Principles of Christian Witnessing

Acts 1:15 Acts 2:41,42 Acts 4:4 Acts 5:14 Acts 6:1,7 Acts 9:31 Acts 16:5 Acts 21:20 Church Growth in The New Testament 120 disciples 120 disciples 3000 new converts 3000 new converts 5000 men 5000 men More and more More and more Increasing Increasing Grew in numbers Grew in numbers Church planting Church planting Many thousands Many thousands

The Need of Involvement “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers” “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers” Gospel Workers, pp

Percentage of Involvement Percentage of Involvement %

Why Are People Not Involved? Lack of confidence Lack of confidence Problem of unknown potential Problem of unknown potential Have never been asked Have never been asked No training No training Limited understanding of role Limited understanding of role No motivation No motivation

Lack of Confidence I am afraid I am afraid I am not good enough I am not good enough I don’t have power to do that I don’t have power to do that I am too old I am too old I am not a theology graduate I am not a theology graduate

Problem of Unknown Potential The History of Yates Pool The History of Yates Pool

Have Never Been Asked Research on Volunteerism Research on Volunteerism

No Training “Many would be willing to work if they were taught how to begin” Christian Service p. 59. “Many would be willing to work if they were taught how to begin” Christian Service p. 59.

Limited Understanding of Roles Evangelism is the role of pastors Evangelism is the role of pastors Membership’s role is to support the pastor financially Membership’s role is to support the pastor financially

Mistaken Division Clergy-Laity Spiritually Strong Spiritually Strong Spiritual Calling Spiritual Calling Special Rewards Special Rewards Spiritually Weak Secular Calling Ordinary Rewards

Gratian (Died in 1160) “There are two kinds of Christians.” “There are two kinds of Christians.”

Stephen of Tournai (Died 1203) “Two kinds of people: one lower and one higher.” “Two kinds of people: one lower and one higher.”

Martin Luther God wants to accomplish His work through the laity God wants to accomplish His work through the laity Christ does not have two bodies or two different kinds of bodies Christ does not have two bodies or two different kinds of bodies

Biblical Meaning of Laity “Laos” means “A special people” or God’s own people “Laos” means “A special people” or God’s own people O.T.= Israel O.T.= Israel N.T.= Those who believe in Christ and accept Him as their Lord and Saviour N.T.= Those who believe in Christ and accept Him as their Lord and Saviour

Understanding the Roles of Laity “The idea that the minister must carry all the burdens and do all the work is a great mistake.” “The idea that the minister must carry all the burdens and do all the work is a great mistake.” Christian Service, p. 68. Christian Service, p. 68.

Theology of Involvement Gospel Commission - Biblical Command Gospel Commission - Biblical Command Theology of Priesthood of Believers Theology of Priesthood of Believers Theology of The Body of Christ Theology of The Body of Christ Theology of Gifts Theology of Gifts

The Gospel Commission “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” Matthew 28:19, 20. Matthew 28:19, 20.

The Priesthood of Believers “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9.

The Body of Christ “For as the body is one and has “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members many members, but all the members of that body, being many, are one of that body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” body, so also is Christ.” (1 Cor. 12:12)

Spiritual Gifts “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. Thee are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.” “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. Thee are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.” 1 Cor. 12:4,5. 1 Cor. 12:4,5.

The First Task of The Pastor Within the church To equip, teach and strengthen the To equip, teach and strengthen the laity to carry on its ministry in the world laity to carry on its ministry in the world

Christian Service, p. 69 “The minister should not feel that it is his duty to do all the talking and all the laboring and all the praying; he should educate helpers in every church.”

Greatest Help “Let the minister devote more of his time to educating than to preaching. Let him teach the people how to give to others the knowledge they have received” (7T 20). “Let the minister devote more of his time to educating than to preaching. Let him teach the people how to give to others the knowledge they have received” (7T 20). “The greatest help than can be given our people is to teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him, not on the ministers” (7T 19). “The greatest help than can be given our people is to teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him, not on the ministers” (7T 19).

