1

2

3

4

8

9

16%

83%Those Active

in Sunday School

Those Active in Worship

Services Only

Surprising Insights From The UnchurchedThom S. Rainer

Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions,Evangelism and Church Growth

Surprising Insights From The UnchurchedThom S. Rainer

Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions,Evangelism and Church Growth

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Afterward Jesus appeared again to His disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathaniel from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “ we’ll go with you. So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Afterward Jesus appeared again to His disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathaniel from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “ we’ll go with you. So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

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“Disciples were together” (Fellowship)“Disciples were together” (Fellowship)

“I’m going out to fish” (Evangelism)“I’m going out to fish” (Evangelism)

“We’ll go with you” (Ministry)“We’ll go with you” (Ministry)

“Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. Jesus said, “Throw your net on the right side of the

boat and you will find some.” (Instruction)

“Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. Jesus said, “Throw your net on the right side of the

boat and you will find some.” (Instruction)

When they did they were unableto haul the net in because

of the large number of fish. (Intercession)

When they did they were unableto haul the net in because

of the large number of fish. (Intercession)

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42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

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When we do God’s work God’s way we will be

blessed with an abundance.

When we do God’s work God’s way we will be

blessed with an abundance.

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5 minutes - Fellowship

10 minutes - Intercession

30 minutes - Instruction

5 minutes - Service

5 minutes - Hope

5 minutes - Fellowship

10 minutes - Intercession

30 minutes - Instruction

5 minutes - Service

5 minutes - Hope

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Week 1 Fellowship

Week 2Intercession

Week 3 Service

Week 4 Hope

Week 1 Fellowship

Week 2Intercession

Week 3 Service

Week 4 HopeThis is a suggested monthly emphasis schedule. The idea is to let each team have an opportunity to report to the class once a month. This schedule is at the discretion of the class.

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Fellowship Team: Purpose is to create an atmosphere of fellowship and openness to guests and members.

Fellowship Team: Purpose is to create an atmosphere of fellowship and openness to guests and members.

FellowshipFellowship

•Coordinate periodic class fellowships.

•Handout name tags.

•Welcome guests.

•Sends birthday and anniversary cards.

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Prayer Team: Purpose is to help their class discover and pray for the needs of members and guests.

Prayer Team: Purpose is to help their class discover and pray for the needs of members and guests.

IntercessionIntercession

• Develops prayer chain for class.

•Gathers prayer requests from class members.

•Informs class of answered prayer, and praises.

• Encourages prayer testimonies/stories.

• Develops prayer chain for class.

•Gathers prayer requests from class members.

•Informs class of answered prayer, and praises.

• Encourages prayer testimonies/stories.

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Teacher & Apprentice Teacher: Purpose is to teach God’s Word and help students develop a practical Biblical understanding.

Teacher & Apprentice Teacher: Purpose is to teach God’s Word and help students develop a practical Biblical understanding.

InstructionInstruction

• Prepares and teaches the weekly lesson.

• Encourages FISH Team members.

• Facilitates class discussion.

• Attends periodic teacher training.

• Prepares and teaches the weekly lesson.

• Encourages FISH Team members.

• Facilitates class discussion.

• Attends periodic teacher training.

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Ministry Team: Purpose is to meet the needs of the members and prospects; to discover community needs and develop ministries to help meet the needs.

Ministry Team: Purpose is to meet the needs of the members and prospects; to discover community needs and develop ministries to help meet the needs.

ServiceService

• Sends encouragement cards.•Coordinates ministry needs visits.• Calls absentee members.•Plans periodic ministry projects.

• Sends encouragement cards.•Coordinates ministry needs visits.• Calls absentee members.•Plans periodic ministry projects.

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Evangelism Team: Purpose is to gather names from class of lost people and train and lead in evangelistic visits.

Evangelism Team: Purpose is to gather names from class of lost people and train and lead in evangelistic visits.

HopeHope

• Maintains class “Ten Most Wanted” List.

• Trains class how to share personal story.

• Follow up on new believers.

• Coordinates guest contacts.

• Maintains class “Ten Most Wanted” List.

• Trains class how to share personal story.

• Follow up on new believers.

• Coordinates guest contacts.

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or God so loved the world that He or God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeswhosoever believes

n Himn Him

hall not perish buthall not perish but

ave eternal life.ave eternal life.

