God in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19

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2 God in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19

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4 Preparation for Evangelism Within a Local Community Evangelistic Outreach: a catalyst for discipleship training and community transformation through the indigenous church.

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6 contents Introduction and Background to Mission Africa Letter of Endorsement from Billy Graham The Biblical Basis for Mission Africa Objectives of Mission Africa Section I Missions A. Introduction to Community-wide Stratified Missions B. Guidelines for Effective Evangelism C. Principles of Funding D. Preparation Overview 1. Spiritual Preparation a. Prayer b. Friend-to-Friend c. Training d. Programme e. Follow-up 2. Physical Preparation a. Volunteers and Special Interest Groups b. Aid and Compassion c. Communications d. Funding e. Venues 3. Leadership E. Timeline Overview and Example Section II Evangelists Forums A. Purpose and Objective B. Leadership and Organization C. General Guidelines D. Participants E. Finances F. The Development and Message of the Evangelist G. Suggested Programme for an Evangelists Forum Section III Evangelism Training Conferences for Church Leadership A. Purpose and Objective B. Leadership and Organization C. Participants D. General Guidelines E. Finances F. Programme G. Sample Topics H. Sample Programme Resources and Notes 1

7 introduction God in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself (II Corinthians 5:19). This scripture was chosen as the theme for Cape Town 2010: The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization because it is the heart of the gospel. The goal of the Congress was to bring a fresh challenge to the global church to bear witness to Jesus Christ and all his teaching. The Cape Town Commitment is one of the fruits of this endeavor. It is a document in two parts Part 1 sets out the biblical convictions passed down to us in scripture, and Part 2 sounds the call for action. One of the many references to proclamation evangelism in the Call to Action reminds us that evangelism does not stand alone. We must proclaim the truth. Spoken proclamation of the truth of the gospel remains paramount in our mission. This cannot be separated from living out the truth. Works and words must go together. The Cape Town Commitment IIA.1.a2 Mission Africa provides hands to the Cape Town Commitment s Call to Action for proclamation evangelism. Background to Mission Africa Mission Africa was a series of evangelistic outreach events taking place in the months leading up to and in fellowship with Cape Town At the invitation of 21 host communities in 15 different countries, African evangelists partnered with international evangelists to put into practice the vision for world evangelization that was the focus of the Third Lausanne Congress. Around 500,000 people heard the gospel and about 58,000 people enquired about a relationship with Jesus Christ as a result. As this was shared at the Cape Town Congress, over one thousand people worldwide expressed interest in continuing this wave of partnership evangelism. Thus the second phase of Mission Africa was launched, along with other regional missions around the globe. It has been said that Mission Africa is Africa s gift to the world. 2

8 Communications It is with this foundation in mind, that this material is presented. It covers three complementary components of evangelism in the context of local communities. MISSIONS Stratified evangelistic outreach geared to reach an entire community through involvement of local church members EVANGELISTS FORUMS Training and mentoring evangelists to be the messengers in local misssions EVANGELISM TRAINING FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP Training for local pastors and church leaders in the church s ongoing work of sharing the gospel with relatives, friends and neighbors This booklet will provide a framework to help local communities as they work together in evangelistic outreach. The three components outlined in the book can be used in any order, depending on the needs of a particular community. Throughout this booklet, you will see two images the red stripe across the globe, and the two hands. The red stripe represents the blood of Christ shed for the sins of the whole world, and available to all. It is a visual representation of the message of the evangelist. The two hands represent spiritual preparation and physical preparation, both of which are needed for our work in evangelism. Follow-Up Programme Training Friend-to-Friend Aid and Compassion Funding Venues Spiritual Preparation Prayer Volunteers Physical Preparation 3

9 letter of endorsement from Billy graham Evangelist Billy Graham was the initiator of Lausanne 74, the First Congress on World Evangelization. On hearing of the outcomes of the Third Lausanne Congress, Cape Town 2010, he wrote the following letter to encourage us all in the ongoing work of Mission Africa. B illy Graham montreat, north Carolina February 14, 2011 Mission Africa was greatly used of God to bring the Gospel to many countries across Africa during 2010, and I believe its method of partnering local evangelists with evangelists from other parts of the world holds great promise for the future. I am thankful to learn that plans are underway to extend Mission Africa s outreach to a number of major urban centers throughout Africa during the next three years. I strongly commend this significant effort, and I believe it has the potential for reaching thousands with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. It also could mark a new era for Africa s churches as they work together to make an impact on their societies. I urge Christians throughout the world to support the efforts of Mission Africa to reach that great continent for Christ. 4

