you. The Bible says in Titus 3:5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us No. 3 Good works of any kind cannot pay for our sin. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8 & 9: For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. No. 4 It is not any spiritual works that saves us but faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 4:5 states: But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. No. 5 We cannot earn our way to heaven by good works AND God s grace regardless of how good or well intended. God saves us by grace ALONE. Notice what Romans 11:6 says: And if by grace, then it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. None of these things will forgive sins. You can do nothing to earn eternal life. It is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Jesus said in John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. It is not enough to believe in Christ historically. Christ died, that's history. Christ died for me, that's salvation. Biblical faith is more than simply believing Christ existed. It is relying on Him alone to pay the penalty for your sins. Friend, if you would sincerely put your faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord who died for you and to pay for your sins, on the authority of God s Word, you can KNOW you have eternal life. The Bible says in 1 John 5:13 These things I have written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life After you trust in Christ, yielding to God brings love, joy, peace, and happiness into your life. When we disobey God, He will discipline us but He will never take away our salvation. You have "salvation," not "probation." God deals with us as a father deals with his children (Prov. 3:11,12 and Heb. 12:6). If we confess our sin He forgives us to restore our fellowship with Him (1 John 1:9). Once you truly believe in Christ as your Savior, you CANNOT live as you please. You have been bought with a price. You now belong to Him and He belongs to you. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. He will chasten and discipline His disobedient children. The choices after you trust the Lord will be to live for Him and experience abundant life or go your own way in life and suffer the consequences of sin. Knowing and serving the Lord are the greatest decisions you will ever make. If you have trusted Christ as your Savior tell your minister or a spiritual leader in your church. Then continue growing in the grace and knowledge of God's Word to discover, develop, and demonstrate your personal mission in life! Learn to live with intentionality and use your divinely designed personality for God's glory!

4 My Missionality Profile Instructions: Every church member is supposed to be a minister and every minister is supposed to be a missionary. All believers in Christ have been commissioned from the moment they received the Lord as their Savior to share the "good news" with others. That makes every true believer a missionary. Some missionaries go to foreign countries to help others with their needs and evangelize the lost. Others are missionaries in their work places and communities. Regardless of where we live, we should be missionaries. Living with intertionality means you have a mission. Identifying your "Missionality Profile" is vital to growing spiritually and maturing into the person God wants you to be. Examining your "missions mind-set" can be very practical and helpful. It can also be threatening. This assessment is not intended to judge anyone. It is a simple tool to help you evaluate where you are in your journey toward glorifying God through bearing much fruit (John 20:21). Carefully follow these instructions Ask yourself how you feel about each of the following questions. How true is each question about you? 1. I have a deep burden for reaching our community for Christ. 2. I believe we ought to reach out beyond our community to win people in our surrounding areas (state or region wide). 3. I'm really concerned about lost people throughout our nation. 4. I give regularly to worldwide missions. 5. I pray especially for the lost families and neighbors in our community. For Promotional Review Only! Simply respond with the numerical rating as follows: 5 Very much so; 4 Somewhat so; 3 Yes and no; 2 Not really; 1 Not at all. Don t hesitate to choose 5: (Very Much So) or 1: (Not at all). Your desire to not exaggerate may cause you to choose more moderate responses. This may affect your results. Try to be as honest as possible. Example: I have a deep burden for reaching our community for Christ. Is this answer: Very Much So, Somewhat so, Yes and no, Not really or Not at all true about you? Place your numerical rating choice in the appropriate blank space before each question provided on this page. Then follow the instructions on the Scoring and Plotting Instructions page. 17. I yearn for a specific group in our community to trust Christ. 18. I have a burden to influence a certain group outside our community, but in our region with the gospel. 19. I pray a lot about reaching certain people nationwide. You may copy pages for review purposes, but NOT to complete questionnaire or teach the following information in order to avoid purchasing profiles. 20. I really enjoy hearing missionaries speak in my church. 21. It really concerns me about my friends and neighbors coming to know Christ.. 6. I am involved or would like to be involved with mission outreach outside my community in neighboring areas. 7. I believe we ought to be doing more to reach people throughout our country. 22. I often help with a missions project outside my community, but close enough to home. 23. I have been on a short-term missions trip outside my community and region, nut not outside of the country. 8. I think about how I could impact the world better with the gospel. 24. I would like to take a mission trip to win the lost in a foreign country. 25. I really enjoy being involved in mission outreaches in my Duplication Without Permission community. Prohibited 9. I think a lot about how we can reach our community with the good news. 10. I often wonder what we as a church are doing to reach people in our surrounding areas. 26. I pray often for a specific group outside my community, but in my region. 11. I would like to be involved in a ministry that is reaching people nationwide. 12. I believe every true believer should be involved somehow in worldwide missions. 13. My heart aches over my lost family members and neighbors. 14. I strongly desire to see the gospel shared throughout our region. 15. I have a serious burden for reaching people in other parts of the country. 16. I like to hear about missionary ventures worldwide. 27. I think a lot about how we can spread the gospel nationwide. 28. I believe every Christian ought to be involved in sharing the gospel worldwide as much as possible to every person. 29. I look for opportunities to witness to people in my community. 30. I'm concerned that we don't do more to reach more people in our region, rather than concentrating so much on our community. 31. I have seriously considered becoming a missionary somewhere in my country. 32. I have seriously considered becoming a foreign missionary.

5 1 Scoring Instructions 2 Plotting Instructions Be sure to first rate your response to each choice from the My Missionality Profile questionnaire on page 5. Record your choice (5, 4, 3, 2, or 1) in the appropriate numbered question box below. Total each column. Then follow Plotting Instructions Scoring Example: To plot your My Missionality Profile Graph, first complete the Scoring Instructions at 1. Then use the totals from your Numerical Ratings Chart to plot your graph below. Find the appropriate letter A, B, C, or D in the My Missionality Profile Graph below and circle the number of the total under each letter. Notice Plotting Example below. Numerical Ratings Chart Total: A B C D Plotting Example Total: A A B B My Missionality Graph Community / Jerusalem Region / Judea Nation / Samaria Worldwide / Uttermost A B C D For Promotional Review Only! 3 Reading Your Graph: To determine which areas of your missions interests are most important to you, identify the highest and lowest plotting points. The higher the points are on your graph, the more interest you tend to have in those areas. Prayerfully consider each area, recognizing you should be involved in all of them in some way. Depending on your spiritual maturity and availability (work and home commitments), you should be actively looking for ways to improve each area. This is a simple and very basic assessment. There may be other factors involved that could change your results. Don't use this information to judge anyone else's graph. You may want a friend to pray with you for wisdom in how to allow God to help you, but this is primarily for your exhortation and correction. Once you complete your graph, study the following pages to learn how to improve your Missionality Profile in life. Also study all the pages that deal with your DISC personality type to learn valuable insights. This will improve your effectiveness by serving with intentionaliy and using your personality for God glory sharing the greatest story ever told! You may copy pages for review purposes, but NOT to complete questionnaire or teach the following information in order to avoid purchasing profiles. Duplication Without Permission Prohibited!

