Discussion Starters: Evangelism involves

Evangelism involves discussion starters are short articles to encourage members in their life as Christians.
The following discussion starters first appeared in the Bulletin/toolkit of the Portland-Heywood Lutheran Church in May and June.   You can you use them in your bulletin or newsletter or as a discussion starter at a meeting...
After reading them you may want to ask the following questions:
What did you think of that discussion starter?
What does it mean for our community or congregation?
What is one thing this discussion starter is prompting us to do or change?


Evangelism involves reaching out to all age groups including seniors
Statistics show as a percentage of the population there will be a higher portion of people over 65 in the future (now this does not mean the number of young people is declining in fact they are growing as well in numbers but declining as a percentage of the population. And even though they say the church is getting older we know that not every older person is part of a Christian community or has faith in Jesus… Some older people have deep hurts and regrets, others desire community, some are so battered through life experiences they question if there is a loving God, others are struggling to cope with change, some need an avenue to express their gifts, others are coping with health issues that is affecting theme physically and emotionally, some are looking for what was in the past, some are enjoying life now….and the list continues….The starting point in reaching out to seniors is no different to the starting point in reaching out to anyone else….be prepared to spend time with a senior person in your community..
How might your church community best reach out to older people?

Evangelism isn’t a One-Time Deal…
Read and take notice of Acts 8:36-40 (one of the coolest sections in the Bible… God literally teleports someone)!! The eunuch receives Christ, is baptised, and then God moves Phillip
somewhere else to KEEP proclaiming Christ. We are NEVER done with this…God has strategically placed each one of us in places of work, in neighbourhoods, and in certain social situations NOT for our comfort… but rather He placed us there with specific relationships so that we can literally tell others about Jesus! It’s NOT a one-time deal…it’s a core value that we must embrace in our lives if we are going to follow Christ!....
What relationships do you have now....that give you the opportunity to share Christ?

Evangelism requires the Holy Spirit which means we need to be regularly worshipping and studying the bible
Martin Luther explains that the bible reminds us that we cannot by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel, enlightened us with His gifts, sanctified and keeps us in the true faith (explanation to the 3rd article of the Apostles Creed). Worship and regular bible study are
therefore essential both for anyone who is involved in God’s mission and evangelism and at the same time it is important to lead people to God through bible study and worship as it is
through these activities that the Holy Spirit calls people to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Evangelism requires having a good relationship with God
For us to be involved in God’s mission, means God working in us and through us…It means us have an understanding of what God is on about so we can share with others what we know of the God who not only loves us but everyone…Our relationship with God develops as we love and study God’s Word, pray daily with Him, ask what does it mean for us to be more Christ like, ask for God’s Spirit to fill us and work in us and through us, ask God to reveal our sins, confess our sins and receive His love, forgiveness and guidance, and ask God’s help to see people as He sees them. All this involves dedicating time with God so your relationship with Him grows.

Evangelism involves being God’s witnesses everywhere
Acts chapter 1 verse 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of
the earth; is a reminder to us that being a Christian witness involves being a Christian witness everywhere…..at home, in your street, in your town, in your shire or region, in your state, in your country and throughout the world. Take some time this week to pray for God to fill you with His Spirit and to show you what it means for you to be His witness everywhere….

Evangelism must come back to a conversation about Jesus
It is important to remember we are called to PROCLAIM CHRIST! Notice in Acts 8:31-35 that Phillip began where the eunuch was and brought the conversation back around to JESUS! It HAS TO come back to Christ…our conversations with people can go in many different directions…political and sociological…however evangelism needs to always lead to a conversation about Jesus… no one EVER turned to Christ because they had all of their questions answered!!! Always bring your conversations around to JESUS!

PLEASE understand this…if Phillip had simply said, “I am not going to share Christ with him…I’m just going to buy him a cup of coffee and give him a warm smile,” then we would have had nothing more than a story about a caffeinated eunuch who felt good about himself for a moment but NEVER HEARD ABOUT JESUS! THAT IS A BAD STORY!

Evangelism is about exploring and sharing stories
Everyone person has not just a story…but numerous stories that help them understand and explain their life. As Christians not only has God played a significant role in our story and our stories, we are in fact part of His story. Seeing life this way places God as the main
character and author of our stories giving us a good perspective of our life. Importantly it also helps us link with other people and their stories. Take some time to think about your story and think about how and where has God been part of your story. Then also think about

how is God encouraging you to interact with other people’s stories.