10 the BiBlical Basis for mission africa Acts 11:19-30 (NIV) 19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (this happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:19-30 provides a model for biblical evangelism in regard to Mission, Training and the Evangelist. It shows us God at work, the church at work, and the gospel at work. GOD AT WORK through various events. God uses the tragic murder of Stephen and the scattering and persecution of the church for the spreading of the gospel. (v. 19) through His people. God uses those who had been scattered to communicate His message to other areas. The Lord s hand was with them (v. 21). through His Spirit. Lives were genuinely changed. There was real evidence of God s grace (v. 23). 5

11 God can work through events, people, and His Spirit in our communities. But it must be God s work, not our own. Evangelism will not always look the same as it was in Antioch, but it must be God-initiated. We simply make ourselves available to Him to do His work. THE CHURCH AT WORK through people. Many people were involved in leadership and action. A great number of people were brought (v. 24), and a great number of people were taught (v. 26). The Antioch church was joined by believers from Jerusalem. And along with Saul and Barnabas there were unnamed evangelists, as well as those who came from Cyprus and Cyrene (which is modern-day Algeria in North Africa). through organizational structures. Local and international relationships were formed, and schedules were established. (verses 22, 25, 26) When churches work together, they are blessed by God and fruitful in evangelism. THE GOSPEL AT WORK through preaching and teaching. The evangelists told the Good News (verses 19, 20) The church encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts (verses 23, 26) through changed lives. A wide range of people responded to the message, and new believers deepened in maturity, as seen in their provision of help for the brothers in Judea (v. 29). It was in Antioch that the disciples were first given the distinctive name Christians (v. 26). The proclamation of the Good News of the gospel results in evidence of a transformed society, especially where there is ongoing follow-up and biblical teaching. This biblical model for evangelism in Acts 11:19-30 can be the basis for prayer and vision in our communities today. OBJECTIVES OF MISSION AFRICA To mobilize believers in Jesus Christ to pray, and equip them to share their faith with those who are not believers. To partner international ministries with African ministries, to maximize resources and provide lasting relationships for effective ministry now and in the future. To support the development of strong leadership through training and ministry opportunities. To encourage as many people as possible to hear the Gospel message and give them an opportunity to respond. To provide an emphasis on long-term discipleship through the follow-up in prepared local churches. 6

12 section i missions Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.and how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:13,14b,5a,17 NIV) A. Introduction to Community-wide Stratified Missions In this section, we look at stratified evangelistic outreaches in a local community initiated by churches partnering together. Community-wide can mean an organized outreach in an area where there are many churches. In larger urban areas it may mean reaching pockets of ethnic groups, minorities or refugees. It can also mean those from one area reaching out to a peoplegroup or region where there is no established church. This manual is meant to empower vision; to give ideas that can be adapted to a variety of situations. Stratified means taking the gospel message to where people are, in whatever setting may be possible: for example, schools, universities, the local market, public areas, business meetings, places where women gather; and in a variety of ways: person-to-person, small groups or large groups; and through a variety of means: public proclamation, dramas, children s programs, artistic presentations, musical concerts, films, sports, and so on. Mission means not only the event of proclaiming the gospel. It includes a time of preparation of all believers in a community leading up to an outreach. It also includes follow-up after an outreach fostering ongoing relationships with those who have responded, helping them to mature and to gain their new identity in Christ. An evangelistic mission requires the commitment and prayers of local churches and many Christians. Commitment, however, has to be directed if it is to be most effective. This manual contains practical advice built up from the experience of many missions to help plan and prepare. It is detailed because it is easy to forget important things in the rush to get ready. A mission is primarily God s work. He alone can bring people to repentance and give them new life in Christ. But He has also called us to be co-workers with Him. That means we have a responsibility to attend to the details of organization, as well as to the actual proclamation, so that like John the Baptist, we are preparing the way for the Lord to do His work in people s lives. 7