6 My Missionality Focus All believers are not only saved to go to heaven, they are also saved to share with others how to have forgiveness of sin and a personal relationship with God. His Master Plan is to give us "meaning and purpose" in life so we can enjoy every day as He intended not only in heaven, but also here on earth. God's plan doesn't end with us on earth. It goes beyond the here and now to heaven for all eternity. Eternal life with all the blessings that come with it doesn't start when we die and go to heaven. It begins when we trust Christ as our Savior and then allow Him to be the Lord of our lives. Our interests should focus from here to eternity! We receive so much when we personally come to know the Lord. There is assurance of heaven when we die, plus the promise of victorious Christian living. From the sweet by and by to the nasty here and now, Christ is THEE answer! Becoming a Christian is so awesome that we ought to tell everyone about this "so great salvation." We are saved from the penalty of sin, plus from the power of sin in our lives, and eventually from the very presence of sin when we go to glory. We don't have to wait for Christ's blessings! This is why we should be witnesses beginning in our homes to our family members and then to a lost and dying world without Christ. The Apostle Paul has given us a logical and reasonable plan (Acts 1:8) to share our faith with others. Like concentric circles expanding from the center to the furthermost circle, we need to examine our concern for others who need to find the Lord. WORLD NATION REGION COMMUNITY Acts 1:8 Jerusalem Judaea Samaria Uttermost Beginning at Jerusalem, our center, is where we live and spend most of our time. We should share our faith with our loved ones and neighbors first. We must also care about telling those where we worship about the church's Firm Foundation, Jesus. So many churches today seldom share the gospel with their congregations. They take for granted that everyone knows the Lord. From Jerusalem to Judea is representative of our reaching out of where we live to the next levels of importance. From Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria teaches how we should spread the gospel outside our homes and communities into our regions outside where we live and work. Like a rock thrown in a pond, we see the ripples spreading from the center out. We should recognize our mission field reaches beyond our communities to our nation. From our Home, to our Community, to our Region... Once we have reached out to our family members, neighbors, those with whom we work and socialize, we need to care for those in our regions, nations, and around the world who don't know the Lord from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. We need to stretch our faith and outreach to the unreached people around the world as we work through all the circles at the same time. With your Missionality Profile graph in mind, identify how you relate to each of your outreach opportunities. The graph is not intended to judge anyone, but to help you improve your witness for Christ. Review your graph, beginning with how you scored at witnessing to your "community" (family, friends, and neighbors). If you have a high plotting point "great," but if you scored low, you should think more seriously about how you could be a better witness to your relatives, neighbors, and those in your community.. Sharing our faith in our communities, where we work and socialize, can be the most threatening. Many believers think that living a good Christian life is their way of witnessing. But we must also open our mouths and speak the good news. The Bible asks, "how shall they (unbelievers) know, unless we tell them (Rom. 10:10-13). Then look at your graph and see how you related to outreach opportunities to your region (statewide or surrounding area). You may find a special project further away from your community, but in your region where you can get involved to reach the lost. Finally, look on your graph and see how you scored concerning worldwide missions. This can be one of the most challenging areas of your witness. Ask God how you should give and / or go to the "uttermost parts of the earth" to win souls for His glory. Add intentionality to your plan and see people come to know the joy of sins forgiven and the assurance of eternal life. Make your My Missionality Profile your mission by intentionality with a Global Focus to glorify God!!!

7 My Missionality Begins in my community! My Missionality Continues into my region! Having a personal mission involves reaching our family members, neighbors and people throughout our communities, where we work and play. Reaching the lost person next door or across the street in our neighborhoods and across the hall at work is a major part of fulfilling our mission to glorify God through the bearing of much fruit. Sharing our faith at work and as we run our errands can be very challenging. We shouldn't become "commandos for Christ" and attack everyone with the gospel. Someone has said, "there is a time and a place for everything," but don't let that become an excuse to let opportunities ("Contact Is Opportunity") slip by. "Today is the day of Salvation," (2 Cor. 6:2). We often never get a second change, but we should still be SENSITIVE. Sometimes a kind comment or gracious act speaks louder than words. We need to earn the right to share our faith with love and courage. Confronting a total stranger with "Do you know where you are going when you die?" can be too pushy. Making a stranger your friend first is often best. Sometimes, you don't have the opportunity to cultivate a relationship. Giving a witness along the way is all you can do. Above all, don't be pushy. You may be "planting a seed" for the next Christian to water and witness with more effectiveness. One simple way to share your faith is to ask people where they go to church when they go? Regardless what they say, you can respond with (let's say they are baptist), "did you know there are two kinds of baptists? those who know for certain they are going to heaven and those who aren't really sure, but hope, wish, and pray they are going to heaven." (This is a non-offensive way to discover if the person knows the Lord or not.) It is also a great way to share how you know Christ as your Savior. A great follow-up is to ask the person, "when Christ died on the cross, how many sins did He pay for?" Most people will say, "all of them." Then you can say, "if He paid for all of them, how many sins do you have to pay for?" People then say, "I guess, none of them, if He paid for all of them." You should then respond, "you're absolutely right, so what's stopping you from knowing you're going to heaven when you die?" Then share with them the plan of salvation. Investing in someone's life, then inviting him or her to your church to hear the gospel is also a great way to witness in our community. Sharing our faith is a tremendous privilege and responsibility. Caring for others involves getting out of our "comfort zones." It means ministering and reaching people for Christ when it's not convenient. Going outside our community to another area is a matter of conviction, rather than convenience. Going across the street is one thing, but going across the county or state and into another region requires a higher level of commitment. God's harvest has no boundaries. The laborers are few, but the fields are ripe and wide. Moving out of our communities to surrounding people groups involves far-sighted vision. Most of what is done today to reach people for Christ is near-sighted. The majority of churches concentrate of their communities and worldwide evangelism. Regional and nationwide needs are often neglected. Scripture is clear that we should have an Acts 1:8 strategy of not only reaching our Jerusalem, but also Judea and Samaria. To fulfill the Great Commission we must stretch our boundaries and expand our vision to reach people near and far. Finding people groups outside our communities will not be hard when we partner with other organizations with similar burdens. There are special needs in every region and sounding area. Our church can help reach those who may never attend our church or hear the gospel. For example, there may be an ethnic group living in our region that needs the Lord. Someone in our church may ignite an interest in this group for us to reach. Stretching our arms out to others will involve sacrifices. Reaching people in our community is much easier. Traveling to another region will require more time commitments, expenses, and planning. The rewards will be greater, because the effort will be more sacrificial. It is important to reach those in our communities, but we must obey God's plan for evangelizing the world and spread the good news far and wide, not just here and near. It won't be as challenging as going across the country or to a foreign land, but the need is just as great. Begin praying that God will burden you to love and care for others less fortunate and / or without Christ, outside our community and perhaps an hour or less drive away. The extra sacrifice will bless others while we see every area as a field ripe unto harvest. If we won't go, we can't expect God to bless us. The word "gospel" begins with the first two letters "go!" We should "go into all the world" and outside our communities regardless of whether God will bless us. We should God because God commanded us to go and people need Christ.