Evangelism involves being normal!!!!
Do you notice in Acts 8:29-30 that Phillip does not say, “Hello, hell-bound sinner, did you know that unless you repent of your sin and give your life to Jesus, you are going to fry like bacon in a devil’s hell?” He did not scream, yell, or hold up signs. He simply listened to the Spirit, ran up to the chariot (at times we will need to chase after people), and asked a simple question, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

It’s amazing the opportunities that God puts in front of us every single day…and when we see them and embrace them, we simply need to be normal, engage with people in conversation, and communicate that we are interested in them.

Evangelism involves praying for and looking for Open Doors
Colossians 4 verses 2 and 3 says, Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
Open doors can’t be taken for granted. There will be times when it is difficult or appears impossible to share the gospel, because people are resistant to the gospel. Open doors happen when the hearts of an individual is open and receptive to God’s truth. Often for us to
experience an open door we need to have developed a relationship with a persona and be prepared to get in a conversations with people….then we need to have our eyes, ears and minds open to notice when people are open to receive the Gospel.

Why being the body of Christ requires God!!!

Why being the body of Christ....requires God.....
a/ It is ultimately God's body......think about it!!! The body needs to be constantly shaped by God!!! (this means every member needs to be shaped by HIS WORD, HIS SACRAMENTS AND HIS COMMUNITY!!!)
b/ Everyone in the body needs to be ministered to!!!
c/ Everyone in the body needs to minister to others in the body!!!
d/ Everyone in the body is called to take God's great news to those outside the body!!!
e/ Everybody in the body needs to be welcoming people on God's behalf!!
Try doing this without God, His word, His influence, His shaping.....it will be nothing more than a collection of people, no matter how good they look, that are more worried about themselves and how others see them...than God touching the lives of others through them!!!!

Check out the following passages:
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Romans 12:3-8
Ephesians 4:1-16
Hebrews 10:19-25
Acts 2:42-47

Discussion Starter/Bulletin Snippets: Evangelism involves......

Evangelism involves.....are short articles that can be used for bulletins, newsletters or devotion discussion starters......
The following appeared in March and April 2014 in the bulletin of the Portland-Heywood Lutheran Church...

Evangelism involves trusting God……
Throughout life there are many uncertainties and when we get involved in evangelising to others we are also entering a realm of uncertainties….We can’t predict exactly how people will react, we can’t predict exactly what questions people will ask, we can’t predict what exactly will happen every time we share Jesus and His love with someone.  Unfortunately the possibilities of uncertainties often results in people either doing nothing or at best procrastinating for a very long time.   Now we can prepare for some of the possible reactions which helps us respond to some reactions to God’s love, but there will still be some uncertainties because evangelism is about relating to and dealing with humans and not machines.  God gives us some very clear advice in dealing with uncertainties.  “Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Jesus.”  (John 14:1 NLT) and in the reading for Transfiguration Sunday, God says….Don’t be afraid…Listen to Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9).   So this week take the step share something about Jesus with someone….and trust that He is at work. 

Evangelism involves opening your blinds and windows
Stacy and her husband recently caught up with one of their neighbours.   On the first occasion they invited them down to the gardens for a picnic, but they weren’t into that.   However on the second occasion they invited them over to their house for pizza.  
They came over that Saturday night. It was nice to use the TV as a radio, playing some sweet jazz in the background as they talked. Early on in the conversation their neighbours share how great it was to be invited over, because it is great to have some interaction. They had been living there a bit longer than Stacy and her husband, but they shared how this was the first time they actually spoke to any of their neighbours.
Stacy’s neighbours also commented that they actually loved their music, they heard their singing and laughing, and they seemed impacted.  Then their neighbours  told us something amazing. They were excited when Stacy and her husband moved in because they opened their blinds! Stacy not only opens the blinds, but retracts them to bring light into the house and provide a feel of openness in the home. Their neighbours loved it. Not only that, but they said they felt the freedom to start opening their blinds, as every other house in the street seems to keep their blinds closed at all time.
Then as Stacy thought about it more, she could see how this had also impacted her neighbours in their old house. She would keep windows open and play music. Their  neighbours actually loved their music, heard them singing and laughing, and were impacted. They are still friends with that family, and Stacy has had great gospel conversations with them.
Who’d have thought having your blinds and windows open would have such an impact? This is just a small way we as the family of God can start to be missional in our own communities. This is a seemingly insignificant way for you to open up your life to your neighbours so that you can build friendships and share the gospel with them.
Is it that simple? Yes.  