13 It is important to consider that neither good organization nor the ministry of the evangelist carries any guarantee of success. The evangelist has no ability in himself to produce a positive response to the gospel he proclaims. Involving the whole church in preparation for mission, and the spiritual preparation of individual Christians has a direct bearing on the long-term outcome. Pray that God will show you what efforts you should be making. When we pray according to His will, He has promised to guide and direct. Mission: Preparation Phase In communities where there are a number of churches, a shared vision is important. When local churches work together in a community, that is a powerful witness in itself. A mission is most effective when churches support it in prayer and many believers are involved in every aspect of the preparation, mission, and follow-up. Ideally, each church would have a coordinator or contact person who will distribute information, mobilize church members and coordinate involvement in the mission. Preparation can include securing suitable venues, recruiting volunteers, and organizing training sessions for church members. Distributing information, visiting homes in the area with invitations and developing relationships at all levels personal, business, government, and media are important parts of spreading awareness. Believers should be actively praying throughout the time of preparation, especially for their non-believing relatives, neighbors, colleagues, friends and acquaintances, that they will come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and be committed to a life of following Jesus. Church members will need to be trained to disciple new believers. 8

14 Mission: Proclamation Phase This is a time when the full message of the gospel is presented in whatever settings have been organized, and people are invited to respond. This will be the most public or visible part of the mission outreach, but it follows months of preparation. Christians have been mobilized and trained to support in every way praying, volunteering to help with practical details, inviting others to mission events. After the evangelist gives an invitation, it is crucial that believers are ready to talk with those who are enquiring about a relationship with Jesus Christ. The enquirers contact details must be recorded, so they can be invited into a local church and be connected with other believers, learning with others what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Mission: Propagation Phase (Follow-up) A mission does not end when the public outreach events are finished. New believers need to be fed spiritually and cared for, developing them, too, to be witnesses for Christ in their homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces. All enquirers should be referred to local participating churches or discipleship groups. In addition, the organizing committee will have final administrative details to attend to. A service for the entire community to give thanks to God after the mission events may be planned. Or another community event can be organized, where enquirers who have come to faith during the mission would have an opportunity to bring their circle of friends, family and contacts to find the Savior they have just encountered, thus keeping the cycle of evangelism going. This manual cannot do the work for you, nor can it make a mission successful. Only God can do that. May He enable us all to be faithful in the face of great opportunity, and may He move mightily. 9

15 10 B. GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM Effective evangelism will be enhanced through the unity of local believers. Jesus prayed, My prayer is not for them [Christians] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20,21 NIV) There must be consensus of local church leadership to hold a mission and to covenant in working together in all aspects of preparation, proclamation, and propagation (follow-up). Churches and organizations wishing to participate in the mission understand it will be conducted in partnership, with: Agreed-upon vision and singleness of purpose: evangelism Agreed-upon timeline and principles of preparation and follow-up Agreed-upon financial policy and budget Appointment and recruitment of leadership and staff Leadership and staff would represent - Denominational and ethnic diversity - Age groups young/older - Gender men/women - Professions clergy/all professions Leadership would be given responsibility in the area of their experience/background Leadership would empower the staff to implement details Leadership would discuss job descriptions, so it is clear who is responsible for which tasks Evangelistic missions must always include an effective means for discipling new believers. Jesus spent time on earth with his disciples, teaching about the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 5:21 & 22 we read Jesus words, You have heard it said but I tell you In John 14:2 Jesus said, If it were not so, I would have told you. In Matthew 28:19-20, Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Evangelism is an ongoing work of the local church. Local mission leadership should give priority to this emphasis. Believers in a community should continue reaching out, sharing their faith with unbelievers on an ongoing basis.

16 Partnering international and African evangelists was a key component of Mission Africa blessed by God. Sharing an equal platform in proclaiming the gospel was a visual portrayal of the unity we have in Christ. Consideration should be given for such partnerships in future missions. Each mission will include an agreed-upon ministry of aid or compassion according to the needs of the community. C. PRINCIPLES OF FUNDING A principle of Mission Africa is that funding is shared as follows: Local: Each local mission committee is responsible for covering the costs of local expenses, including administration, publicity, venues, equipment, and materials. Central: A central fund is being developed to help cover cooperative expenses, such as travel for team representatives, regional/national training conferences, and centrallyproduced materials. Evangelists: International evangelists raise funds from their own countries to cover their own expenses and travel, so they come at no extra cost to the host community. A strict financial policy and memo of understanding governing the raising and disbursement of funds must be agreed to in writing before a locality embarks on mission preparation. 11

