WAYS TO TURN A CONVERSATION TOWARD CHRIST

We often challenge our people to be ‘on mission’ in their daily lives.   Some churches have simplified their church calendars in order to free their people up to have more time to ‘on mission’.   But we may need to help them open their eyes to …

... a parent at their child’s school. 

... a coworker they eat lunch with.

... a car pool partner.

... the pitcher on your softball team.

... their next-door neighbor. 

... a fellow parent with their child’s sporting team.

These are all people they spend a good amount of time with; people with whom they have developed friendships.

But how do they turn the conversations they have with people such as into door openers for the gospel?  Worldwide Challenge magazine, a publication of Campus Crusade for Christ, suggests these questions for turning talk toward spiritual truth.

1.       People invest time and energy into developing their careers, their bodies, and their relationships, but often neglect the spiritual dimension of their lives.  How do you actively pursue spiritual growth? 

2.       Do you think much about spiritual things? (This usually leads to conversation about what “spiritual” means – i.e. religion vs. relationship.) 

3.       How has this experience affected the way you look at God? 

4.       We’ve never had a chance to talk about your religious background.  Where would you say you are in your spiritual pilgrimage? 

5.       What is your concept of God? 

6.       Do you feel you are satisfied with your spiritual condition or is it something you are still moving toward?  May I tell you how I came to that point? 

7.       Do you find that faith and spiritual values play a role in your work? Marriage? Perspective in life? 

8.       Do you go to church?  Why or why not? 

9.       How do you think a person becomes a Christian? 

10.   Most people in America say that they believe in God.  What does believing in God mean to you? 

11.   We’ve been friends for some time now and I’ve never really talked to you about the most important thing in my life.  May I take a few moments and do so? 

12.   (Bring a friend to your church or a Christian event; then ask) What did you think about it?  Did it make any sense to you? 

13.   I’d hate for you to come to my church and not understand what it’s all about.  Let me tell you what you could expect to see and hear.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Resources to help develop your church’s stewardship generosity - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/generosity

FOR CHURCH LEADERS:  FREE shipping on all books, Bibles, and church supplies (over $50) from your friendly LifeWay store? Check it out! https://buff.ly/2vlPn3I

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: 12 ways to begin a conversation about generous giving - https://buff.ly/2mrsQej

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Ministry Grid - https://buff.ly/2IoJuER

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Digital Bundle of Ministry Grid, smallgroup.com, and WordSearch - https://buff.ly/2xWTxh1

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Adult Group Box for starting new groups - https://www.lifeway.com/en/bible-studies-for-life/adults/group-box

https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/explore-the-bible/adults/group-box

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/the-gospel-project-for-adults-adult-group-box-csb-fall-2018-P005807563-2018-FAL

FOR CHURCH LEADERS:  Reconnect - Use this simple but effective way to reconnect with those members who have dropped out or are not connected to a Bible study group. https://buff.ly/2LMD0AD

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - https://buff.ly/2Gv3CY6

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: James by Matt Chandler – https://buff.ly/2yiJmGs

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum, Hendersonville, TN, November 8-10, 2018 - https://buff.ly/2mUqCoa

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Discerning the Voice of  God by Priscilla Shirer - https://www.lifeway.com/content/lifeway/us/en/product-family/discerning-the-voice-of-god.html

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - https://buff.ly/2PbDKS7

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  What Matters Most by Karen Ehman - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/what-matters-most-leader-kit-P005802633

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Sign up for the LifeWay Men’s Newsletter - https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/ministries/men

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:  Making Space by Jeff Vanderstelt -  https://buff.ly/2MCJjrR

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Unstuck by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2vxsLty

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/the-armor-of-god-teen-bible-study-book-P005806985

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Unfolded for Teen Guys by Eric Geiger - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/unfolded-bible-study-for-teen-guys-P005799068

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Resources for True Love Waits - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/true-love-waits

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: Reaching the Next Generation - https://buff.ly/2AMJ8se

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: 5 Ways to Increase Your Volunteer Base in Kids Ministry - https://buff.ly/2prv3rv

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: What does it Mean to be a Christian - Here's a brand new resource to help children understand what it means to be a Christian. https://buff.ly/2NVCqBN

