Iceberg Insights Visitation: The Hidden Ministry

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Rational for Visitations “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (Ministry of Healing, 143).

Prerequisites Have a visitation chairperson Avoid duplication of tasks and overlap of visits Schedule the visit 2 persons of same gender or married couple (the aim is to maintain a reputable ministry by avoiding the very appearance of evil)

Making the Visit a Blessing 1.Prepare—Pray, select promise passage. 2.Befriend—be inclusive, listen, comment. positively about home, family, etc. 3.Read—limit comments to 2 minutes. 4.Ask—prayer requests. Show concern rather seeking to answer. 5.Pray—invite all, be specific, mention absent family members, bless the home. 6.Leave—promptly after prayer—gift. 7.Write—summary of visit.

Specific Visitations Visiting Church Members Purpose: show concern & learn about interests and talents How to conduct: Affirm importance Read-short comment Encourage attendance Remind them of resources Pray

Specific Visitations Visiting New Converts Purpose: Affirm interest, strengthen growth, stimulate Bible study How to conduct: Encourage consistent attendance Highlight importance of personal study and family worship Clarify doctrine and lifestyle questions Read a text and pray

Specific Visitations Visiting Those Weak in Faith Purpose: Revive spiritual enthusiasm and encourage them to trust in God completely How to conduct: Talk about the power of the Bible Encourage daily study Read and encouraging passage and briefly comment on how to strengthen our faith Pray

Specific Visitations Visiting Senior Citizens Purpose: show concern, offer help, instill hope How to conduct: Reminisce Sing hymns of praise Read Bible—especially texts on faith and perseverance Identify needs the church can minister to pray

Specific Visitations Visiting the Sick and Infirm Purpose: show concern, pray for healing and strength, encourage trust in God How to conduct: Talk about cheerful subjects Demonstrate optimism Read a text Identify needs Pray Leave some literature

Specific Visitations Visiting the Sick and Infirm Purpose: pray for healing, instill hope How NOT to conduct: DO NOT be pessimistic DO NOT criticize their medical treatment DO NOT give medical advice DO NOT ask detailed questions DO NOT try to supply all the answers DO NOT stay more than a few minutes

Specific Visitations Visiting Shut-Ins Purpose: show Christian friendship How to conduct: Affirm importance to God and church Make arrangements for audio/visual services Avoid comments about living alone Treat them like any other member Read a text and comment Pray

Specific Visitations Visiting During Bereavement Schedule a few days AFTER the funeral Purpose: offer sympathy and hope How to conduct: Talk about Holy Spirit & Second Coming Offer to help with chores Contact on special dates Share a scripture & pray Leave comforting literature

Rational for Visitations “The Lord desires that His word of grace shall be brought home to every soul. To a great degree this must be accomplished by personal labor. This was Christ's method. His work was largely made up of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience. Through that one soul the message was often extended to thousands” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 229).

God used one Bible Reading for the Home to convert William Cleveland, who raised 3 notable preachers that baptized over 10,000 people and trained generations of preachers to become fruitful evangelists –baptizing 1000’s more. E.E. ClevelandW.C. ClevelandH.L. Cleveland

Cleveland’s still preaching!