Too Many Sermons “The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died?” (6T 431). “The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died?” (6T 431).

The Role of Laity PRIMARILY MINISTRY IN THE WORLD: Proclamation Proclamation Service Service Fellowship Fellowship

Working Together “Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields” Christian Service, p. 67. “Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields” Christian Service, p. 67.

“Every soul whom Christ has rescued is called to work in His name for the saving of the lost” Christian Service, p. 10.

“To every one work has been allotted, and no one can be a substitute for another” Christian Service, p. 10.

“Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver” Christian Service, p. 9.

No Involvement? “Those who do not take up the work, those who act with the indifference that some have manifested, will soon lose their first love, and will begin to censure, criticize and condemn their own brethren.” Christian Service, p Christian Service, p. 115.

“When the churches are left to inactivity Satan sees to it that they are employed. He occupies the field, and engages the members in lines of work that absorb their energies, destroy spirituality, and cause them to fall as dead weights upon the church” 6T, 425. “When the churches are left to inactivity Satan sees to it that they are employed. He occupies the field, and engages the members in lines of work that absorb their energies, destroy spirituality, and cause them to fall as dead weights upon the church” 6T, 425. No Involvement?

Why Witness?

Motivating Factors of Witnessing Witnessing is a biblical command Witnessing is a biblical command Witnessing brings joy to God’s heart Witnessing brings joy to God’s heart Witnessing is the heart’s response to love Witnessing is the heart’s response to love Witnessing contributes to spiritual life Witnessing contributes to spiritual life The church: The body of Christ The church: The body of Christ Witnessing is related to His second coming Witnessing is related to His second coming

Witnessing is a Biblical Command “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19,20 Matthew 28:19,20

“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” “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” Acts 1:8. Acts 1:8. Witnessing is a Biblical Command

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you” Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you” Isaiah 60:1 Isaiah 60:1 Witnessing is a Biblical Command

“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 13:47 Acts 13:47 Witnessing is a Biblical Command

“Return to your house and describe what great things the Lord has done for you” Mark 5:19. “Return to your house and describe what great things the Lord has done for you” Mark 5:19.

The lost coin - Luke 15:8-10 The lost coin - Luke 15:8-10 The prodigal son - Luke 15:11-32 The prodigal son - Luke 15:11-32 The lost sheep - Luke 15:4-7 The lost sheep - Luke 15:4-7 Witnessing Brings Joy to God’s Heart

Witnessing is the Response to Love “The love of Christ “The love of Christ constrains us…” constrains us…” 2 Corinthians 5:14 2 Corinthians 5:14

When Jesus is in The Heart “No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a DESIRE TO MAKE KNOWN TO OTHERS WHAT A PRECIOUS FRIEND HE HAS FOUND IN JESUS. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart” “No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a DESIRE TO MAKE KNOWN TO OTHERS WHAT A PRECIOUS FRIEND HE HAS FOUND IN JESUS. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart” The Desire of Ages 141. The Desire of Ages 141.

Witnessing Contributes to Spiritual Life God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ’s, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy, the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice, we must participate in His labor for their redemption” DA 142. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ’s, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy, the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice, we must participate in His labor for their redemption” DA 142.

“… strength to resist evil is best gained by aggressive service...” “… strength to resist evil is best gained by aggressive service...” Acts of the Apostles p. 105 Acts of the Apostles p. 105 Witnessing Contributes to Spiritual Life

The Church – The Body of Christ

The Body of Christ The body has Many Parts The body has Many Parts Several Parts become a System Several Parts become a System Respiratory System Respiratory System Digestive System Digestive System Cardiovascular System Cardiovascular System Muscular Skeletal System Muscular Skeletal System

Use What You Have in Your Hands

Witnessing is Related to the Coming of Jesus “And this gospel of the kingdom “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” Matthew 24:14. Matthew 24:14.

