Re-Evolution. Seminar: Evangelistic Small Groups Module 2. GYC 2011, Houston, Texas

Re-Evolution Seminar: Evangelistic Small Groups Module 2 GYC 2011, Houston, Texas

Our Challenge The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which, as yet, they have scarcely begun. CS, 178

Recap Acts 2:42-47 Re-evolved early apostolic church. Key Segments of small groups. Evangelistic Outreach focussed. Laity fully involved. Personal + Corporate

Small Group References in NT Acts 1:13 Acts 2:48 Acts 5:42 Acts 8:3 Acts 9:39 Acts 10:2, 30 Acts 11:12-13 Acts 12:12 Acts 16:15 Acts 17:5-6 Acts 18:7-8 Acts 19:9 Acts 20:8 Acts 20:20 Romans 16:5 1 Corinthians 16:19 Colossians 4:15 Multiple references to: Small groups House groups

Why Me? Why did the disciples feel need for everyone to be involved? In the Lord s work there are to be no idlers. Let different ones unite in labor as fishers of men. Ev 115

To every one work has been allotted, and no one can be a substitute for another. CS 10

Does the pen of inspiration give us any tips? How did the early SDA pioneers do it? ANY OTHER EVIDENCE?

Class Meetings Class meetings organised by Methodist Church; early SDA pioneers had exposure Evolved into weekly prayer meetings These groups provided Bible study, prayer, testimonies, fellowship For encouragement of group members Driven by laity NOT clergy

Early work in Australia In 1885, S.N. Haskell came with 5 families Combination of: Two evangelistic meetings Literature distribution Home bible readings By 1891 when EGW was in Melbourne, 700 church members!

Australian Revival Clergy (of various denominations) came together and prayed for spiritual health of members 2000 small groups weekly in Melbourne Big evangelistic campaign in 1903 by evangelist R.A. Torrey

Reaching the Heart Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your ability to find your way to the heart. By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse. GW 193

EGW Early Thoughts From the light which I have received, our meetings should be spiritual and social, and not too long. 2T 578

Pointers for Small Groups 1. Large churches should have small groups

Importance of Small Groups The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort is a plan that has been presented before me by One who cannot err. EV 115

Pointers for Small Groups 1. Large churches should have small groups 2. Small groups commonly meet in private homes or by fireside

The presentation of Christ in the family, by the fireside, and in small gatherings in private houses, is often more successful in winning souls to Jesus than are sermons delivered in the open air, to the moving throng, or even in halls or churches. GW 193

Pointers for Small Groups 1. Large churches should have small groups 2. Small groups commonly meet in private homes or by fireside 3. Small groups meet in the evening/morning, whichever is convenient

Pointers for Small Groups 1. Large churches should have small groups 2. Small groups commonly meet in private homes or by fireside 3. Small groups meet in the evening/morning, whichever is convenient 4. Minister to: a. Baptized church members b. Win souls to Jesus c. Minister to unbelievers

If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members but for unbelievers also. EV 115

We meet together to edify one another... we receive refreshment and vigor from the Source of our strength. These meetings should be most precious seasons and should be made interesting to all who have any relish for religious things. 2T 578

Make these meetings intensely interesting. Sing genuine revival hymns, and speak with power and assurance of the Saviour s love. Speak on temperance and on true religious experience. CtP 551

Meetings for conference and prayer should not be made tedious. The meeting should open at the appointed hour if possible, be there few or many present. Upon common occasions there should not be prayer of more than ten minutes duration. 2T 578

Applications Can I start a social meeting? How can I adjust my current small group meetings? Do I want to be involved? Small Groups complement other church ministries Small Groups do not replace Sabbath Worship, Sabbath School

Gateway Adventist Centre (GAC) Ministry started by a few SDA young people 19-22 y.o. 1. A network of care groups (small group ministry) and many overseas care groups 2. New church plant in the city of Melbourne that grew from 35 to 150 in 4 years. 2 nd church started May 08, 3 rd church starting Q3 2012. 3. Training Centre to train young people to be soulwinners for Christ & courses to reach the community via needs-based courses 4. Church sponsoring the Student Club (Adventist Student On Campus - ASOC) at 3 University Campuses Gateway is an Outreach Centre 60 baptisms in 5 years

Vision Gateway will be a soul-winning and training centre that multiplies churches in 3 years.