Evangelism involves investing…..
There are 2 essential things that are very helpful for you to be more effective in your evangelism  
Invest:  Evangelism works when it is part of something bigger. An investment of time, energy, money, and conversation.  These are the things that build relationships with others. These are the things that establish trust.  These are the blocks that build a bridge that Jesus can walk over.
As the master evangelist, the Apostle Paul, once wrote, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” (1 Th. 2:8) Investing in someone means sharing your life with them, the things about you that matter most.
We all have the ability to do that.  You don’t have to answer the Top 10 objections to the Bible or know what makes Catholics different from Lutherans.  Just invest in people.  Love them.
Invest time into your neighbours.  Help them unpack the moving track.  Have them over for dinner.  Offer to watch their kids so they can have time together.  Make  them a meal for no reason at all.  Intentionally catch up with them for a coffee.  If you’re doing something together...don’t rush to pack up or get going...spend time with them.
Also Invest your prayers into your neighbours.  Ask God to bless them.  Ask God to strengthen you to represent Jesus well.  Ask God to give you his heart for your neighbours. Ask God to open your mouth with an invitation, an offer to pray, or a simple confession of your own faith, just when the time is right.
Investing in people will create opportunities for conversations and doors to share God’s love.

Evangelism involves an evangelism environment
Evangelism is God at work in and through His church…and when God is at work there is an environment where 7 elements are present;
Seven elements that help create a healthy climate for evangelism are:
1. A Warm Evangelistic Atmosphere – evangelism is seen as a priority
2. A Pervasive Spirit of Love – Congregation members go out of their way to love each other and those who are not part of the church
3. A Spirit of Excitement and Expectancy – excited people naturally share how good God is and what God is doing in their lives
4. A Sense of Urgency – people are genuinely concerned for others who are not saved and intentionally share the Good News with them.
5. An Awareness of the Supernatural at Work – people notice God’s supernatural work in their lives and the lives of others
6. A Team Spirit  -  people take seriously that they are called to work and live together as the Body of Christ
7. A Shared Vision  -  there is a vision that is shared and lived out by the congregation

Evangelism involves interacting with a secular society
How should Christians relate to a secular society that does not know Jesus? Paul’s letter to Titus sheds light on this scenario, showing us how God’s grace should motivate Christians to be good citizens and neighbours.   Read Titus 3:1-8
The reality is Christians are a minority in our secular culture, which largely doesn’t honour Jesus. That’s not going to change, but there’s an ongoing debate among Christians about how we approach a secular culture that doesn’t agree with us about Jesus.
As we think about our relationship with our society, it’s important to remember without God we would be far from Him, He saves us through his grace. It’s with this grace in mind that Paul teaches us, through his letter to Titus, how we should respond to a secular society.
GRACE RESULTS IN GOOD CITIZENS
Grace encourages us to be good citizens, obey the law, submit to authority, and not cause rebellion, strife, or insurrection, obeying the laws of the land except when they require us to disobey Christ. 
GRACE RESULTS IN GOOD WORKS
Christians should care about the people living around us both in our church and in our city, and we should be active in working toward the common good. 
GRACE RESULTS IN GOOD WORDS
Christians shouldn’t speak evil of anyone. We may disagree with someone, but we can still respect them. This is one of the ways we reflect the goodness of God. It’s not that we don’t call out false doctrine, but we do it in a respectful and loving way.
GRACE RESULTS IN GOOD MANNERS
Christians should be courteous to all people. Good manners are very important, because the basic posture of a Christian is that we see others as more important than us. That means we treat them with respect, dignity, and honour.
If we’re going to live out our calling to reflect Christ in our lives and be filled with the Holy Spirit whilst we live in a culture that is toxic, living GRACEFULLY is essential…. 

Evangelism involves allowing everything and every situation to be used for God’s glory
Romans chapter 8 verse 28 says And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
The truth is every situation we face or we are involved in, is a situation to help others see and know about a loving God.   Take some time to think about what this means and to consider what is happening in your life then think about how people can see a loving God through you in these situations.   
• When life is going well, what can you do to help people see and know about our loving God?   
• When life is normal, what can you do to help people see and know about our loving God?  
• When life is tough and difficult, what can you do to help people see and know about our loving God?     
1 Peter chapter 3 verse 15 gives us an insight in how to intentionally glorify God in all situations. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.   