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•Sunday School/Church Visitation Sunday School/Church Visitation •Relational WitnessingRelational Witnessing•Divine EncountersDivine Encounters

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•With so much material currently available, is With so much material currently available, is another approach really necessary?another approach really necessary?

When it comes to evangelism we need:

•Different strokes for different folks.Different strokes for different folks.

•Culturally relevant tools to catch more fish.Culturally relevant tools to catch more fish.

•New techniques produce better fisherman.New techniques produce better fisherman.

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Evangelism Leaders organize Evangelism Leaders organize outreach efforts for individual outreach efforts for individual Sunday School Classes.Sunday School Classes.

Prospect names are gathered through Prospect names are gathered through guest information cards and visitors guest information cards and visitors to classes.to classes.

Evangelism Leaders organize Evangelism Leaders organize outreach efforts for individual outreach efforts for individual Sunday School Classes.Sunday School Classes.

Prospect names are gathered through Prospect names are gathered through guest information cards and visitors guest information cards and visitors to classes.to classes.

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Most relational opportunities are with people you Most relational opportunities are with people you already know. already know.

Some people will respond much better if you invite Some people will respond much better if you invite them out to eat, to a concert, and so on where you them out to eat, to a concert, and so on where you can build a relationship and then share the gospel. can build a relationship and then share the gospel.

As God leads, move directly to the C-A-S-T As God leads, move directly to the C-A-S-T introduction.introduction.

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These opportunities will come in the midst of the daily These opportunities will come in the midst of the daily activities of your life.activities of your life.

It is correct to presume that the Lord may have a It is correct to presume that the Lord may have a special reason for your meeting, even if it is caused by special reason for your meeting, even if it is caused by an interruption. an interruption.

Occasions for Divine Encounters:Occasions for Divine Encounters:

Business appointments Business appointments

Delivery persons, meter readers, and so on. Delivery persons, meter readers, and so on.

RestaurantsRestaurants

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Door-to-door or telephone sales peopleDoor-to-door or telephone sales people

Repair people, hairdressersRepair people, hairdressers

Bank tellers, store clerksBank tellers, store clerks

Doctors, coaches, teachers Doctors, coaches, teachers

Remember the Lord’s promise: “And lo, I am with you Remember the Lord’s promise: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).

If you do not already know the person, introduce If you do not already know the person, introduce yourself and move into the C-A-S-T introduction.yourself and move into the C-A-S-T introduction.

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(Handout)

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A Postmodern CultureA Postmodern Culture

Will:Will:

But...But...

Debate ReligionDebate Religion

Debate PoliticsDebate Politics

Debate MoralityDebate Morality

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The one thing they will not debate is...

Your Personal Your Personal Experience!Experience!

That is why your story/testimony is a That is why your story/testimony is a powerful tool for 21st century evangelism!powerful tool for 21st century evangelism!

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Encouraging ideas found in this verse:Encouraging ideas found in this verse:

We never go alone.We never go alone. “And lo, I am with you “And lo, I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20).always” (Matt. 28:20).

Jesus directed where they should goJesus directed where they should go..

““When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).catch” (Luke 5:4).

Jesus was with them.Jesus was with them.

““My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).they follow Me” (John 10:27).

Jesus took responsibility to provide the catch.Jesus took responsibility to provide the catch. He called for their obedience.He called for their obedience. ““Let down your nets for a catch”Let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).(Luke 5:4).

Using C-A-S-T as a guided conversationUsing C-A-S-T as a guided conversation

Let it become natural and put your personality Let it become natural and put your personality into it.into it.

Enjoy the people you visit.Enjoy the people you visit.

C -C - CONNECTION CONNECTION:: Talk about the Talk about the person’s background.person’s background.

“ “Where are you from originally?”Where are you from originally?”

““How do you like living here?”How do you like living here?”

The conversation must never be used as a The conversation must never be used as a canned or memorized presentation.canned or memorized presentation.

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If you are already acquainted, you may ask about If you are already acquainted, you may ask about their family or people you both know.their family or people you both know.

A –A – ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES:: Find out about the person’s Find out about the person’s work and hobbies. work and hobbies. (Seek to discover commonalties.)(Seek to discover commonalties.)