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kid Event Pro – An online Kids Ministry Event Planning system - https://buff.ly/2PaMurS

SUNDAY SCHOOL, CHURCH DOCTRINE, GREETERS, AND RESTROOMS

In conducting research that resulted in his classic book, High Expectations, Dr. Thom Rainer interviewed more than 4,000 churches and more than 1,000 individuals on what it took to reach people and how to keep them coming.  A highlight of the study was interviews with 350 people who have joined a church within one year who were previously unchurched.  They gave keen insight on what it took to reach them and what it takes to keep them coming.  Here are the results:

1.      Habit of Intentionality:  Simply put, growing churches plan to grow.  They have an intentional plan of sharing the gospel.  This habit extends to even the seemingly inconsequential.  Research showed that people picked a church because of neat restrooms and clean preschool areas.  Some people drove away from a church because it did not have adequate signage indicating where to park (for seniors, handicapped, parents with babies, etc.) and where the worship center was.

2.      Habit of Cultural Awareness:  Reaching churches understood the culture of the people they were trying to reach, particularly the “Baby Boomers” (born 1946 – 64), the “Busters” (born 1965-77), and the “Bridgers” (born 1977 – 94).  Studies show that 65% of the generation before the “Boomers” are Christians whereas only 4% of the “Bridgers” claim Christ as their Savior.  Reaching churches plan ministries that will reach this unchurched generation.

3.      Habit of High Expectations:  Rainer says that there is a direct correlation between how much is demanded of a new member and how long the new member stays active in the church. “Churches that expect much receive much,” he said.  “Churches that expect little receive little.”  Required new member classes are common in growing churches.

4.      Habit of Clear Doctrine: Rainer said the formerly unchurched told the researchers, “We want to hear about the doctrine on the front end.  We’re not going to make a commitment to a church where you will tell us about what you believe later.”  This could be in the form of a written document, or through new members classes, Sunday school lessons, or sermons.

5.      Habit of Risk Taking: “We see very few churches across America that truly act on faith,” Rainer said. “The risk-taking attitude of these churches is obvious by their willingness to lose members.  They do not make decisions based upon who might leave as a result of this.  They make decisions more on: Who will we reach?”

6.    Habit of Dynamic Small Groups: Rainer said that prior to his team’s research he had bought into the belief that Sunday School was on the decline.  But among the formerly unchurched, 68% are involved in Sunday School.  What is different between Sunday Schools of effective churches and those of ineffective churches?  “There tends to be an expectation that you are involved in ministry through that Sunday School class in effective churches,” Rainer said, “Unhealthy Sunday Schools are inward focused – they only care about themselves.  Healthy Sunday Schools are constantly looking beyond themselves.”

7.      Habit of Effective Leadership: “As the leadership of the church goes, so the rest of the church tends to go,” Rainer said.  “If the pastor is not doing it (involved in personal evangelism), then it is highly unlikely that you’ll see a congregation reaching the unchurched.

8.      Habit of Effective Preaching: Among effective churches, pastors spent an average of 20 hours a week on sermons-including the task itself.  Among ineffective churches, pastors spent an average of four hours.  “That means that something has to give (in their schedule),” Rainer said.  “What do they become?  They became Acts 6 pastor.  What do Acts 6 pastors do?  They delegate and give away ministry (assignments).”

9.      Habit of prayer: Rainer said that churches that prayed together and prayed often kept their new members.  Often, he said, church member would call up the new members and say, “We are praying specifically for you.”  Prayer ministries were operational and emphasized in 83 percent of the effective churches.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Resources to help develop your church’s stewardship generosity - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/generosity

FOR CHURCH LEADERS:  FREE shipping on all books, Bibles, and church supplies (over $50) from your friendly LifeWay store? Check it out! https://buff.ly/2vlPn3I

FOR CHURCH LEADERS:  Reconnect - Use this simple but effective way to reconnect with those members who have dropped out or are not connected to a Bible study group. https://buff.ly/2LMD0AD

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: 12 ways to begin a conversation about generous giving - https://buff.ly/2mrsQej

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: First Impressions Conference, September 27, 2018, Eastside Baptist Church, Marietta, GA - http://firstimpressionsconference.com/atlanta/