17 D. PREPARATION OVERVIEW Two hands are almost always better than one. In the same way, to be truly effective, preparing for an evangelistic event must have two hands that work together in spiritual preparation and in physical preparation. In all of these areas, we need to identify and train effective LEADERSHIP. Leaders with humility and a heart of service are needed to spread the vision, provide organizational direction, and define and carry out tasks. SPIRITUAL PREPARATION PRAYER is the foundation of any evangelistic ministry effort. Seek to know God s vision. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts for the gospel. Partner with Him in His work. Relationships are an important part of evangelistic outreach. An emphasis on FRIEND-TO-FRIEND sharing will encourage people in churches to 1) think of those around them who don t know Christ 2) be a friend 3) pray for them 4) invite them to an event to hear the gospel, and 5) keep in touch, helping them to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Prior to the evangelistic event it is important to TRAIN believers who will be available to talk with those who respond to the invitation. This training is for all church members. The PROGRAMME of an evangelistic event should be designed for a non-churched audience while providing the right context and atmosphere for the gospel message to be presented. Churches should be active in making sure that the new believers are FOLLOWED-UP for as long as is needed to enable them to become true disciples of Jesus and productive members of a local congregation. Follow-Up Programme Training Spiritual Preparation Friend-to-Friend Prayer 12

18 Ven ues Funding VOLUNTEERS people who are enthusiastic to participate in all aspects of the mission, both spiritual and physical. Showing the love of Christ through practical Physical ministries of AID and COMPASSION may Preparation open doors for the gospel to be heard. COMMUNICATIONS. 1) Keep churches informed of events and activities, and 2) create public awareness of times and places of events, so that everyone knows they are welcome to attend. This COMMUNICATION creates expectation, and also helps believers invite their friends. Raising the necessary FUNDING to cover expenses for events is a spiritual exercise with practical implications. It is important to pray and also work to raise sufficient funds to cover local expenses so that people can be invited to attend without charge. The appropriate preparation of the VENUES (meeting places) where the gospel will be presented. Some will be small, some large. Some will require little preparation, some a lot. The most important thing is to make sure people can hear the message. rs ee nt lu Vo ations An effective evangelistic event needs many Communic sion pas Com and Aid PHYSICAL PREPARATION 13

19 1. SPIRITUAL PREPARATION a. Prayer Jesus said: The Spirit gives life This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him. (John 6:63,65 NIV) Just as the hand cannot effectively operate without the thumb, so evangelism cannot be effective without prayer. Before anything else there must be a commitment to prayer because evangelism is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit. God has chosen to use the prayers of His people to be an active part in the proclamation of the Good News. Some practical ideas for encouraging prayer: Spiritual Preparation Prayer Find someone with a heart for prayer to encourage others to pray for every aspect of the mission outreach and training. Engage any existing prayer groups to include the mission events in their prayer requests and prayer links. Develop a simple prayer request sheet which can be distributed in a variety of ways: cell phone, , or print. Call Christians to special times of prayer for the mission outreach and training. Spiritual Preparation Friend-to-Friend b. Friend-to-Friend She said to her mistress, If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy. (2 Kings 5:3 NIV) The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, We have found the Messiah (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:41,42 NIV) The Bible has many examples of ordinary people who helped others to find God. In II Kings 5 we read about a young Israelite servant girl introducing the Syrian general, Naaman, to God s prophet, who told Naaman how he could be healed. Likewise, the disciple Andrew was known for introducing people to Jesus, including his brother Peter (John 1:40-42), the little boy with the fish and loaves (John 6:8), and a group of Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus (John 12:20-22). The four friends of the paralytic brought him to Jesus. (Luke 5:17-26). 14

20 Most evangelism is based on relationships. Even though the Gospel may be proclaimed to many people at one time during a mission, it is those who are personally invited by a friend who are most likely to respond to the evangelist s message. The Friend-to-Friend emphasis is a way to inspire believers to reach out to relatives, neighbors, friends and acquaintances, praying for them and inviting them to mission events where they can be introduced to Jesus. Some practical ideas for emphasizing Friend-to-Friend evangelism: Find someone who is effective in personal evangelism to coordinate this effort through the local churches. Encourage pastors to teach and involve their congregations in Friend-to-Friend evangelism. Provide inspiring sermon ideas to pastors which can be used in encouraging their people as they see how God used ordinary people to bring others to Himself. (II Kings 5:1-19a, John 1:40-42, Luke 5:17-26) Provide a simple card on which people can write the names of friends for whom they will pray and invite to outreach events. This card can be kept in their Bibles as a reminder to pray for them. c. Training Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:2,3 NIV) Training Spiritual Preparation Most evangelistic messages will include an invitation to respond in some way to the call of Jesus. It is important that anyone who responds to this invitation to follow Christ as Lord and Savior should have the opportunity to discuss with a trained believer the step they have taken. This trained believer can help them to clarify their decision, answer questions, encourage them in their new walk with God and provide a connection to a church or group of believers. Caring for a new follower of Jesus Christ is like caring for a new baby. They need food, fellowship, and protection while they grow. This process begins at the time of the event with the connection to a mature believer who provides helpful materials, and can talk and pray with the person who has responded to the invitation from the evangelist (the enquirer). Prior to the evangelistic event it is important to train believers who will be available to talk with enquirers and to help follow up with them in subsequent weeks. 15

