There is a phenomenon that is sometimes difficult to explain but can best be described as “circular influence.” Concerning harmony and involvement, circular influence goes like this: by getting people involved you promote harmony, which in turn encourages people to become involved, which in turn promotes harmony. You can see the circular influence principle at … Continue reading –>
“Mel, I’m going to throw these bossy lesson guides into the trash. They aren’t helping me a bit!” “What? That’s a ridiculous thing for a Sabbath school teacher to say. I think these lessons are great.” “But they’re written like a set of management lessons to give to managers at work.” “Except the work is on a … Continue reading –>
Spiritual growth comes only as we connect with Jesus. It cannot be produced by human beings simply performing specific tasks, even witnessing and evangelism tasks. A church cannot “program” spirituality into its members. However, it is a great truth that as believers respond to God’s call to be disciples, their personal walk with the Lord … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : All church members have a field of labor where they may utilize their spiritual gifts in ministry. [Teaching Plan for Releasing Into Ministry May 28, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 7:17-20. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is. … Continue reading –>
When people show an interest in learning more about God and His church, we must choose carefully the ones who will be given this witnessing task. In a multicultural society, we would do well to assign someone of the same nationality and language as the inquirer and possibly someone of a similar age group. Furthermore, … Continue reading –>
Members of Seventh-day Adventist churches have tremendous ministry potential. Many are enthusiastic about involvement in their church’s evangelism strategies, however those in leadership are sometimes reticent to let them get involved. Behind this “only professionals can do it” mind-set is the fear that church members may do or say something wrong, causing people to turn … Continue reading –>
Many a dedicated church leader has cut short, or at best diminished, his or her effectiveness by unwillingness to share the ministry load with others. This is not a new problem generated by our fast-paced modern world. Even the great Old Testament leader Moses needed some help in seeing the big picture of shared leadership. … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Exod. 18:13–26; Matt. 7:17-18; Acts 6:1–8; John 4:36; Acts 15:36–40. Memory Text: “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (Romans 10:15, NKJV). Key Thought: It is not enough for … Continue reading –>
I love simple. Everything I own fits in the back of a small U-Haul truck with plenty of space left over. Still, about twice a year, I go through my apartment just looking for things to throw away to keep life simple and clutter free. When I was a kid I loved Taco Bell. Back … Continue reading –>
Formulate Evangelistic Strategies As your church seeks to do its part in outreach, keep the following points in mind: At the very least, involve all of the witnessing or evangelism team in the strategic planning process. Ideally the whole congregation will be involved in the church’s setting of goals and direction. Initially plan for … Continue reading –>
I found a job and was doing well, but I wasn’t satisfied. I sensed that God had something else in mind for me. A friend called and offered me my dream job. It was everything I wanted, and the pay was excellent. I could rise quickly to the top of my field. It seemed perfect! … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Equipping for Evangelism and Witnessing May 23, 2012] 1. Good deeds. If all that is good is of God, what do you make of the statement in the quarterly that good deeds can be performed apart from Jesus Christ? Is that possible? What about equipping someone else for a witnessing or evangelistic program? … Continue reading –>