Evangelism involves and is the Proclamation of Jesus Christ!-
Read Acts 8:4-8
One of the most often misquoted and misused quotes when it comes to evangelism is a quote attributed to St Francis, “preach the Gospel all of the time and, when necessary, use words!”  DUMB!  There are at least two problems with this quote.  First it has been taken out of context.   Second the Bible actually says using words are important…God said in Romans 10:14-17, it's through The Word that people are saved.
Listen, good deeds are never a bad thing…but think about this; how can cutting someone’s grass or paying for their coffee be evangelism…unless they are verbally connected to God and His love! The biblical definition of evangelism is when we proclaim Christ.  The Bible says in Acts 8:5 that Phillip proclaimed CHRIST…Acts 4:12 says there is no other name by which we must be saved…I Timothy 2:5 says there is ONE mediator, and we’ve been commissioned and commanded by Jesus with this calling/responsibility! (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:45-48, John 20:21, Acts 1:8, II Corinthians 5:17-21!).  

Evangelism involves your plans and life being disrupted…….
In Acts 8:4-8 Phillip is declaring Christ to the crowds of people, but read a bit further to Acts 8:26, God specifically speaks to his heart and leads him in a different direction.   One of the things we’ve got to do is beg for God to disrupt our plans, our life and our “normal” routines, therefore making ourselves available to do whatever He wants us to do.   If you are living as one of God’s disciples expect your life to be interrupted, for God to take you in a different direction.  If you would like to discover more about this subject pick up the book Just walk across the room by Bill Hybels…

Evangelism involves God preparing the hearts of people
God is preparing the hearts of the people He is prompting us to share Christ with!  Check out Acts 8:27-28. The reason God sent Phillip down this road is that He was working on the heart of a man who desperately needed Him! Please understand that we never know what God may be doing in someone else’s life.  They may portray that they have it all together and they are not interested, but you never know what God is doing in their hearts.  If God is prompting you to share Christ with someone, then He has gone ahead of you and is preparing them as well!

© 2014 Pastor Richard Schwedes.....Congregations, pastors and those involved in ministry are free to use these to encourage others in mission...including as discussion starters, devotions, in bulletins and in church newsletters....acknowledgement is appreciate....you are welcome to contact Pastor Richard Schwedes richardschwedes@gmail.com 

You are never too old (illustration/discussion starter_

You are never too old to be loving and serving, to be sharing the Good News

Bulletin teaching snippets: Evangelism involves.....(Jan-Feb '14)

The following Evangelism involves...snippets appeared in the Portland-Heywood Lutheran Church bulletin in January and February 2014

Evangelism involves sharing what is good about God’s church (His people)

Take some time to think about your conversations about God and the church over the last week or two.  Have they been dominated by positive, good news or negative, bad news?

One day two brothers Mark and Matthew who went to the same church left church and went to visit their mother who was sick in bed.  When they arrived their mother asked, how was church?   To which Mark replied…. not good…the sermon went for too long, the singing was dreadful, someone forgot to put on the heaters, there were some strange people there who sat in the Jones’ pew which upset them and the coffee was terrible…She then turned to Matthew who replied…..ahh the sermon was spot on Pastor made some great points and I was able to understand something a bit clearer I had been struggling with, it was great to have a couple of new songs, there were four new families and two of them said they would be joining us, Mr Rupert who hadn’t been at church since he had the argument with Joshua was back and I had a great conversation with your friend Ida over coffee.   Their mother said “did you both go to the same church?….Matthew can you pick me up next week and take me to your church?”

The reality is in church many things are happening….some good and some not so good…at times even the one event can be seen as good by some but not good by others.   God encourages us to speak what is good about His church, which means talking what is good about His people to others, because that is part of sharing God’s good news.  

Evangelism involves praying

Prayer is essential in the Christian's life.  Without it your witness will be far less effective and you will be far more vulnerable to the enemy.  When you witness, you need the blessing and support of the Lord.  You need to be in fellowship with Him.  Prayer makes this all possible.

When you witness you plant the seeds of the Gospel, but it is God who causes the growth (1 Cor. 3:6-7).  In prayer you ask God to give that growth.  In prayer you ask God to convict the unrepentant of their sin and by that awaken in them the need for salvation.  In prayer you, "...let your requests be made known to God," (Phil. 4:6).  Think about your own life, there have been many people praying for you .