21 Some practical ideas for training: Find a volunteer, preferably a respected pastor, who will coordinate the training of believers and supervise their activities at the mission events. Confirm plans for the trainers, training materials. Work with the follow-up committee to source materials that are given to enquirers, such as a gospel portion, a bible study booklet, and an invitation to join a follow-up group. Set aside a specific time for the training, about six weeks before the event. Allow two evenings or a full day to properly train believers. Consider a special training for those who work with children. Secure suitable facilities for the training, perhaps a local church building. Work with local pastors in selecting those who have taken the training, who will be available at the events to interact with enquirers. Identify those who have special ability to work with children or special needs. Make arrangements to keep record of the enquirers so they can be connected to a church for follow-up. Information on how to keep a record (name, address, age, church connection if any, comments, etc.) of the enquirers must be included in the training. Encourage everyone to participate, because the training is good for all church members and strengthens them in their personal walk with God. If there is a need, consider holding an Orality Training Workshop, to teach leaders to work with enquirers who cannot read or write. Programme Spiritual Preparation d. Programme After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. The time has come, he said. The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news! (Mark 1:14,15 NIV) The programme of an evangelistic event needs to be planned with the non-believer in mind while providing the right context and atmosphere for the gospel message to be presented. It will be different than a church service. Some practical ideas for planning the programme: Select a capable and experienced leader to provide overall leadership for the development of the programme components. While keeping in mind denominational representation, seniority and other cultural considerations, select a respected, godly person to keep the programme focused, the audience engaged, and stay within an agreed timeframe. 16

22 Avoid making the programme too long so that people leave early or volunteers become too tired to keep working with the outreach. Keep the message central proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important aspect of the event and must be priority. Allow enough time for the evangelistic message to be communicated effectively. Public prayers at the events should focus on inviting God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be present through His Spirit. Ask God to speak through His Word and to touch the lives of many, to bless and transform the community. Public reading of the scriptures from which the evangelist will be speaking is an important part of the programme. This gives opportunity for others, especially young people, to be involved. Use music to prepare the audience for the message. Songs that praise God, that invite His presence, that focus on who Jesus is, will open the way for the Holy Spirit to work. If testimonies are part of the programme, they should be focused on who Christ is and the difference He has made in a person s life. Reviewing the testimony with a senior leader in advance may be helpful, with guidelines on how much time is available in the programme. The evangelist, in presenting the gospel message, will invite people to respond to Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Time should be allotted in the programme for the invitation and for enquirers to be connected with trained believers. e. Follow-up [Paul and Barnabas] preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. (Acts 14:21,22 NIV) A large part of the work of an effective evangelistic outreach in a community is the commitment to following up new believers so that they can grow in their faith in Jesus. The evangelist brings the message that we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son. The ongoing message of the Church is we are saved through his life. Just as we believe that Christ died for us, paid the penalty for our sin, and reconciled us to God, so too we need to know and experience that Christ s resurrected life is available to all of us, enabling us to live in His way. (see Romans 5:10, Romans 5:17). Follow-up requires planning, training, preparation and prayer. Jesus spent three years with his disciples. Paul and Barnabas spent a year with the new believers in Antioch. People who respond to the message of Jesus Christ have been born again with new Follow-Up Spiritual Preparation 17

23 parentage. They have become citizens of a new kingdom. Time as well as a thoughtful scripture-based plan are both important to help new believers understand how Christ lives in and through them, transforming them by His power. Some practical ideas for follow-up: Find a volunteer, preferably a pastor, who is committed to discipleship to coordinate the planning for follow-up. Ideally, every church involved in the evangelistic outreach will have members trained to follow up new believers. Encourage as many mature believers as possible to be trained in the follow-up programme. There should be at least one man, woman and young person in every church prepared, able to participate and lead. Confirming the trainers, materials, venue, dates and times are all important matters to consider. Obtain suitable materials for new believers a New Testament, or a portion of scripture, Bible study booklet, as well as helpful encouragement for reading the Bible, praying and witnessing. Planning a teaching programme that would give priority to building a personal relationship with Christ Jesus and modeling ways of growing in Him is of utmost importance. Consider special follow-up for oral learners those who cannot read or write. For children, consider organizing special follow-up programmes and ways to help them and their families grow in faith. 18