Questions you might ask:Questions you might ask:

““What kind of work do you do?”What kind of work do you do?”For students: “What are you studying? or what For students: “What are you studying? or what courses are you taking?” courses are you taking?”If you are already acquainted, you may ask how If you are already acquainted, you may ask how things are going with their jobs or studies.things are going with their jobs or studies.If you notice evidence of their interests such as If you notice evidence of their interests such as sports, books, art, or photographs, you may ask or sports, books, art, or photographs, you may ask or comment about these.comment about these.

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S -S - SPIRITUAL MATTERS SPIRITUAL MATTERS:: Find out Find out whether the person is open to discussing spiritual whether the person is open to discussing spiritual matters.matters.

““Would you consider yourself to be a Would you consider yourself to be a spiritual person?”spiritual person?”

““Do you ever think about spiritual things?”Do you ever think about spiritual things?” (If they aren’t sure what you mean, say, (If they aren’t sure what you mean, say, “ “things like heaven, prayer, God, and so on.)” things like heaven, prayer, God, and so on.)”

Questions you might ask:Questions you might ask:

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Paul told Timothy, “Stir up the gift” (2 Tim. 1:6). The NIV translates it, “Fan into flame.”

If you are going to share it, you should be If you are going to share it, you should be “stirred-up” about it.“stirred-up” about it.

How valuable is the “gift of God” to you?How valuable is the “gift of God” to you?

THE WAY: “My life before I made a commitment to follow Jesus.”THE WAY: “My life before I made a commitment to follow Jesus.”

Paul was talking about Timothy’s pastoral Paul was talking about Timothy’s pastoral gift, but salvation is also a gift.gift, but salvation is also a gift.

Where would you be today and what would your life Where would you be today and what would your life be like if you had not received Jesus?be like if you had not received Jesus?

It was His love and grace that made it possible.It was His love and grace that made it possible.

A blunt but true statement:A blunt but true statement:

Not one of us is worthy or deserve to Not one of us is worthy or deserve to be God’s child.be God’s child.

What a great gift we were given at such a terrible What a great gift we were given at such a terrible sacrifice on our Savior’s part! Lift up the “gift of sacrifice on our Savior’s part! Lift up the “gift of God.”God.”

Why emphasize this so strongly?Why emphasize this so strongly? You will never share Jesus effectively until you You will never share Jesus effectively until you

are convinced that the change He brought into are convinced that the change He brought into your life is the greatest thing that ever happened your life is the greatest thing that ever happened to you. to you.

If coming to know Jesus is not the most significant If coming to know Jesus is not the most significant happening in your life, you need to re-evaluate your happening in your life, you need to re-evaluate your life.life.

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Write about the first time your faith was put to Write about the first time your faith was put to the test. These are often called “defining the test. These are often called “defining moments.”moments.”

What are some of the words or phrases you wrote?What are some of the words or phrases you wrote?

Turn to page 30 in your Apprentice Manual and Turn to page 30 in your Apprentice Manual and review some of the things about your life before you review some of the things about your life before you came to Jesus.came to Jesus.

Practice Time-Get in pairs to practice Practice Time-Get in pairs to practice the C-A-S portion of your testimony.the C-A-S portion of your testimony.

Who were the people God used to influence you Who were the people God used to influence you and point you to Him?and point you to Him?

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•Study lessons 2 & 4 Study lessons 2 & 4

•Practice the C-A-S portion of your Practice the C-A-S portion of your testimonytestimony

•Begin to add transitions and scriptures Begin to add transitions and scriptures between the C-A-S, the Way, and the Truth between the C-A-S, the Way, and the Truth portions of your testimony. portions of your testimony.

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Look at The NET logo on the front of your Look at The NET logo on the front of your Apprentice Manual.Apprentice Manual. All of us who know Jesus also owe a All of us who know Jesus also owe a

debt to a network of witnesses that debt to a network of witnesses that goes back to the cross of Jesus.goes back to the cross of Jesus.

Paul wrote, Paul wrote, ““I am a debtor both to Greeks and to I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwisebarbarians, both to wise and to unwise”” (Rom. 1:14).(Rom. 1:14).

Paul felt that he owed a debt to the people Paul felt that he owed a debt to the people who had not yet believed.who had not yet believed.

You and I owe this same debt to people who You and I owe this same debt to people who need Jesus.need Jesus.

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Review the names of the people who Review the names of the people who influenced you or led you to Jesus.influenced you or led you to Jesus.