What to pray for:

Pray for more people to witness.  (Matt. 9:37-38). 

Pray for compassion for the lost.  (Romans 10:1)

Pray for the desire to witness. 

Pray for boldness.  (2 Tim. 1:7-8).

Pray to the Lord to bind Satan and his angels.

Pray for your needs.  (Phil. 4:6)

Evangelism involves allowing God to use you today, as you are and where you are!!!

Sometimes we think we need to change and be better before we can evangelise and be God’s witnesses.   Bible studies and courses, especially in the area of evangelism and witnessing are good and helpful, they will help you understand God better and how better to be one of His disciples.  That is why we encourage everyone in our congregation to be part of a life group.  However to be a witness for God and evangelise on His behalf we can begin today.  1st Corinthians 1:18-31 reminds us that it is ultimately not about us….but about God.  So it is about what God is doing for us, in us and through us.  

Take a few moments today to consider what has God done for you, how has God changed you and how is God calling you to live differently.   Then be prepared to share with the other people in your life through what you say and do. 

Evangelism involves being influenced by God to be an influencer on god’s behalf

Ephesians chapter 2 verse 10 says For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  As Christians who worship regularly and study the bible frequently we are constantly being influenced by God.  We have the opportunity to see the world and our life differently, especially to have hope that extends way past our life on this earth.   God’s influence on us can also have an impact on others, when we understand that we are also called to be God’s influencers amongst the people we interact with.  Take a moment to think about who am I mixing with….what do they need to hear and know about God….Is there an opportunity to speak a word of Godly hope?  Is there an opportunity to show someone that they are loved even though they may not deserve it?  Is there an opportunity help someone see the church and other people differently?  Look for the opportunities for God to use you to influence someone around you this week. 

Evangelism involves being patient

2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.   Patience is an important quality for everyone involved in helping others become disciples.  As we share and re-share the Gospel with people it can be easy to become disenchanted if people are not responding instantly.   But remember God’s Gospel involves change in attitudes, belief and behaviour.  And most people by nature struggle when it comes to change, especially change that involves acknowledging they didn’t have it right or all together.  However over time, God through people like me and you constantly sharing His word verbally and in action, will affect people and overcome their resistance to change so they can enjoy eternal life. 

Evangelism involves loving as God loves……

In Matthew 5:44-45 and Matthew 5:48 we hear Jesus say: But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven….. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.   This is a big call, to love like God loves!!!  The type of love we should aim to share with others, should replicate the love God has for us if we are aiming to live as God’s disciples.    Romans 5:8 clearly indicates what this love looks like… But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  In other words whilst we were living as enemies to God…God was still loving us….Now there are many situations in our lives where we will encounter people who will oppose us, who will act as if they are our enemies….God’s call for us is to keep  the mission he has given us in mind, to make disciples of all nations, when responding to them.  Ask yourself how can I show God’s love and grace to people so that I can help them be God’s disciples?   

© 2014 Pastor Richard Schwedes.....Congregations, pastors and those involved in ministry are free to use these to encourage others in mission...including as discussion starters, devotions, in bulletins and in church newsletters....acknowledgement is appreciate....you are welcome to contact Pastor Richard Schwedes richardschwedes@gmail.com 

Evangelism involves......sharing what is good about God's church (His people)

Take some time to think about your conversations about God and the church over the last week or two.  Have they been dominated by positive, good news or negative, bad news?
One day two brothers Mark and Matthew who went to the same church left church and went to visit their mother who was sick in bed.  When they arrived their mother asked, how was church?   To which Mark replied…. not good…the sermon went for too long, the singing was dreadful, someone forgot to put on the heaters, there were some strange people there who sat in the Jones’ pew which upset them and the coffee was terrible…She then turned to Matthew who replied…..ahh the sermon was spot on Pastor made some great points and I was able to understand something a bit clearer I had been struggling with, it was great to have a couple of new songs, there were four new families and two of them said they would be joining us, Mr Rupert who hadn’t been at church since he had the argument with Joshua was back and I had a great conversation with your friend Ida over coffee.   Their mother said “did you both go to the same church?….Matthew can you pick me up next week and take me to your church?”
The reality is in church many things are happening….some good and some not so good…at times even the one event can be seen as good by some but not good by others.   God encourages us to speak what is good about His church, which means talking what is good about His people to others, because that is part of sharing God’s good news.  