24 2. PHYSICAL PREPARATION a. Volunteers and Special Interest Groups My dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58 NIV) Volunteers Physical Preparation An effective evangelistic event needs many volunteers, people who are enthusiastic to participate in the sharing of the gospel. There is much to do behind the scenes and volunteers help to accomplish this. Some practical ideas for engaging volunteers: Find a person who will recruit and assign volunteers to appropriate tasks. Talk with the committee to help define the tasks to be done within each of these segments. Assign volunteers according to their skills and interests. Train volunteers to do their assigned tasks by showing them how, encouraging them, holding them accountable in their work. Remember to thank them for their work. Encourage volunteers to enlist the help of their friends and families. Identify volunteers who can take responsibility for organizing special events where the gospel can be presented to particular groups of people. Some examples: Children primary schools Disabled Prisons Universities Hospitals Government Marketplace Factories and Business Military Places where women meet Teenagers secondary schools b. Aid and Compassion The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help. (Acts 11:29 NIV) Aid and Compassion Providing tangible evidence of our faith by serving those in need is an integral part of local community evangelistic outreach. This can provide a vital witness and is a living example of how Christ ministered to the whole person. Projects can address short-term or long-term needs. Partnering with aid and compassion agencies for local outreach can be one means. Physical Preparation 19

25 Some practical ideas for aid and compassion: Find a volunteer who has experience with aid and compassion work and can provide leadership and network with others. Talk with community and government leaders to identify needs and agree on how local believers can help. Project ideas: community clean-up restoring homes organizing a community park water supply needs clothing or food distribution health and dental care needs of refugees or those affected by disasters caring for widows and orphans Communications Physical Preparation c. Communications Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ? They came out of the town and made their way toward him. (John 4:28-30 NIV) It is important to create awareness in the churches and in the community for mission events. Early on in the process, communications are aimed only at the participating churches, encouraging them to pray, participate in Friend-to-Friend, and take part in the training. Later in the process, a few weeks before the events, communications are aimed to create public awareness about the events: time, place, etc. Public advertising also helps believers invite their unbelieving friends. 20 Some practical ideas for communications: Find a volunteer with some experience in publicity or advertising to coordinate this aspect of the event. Create a simple logo to give the event a distinctive look. This logo should appear on all communications about the event. Consider the potential of low-cost methods of communications such as text messages (texting), s and word of mouth. Banners, fliers, posters and other printed materials can also be used. Contact with press and media can be of help, with interviews, news releases, etc. Note: Hearing and seeing advertising can help build awareness and inspire interest. But most people will attend an event because they have been invited personally, not because of advertising alone.

26 d. Funding Funding For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. (2 Cor. 8:17-21 NIV) The area of finances includes: 1. proper handling and strict accounting of funds provided for the event 2. raising funds from and through individuals and ministries participating in the mission outreach. Great care should be taken in setting up adequate controls for the accounting of funds, as misunderstandings in this area can easily occur. Practical ideas for handling finances: Find a trustworthy volunteer treasurer with experience in accounting or bookkeeping to establish and maintain a set of accounts similar to what any good business would use. Consider opening a separate bank account for the event. If that is not possible, perhaps a sponsoring organization or local church can create a separate set of accounts within their system. Work with a committee to establish a budget to cover various expenses of the local mission. Agree in advance to stay within the approved budget. Physical Preparation Limit the number of people who have authority to approve expenses. Expenses above a certain amount should be approved by two authorized individuals. All expenses should be backed up by appropriate documentation such as an invoice or receipt with a clear explanation. Practical ideas for fund-raising: Find a respected volunteer who has some experience at raising funds for an event to make a plan for raising money to cover the cost of the event. Provide a means for all church members to be involved in giving over and above what they give to their local church. Encourage participating churches to have a special offering in support of the mission, perhaps designating one Sunday where the offering could be given to the mission. Look for ways in which goods and services can be donated to the mission event by businesses sympathetic to the ministry. 21