Where would you be today if they had stayed Where would you be today if they had stayed silent and safe?silent and safe?

Turn to the person next to you and tell the Turn to the person next to you and tell the names of two or three people whom God names of two or three people whom God used to tell you His good news.used to tell you His good news.

Do you ever think much about them?Do you ever think much about them?

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OUR NETWORKOUR NETWORK

Think about people outside of your network who Think about people outside of your network who do not know Jesus.do not know Jesus.

In a few weeks, months, or years, some of these In a few weeks, months, or years, some of these can belong to Jesus, because they are part of one can belong to Jesus, because they are part of one of your networks.of your networks.

Think about your network.Think about your network.

While it is true that you and I are debtors to those While it is true that you and I are debtors to those who went before us, Paul says that we are debtors to who went before us, Paul says that we are debtors to people who do not yet know Jesus.people who do not yet know Jesus.

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THE TRUTH: THE TRUTH: ““How I came to know Jesus personally.How I came to know Jesus personally.””

In Lesson 1, you studied how Paul told individuals and In Lesson 1, you studied how Paul told individuals and groups about his conversion in Acts 22 and 26. He groups about his conversion in Acts 22 and 26. He saw the telling of his story as a means of sharing Jesus.saw the telling of his story as a means of sharing Jesus.

After Jesus healed and saved the Gadarene After Jesus healed and saved the Gadarene demoniac, He said to him, demoniac, He said to him, ““Go home to your friends, Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for and tell them what great things the Lord has done for youyou”” (Mark 5:19). (Mark 5:19).

The woman at the well went back to her home and The woman at the well went back to her home and said, said, ““Come, see a Man who told me all things that I Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christever did. Could this be the Christ”” (John 4:29)? (John 4:29)?

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Where he wasWhere he was Who was with himWho was with him Where he was goingWhere he was going What happened to let him know he needed to What happened to let him know he needed to

surrender to Jesussurrender to Jesus What God said to himWhat God said to him How he respondedHow he responded

Note how carefully he accounts the details of his Note how carefully he accounts the details of his conversion. He told:conversion. He told:

Every ChristianEvery Christian’’s story/testimony is one of the most s story/testimony is one of the most valuable possessions he or she owns.valuable possessions he or she owns.

Can you recall just what took place and how it Can you recall just what took place and how it happened when you invited Jesus into your life?happened when you invited Jesus into your life?

His birthHis birth His deathHis death His resurrectionHis resurrection How you responded to Him by turning from How you responded to Him by turning from

your sinyour sin By trusting in Jesus Christ alone as your Lord By trusting in Jesus Christ alone as your Lord

and Saviorand Savior

THE TRUTH about God:THE TRUTH about God: In spite of my sin, He loves In spite of my sin, He loves me and provides a new way of living through Jesus.me and provides a new way of living through Jesus.

Turn to The Truth Worksheet on page 42 in your Turn to The Truth Worksheet on page 42 in your Apprentice Manual and review your answers.Apprentice Manual and review your answers.

THE TRUTH about Jesus:THE TRUTH about Jesus:

When sharing Jesus with a lost person, you will want When sharing Jesus with a lost person, you will want to talk about two vital concepts: to talk about two vital concepts:

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At about what age did you first realize that “all At about what age did you first realize that “all have sinned” included you?have sinned” included you?

What happened to help you know that you were a What happened to help you know that you were a lost sinner in need of a Savior?lost sinner in need of a Savior?

How did you respond the first time you were How did you respond the first time you were invited to receive Jesus?invited to receive Jesus?

About how many times did you hear the gospel About how many times did you hear the gospel before you responded?before you responded?

Where were you when you received Jesus?Where were you when you received Jesus? Who were you with?Who were you with?

How did you answer the following questions:How did you answer the following questions:

Practice Time-Go over the C-A-S, the Way, the Truth Practice Time-Go over the C-A-S, the Way, the Truth portions of your testimony. Be sure to include the portions of your testimony. Be sure to include the scriptures and transitions. scriptures and transitions.

Would anyone like to share their testimony?Would anyone like to share their testimony?

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•Study lessons 5, 6, & 7Study lessons 5, 6, & 7

•Begin to commit to memory the C-A-S, Begin to commit to memory the C-A-S, the Way, the Truth portions of your the Way, the Truth portions of your testimony. testimony.