Discussion Starter: Biggest issue for the mainline church is Grandparents and Parents whose children have deserted the church

Imagine for a moment if at least 50% of the children of those attending church.....were still attending church.....

In many mainline churches... a lot (not all) of the next generation has deserted the church...

Now this is causing significant issues.....

It causes issues for the congregation who:

• often have structures that suit a time when there were many possible future leaders to fill positions.
• no longer have attenders who are able to give financially like they used to and do not have the skills or fitness to give physically like they used to.
• are often ministering and doing mission in a way that is suitable to the past....helping children grow in the faith who have always been part of the church but not connecting to those who have resentment or have never connected really to the Christian community.

And the real people it causes issue for are the Grandparents and parents:

• Some of them blame the church, pastors, leaders and others in the church community for their children and grandchildren not being part of the community.
• Some of them blame the evils of the world...like Sunday Sport, busyness, work, etc.
• Some of them blame themselves.
• Some of them worry about their child and grandchilds eternal future...but don't know what to do because they want to have a positive earthly life with them now.
• Some will think getting a child baptised is enough...
• Some of them seem to continue living only for themselves and not the next generation...

Reflection Time

Take some time to reflect on Psalm 71:18

Even when I am old and gray, 

do not forsake me, O God, 

till I declare your power to the next generation, 

your might to all who are to come. 

How can we help those in your congregation help those whose children and grand children are not in a living relationship with God....so they know of God's real power???

Discussion Starter: When it comes to evangelism what can we learn from the Early Church?

The church father Augustine wrote an evangelism course entitled ‘On the Instruction of Newcomers’ (Latin title: De Catechizandis Rudibus).  This book showed that from the time of the early church newcomers to the faith went through an initiation process that consisted of three stages.  
First, they were considered inquirers. 
If their interest was serious they became catechumens at which point they received thorough instruction into the Christian faith over a considerable period of time.  
Finally, if it became clear that they had come to faith they became competences – which meant that they were ready to be baptized.
It is also interesting to note that throughout this process newcomers were expected to attend church services and participate in a program of instruction….which wasn’t just the pastor’s responsibility but involved many others in the congregation.  

Who is involved in helping new Christians be part of the faith in your congregation?
How are people initiated into the faith through your congregation?0
How are you helping a person who is interested in the faith???

Discussion Starter: Evangelism involves spending time in prayer and relying on God

Evangelism involves spending time in prayer and relying on God
Prayer is often referred to as the engine room of the church.  It is therefore essential that we spend time in prayer before, during and after any work we do on God’s behalf, and this also applies when it comes to evangelism.  Evangelism is about bringing the message of God and His love to them into the lives of people so that God can affect their hearts and attitudes and people love and serve Him.  Take some time everyday to pray about those people who you intend to share God’s love with, have shared God’s love with and the next 24 hours to come that you will have many opportunities to share God’s love.

Talk about why prayer is important for evangelism

Discuss what you believe our responsibilities are and what are God's responsibilities when it comes to evangelism

Discussion Starter: Evangelism involves being prepared to persevere with those who reject us

Evangelism involves being prepared to persevere with those whom may reject us

In chapter one of Jonah…Jonah is not prepared to persevere with the mission and people God has placed before him…instead he escapes from that and ends up in a mess….As you read through the writings of the New Testament that give us an insight into the early church, one common theme that strikes is perseverance.  We have passages like Galatians 6:9…And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up….and Hebrews 10:36…For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised….Perseverance is not being foolish about life and willing subjecting yourself to pain for no reason at all…it is about being focussed on God’s mission and the people He is calling you to interact with…so they have the opportunity to experience God’s love and blessings…So who do you need to persevere with when it comes to sharing God’s mission????

Discussion Starter: Evangelism Involves giving people hope

Throughout the history of Christianity there havr been Churches (that is bunches of Christians) generously helping people in need…
Sometimes this has been through organised efforts, like when a disaster happens. Other times this has been through one person reaching out to another to check they are ok, offering help and introducing them to others who can help them. There is good reason for Christians to offer help to those in need, it brings them hope…hope that life will be better…and when we offer help in such a way that introduces people to Jesus.... we are connecting them to hope that will last forever…check out Matthew 5:16...
What ways can we offer hope to people so that they connect to Jesus?