8 My Missionality Reaches nationwide! My Missionality Stretches worldwide! The gospel should go from the uttermost to the guttermost! These two fields seem to get most of our mission's attention. Reaching people in far away lands, plus evangelizing the down and outers in our communities seem to people where we spend most of our time and energy. In between those two opportunities should include reaching lost citizens throughout our nation. We should let our light shine from sea to shining sea, from east to west and from north to south. Reaching our nation for Christ is so important, because our country strategically affects missions worldwide. There is so much at stake. The challenge begins by reaching those in our community, then sacrificing a little to touch those further away in our region, and caring enough to go and give to reach people throughout our nation. If we don't our country will not only starve to death spiritually, but continue to decay morally. 1 Peter 2:9 admonishes us: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people: that you should shew forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." Even though this world is not our home and our country is not a "holy nation," we should still shine as lights to the world. There are so many opportunities to reach the lost nationwide. Finding partner organizations and mission opportunities, every church should be involved in "Samaria Evangelism." Just like the believers of old were commanded to spread the gospel far and wide, so we should participate in ministries touching all sorts of people groups throughout our country. In fact, we can even reach people from all over the world who have settled in our nation. There are so many ethnic groups nationwide it is like having a to foreign country in our backyard. We are also sounded by endless specialty groups; such as, sports groups, service organizations, hobby groups, and countless people with similar interests. Reaching out to these groups will take effort and commitment. It is wrong to complain about our country's moral and religious condition without caring enough to share Christ with our fellow citizens. The Apostle Paul challenges us: "That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among who you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15). We must have a burden to reach our nation for Chart, while we care for those around the world and across the street. Since "God so loved the WORLD," we should desire to share the gospel with every living person as much as humanly possible. Our mission must grow beyond our loved ones, friends, and community members, to even the furthermost and most difficult people worldwide. Evangelism begins at home and reaches to all the world. The Bible admonishes us to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," Mark 16: 15. Worldwide missions is perhaps the church's weakest link. We should care about the poor and hungry in our communities and the world. Every church should be involved in sharing the gospel and feeding the hungry wherever they are. Unfortunately, Christians often equate sharing the gospel with "just" feeding the poor. We need to do both. Obviously, just sharing the "good news" with people who are starving is giving them a "heavenly way to go to hell." Many church leaders think that world evangelism is only helping undeveloped countries improve their quality of life. Coming to know Christ is the best way to help the less fortunate worldwide. Beginning a personal relationship with God gives everyone the power within to "do all things through Christ which strengthens them." Christianity has proven to be one of the best ways to help people come out of poverty. But sharing the eternal Bread of Life without sharing the temporal bread of life to starving people is not effective. We must do both. There is also the need to take the gospel to the professional and business leaders around the globe. Most worldwide mission work is to the "poor heathens". We should also reach out to the executives and middle-class people everywhere. Missions begins with "me." Someone has said, "you are either a missionary, or a mission field." You are either sharing your faith with lost people, or you need to be reached for Christ to do the same." Being a "soul-winner" or involved in evangelism is not an end in itself. We are actually to learn how to win people, who teach others how to win people, who teach others how to win others, etc... Evangelism is an integral part of "biblical discipleship." Paul admonished young Timothy, "The things you have seen and heard in me, the same commit to faithful men, who will teach others also." Evangelism is actually reaching others, to teach others, to reach others, and so on. Having a Global Focus begins with reaching people we see and touch every day, while going and giving to reach those we have never seen or touched.

9 Fine-Tuning Outreach Skills One of the most exciting things you can do is tell others how to trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Jesus said, Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit (John 15:8). Once you understand the plan of salvation, it is easy to tell others how to go to heaven, yet often Christians do not witness because they just don t know how. It is important to keep your personality type and the personality type of the one listening to you in mind when you present the plan of salvation. This will make you more effective in connecting with him or her when you communicate. The following are helpful hints from Col. 4:2 6 on how to make you more effective in sharing the gospel: Be PRAYERFUL The apostle Paul was so concerned that he present the Gospel clearly, he asked others to pray for him (Col. 4:2 4). So as you begin applying what you are learning in this profile, select a prayer partner or study buddy to pray for you and for the ones with whom you will share the simple but correct plan of salvation. It has been said that we should be pray-pared as well as being prepared. So a simple four-step process will be wise to apply as you begin your outreach efforts. Step One Pray specifically for unsaved friends, relatives, work and school associates and neighbors (1 Tim 2:2 4). Step Two Ask the Lord to open opportunities you can use to speak for Him (Col. 4:3). Step Three Pray for courage to speak once the Lord opens the door to present the gospel (Eph. 6:18 20). Step Four Pray for clarity when you speak (Col. 4:2 4). Be PURPOSEFUL Once you have prayed, now believe that the Lord will bring people across your path with whom you can share the good news of the gospel. No matter what your personality type is, you can still make yourself available to the Lord to walk toward those outside the faith (Col. 4:5). The Purpose-Focused Life and Church will be outreach oriented. God designed us to know Him and to make Him known! He who wins souls is wise! Prov. 11:30 10 Be PERSONAL When you begin to speak, start with a secular conversation about a non-controversial common interest to get the person talking like, where they grew up, or how long they lived in the area. Then move the conversation quickly to a spiritual topic like, did they go to church and what it was like. Finally, transition into the topic of salvation. You might ask, I m curious how would you answer this question. If God asked you, Why should I let you into my heaven? how would you answer Him? Evangelism and discipleship are all about building and maintaining relationships, not just accomplishing a task. Conflicts between people have more to do with not understanding personality types than with doctrine. It is rightly said, you can win an argument, but lose the soul. If you sense the person has a D personality you will need to get to the bottom line soon. If they have an I personality, don t embarrass them by waiting too long for an answer. Those with an S personality will be afraid of giving the wrong answer so you might quickly tell them how you would have answered it before you trusted Christ as your Savior. People with a C personality will want to know why you asked, so be honest and explain that the answer often reveals what a person thinks he or she must do to go to heaven. Those who are most effective at sharing the gospel find using their own salvation testimony the easiest way, because they know it the best and people enjoy hearing a human-interest story. Just remember, when you speak to keep it direct for D s, inspiring for I s, sensitive for S s and correct for C s. Every Christian should learn how to present the Plan of Salvation in a clear and simple way. Simplicity isn't always simple. The Apostle Paul was concerned that we would complicate the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).