•Adding scripture and transitions between Adding scripture and transitions between the Truth and the Life.the Truth and the Life.

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What a wonderful change in my life has been What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, Since Jesus came into my heart!wrought, Since Jesus came into my heart!

I have light in my soul for which long I had sought, I have light in my soul for which long I had sought, Since Jesus came into my heart!Since Jesus came into my heart!

I have ceased from my wandering and going I have ceased from my wandering and going astray, Since Jesus came into my heart!astray, Since Jesus came into my heart!

And my sins, which were many, are all washed And my sins, which were many, are all washed away, Since Jesus came into my heart!away, Since Jesus came into my heart!

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I shall go there to dwell in that city, I know, Since I shall go there to dwell in that city, I know, Since Jesus came into my heart!Jesus came into my heart!

(Chorus:)(Chorus:)

Since Jesus came into my heartSince Jesus came into my heart

Floods of joy oFloods of joy o’’er my soul like the sea billows roll,er my soul like the sea billows roll,

Since Jesus came into my heart.Since Jesus came into my heart.

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THE LIFE: THE LIFE: ““My life since I came to know Jesus personally.My life since I came to know Jesus personally.””

How have your attitudes and actions changed?How have your attitudes and actions changed?

The Bible says, The Bible says, ““If anyone is in Christ, he is a new If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become newthings have become new”” (2 Cor. 5:17). (2 Cor. 5:17).

Has Jesus made a real difference in your life? Try to Has Jesus made a real difference in your life? Try to put that difference into words so you can evaluate the put that difference into words so you can evaluate the gift of God and learn to tell someone about it. One gift of God and learn to tell someone about it. One witness said, witness said, ““I am convinced that if my neighbors I am convinced that if my neighbors could know what a difference He has made in my life, could know what a difference He has made in my life, they would chase my car to find out what I have.they would chase my car to find out what I have.””

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GodGod’’s Word, the Bibles Word, the Bible PrayerPrayer ChurchChurch Lost peopleLost people When I sinWhen I sin Personal peacePersonal peace JoyJoy GuidanceGuidance

Turn in your Apprentice Manual on page 30 and Turn in your Apprentice Manual on page 30 and review how your answers differ on the following review how your answers differ on the following issues since you have had a personal relationship with issues since you have had a personal relationship with Jesus. Jesus.

Who will share the eight words or phrases that you Who will share the eight words or phrases that you used to describe your life since you became a used to describe your life since you became a follower of Jesus? follower of Jesus?

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“And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat . . . So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish’” (John 21:6).

There is no way to avoid the impact or There is no way to avoid the impact or ““pressurepressure”” of that moment of decision.of that moment of decision.

No personal evangelism training is complete No personal evangelism training is complete without sharing ways for witnesses to help the lost without sharing ways for witnesses to help the lost become followers of Jesus.become followers of Jesus.

At that moment of decision, we experience the true At that moment of decision, we experience the true meaning of being meaning of being ““labourers together with Godlabourers together with God”” (1 (1 Cor. 3:9, KJV). Cor. 3:9, KJV).

During the new birth process, most need a During the new birth process, most need a ““midwife.midwife.””

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1. Does what I’ve been sharing make sense?1. Does what I’ve been sharing make sense?2. (If yes) Would you be interested in knowing how 2. (If yes) Would you be interested in knowing how

you can be adopted into God’s family and receive you can be adopted into God’s family and receive His gift of new life? His gift of new life?

3. (If yes) Would you like for me to lead you in that 3. (If yes) Would you like for me to lead you in that prayer?prayer?

Three simple questions:Three simple questions:

Do not become defensive. This does not mean Do not become defensive. This does not mean rejection of you or Jesus.rejection of you or Jesus.

It may just mean that a little clarification is needed.It may just mean that a little clarification is needed. Take the questions one at a time.Take the questions one at a time.

Suppose the person does not answer “yes.” Suppose the person does not answer “yes.”

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Question 2: Would you be interested in knowing how Question 2: Would you be interested in knowing how you can be adopted into Godyou can be adopted into God’’s family and receive His s family and receive His gift of new life?gift of new life?””

You could respond, You could respond, ““Tell me what parts are not clear.Tell me what parts are not clear.”” Then go back to the part of the presentation where Then go back to the part of the presentation where they are unclear.they are unclear.

