ELDER’S LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION LEVEL - 1 ELDER’S LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION LEVEL - 1

Principles of Visitation

A Ministry of Love Love and unity are important characteristics of a Christian’s life.

A Ministry of Love “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34)

Christian love produces unity regardless of the differences It eliminates: Hate among people. Racial conflict. Social rupture. Prejudice. Small theological divergences.

Visitation is Essential An activity neglected by the church. It captivates sympathy and conquers the member’s heart. It promotes a member’s growth, spiritual nutrition, and commitment with the church.

Visitation is Essential An opportunity to know, listen, and help members. It shows that the leadership cares about their members. The pastor or elder who visits have more assiduous members.

Visitation is Essential It prevents apostasy. It fights heresies and prevents dissidents movements in the church. It puts the church leadership in contact with the members.

Visitation is Essential “Many of your church members are carrying loads they’ve never talked about. If you make visitation a part of your ministry, they may grow in respect and trust for you” ( Elder’s Handbook, p. 87).

Visitation Plan “Planning visitation to the homes should be a part of the church committee or elder committee’s agenda” (Elder’s Handbook, p. 88).

Visitation Plan List names to be visited. Divide them among leaders who are capable of visiting. Chosen people should be trained and equipped. Adjust number of visitors to the people being visited.

Who Should We Visit? New members. Elderly and sick members. Recently transferred members. Absent members. Others.

Why Visit? There are people who need us. God has asked us to do this. It is an expression of love for others. To bear each other's burdens. There is joy and satisfaction in helping others.

Qualities of Visitors or Helpers "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith" (2 Cor. 13:5, RAV). "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:9, 10).

What to Do During Visitation? Read the Bible. Pray. Sing a song/hymn. Instruct the importance of family worship. Promote church attendance. Promote the church program.

What to Do During Visitation? Promote church literature. Verify tithe faithfulness. Comfort, motivate and thank. Allow them to ask questions. Give special attention to the children. Ask for suggestions.

Approach others in Distress Sensitivity and empathy. Flexibility. Genuineness. Acceptance of differences.

Good Communication Skills Listening focuses on what the person is saying. Reflect their feelings. Listen for themes in the conversation. Avoid noxious words. Watch for nonverbal communication.

Good Communication Skills 30 minutes is enough time. Long visits tend to become social meetings. Do not say you are in a hurry and have a lot to do. Show it is a pleasure to be there.

“God’s angels will accompany you to the homes of those you visit.” (Jesus’ Lessons, p. 57)