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Ministry Grid - https://buff.ly/2IoJuER

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Adult Group Box for starting new groups - https://www.lifeway.com/en/bible-studies-for-life/adults/group-box

https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/explore-the-bible/adults/group-box

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/the-gospel-project-for-adults-adult-group-box-csb-fall-2018-P005807563-2018-FAL

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/balanced-discipleship

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: James by Matt Chandler – https://buff.ly/2yiJmGs

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum, Hendersonville, TN, November 8-10, 2018 - https://buff.ly/2mUqCoa

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Discerning the Voice of  God by Priscilla Shirer - https://www.lifeway.com/content/lifeway/us/en/product-family/discerning-the-voice-of-god.html

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINI STRY:  What Matters Most by Karen Ehman - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/what-matters-most-leader-kit-P005802633

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/just-open-the-door-leader-kit-P005799558

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Unfolded by Eric Geiger - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/unfolded

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:  Making Space by Jeff Vanderstelt -  https://buff.ly/2MCJjrR

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Unstuck by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2vxsLty

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/the-armor-of-god-teen-bible-study-book-P005806985

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Unfolded for Teen Guys by Eric Geiger - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/unfolded-bible-study-for-teen-guys-P005799068

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference, Nashville, TN, October 17-19 - https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: What does it Mean to be a Christian - Here's a brand new resource to help children understand what it means to be a Christian. https://buff.ly/2NVCqBN

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS 2019 “Into the Wild” Preview Events - https://www.lifeway.com/en/events/vbs-preview

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY:  Foundations for Kids – a 260 Day Bible Reading Plan for Kids - https://buff.ly/2toFI8j

10 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time

by Pam Farrel

1.       Write a letter to God about your life. Enclose it in a stamped, self addressed envelope and give it to a friend to mail back to you in three months.  In the letter, talk to God about problem areas of your life and ways you want to grow as a Christian.

2.       Write out and personalize Scripture by inserting your name into promises relevant to your life or current struggles.

3.       Go on a Praise Walk.  Thank God for everything you see. Take the opportunity to look closely at God’s creation, praising Him for His creativity and the beauty of the world He’s crafted.

4.       Read through the Bible, marking favorite passages and making other notes.  Then give it as a gift to someone.

5.       Spend your entire time with God singing and praising Him.  Hymnals and chorus books are great resources to enliven your quiet time with personal worship.  Select songs that speak to God in the first person.

6.       Dance before the Lord like David, who danced “with all his might” (2 Sam. 6:14). (OK, this may be tough for some Baptists to do) David’s dancing was a heartfelt and spontaneous express of rejoicing.

7.       Write down every sin that continues to haunt you.  Then write 1 John 1:9 over each sin.  Destroy the list – God has.

8.       Write out a Philippians 4:8 list.  What is lovely to you, worthy of praise, excellent, etc.?  Post the list on the bathroom mirror.

9.       Pray in a posture you don’t normally use.  Try praying on your knees, prone, or standing with your face to the heavens, and your hands raised in worship.

10.   Read a different translation of the Bible.  Reading a new translation or comparing different ones can stimulate new insights into Scripture.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Resources to help develop your church’s stewardship generosity - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/generosity

FOR CHURCH LEADERS:  FREE shipping on all books, Bibles, and church supplies from your friendly LifeWay store? Check it out! https://buff.ly/2vlPn3I

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: 12 ways to begin a conversation about generous giving - https://buff.ly/2mrsQej

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: First Impressions Conference, September 27, 2018, Eastside Baptist Church, Marietta, GA - http://firstimpressionsconference.com/atlanta/

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Ministry Grid - https://buff.ly/2IoJuER

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Go Georgia, August 17 & 18, Mabel White Baptist Church/Macon - https://gabaptist.org/event/gogeorgia/

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Adult Group Box for starting new groups - https://www.lifeway.com/en/bible-studies-for-life/adults/group-box

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/balanced-discipleship

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: James by Matt Chandler – https://buff.ly/2yiJmGs

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum, Hendersonville, TN, November 8-10, 2018 - https://buff.ly/2mUqCoa

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  What Matters Most by Karen Ehman - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/what-matters-most-leader-kit-P005802633