If the person says If the person says ““no,no,”” or or ““II’’m not sure.m not sure.””

In some cases, you may want to ask for the In some cases, you may want to ask for the opportunity to research the question and get back opportunity to research the question and get back with them.with them.

If the person hesitates or says If the person hesitates or says ““no,no,”” deal with their deal with their response in a positive manner.response in a positive manner.

Question 1: “Does what I’ve been sharing make sense?”Question 1: “Does what I’ve been sharing make sense?”

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If you realize that he or she is being drawn by the If you realize that he or she is being drawn by the Holy Spirit, continue to draw the net by sharing:Holy Spirit, continue to draw the net by sharing:

You may say, “What do you feel is keeping you You may say, “What do you feel is keeping you from making a decision?”from making a decision?”

Whatever answer is given, prayerfully discern Whatever answer is given, prayerfully discern whether the person is being drawn by the Holy whether the person is being drawn by the Holy Spirit. If this is not happening, no amount of Spirit. If this is not happening, no amount of persuasiveness will accomplish any eternal good.persuasiveness will accomplish any eternal good.

““We must turn from our sin, which is repentance We must turn from our sin, which is repentance and ask God to forgive us. The Bible says, and ask God to forgive us. The Bible says, ‘Repent . . . And be converted, that your sins may ‘Repent . . . And be converted, that your sins may be blotted out’ (Acts 3:19). ”be blotted out’ (Acts 3:19). ”

If the person continues to hesitate or refuse, leave If the person continues to hesitate or refuse, leave the door open for future opportunities.the door open for future opportunities.

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Question 3: Question 3: ““Would you like for me to lead you in Would you like for me to lead you in that prayer?that prayer?””

““We must place our trust in Jesus Christ alone for We must place our trust in Jesus Christ alone for new life. Remember, Jesus said, new life. Remember, Jesus said, ‘‘I am the way, the I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Methrough Me’”’” (John 14:6). (John 14:6).

““You can become a follower of Jesus Christ by asking You can become a follower of Jesus Christ by asking Him through prayer to come into and control your Him through prayer to come into and control your life.life.””

If the person hesitates or says If the person hesitates or says ““nono””::

You may say, You may say, ““Let me share with you a prayer Let me share with you a prayer that is very much like the one I prayed when that is very much like the one I prayed when Jesus came in and changed my life.Jesus came in and changed my life.””

Read or say the prayer for salvation.Read or say the prayer for salvation.

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Ask, Ask, ““Does this prayer say what you would like to say Does this prayer say what you would like to say to God?to God?””

Again, seek discernment from God to know whether Again, seek discernment from God to know whether to continue.to continue.

It is not usually wise to press a person beyond his It is not usually wise to press a person beyond his or her receptivity, but it is always wise to follow or her receptivity, but it is always wise to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Only He knows whether this is the last invitation Only He knows whether this is the last invitation to accept Jesus this person will ever receive.to accept Jesus this person will ever receive.

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When someone is truly born again, they become a babe in Jesus and He cares deeply for each one. He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it” (Luke 18:17).

He told Peter, He told Peter, ““Feed my lambsFeed my lambs”” (John 21:15). (John 21:15).

Paul reminded the people at the church in Paul reminded the people at the church in Thessalonica, Thessalonica, ““We were gentle among you, just as a We were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own childrennursing mother cherishes her own children”” (1 Thess. 2:7). (1 Thess. 2:7).

Peter calls new Christians: Peter calls new Christians: ““Newborn babesNewborn babes”” (1 Pet. (1 Pet. 2:2).2:2).

The responsibility for immediate follow-up (the first The responsibility for immediate follow-up (the first 10 minutes following a new birth and some 10 minutes following a new birth and some responsibility during the first week) falls squarely on responsibility during the first week) falls squarely on the shoulders of the one who led the person to receive the shoulders of the one who led the person to receive Jesus.Jesus.

There is much joy to be found in helping a new babe There is much joy to be found in helping a new babe become grounded initially.become grounded initially.

The work of evangelism has not been completed when The work of evangelism has not been completed when the person has invited Jesus into their life.the person has invited Jesus into their life.

Jesus expects His church to play the mother role in Jesus expects His church to play the mother role in caring for them and raising them.caring for them and raising them.