What motivates people in church? In a church, as a volunteer organisation, we mobilise the people based on a: shared VISION and shared VALUES

Our Values Bible Based Christ-Dependent Seeker Oriented Discipleship Training Accountability Beliefs and practices are founded on the Bible Empowered by prayer Passionate about reaching seekers Dedicated to a mentoring philosophy Equipping for witnessing Accept personal and group accountability

Youth with a Burden

God brought in Adult Counselors to guide the young people Aug 1999 Comments from the Youth Friday night vespers is great we have 50 people attending no need to reach out and grow We can make the friends but we do know how to share the message to them Apr 2000 Revival Program with Revival Speaker Revival of the word-the Seventh-Day Adventist church is not merely a church but a movement called for the last days. We have a unique value proposition to the world the everlasting gospel in the context of the three angels messages.

God brought in 3 couples to TRAIN the youth

Soul-Winning Churches 5 PRINCIPLES

True Spiritual Revival by the WORD PRINCIPLE 1

True Revival by the WORD leads to: Clear SDA identity Urgency of prophetic message of hope

Homes are Often More Successful The presentation of Christ in the family, and in small gatherings in private homes is often more successful in winning souls to Jesus than are sermons in halls or churches. CS 122

End-time Strategy = CARE Groups "In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God's people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great Day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844 9T 126

Friday Night Vespers that needed to be decentralised

ASOC City ASOC Nth Nth Melb Chinese Lookout East Melb Doncaster ASOC VU 1 ASOC VU 2 Yarraville ASOC Alpha ASOC Beta ASOC Gamma SALT Seascape SALT Murdo Oasis Adults

The Power of Friendship He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. John 1:41-42

THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP

How to help CG see they are part of a larger church community We need to be careful that CGs are not cliques, and then become a parachurch

What measures are important to church leaders? % of attendees in worship going to CGs # of CGs Ratio of seekers : members in CGs # of trained leaders available for CGs (people that could lead new CGs) Seeker Type: GOLD:Have 1-to-1 studies + Goes to CG and Goes to Church SILVER: Have 1-to-1 studies + Goes to CG OR Goes to Church BRONZE: Goes to CG

Each August we have a public evangelistic meeting

Get it in the right order: BELONG BELIEVE - BEHAVE PRINCIPLE 2

GAC: planting the church

New Heart & Conversion Soul Winner Repentance CYCLE OF EVANGELISM Free Salvation of Christ Gratitude

KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER Design everything around the seeker! PRINCIPLE 3

Putting yourself into the shoes of our seekers

Components of Church Life MINISTRY CARE Group Sabbath School Worship Service Personal Ministry Social Activities Evangelistic Meeting SEEKER S PERSPECTIVE Caring & Relationship Building Teaching Worship One to one Bible study Community & Friendship Public Seminar on the Bible Are your seekers clear on the services offered by the church?

Components of Church Life MINISTRY CARE Group Sabbath School Worship Service Personal Ministry Social Activities Evangelistic Meeting MEMBER S PERSPECTIVE Witness through living out God s Word and Friendship Training and Learning Worship and Adoration Witness through God s word and friendship Spiritual Growth thru witnessing Building Community & Friendship Witness through public proclamation Are your membersclear on the services offered by the church?

PRINCIPLE 4 Rightly Trained Go Back to Basics

Back to Basics Model it after NT Church (Bible) and SDA pioneers (Spirit of Prophecy)

The harvest is ready but the labourers are few Training Bible Workers @ GAC

BIBLE SCHOOL TABLE

SURVEYS

HEALTH EXPO & FREE BBQ

THE DANIEL CHALLENGE

MANANGING SEVERAL LEVELS OF NEED

WATCH FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGING LIVES PRINCIPLE 5

Soulwinning is for YOU! Soul-Winning Is NOT an Option "In every church we need Christ-like workers, those who in life and character are growing in the divine likeness by working to call sinners to repentance. The spiritual life of the church can be kept alive only as the members make personal efforts to win souls to Christ. No amount of mental culture or theological training will do this work. But it can be done by the soul who is humble and contrite, and imbued with the Spirit of God. Signs of Times.1899 p.7

God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ s, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice we must participate in His labors for their redemption. DA 142