10 Be PRACTICAL Using a series of steps may help the person listening to follow what you say: your testimony or a pamphlet that has the simple but accurate explanation of the gospel in it. 1. Explain that all people are sinners (Romans 3:23; Psalm 14:3). 2. Explain that the penalty is eternal separation from Christ (Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:20). 3. Explain that the person must be perfect to enter heaven (Revelation 21:27; Psalm 5:4). 4. Explain that good works would never help a person get to heaven (Eph. 2:8 & 9; Isa. 64:6). 5. Explain that Christ died as a substitute to pay for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Isa. 53:6). 6. Explain that a person needs only to believe (trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Gen. 15:6). 7. Explain that a person can be certain of going to heaven and never be lost (John 6:37,39; 10:28; 1 John 5:13; Psalm 94:14). God will chasten any disobedient Christians but will not cast His children out of heaven (Hebrews 12:6; Proverbs 3:11,12). Of course there are no rigid steps in leading a person to Christ. This is just a suggested format that has been proven successful. The emphasis can be shifted from one point to another depending on the needs and questions of the individual. The idea is to be natural as you present the plan and Person of salvation. Repentance is not left out of the preceding steps but is included with different wording. A person must repent to be saved. Repent, (Greek metaneo) means a change of mind, about how we are saved and not a change of life demanding works for salvation. Once we trust Christ, God deals with us about changing our lives, not to be saved, but because we are saved. Repentance in salvation means changing one s mind from depending on yourself, or religion, or good works for salvation to recognizing you are a sinner and accepting God s way of salvation by trusting in Christ alone to save you (Acts 20:21). Be PERSUADABLE The purest motive to share the gospel is because you love the Lord and want to obey His command in the Great Commission (Mt. 28:19,20). The best message is one that is clear and correct. So use terms the other person will understand. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! The simplest methods are those used to open a conversation and to close a conversation. You can use Christ has come to give us abundant life! John 10:10 11 The point of your presentation is to know when and how to bring a person to a decision. At the close of your conversation about the gospel you might use a simple statement like, If this makes sense to you from the Bible, then would you place your faith in Jesus Christ alone to forgive you of all your sin so you can receive eternal life right now? If they say no or I m not ready, then kindly ask if they would like to explain why they are hesitating. Remember to leave the door open for the person to speak with you again about this subject at a later time. If the person says, yes I am ready to become a Christian and you sense they are ready to trust Christ as their Savior, then let them tell the Lord in their own words something like this, Thank you Lord for dying on the cross and rising from the dead to pay for my sins. I know that the moment I trusted in you alone to forgive me of my sins I received eternal life. Now that I am your child by faith in Jesus Christ help me to grow spiritually and discover the wonderful new life I have in You! WHAT NEXT? 1. Rejoice with the people. Show them 1 John 5:13 to confirm what just happened. 2. Remind them that the Christian life is not a life without problems but a life with a Problem-solver in it. 3. Refer them to a pastor or Christian leader to further their growth process and to help them get involved in the life of a Bible believing church. 4. Recommend them to use the Personalizing My Faith resources to begin their disciple-making experience. Go to for how to obtain these inexpensive user-friendly resources. The Christian life is exciting! It is a life of faith and obedience. The Holy Spirit was given to you the moment you believed in Christ. Along with Him is all the power necessary to live this life (Acts 1:8; Gal. 2:20). Allow the Holy Spirit to control and influence you by patterning your life according to God s Word, and you will have an abundant and joyful life (Gal. 5:16, 22 25). Partner with the Lord to help you use whatever spiritual gifts and personality He has given you to share the greatest news of all time! Live your life with intentionality as you use your personality and giftedness to glorify God.

11 Interpretation... For your review. If you have not completed your DISC assessment, go to to identify your personality profile. You have a predictable pattern of behavior because you have a specific personality. There are four basic personality types. These types, also known as temperaments, blend together to determine your unique personality. To help you understand why you often feel, think, and act the way you do, the following graphic summarizes the Four Temperament Model of Human Behavior. Active / Task-oriented "D" Dominating, directing, driving, demanding, determined, decisive, doing. Passive / Task-oriented "C" Cautious, competent, calculating, compliant, careful, contemplative. Task Active / Outgoing D I C S Passive / Reserved People Active / People-oriented "I" Inspiring, influencing, inducing, impressing, interactive, interested in people. Passive / People-oriented "S" Steady, stable, shy, security-oriented, servant, submissive, specialist. "D" BEHAVIOR / Biblical Examples: Paul & Sarah (Active / Task-oriented) Known as "Choleric" Descriptions: Dominant, Direct, Demanding, Decisive Basic Motivation: Challenge and Control Desires: Freedom from control Authority Varied activities Difficult assignments Opportunities for advancement Choices, rather than ultimatums Responds Best To Leader Who: Provides direct answers Sticks to task Gets to the point Provides pressure Allows freedom for personal accomplishments Needs To Learn: You need people Relaxation is not a crime Some controls are needed Everyone has a boss Self-control is most important To focus on finishing well is important Sensitivity to people's feelings is wise Biblical Advice: BE GENTLE / NOT BOSSY Wisdom from above is... gentle, James 3:17 CONTROL YOUR FEELINGS AND ACTIONS Be angry and sin not, Eph. 4:26 FOCUS ON ONE THING AT A TIME This ONE thing I do, Phil. 3:13 HAVE A SERVANT'S ATTITUDE By love, serve one another, Gal. 5:13. "C" BEHAVIOR / Biblical Examples: Thomas & Esther (Passive / Task-oriented) Known as "Melancholy" Descriptions: Competent, Compliant, Cautious, Calculating Basic Motivation: Quality and Correctness Desires: Clearly defined tasks Details Limited risks Assignments that require precision and planning Time to think Responds Best To Leader Who: Provides reassurance Spells out detailed operating procedures Provides resources to do task correctly Listens to suggestions Needs To Learn: Total support is not always possible Thorough explanation is not everything Deadlines must be met More optimism will lead to greater success Biblical Advice: BE MORE POSITIVE Whatsoever things are lovely, of good report... think on these things, Phil. 4:8 AVOID A BITTER AND CRITICAL SPIRIT Let all bitterness... be put away from you, Eph. 4:31 BE JOYFUL The fruit of the Spirit is... joy, Gal. 5:22 DON'T WORRY Fret not, Psa. 37:1. Duplication Without Permission Prohibited! 12 "I" BEHAVIOR / Biblical Examples: Peter & Ruth (Active / People-oriented) Known as "Sanguine" Descriptions: Inspiring, Influencing, Impressing, Inducing Basic Motivation: Recognition and Approval Desires: Prestige Friendly relationships Freedom from details Opportunities to help others Opportunities to motivate others Chance to verbalize ideas Responds Best To Leader Who: Is fair and also a friend Provides social involvement Provides recognition of abilities Offers rewards for risk-taking Needs To Learn: Time must be managed Deadlines are important Too much optimism can be dangerous Being responsible is more important than being popular Listening better will improve one's influence. Biblical Advice: BE HUMBLE / AVOID PRIDE Humble yourself in the SIGHT of God, James 3:17 CONTROL YOUR SPEECH Be quick to hear, slow to speak, James 1:19 BE MORE ORGANIZED Do all things decently and in order, 1 Cor. 14:40 BE PATIENT The fruit of the Spirit is... longsuffering, Gal. 5:23. "S" BEHAVIOR / Biblical Examples: Moses & Hannah (Passive / People-oriented) Known as "Phlegmatic" Descriptions: Submissive, Steady, Stable, Security-oriented Basic Motivation: Stability and Support Desires: An area of specialization Identification with a group Established work patterns Security of situation Consistent familiar environment Responds Best To Leader Who: Is relaxed and friendly Allows time to adjust to changes Allows to work at own pace Gives personal support Needs To Learn: Change provides opportunity Friendship isn't everything Discipline is good Boldness and taking risks is sometimes necessary Biblical Advice: BE BOLD AND STRONG Only be strong and very courageous, Joshua 1:6 BE CONFIDENT AND FEAR- LESS God has not given you the spirit of fear, 2 Tim. 1:7 BE MORE ENTHUSIASTIC Whatsoever you do, do it HEARTILY as unto the Lord, Col. 3:23.