27 Physical Preparation Venues e. Venues They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. (Nehemiah 8:8 NIV) It was only after Nehemiah had led the people in rebuilding the city wall of Jerusalem that Ezra came and preached from the law and the people responded. In the same way it is important to prepare a physical place that is appropriate for the preaching of the Gospel. The physical arrangements in a spiritual event like a mission are important and must be appropriate for the occasion. The sound should be clear. Seating, visibility, good access, parking, and minimizing distractions may be other considerations in the planning. The appropriate preparation of a venue can provide a good setting for the Holy Spirit to work in people s hearts. Practical ideas for venue arrangements: Find a volunteer or group of volunteers to coordinate the arranging of various venues. If possible, secure neutral venues where non-believers will feel comfortable attending. Secure venues which are of appropriate size for the expected number of people. Obtain a suitable sound system if it is needed for the venue. This is possibly one of the most important aspects, because if people cannot hear, they cannot respond. Consider other arrangements, such as security, signs, seating, toilet facilities. Include the recruitment of volunteers to help with crowds and to give practical information during the events. A large banner with a theme Bible verse in view above the platform helps to focus on the purpose of the gathering and not on an individual or organization or event. A verse such as John 14:6 Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life could be used. 22

28 3. LEADERSHIP Jethro told Moses: But select capable men from all the people men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied. (Exodus 18:21,23 NIV) Appointing an organizing committee to provide leadership at the beginning of the mission helps the planning, implementation and fulfillment of the vision. It is important to find the right people for the right jobs for all aspects of spiritual and physical preparation. While giving consideration to seniority, denominational representation and other local cultural sensitivities is important, key responsibilities should be assigned to respected, godly men, women and young people with appropriate spiritual and organizational giftings. In larger settings, consideration should be given to appointing a local coordinator, who would serve under the Chairman. This person would serve the committee by providing daily oversight on all preparations. An Advisory Committee, consisting of as many denominational and community leaders as possible, should be formed. This advisory group gives credibility to the mission and encourages those under their leadership to participate. The Lord s hand and the evidence of the grace of God (Acts 11:21,23 NIV) are the most essential components for any evangelistic outreach. In addition, effective leadership that can bring together the spiritual and physical aspects is vital in the success of an evangelistic outreach in a local community. 23

29 E. TIMELINE OVERVIEW The spiritual and physical preparation of a mission takes place over a period of time. There is a period of time in advance of a mission, and there is much to do following a mission. In the same way that fields are prepared for planting, it takes time to prepare the ground for an evangelistic mission. The following diagram is an example of how both the spiritual and physical preparations work together over a period of a time: Vision / Prayer (9-12 months ahead) Prayer Draft Vision Statement Consider leadership needs Agree on operating principles Consider venue/dates Establish budget Leadership Mobilization & Mission Events Follow-up Emphasis (6-9 months ahead) (3-6 months ahead) (Event Week) (Ongoing) Prayer Prayer Leadership Friend-to-Friend Committee Training appointed & Volunteer tasks assigned Training Venues Publicity determined organized Fundraising Fund-raising Draft of Follow-up programme Training Prayer Arrangements at each venue Technical Volunteers assigned Mission/church involvement Programme (outreaches) implemented Follow-up programme implemented Prayer Follow-up of enquirers Discipleship classes Reporting on mission Administrative wrap-up Finalize accounts Service of Thanksgiving Ongoing Witness A.E.E. Model: Another sample timeline 11. Module 7: Discipleship classes/cell and church planting 10. Evangelistic Exposure 1. Mapping the mission field 2. Module 1: Envisioning church leaders/ Biblical mandate 9. Module 6: School of Evangelism (SOE) 8. Module 5: Women in Evangelism 7. Operation Andrews/Mathews EVANGELISTIC MISSION PROCESS (EMP paradigm) RWANDA 6. Module 4: 10 days on knees & GDOP & NPC 3. Mission Field prayer coverage 4. Module 2: Peace & Healing Outreaches 5. Module 3: Equipping Local Evangelists/ disciple makers 24