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/just-open-the-door-leader-kit-P005799558

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:  Making Space by Jeff Vanderstelt -  https://buff.ly/2MCJjrR

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Unstuck by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2vxsLty

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: How to Develop a Guys Ministry - https://buff.ly/2orI3h0

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference, Nashville, TN, October - https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: What does it Mean to be a Christian - Here's a brand new resource to help children understand what it means to be a Christian. https://buff.ly/2NVCqBN

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kids Ministry 101 Podcast: Ministering to Families with Adopted Children -  https://buff.ly/2OtE66L

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY:  Foundations for Kids – a 260 Day Bible Reading Plan for Kids - https://buff.ly/2toFI8j

GOSPEL FOUNDATIONS

Adults

Students

Gospel Foundations is a brand new Bible study resource that tells the story of God’s plan to redeem sinners through Jesus—the gospel. From the creators of The Gospel Project, this six-volume resource is comprehensive in scope yet concise enough to be completed in just one year. Each seven-session volume is video-enhanced to help your group engage in discussion with a clear understanding of how each text fits into the storyline of Scripture.

It is a perfect resource for discipleship groups or small groups that are flexible in their meeting sequence.  There is a version for adults and one for students.  

Here are some of its features

• One-year, video-enhanced overview of the gospel storyline of Scripture
• Separate age-appropriate editions for adults and students
• Six volumes of study that clearly separate the thematic elements of the gospel story
• Seven small-group sessions per volume with accompanying videos that enable participants to engage with the story of Scripture
• Individual study opportunities for ongoing spiritual growth
• Promotional content and video
• Leader tools to help facilitate the group experience

Here are the themes of each volume:

• Volume 1: THE GOD WHO CREATES (Genesis) Explore what happened “in the beginning” as God laid the foundation of the earth and then established a path for the redemption of His people through His covenant with Abraham.
• Volume 2: A WANDERING PEOPLE (Exodus - Judges) See how God rescued His people and revealed to them their need for a greater redemption still—the redemption of their hearts from sin.
• Volume 3: LONGING FOR A KING (1 Samuel - 1 Kings)Learn how God was faithful to provide Kings who would lead His people faithfully, but they could not overthrow their greatest oppressor—the sinfulness of their hearts.
• Volume 4: THE COMING RESCUE (Hosea - Malachi)Witness how God pursued His people with a promise—the rescue from their captivity to sin and the coming of the Redeemer.
• Volume 5: GOD WITH US (The Gospels)See how God’s plan of redemption culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Rescuer, God Himself.
• Volume 6: THE KINGDOM ON EARTH (Acts-Revelation)Realize that God’s plan of redemption culminates not in an ending, but a new beginning, - a new creation where God will live forever with His People.

For more information and to order, go to: https://www.gospelproject.com/gospel-foundations/

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Resources to help develop your church’s stewardship generosity - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/generosity

Become a Welcoming Church by using Dr. Rainer’s newest books - http://thomrainer.com/welcomingchurch/

Check out the new smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Ministry Grid - https://buff.ly/2IoJuER

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Go Georgia, August 17 & 18, Mabel White Baptist Church/Macon - https://gabaptist.org/event/gogeorgia/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/balanced-discipleship

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: James by Matt Chandler – https://buff.ly/2yiJmGs

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: To Have and to Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage by Byron & Carla Weathersbee - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/to-have-and-to-hold-leader-guide-P005791140

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Job by Lisa Harper – https://buff.ly/2yrLknE

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  What Matters Most by Karen Ehman - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/what-matters-most-leader-kit-P005802633

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/just-open-the-door-leader-kit-P005799558

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:  Making Space by Jeff Vanderstelt -  https://buff.ly/2MCJjrR

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Act Like Men by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2sUeHwr

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Nashville, TN, August 10-11, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-hendersonville-tn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: How to Develop a Guys Ministry - https://buff.ly/2orI3h0

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference, Nashville, TN, October -

https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Levels of Biblical Learning from birth to preteens - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/levels-of-biblical-learning?intcmp=SRDR-biblical-levels-of-learning

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY:  Foundations for Kids – a 260 Day Bible Reading Plan for Kids - https://buff.ly/2toFI8j