12 Outreach From A Personality Perspective The following are simple insights to help you improve your outreach by understanding how different personality types relate to sharing their faith with others. Study page 12 to learn more about the 4 DISC personality types and to identify which type is your primary type and which one is your secondary type. Also study each type thoroughly to familiarize yourself with all the ways people tend to respond, whether witnessing or being witnessed to. D BEHAVIOR (Confrontational Evangelism) I BEHAVIOR (Spontaneous Evangelism) In A Word: Direct Tell Me! Abilities: Leading, taking stand, confronting issue, persevering, dictating, making decisions and control. Strategies: Organize outreach ministry, Chair Evangelism Committee, Serve on Long Range committee, Share visionary enrollment and baptismal goals, Be trained and train others in Direct confrontational Evangelism, Commit to specific challenge. Warning: You want to control everyone, but must first control yourself. Remember, to have authority, you must be under authority. Be loyal to your leaders. Reward: Follow your spiritual leaders. Allow Christ to be the Lord of your life, and God will use you in a great way to move the ministry forward. Prayer: Dear God, control my driving, demanding and dominant personality, so I can be a strong and peacemaking outreach leader for your glory. In A Word: Inspirational Impress Me! Abilities: Communicating, inspiring, influencing, making friends, optimistic, enthusiastic. Strategies: Share public testimony, Use dramatic monologues, Use spontaneous / relational methods, Serve on Usher / Greeter Ministry Team, Serve on Publicity Committee, Train telemarketers / canvassers. Serve on Social Committee, Lead discussion group and visitation. Warning: You naturally outshine others. Don t serve purely through your personality. Remember that pride and sinful lusts may destroy your testimony. Reward: God designed you to shine for Him. When you allow Him to shine through you, He will use you in greater ways than you ever imagined. Prayer: Dear God, keep me humble to do your will, not mine. Help me give you and those who praise me the credit for all You have done. C BEHAVIOR (Systematic Evangelism) S BEHAVIOR (Sensitive Evangelism) In A Word: Convincing Persuade Me! Abilities: Analyzing, improving, discerning, calculating, following directions, doing the right thing. Strategies: Conduct apologetic seminars / Bible studies, Serve as recording secretary, Study demographics and strategies to reach area, Serve on Long Range committee, Train people in Structured Evangelism (CWT, EE, etc) Research, keep records and evaluate results. Warning: Due to your cautiousness, criticism comes easy. Don t always be pessimistic and hard to convince. Increase your faith in God and trust those you follow. Reward: Ministers need competent people to fulfill their visions. You can be a great blessing if you continually look at the possibilities, rather than impossibilities. Prayer: Dear God, help me be optimistic in the midst of problems a source of encouragement to those who find faith and victory difficult. 13 In A Word: Relational Love Me! Abilities: Supporting, serving, finishing what others start, working behind scenes, doing what needs done. Strategies: Be involved in Friendship / Service type evangelism, Serve on Hospitality committee, Lead in Small group evangelism, Lead Support Group, Serve newest members, Hospital and Hospice visitation, Do things behind the scenes that need to be done. Warning: Shyness hinders your opportunities to do great things for God. Be more aggressive and assertive. Be careful, people may take advantage of you. Reward: Believing God s promise that you can do all things through Him who strengthens you, step out and try the difficult. You may be surprised what God can do. Prayer: Dear God, I know you use the weak things to confound the mighty and I often don t feel capable of serving you, but through your grace I will.

13 Outreach Styles Everyone has a predictable pattern of behavior. Being able to read these styles will improve your effectiveness in whatever you do. The most important lesson to learn is how to adapt your personality type to that of the person you are trying to reach. The key is understanding how each personality type naturally responds. As a Soul-Winner you have a specific style. If not careful, you will witness the same way to everyone. The message never changes, but your styles in leading people to Christ must change. Don t think everyone will also respond the same. People respond according to their specific personality types. The wise soul winner learns to adapt to the personality of others. For example, when witnessing to a D type, if you re an I type, don t expect the person to be interested in chit chat. He or she will want you to get to the point. Don t beat around the bush. Ask for a decision as soon as you have clearly presented the gospel. Expect resistance. A D will challenge you. Don t be threatened. Be strong and serious. If you re a D witnessing to an I don t expect the person to respond to a direct presentation. Chit chat for a while. Don t get to the point right away. Take your time. Let them talk. Your challenge will be listening to I s while they get side tracked with their stories. Be enthusiastic. The following are specific soul-winning styles: D Types Domineering and demanding Christians who are involved in evangelism can be extremely effective. They are self-starters with a sense of urgency. But their driving concern to win souls can make them too pushy. D Evangelists should be more gentle and patient. Determined to get the job done, they often feel like everyone should be involved in evangelism. Direct with their presentations, they like sermons that explain the gospel and offer invitations to trust Christ. D types involved in evangelism are dedicated to making Him known. C Types Cautious and compliant type Christians involved in evangelism are the most thorough witnesses. They like to go point-by-point, convincing people to understand every detail. They try to have an answer for every question. But they can overwhelm with too many facts. C s involved in outreach are often more concerned with the task, rather than the person in need. As competent individuals, they need to be more flexible and friendly. C s can turn doubt into fascinating opportunities for Christ. They prefer more structured evangelism. I Types Influencing type Christians involved in evangelism are most enthusiastic about soul-winning. They are also very contagious cheerleaders for Christ. Interested in people, they are naturalborn witnesses. I s make sharing the gospel look so easy. Because of their strong desire to impress, they may care equally about what people think of them and leading others to Christ. They must constantly remember, God gifted them to shine for Him, not self. I s involved in outreach can win many souls to Christ. S Types Sweet and soft type Christians involved in evangelism are the most gentle witnesses. They steadily share the gospel. They don t like to force issues. They tend to be too nice. Scoffers often waste S s time. Knowing S s will go the extra mile, some people take advantage. Avoiding confrontation, these stable types prefer friendship evangelism. But their motivation to win souls often overcomes their natural reluctance to speak out. S s involved in outreach enjoy bringing people to Jesus without a lot of fanfare. 14