30 section ii evangelists forums Do the work of an evangelist. (2 Timothy 4:5 NIV) Evangelism within a local community can also partner with national and regional groups in encouraging and training evangelists with a 3-5 day conference event designed specifically for evangelists. A. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE An Evangelists Forum is a way to provide foundational teaching and long-term mentoring for individuals that have been particularly called by God to serve as evangelists and who are recognized by the church as evangelists. The objectives of an Evangelists Forum are: To provide a platform for reflection, training, mentoring, equipping, and fellowship for God-appointed evangelists in their calling; To help evangelists understand their role in relation to the church how to serve and partner with the church in the ministry of reaching unbelievers with the gospel. This model has been formulated over many years and has recently been developed by The International Committee of Evangelists Forums. B. LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION In organizing an Evangelists Forum, consideration should be given to the spiritual and physical preparation, the leadership required, and the timeline for planning. C. GENERAL GUIDELINES Whenever possible, the Evangelists Forum is organized along the following guidelines: Venue: Choose a place where evangelists can gather all together as a group as well as in smaller groups, with meals and lodging provided, in order to create an atmosphere for learning and spiritual nurture. Registration: When registering, a participant should understand that full participation in the entire Forum is required. Attending only part of the Forum is not possible. Evangelistic events: If evangelistic outreaches are included, they should take place before or after the Evangelists Forum, not during the Forum. 25

31 D. PARTICIPANTS 1. Evangelists, or those training as an evangelist, are the primary candidates to attend an Evangelists Forum. They can be individuals who are : a. Specially called by God to serve as an evangelist and recognized by the church b. Engaged in a church ministry or serving in a church c. Serving full time or part time as an evangelist d. Active, retired, or in the process of considering a call to evangelism. 2. Church leaders (pastors, elders, key lay men and women) and theological educators are also invited to participate, to learn about the ministry and calling of the evangelist and the evangelists role in serving the church. E. FINANCES It is intended that local, on-site expenses of each Evangelists Forum will be self-financed. Expenses may include the venue, meals and accommodation, equipment and materials. A participant registration fee could help cover these costs. Each participant would be responsible to pay for their own transportation costs. If there is a deficit for on-site expenses, it will be the sole responsibility of the national or regional committee who organized the Forum. International participants will be responsible to cover their own expenses. The International Committee of Evangelists Forums is a voluntary, unfunded faith ministry and is not able to sponsor Forum events. F. THE DEVELOPMENT AND MESSAGE OF THE EVANGELIST The following diagrams, produced by France Evangelisation, on behalf of the International Committee of Evangelists Forums, give an overview of areas to be addressed in the Development of the Evangelist and in the Message of the Evangelist. 26 By Alain Stamp, used with permission

32 G. SUGGESTED PROGRAMME FOR AN EVANGELISTS FORUM The International Committee of Evangelists Forums will be available to help plan the programme and provide speakers as needed. Following is a sample of the topics to be included in the programme: The message and ministry of the Evangelist The evangelist: a preacher of the Gospel (training on giving a message) What is the gospel? Giving an invitation The integrity of the evangelist: a call to holiness The evangelist s training and coaching Evangelism and its three components: praying, sharing, and caring Evangelism and the audience: who, where, when and how Evangelism in the daily context (at work, at home, or on campus) Evangelism and the worship service, a unique opportunity to share Christ Mentoring others in evangelism The Evangelist and Apologetics Dealing with the tough questions The art of conversation as Christ did it The ministry of the evangelist in the local Church The ministry of the evangelist in the local church who, what and how The evangelist a mobilizing force in a local church (leadership training) The evangelist and church planting Other notes on the Programme: Plenary Session on Mentoring: At the first Evangelists Forum taking place in a new region, a plenary session will deal with the issue of mentoring in order to emphasize reproducing evangelists. A mentoring community will be created, with yearly gatherings to share insights on the art of mentoring younger or newly-called evangelists. Workshops: In each Evangelists Forum there must be at least one workshop on mentoring to further explore the mentoring model. In addition, there will be a workshop on church planting to give vision for evangelists going to areas where there is no church, to begin the process of establishing a church. 27

33 section iii evangelism training conference for church leadership All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16,17 NIV) In planning evangelistic outreach within a local community, consideration should also be given to providing training in evangelism for church leadership. This training focuses mainly on church leaders, and is distinct from the training offered through the Evangelists Forums. Evangelism Training Conferences can be held locally or in partnership with national and regional groups. Evangelism Training Conferences have proved to be very helpful to church leadership all over the world in catching the vision for sharing the gospel message in their communities. A. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE Organizing an Evangelism Training Conference is a way to provide foundational training on what the Bible teaches about evangelism and its importance in the life of the church and in the community. The objective of an Evangelism Training Conference is to teach the biblical vision for evangelism and to give practical tools on how to implement evangelism with a goal of leaders adopting for themselves and inspiring a lifestyle of evangelism for all believers. B. LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION In organizing an Evangelism Training Conference for Church Leadership, consideration should be given to the spiritual and physical preparation, the leadership required, and a timeline for planning. 28