Phases in the immediate follow-up process:Phases in the immediate follow-up process:

1. The first 10 minutes 1. The first 10 minutes of the new life in Jesus. This of the new life in Jesus. This begins immediately after the prayer to receive Jesus.begins immediately after the prayer to receive Jesus.

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Say something like, Say something like, ““Today, youToday, you’’ve made the ve made the greatest of all lifegreatest of all life’’s decisions and begun a s decisions and begun a wonderful new journey with Jesus.wonderful new journey with Jesus.””

Acknowledge their decision:Acknowledge their decision:

Share and explain the Share and explain the first panelfirst panel of of ““Congratulations, Let the Celebration Begin.Congratulations, Let the Celebration Begin.”” This panel helps the new believer with This panel helps the new believer with

assurance of salvation.assurance of salvation. Notice the three promise verses: one related Notice the three promise verses: one related

to repentance and forgiveness, one related to to repentance and forgiveness, one related to grace and faith, and one related to Jesusgrace and faith, and one related to Jesus’’ lordship and leadership.lordship and leadership.

Share and explain the Share and explain the second panelsecond panel of of ““Congratulations, Let the Celebration Begin.Congratulations, Let the Celebration Begin.””

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This panel helps the new believer understand four This panel helps the new believer understand four things that will help him develop normally and things that will help him develop normally and grow as a Christian:grow as a Christian:

1. A home church family1. A home church family2. Good food, the milk of the Word2. Good food, the milk of the Word3. Good breathing habits or prayer3. Good breathing habits or prayer4. Learning to talk sharing your 4. Learning to talk sharing your story/testimony of what God has done has story/testimony of what God has done has done for you done for you

This is vital follow-up information This is vital follow-up information

Complete the Complete the Decision FormDecision Form on the on the third panelthird panel of of ““Congratulations, Let the Celebration Begin.Congratulations, Let the Celebration Begin.””

Complete Complete ““For the RecordFor the Record”” on the on the center back panelcenter back panel of of ““Congratulations, Let the Celebration Begin.Congratulations, Let the Celebration Begin.””

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Detach the Decision Form.Detach the Decision Form.

Hand the rest of the folder to the new believer.Hand the rest of the folder to the new believer.

Pass new believer information onto the pastor and Pass new believer information onto the pastor and Sunday School director.Sunday School director.

The Sunday School/small group Bible study The Sunday School/small group Bible study teacher or outreach leader of the class of the teacher or outreach leader of the class of the personperson’’s age group should deliver a Bible study s age group should deliver a Bible study book and seek to enroll the person.book and seek to enroll the person.

Additional contact with new believerAdditional contact with new believer

Introduce the material and show the person how Introduce the material and show the person how to complete the lessons.to complete the lessons.

2. The First Week. 2. The First Week. DeliverDeliver the pamphlet, the pamphlet, ““Let the Let the Celebration ContinueCelebration Continue”” within 72 hours after the within 72 hours after the person receives Jesus (If possible, before Sunday).person receives Jesus (If possible, before Sunday).

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1. The Bible is Very Important!1. The Bible is Very Important!2. What Happened to Me?2. What Happened to Me?3. Do I Really Possess Eternal Life?3. Do I Really Possess Eternal Life?4. What Do I Do When I Sin?4. What Do I Do When I Sin?5. What About Baptism?5. What About Baptism?6. Is Church Attendance Important?6. Is Church Attendance Important?

““Let the Celebration ContinueLet the Celebration Continue”” contains six very contains six very basic Bible studies for new believers.basic Bible studies for new believers.

Make arrangements for the new believerMake arrangements for the new believer’’s s transportation to church.transportation to church.

Ask to sit with the new believer in the services.Ask to sit with the new believer in the services.

Offer to walk forward with the new believer Offer to walk forward with the new believer during the invitation (if appropriate).during the invitation (if appropriate).

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As soon as possible, every new believer should As soon as possible, every new believer should be enrolled in a new believerbe enrolled in a new believer’’s class.s class.

Good material for new memberGood material for new member’’s classes is s classes is available from LifeWay Christian Resources.available from LifeWay Christian Resources.

Who will share a report on your activities this pastWho will share a report on your activities this past week with your week with your ““Most Wanted for JesusMost Wanted for Jesus”” person? person?

3. The First Month or Until Baptized and Assimilated. 3. The First Month or Until Baptized and Assimilated.