14 Outreach Insights Soul-winners have specific styles sharing their faith. Lost individuals also have personality types. Styles may conflict. Situations are often hindered when soul winners and lost individuals clash. Identifying predictable soulwinning styles improves results. No soul-winning style is better than the other. The wise soul winner responds according to each lost person s personality type. Unfortunately, many soul winners don t know their soul-winning style. They may also not know lost individuals specific personality types. Witnessing to friends is also difficult. Familiarity often breeds contempt. In other words, the closer you get, the easier it is to conflict. The things we often love about someone, we sometimes despise. Understanding soul-winning styles will help you deal with the differences between you and the lost person. Be sure to identify both personalities. An aggressive soul-winner may witness to a passive individual. Don t think the lost person will respond just like the soul-winner. Learn to deal with the lost according to their specific personalities. As a soul-winner, it is your responsibility to adapt and guide the situation. Don t expect the lost to. You re the host and they are the guests. The following are proven and practical ways to deal with different types of lost personalities. Focus on your D, I, S or C type, along with that of the lost individual. Be sure to consider your Behavioral Blend and other predominant temperament tendencies ( highs ). D Trying To Win D : Be strong, but willing to bend. The lost person will challenge and intimidate. Get to the point. Remind the lost, trusting Christ is their greatest challenge. I : Be enthusiastic and complimentary. The lost will talk and exaggerate a lot. Listen and don t try to control the conversation or steamroll the lost. S : Be sweet. Don t be forceful or speak down. The lost will judge how you respond. Be sensitive and kind. Appreciate the lost s relational concerns. C : Be prepared. Don t use generalities. Be specific. The lost wants explanation, not shallowness. The lost will resist, if he or she doesn t know what you re talking about. C Trying To Win D : Be relaxed. Don t be defensive. Get to the bottom line. Don t bore the lost with a lot of facts. Agree on solution based on other perspectives. Be positive. I : Be patient. Let the lost talk. Be enthusiastic about the abundant life in Christ. Get the lost to talk through to the solution. Stay on track. I Trying To Win D : Be serious. Don t be silly or informal. The lost is not interested in funny stories. Don t waste time. Express the power of God to solve his or her problems. I : Be a good listener. Don t talk much. Compliment lost. Emphasize the good and positive. Smile and agree, as much as possible. S : Be sensitive. Let the lost share his or her feelings. Don t interrupt. Reinforce security in Christ. Stay calm. Show warmth and sensitivity. C : Be factual. Don t try to just impress the lost person. Ask exploratory questions. Be open and respectful. Give details. Be precise and methodical. S Trying To Win D : Be confident and sure of yourself. The lost may be forceful. Be strong and bold. Challenge the lost, but not too hard. Don t show timidity. I : Be interested in what the lost says. Don t just listen. Share your thoughts and concerns. Tell the lost how exciting it is to trust Christ. Be enthusiastic. S : Be loving. Show sincere care for the lost. Make the lost feel you really enjoy what you do. Don t complain. Be optimistic and sure of your plan. C : Be precise and accurate. Meet forceful demands with clear answers. Be sure of your facts. Be open to suggestions. 15 S : Be kind, but don t overdo it. Be strong, if necessary. Don t hold back, but be sensitive. Encourage the lost to respond now. C : Be ready for questions. The lost will pressure you with logic. Don t condemn his or her doubts. Give concrete answers. Give him or her time to decide.

15 Receptivity Styles Almost everyone responds to life s challenges and choices according to their personalities. Therefore, we should evangelize and disciple others with their personalities in mind. For example, High D individuals should not be engaged in small talk. They want presenters who get-to-thepoint bottom line. They prefer talking to people who are not going to waste their time. On the other hand, High S individuals feel more comfortable with those who are more systematic, slower and steady in their approaches. S s don t like fast talking, quick pace, pushy salespeople. Everyone tends to listen and respond according to his or her receptivity style. Each has its own predictable pattern of behavior. The following are receptivity styles of each personality type. D types D s want to control conversations. They like to be in charge to decide when to decide. They debate with power and authority. They don t like anyone telling them what to do. They often wonder, Will this decision make me stronger or weaker. D prospects need choices, rather than get-in or get-out ultimatums. Under Pressure: Becomes dictatorial, domineering, demanding, angry, intense, forceful, direct, bossy. Sources of Irritation: Weakness, indecisiveness, laziness, Lack of discipline, plan, purpose, direction, authority, control, challenge. Needs To: Back-off, seek peace, relax, think before reacting, control self, be patient, loving, friendly, loyal, kind, sensitive. I types I s listen with their hearts. They tend to be impulsive. They seek opportunities that make them look good. I individuals talk a lot. Their verbal skills often make them poor listeners. They prefer positive and excited presenters. They often respond enthusiastically or resist dramatically. I s tend not to be calm or quiet. Under Pressure: Becomes hyper, overly optimistic, immature, emotional, irrational, silly, wordy, selfish. Sources of Irritation: Disinterest, slowness, pessimism, details, time restraints, antagonism, doubt, structure, lack of enthusiasm. Needs To: Listen, count the cost, control emotions, be humble, strong, disciplined, punctual, careful with words S types S lost individuals don t make quick decisions. They like soul winners who are understanding and gentle. They want to establish relationships. S s are concerned about simplicity and stability. Sensible and slow approaches make S individuals feel more comfortable. They like familiar and low-key presentations. S s listen best to friends, rather than total strangers. C types C s are Consumer Report individuals. They research and calculate before deciding. They enjoy intellectual debate. C s are hard sells. They don t like shallow presentations. Picky and precise, they listen with their minds, rather than their hearts. C s seldom respond quickly. They need time to think through objections. C s are impressed with logical and reasoning explanations. 16 Under Pressure: Becomes subservient, insecure, fearful, weak-willed, withdrawn, sympathizes, sucker. Sources of Irritation: Pushiness, instability, inflexibility, anger, disloyalty, insensitivity, pride, discrimination, unfairness. Needs To: Be strong, courageous, challenging, aggressive, assertive, confrontational, enthusiastic, outgoing. Under Pressure: Becomes moody, critical, contemplative, negative, worri some. Sources of Irritation: Incompetence, disorganization, foolishness, dishonesty, inaccuracy, wastefulness, inconsistency, blind faith. Needs To: Loosen-up, communicate, be joyful, positive, tolerant, compromising, open, trusting, enthusiastic.

16 Outreach in the Workplace The following describes different personalities in the workplace. To improve effectiveness, employers and employees need to control their natural tendencies and adapt to the styles of others. D s D s approach their careers like locomotives. They love challenging assignments. Impossible tasks give D s a chance to be in excel. D s like to be the boss. As employees, they need direct answers. D s also need to be given freedom to work without direct supervision. D s produce best under pressure and deadlines. D s need to remember the importance of team work. Even THEY have to submit to authority. Sometimes D s need to explain their actions. D managers must strive to be patient with employees. D managers should appreciate their employees more. Open communication will improve effectiveness. D s who have direct customer contact, need to guard against being pushy, forceful or demanding. D s make great leaders, but must first learn to be faithful followers. D s need to be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit when sharing their faith on the job. They tend to force salvation on others. If not careful, they can be judgemental when they don t approve of a co-worker s life-style. With the Holy Spirit s control, D s can show co-workers the difference Jesus has made in their lives and sensitively share the plan of salvation. I s I s believe that their main responsibility at work is to be the company cheerleader. They love recognition. Sometimes, pay comes with pats on the back. They are friendly with everybody. Everyone knows them. I s like to help others. They are often ready to offer advice. I s like freedom from control and details. Supervisors of I employees would do well to give them deadlines to complete their tasks. I s like friendly managers. I s tend to need help with time management. They sometimes have to be reminded to calm down, stop being the company clown and be serious about problems. If I s are responsible for the budget, they tend to buy more than the company can afford. I s can usually sell anything. They are great influencers. I s can have a problem closing a sale for fear of rejection. I s sometimes neglect sharing the gospel at work for fear of rejection. They may excitedly share what God does in their lives, but often stop short of asking someone to accept Jesus as their Savior. I s need to pray that God will give them the boldness to use their great influencing skills to bring others to receive Jesus. S s S employees love to feel appreciated. They need security and a sense of belonging. Though often shy and reserved, they are also loyal and steady. S s are true servants at heart. They are agreeable and dependable employees. S s come to work on time and leave when they are told. They usually don t take their work home with them. They don t like change or trouble. They need good reasons and time to adjust to change. S s prefer established work patterns and familiar environments. As managers, S s are patient and calm with their employees. They often need to be more assertive and demanding. S s make great bosses and employees, but are not always self motivated or visionary. To avoid letting others down, S s are motivated to produce. They make tireless workers in order to please. But they can be stubborn when their environment or friends are threatened. S s are more likely to be shy about sharing their faith vocally on the job, but co-workers will usually notice their sweet spirit. S s need to pray that the Holy Spirit will give them boldness to speak up and share their faith on the job. C s C s approach their jobs in the same way they approach life by the book. It s not enough for them to do the right things, they have to do things right! C s are analytical. They like clearly defined tasks with little risks. C employees need reassurance, support and details. They can require and / or give too much information. C s often ignore what is going on around them because they are so involved in their projects. They seem unfriendly. They appear negative and pessimistic. C managers can be too picky. They seek detailed explanations. Total support is not always possible. They need to communicate more positively. They often seem to have an attitude problem. C s make great researchers, but need to improve their people skills. They will increase their effectiveness by being more feeling-oriented and nice. C s can share their faith best by using a written plan or witnessing tract. They are more comfortable with methodical and detailed approaches. They are ready always to give an answer to everyone. C s must depend on the Holy Spirit to help them be more friendly as they witness. 17 Don t take your work home Learn to relax Dreaming is great, but finishing well is better. Get permission if in doubt Slow down and think Involve others Be sweet and sensitive Control your anger Count the cost Lead with love Work hard, talk less Be consistent Be prompt or early Be conscientious Listen better Concentrate on the details Don t exaggerate Guard against pride Avoid compromise for gain Recognize others above self Don t get overly emotional Be more expressive Be confident Take risks Confront others when angry Don t be taken advantage of Share ideas openly Take initiative without being told to Challenge others Don t always apologize Be more aggressive Be more optimistic Learn to joke around Be more agreeable Smile more Guard against negativism Don t expect perfection Complement others Relax Try new things Encourage others Look for the good