Reflection: Flying with Herb - love not fear

Michael Newman a mission director/facilitator with teh Lutheran Church Missouri Synod regulaly writes a reflection piece.   In His reflection piece Flyign with Herb he reminds us of the importance of love over fear to read Flyign with Herb visit http://www.mnewman.org/blog.php

Evangelism Discussion: Being open about your faith

Recently Gary Ablett, arguably one of Australia's best footballers put the following photo on twitter 

Beside the photo appeared the verse from 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,  do it all for the glory of God...
Something to think and discuss....
How can you help others know you are a Christian?
What does it mean to do whatever you do for the glory of God?

Evangelism Discussion: Evangelism involves God living through us

One day a young girlsaid to her mother…I am confused about what the pastor said…If God is bigger than me…and I am very small….how can God live in me. Her mother replied, ”Well you are right…God is bigger than you and even me, so when we allow God to live in us He will always be seen through us.” As Christians our aim in life is to allow God to be seen through us…so spend time allowing God to influence your life because when this happens people will see God through you.   What does it mean for God to live through you this week?

Evangelism Discussion: Evangelism is about loving God's ways

As Christians we are called to represent God….we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20)…this means we when it comes to love…our love needs to be shaped by God…think about the consequences of this….we are to love how God wants us to love….and to do this we need to be regularly listening to His voice…regularly worshipping…regularly studying the scriptures…regularly participating in Life Groups and discussion with other Christians so we can receive God’s recipe for love…

Take some time to explore with others...

What does it mean to love God's way?

What Bible stories and verses talk about loving God's way?

How can you put this into action?

Making Disciples: Video illustration by Francis Chan

Here is a great illustration to share with the church...to give us perspective of what it means to make disciples.....

 

Discussion Starter: The perfect church

What does it mean to be the perfect church???

Many people seem to think for us to have the perfect church we only have to get back to the early church of the New Testament....

Now read the following bible passages of Jesus leading his initial church....
Matthew 26:17-30
Mark 10:35-45
Luke 11:1-12

these are some accounts of Jesus and his church.....

What does it mean for us to be a church like the church in early days of Christianity??

From the above passages what are some positives we can learn from these early disciples and Jesus???

Discussion Starter: Is it possible to be both a Liberal and Conservative Christian??

A quick look at the difference between Liberal and Conservative theology

by John Kuhrt

As I look at this...my thoughts are is it possible for churches and Christians to live out both emphasises...what do you think??

Discussion starter: God's inclusiveness it is not straight forward

If there is one issue that we need to encourage people to get deeper into is the issue of what does it mean for God to be inclusive?

Here is the problem like so many other issues for Christians (and others trying to understand Christianity)....our starting point for what it means for God to be inclusive needs to come from God's perspective (so diving into scripture is absolutely essential and also as we dive into scripture we need to allow more than one or two verses or stories help us see what it means to be inclusive).  The problem is at times we often allow other sources to inform us what it means to be inclusive without first considering God's perspective on the issue.  

So here is a start....check out the following:
Acts 1:7-8
Matthew 28:18-20
Galatians 3:26-4:7
John 3:16-17
Acts 10:45-46
Galatians 5:2-6
Romans 1:14-17
Romans 3:27-31
Romans 10:12-13
Colossians 3:5-11
Ephesians 2:12-22
John 4:1-26
John 14:6

As you read these verses think about:
How is God inclusive according to these verses?
How is God exclusive according to these verses?
What does this mean for you as a Christian and for us as congregation representing God on this earth?

Discussion starter: All age baptism or infant baptism?

The term infant baptism...or the chant we baptise infants is a frequent statement by many in the Lutheran Church....
The statement is a good reminder that God welcomes even the youngest person, that everyone needs God's saving and that baptism is not primarily about what we do...but is what God is doing!!!
The statement is also used to distinguish ourselves from those churches and their theology who do not baptise infants.....

But is there a problem in using the term infant baptism???

The problem is, some see the term as exclusive rather than inclusive.   For some it implies that those who are baptised as infants are more important than those who are baptised later in life and for others they think that the the baptism of infants is something different than baptising older people ....but this is not the case, check out Galatians 3:26-29 and Ephesians 4:4-5

So wouldn't be better to use the term...we baptise people of all ages!!!


What do you think?


For resources and discussion on baptism http://lutheranmission.blogspot.com.au/2008/07/why-baptise-people-of-all-ages.html