17 Discipleship Missions & Discipleship go hand in hand! You cannot be an obedient follower of Christ without being involved in missions and discipleship. The Bible teaches us to "go into all the world and preach the gospel," (Mark 16:15). Worldwide evangelism is a responsibility of the church. Jesus commanded believers to be His "witnesses from Jerusalem (our home base) to the uttermost parts of the world," (Act. 1:8). We should do the work of missions out of our convictions, not just when it is convenient. Every Christian is a missionary wherever he or she works, lives, and plays. We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). Everyone doesn't have to go to a foreign country to be involved in Missions. We can also take mission trips to serve for short or long terms to experience first hand the joy and rewards of missions. We can also give to missionaries and organizations to help with the "furtherance of the gospel," Phil. 1:12. And even respond to the call, "come over...and help us" (Acts 16:9). Just like businesses have their own Mission Statement, every believer should have their own Mission Statement - a Declaration of Dependence upon God to do His will, His way, for His glory! You need a purpose (a life mission) to live for. The Apostle Paul stated his life mission in Acts 20:24, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course [life mission] with joy...to testify the gospel of the grace of God." God has a life mission that He intends for you to fulfill while you live on this earth! Our life mission is made up of living out the Great Commandments (to love the Lord and to love our neighbor) and the Great Commission (to make disciples of all nations), Matthew 22:36 39; 28:19,20. If you love the Lord you will love your neighbor. And if you love your neighbor your mission will be helping your neighbor come to faith in Christ alone and then to go to become a fully obedient worshipper of God. Being a disciple-maker means you will teach or lead by your life and lips. You will be an influencer of others in their growth in Christ. The greatest influencers are those who influence as servant leaders. Using the word: L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P. This will help you remember and keep in mind your and their personality types; apply the following 10 principles in being an effective disciple-maker. Look for faithful people to disciple (2 Timothy 2:2). These will be people who want to grow but don t know how. Emphasize Jesus Christ (Mt. 28:20; John 12:32). The person you are discipling belongs to Christ and is really not your disciple. Associate with the one you are discipling (Mark 3:14; John 15:27). This means connecting with the person through prayer, correspondence, and visiting them. Demonstrate a disciplined life (2 Tim. 3:10). The person needs to see how a dedicated Christian lives out their Christian life. Expect results (1 Cor. 15:58). Don t get weary in doing well. Reproduce others (Luke 19:10 cf. John 17:18). Jesus had at least eleven and an inner circle of three. So reach out to others. Supervise the one you re discipling (Mark 6:30). Observe how he or she is doing the habits that will help the person to grow. Handle the person with love (John 13:34,35). They are more apt to learn when explained truths in a loving manner. Impart the basics like prayer (Mt. 6:5 13), Bible study (2 Tim. 2:15), fellowship (Heb. 10:24,25), and sharing their faith in Christ (Mark 16:15). Pray for them often (Eph. 1:15 23). The Lord promises to always be with you. And He has all the personalities and spiritual gifts. So rely on Him to empower you as you live out your mission of making disciples of all nations! 18

18 Disciple Styles Disciples also have predictable patterns of behavior. Understanding why they do what they do will help disciplers lead disciplees more effectively. The following is how specific personality types respond as disciplees. D Disciples D disciplees respond to strong and serious leaders. They don t like to be controlled. Instead of challenging D s to get in or get out, they should be given difficult assignments. D s should be careful concerning their determination. D s need choices, plus graceful ways to get out of impossible situations. Show D disciplees that controlling their personalities will make them more successful. They should be encouraged to begin discipling others as soon as possible. I Disciples I s disciplees are more excited and inspired. They like enthusiastic opportunities. Expressive and impulsive, I disciplees prefer opportunities to influence others. They enjoy involvement with larger groups. Outgoing and optimistic, I s need to be more quiet and studious. They prefer group activities, but need to have more quiet times for personal prayer and Bible study. Recognition and approval encourages I disciplees to be more consistent. S Disciples S disciplees withdraw when confronted with difficult challenges. Their objections will range from let me think about it to I m not ready to decide yet. Soft answers and relaxed attitudes help S s feel better. S disciplees desire long range relationships. S disciplees are not in a hurry to make decisions. They are steady and securityoriented. They need to be stronger and more aggressive. S disciplees make faithful witnesses and loyal followers. you are neither a disciple or discipler, you are in violation of the Holy Scriptures and Christ's command to "go and make disciples" (Matt. 28:19). You need to stop and think about this if you really want to become a Ministry Leader. There are leaders who have matured so much in the Lord that they have numerous people they have discipled in the past or are presently discipling. Some leaders disciple groups of people through their preaching and teaching ministries. They should have a strong emphasis on evangelism and discipleship. Every leader should have close friends he or she are accountable to. All leaders do not have to have someone who is discipling them, but they should seriously encourage their church's discipleship ministry. Here's a short and simple assessment to see if you are a disciple or not. on a regular basis? her disciple-maker? C Disciples C disciplees are the most studious and systematic followers. They don t like incompetent leaders. They are best influenced by logic. Clear and structured appeals encourage C disciplees to respond more positively. Give them time to think and evaluate each step of the way. C disciplees tend to be the most contemplative and conscientious. Answer their questions and explain the why's of discipleship. Just as Jesus had His disciples and Paul had Timothy as a disciple, you are either a disciple or a discipler. Many of us are both disciples of someone who is mentoring and leading us, plus we are a discipler (a disciple-maker). If 19 Total the number of "Yes" answers and if you had more than 4 "Yes'," you are someone's disciple or you are discipling someone. You will know which one it is in your case. If not, you need to let someone know that you want to become a follower of Christ and accountable. The main thing here is to keep the main thing the main thing, so what's the main thing when it comes to discipleship? To glorify God through the bearing of much fruit (John 15:8). Are you a disciple or are you discipling others to win the lost and bring them to Christ? Just as Andrew brought his brother Peter to Christ, we should be bringing others to Christ on a regular basis. Also every disciple should grow in Christ to where he or she becomes a disciple-maker!

19 Discipler Styles We also disciple others according to our personalities. Recognizing and controlling our natural tendencies will help us be more effective disciples. The following is how each personality predictably responds as disciplers. D Disciplers D disciple-makers are demanding and determined. They don t like indecisive or unresponsive disciplees. D disciplers can be too pushy. They don t like people who are not disciplined. D disciplers need to allow disciplees to grow at their own paces. D disciplers should guard against antagonizing or intimidating disciplees. D disciplers are strong and serious leaders. They tend to be more challenging. They take charge and constantly call for commitments. D disciplers are active and task-oriented. I Disciplers I s tend to be the most exciting disciplers. They are inspiring influencers. I disciplers can promise more than they can provide. They need to guard what they say. I disciplers should avoid overly emotional responses. They have great verbal skills. They use words as master craftsmen. They need to prepare more. I disciplers should not rely on their natural ability to promote and persuade. Prayer and patience are also powerful. S Disciplers S disciplers dislike confrontation. They often apologize for causing possible inconveniences. S disciplers are the most gentle and accommodating. They tend to be taken advantage of. They need to be stronger with those who intimidate them. They should be more aggressive and assertive. S s are calm and consistent. They are self-sacrificing. S disciplers need to be more deliberate and determined. C Disciplers C disciplers are competent and contemplative. They can be the most picky disciplers. They may drive disciplees crazy with details. C disciplers come across as unbending. They need to be more tolerant and understanding. C disciplers can be too critical and correct-oriented. C disciplers need to relax. They shouldn t overburden disciplees with too much homework. Avoid a bitter and critical spirit. Be positive and joyful with disciplees. NOTE: Disciplers need to deal with each disciplee according to his or her personality. For instance, challenge the D quickly and respectfully. Influence the I friendly and enthusiastically. Service the S with sweetness and security. And reason with the C disciplee with patience and answers. 20 List 5 people you are now discipling or think you should disciple: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) If you cannot list anyone you are discipling, you need to seriously consider Christ's command to "follow Me and I will make you fishers of men," (Matt. 4:19). You can also take this verse to mean, if you are not fishing for men, you are not following Christ!" That may be a little too harsh for some Christians, but discipleship is not for the faint hearted. It takes a serious commitment. Becoming a Ministry Leader in your church should make you want to be a fully obedient follower of Christ. Churches are so weak and powerless today, because their leaders are not the disciple-makers they ought to be. If you desire to become a stronger leader in Christ, you are the type that will be a blessing to your church. It doesn't matter what your personality or spiritual gift types are, what really matters is if you are committed to winning the lost and building disciples. My Personal Mission may be God's way of challenging, exciting, encouraging, or reasoning with you to obey God, no matter the cost. Discipleship and leadership should be the same ship in the sea of despair. We should be the tools that God uses to build His kingdom for His glory. Discipleship and leadership are not just for the paid staff or the "professionals clergy." Every believer in Christ is a king and priest in Him (Rev. 1:6). It is our privilege to serve Him. We were "allowed of God to be entrusted with the gospel" (1 Thes. 2:4). We are to be "ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). Let's live like children of the King and claim our birthright as "more than conquers in Christ (Rom. 8:37). Find someone to disciple or if you are already discipling someone, don't become weary in well doing, because in due season, you will reap your reward!

20 Discipling Insights Disciplers and disciplees have specific styles in relating to each other. The most effective discipling is accomplished when disciplers adapt their personalities to that of the disciplees. Being able to identify disciplees predictable patterns of behavior will improve results. Knowing how to uniquely respond to the different disciplee styles is so valuable. Every personality type obviously responds according to his or her feelings, thoughts, and motivations. Discipling friends can also become difficult. Familiarity often breeds contempt. In other words, the closer you get, the easier it is to conflict. The things we often love about someone, we sometimes despise. Understanding Human Behavior Science will help you deal with the differences between you and others in discipling situations. An aggressive discipler can overwhelm a passive disciplee. Don t think the disciplee will respond just like the discipler. Learn to deal with disciplees according to their specific personalities. The following are proven and practical ways to deal with different types of disciplees personalities. Focus on your D, I, S, or C type, along with that of the disciplee s. Be sure to consider your Behavioral Blend and other predominant temperament tendencies ( highs ). D s Discipling D s: Get to the point, Challenge. Give choices, Clarify chain of command, Don t give ultimatums, Don t force issues, Show meekness power under control. I s: Relax, Have more fun, Be enthusiastic and complementary, Listen more, Don t be contolling, Praise, Encourage results. S s: Be kind and sensitive, Build confidence, Teach boldness and assertiveness, Be patient, but persistent, Don t belittle, Constantly reaffirm. C s: Answer questions, Give homework, Avoid being negative, Give opportunities to evaluate, Expect objections, Give practical steps of action. I s Discipling D s: Build respect, Be strong, Don t waste time, Don t talk too much, Give clear direction, Challenge, Model spiritual discipline. I s: Take turns talking, Praise more than seeking to be praised, Be careful what you promise, Listen well, Be punctual and conscientious. S s: Don t control conversations, Give opportunity to express self, Give times to adjust, Take small steps of action, Encourage boldness. C s: Be prepared, Don t expect instant positive responses, Give time to evaluate, Don t exaggerate, Be accurate and systematic. C s Discipling D s: Be positive and optimistic, Don t overdo explanations and teaching, Allow opportunities to be on their own, Don t try to control, Don t criticize, Create dreams. I s: Be expressive, Don t be picky, Let them talk, but you should control conversations, Don t give too many study assignments, Be upbeat and happy. S s: Be sweet and sensitive, Don t be fault-finding, Don t be too hard on them, Recognize the little things they do well, Give lots of praise, Reassure, but stretch. C s: Be methodical, but don t get bogged down in the details, Set optimistic goals, Encourage risk-taking, Teach the big picture, Be more results-oriented. S s Discipling D s: Demand respect and establish authority, Be strong enough to confront and correct, Be assertive and aggressive, Don t be too nice or weak willed. I s: Be exciting and enthusiastic, Give lots of recognition and approval, Be more expressive, Don t just listen all the time, Lead with confidence. S s: Encourage risk-taking, Model assertiveness and boldness, Communicate optimism, Demonstrate strength, Be decisive, yet patient. C s: Appeal to logic, Be positive and reassuring, Don t be intimated, Give practical reasons for action, Initiate responses. Don t withdraw. Be more demanding. 21

21 Notes 22

22 Action Plan Prayerfully complete the following. It is not necessary to share with others, but you may want to find someone to pray with you concerning your desire and commitment to become a Ministry Leader. Ask your minister or a church leader to help you "grow" on from here. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn more. Review this entire booklet and trust God to use you in a great way! 1. What was your highest plotting point area on your Missionality Profile graph: This means I also tend to be more 2. What was your lowest plotting point area on your Missionality Profile graph: This means I also tend to be less 3. Write out your Personal Mission Statement: 4. How are you achieving your personal mission in life? 5. Who are you praying for specifically to lead to Christ? 5. Who is discipling you or are you discipling? 6. How has this study impacted your life? 7. My prayer to improve my personal mission is: 23