“The essential Latter Rain cannot come until the “largest portion of the church are... laboring together with God” EGW, RH 7/21/1896 “The essential Latter Rain cannot come until the “largest portion of the church are... laboring together with God” EGW, RH 7/21/1896 Witnessing is Related to the Coming of Jesus

Time Is Short “Time is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work” 9T, 27. “Time is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work” 9T, 27.

God Is Robbed

“We are to encourage souls to attract them, and thus win them to the Saviour. If this is not our interest, if we withhold from God the service of heart and life, we are robbing Him of influence, of time, of money and effort. In failing to benefit our fellow men, we rob God of the glory that should flow to Him through the conversion of souls” 6 T, 427. God Is Robbed

Process of Witnessing

“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people” Ministry of Healing, p. 143.

The Method of Jesus He mingled with men as One who desired their good He mingled with men as One who desired their good He showed sympathy He showed sympathy He ministered to their needs He ministered to their needs He won their confidence He won their confidence He bade them, “Follow Me.” He bade them, “Follow Me.”

“From Christ's method of labor we may learn valuable lessons. He did not follow only one method; in various ways He sought to gain the attention of the multitude, that He might proclaim to them the truths of the gospel” “From Christ's method of labor we may learn valuable lessons. He did not follow only one method; in various ways He sought to gain the attention of the multitude, that He might proclaim to them the truths of the gospel” Welfare Ministry, p. 59. Welfare Ministry, p. 59. The Method of Jesus

Social Embarrassment Social Embarrassment Genuine Spirituality Genuine Spirituality Emotional Security Emotional Security Divine Healing Divine Healing Physical Food Physical Food Wedding Feast Nicodemus Woman at the Well Man at the Pool Hungry Multitude The Method of Jesus

The Law of The Human Mind

“IN ORDER TO LEAD SOULS TO JESUS, THERE MUST BE A KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN NATURE.” “IN ORDER TO LEAD SOULS TO JESUS, THERE MUST BE A KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN NATURE.” 4 TESTIMONIES, P TESTIMONIES, P. 67

The Law of Human Compassion The Law of Human Compassion The Law of Receptivity The Law of Receptivity The Law of Divine Providence The Law of Divine Providence The Law of The Human Mind

Christ’s Methods The Law of Human Compassion LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS: LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS: 1. To the scribe he said: “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” 1. To the scribe he said: “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” 2. To the Canaanite woman: “Great is thy faith.” 2. To the Canaanite woman: “Great is thy faith.” 3. To the Roman centurion: 3. To the Roman centurion: “Forgive them.”

Effectiveness in Communication

Why Ministries of Compassion? Adventists’ work is to “first meet the temporal needs,” and “then find an open avenue to the heart” where they can “plant good seeds of virtue and religion.” 4 Testimonies, p Adventists’ work is to “first meet the temporal needs,” and “then find an open avenue to the heart” where they can “plant good seeds of virtue and religion.” 4 Testimonies, p. 227.

Community Service is a Great Umbrella Under which all our acts of Helping our Fellowmen are Included Feed the hungry Feed the hungry Clothe the naked Clothe the naked Welcome stranger Welcome stranger Visit the sick Visit the sick Visit the prisoner Visit the prisoner Visit the widow Visit the widow Visit the orphan Visit the orphan Refresh the thirsty Refresh the thirsty Comfort those in trouble, bereaved Comfort those in trouble, bereaved Matthew 14:16 Luke 3:11 Matthew 25:35 Matthew 25:36 Matthew 25:35 James 1:27 Matthew 25:35 2 Corinthians 1:4

Who is our Neighbor? “Any human being who needs our sympathy and our kind offers is our neighbor. The suffering and destitute of all classes are our neighbor; and when their wants are brought to our knowledge, it is our duty to relieve them as far as possible” 4T, 266. “Any human being who needs our sympathy and our kind offers is our neighbor. The suffering and destitute of all classes are our neighbor; and when their wants are brought to our knowledge, it is our duty to relieve them as far as possible” 4T, 266.

Look Upon Every Client as a Child of God for whom Christ Died We have not fully done our duty when we fill the stomach and cover the naked. We have not fully done our duty when we fill the stomach and cover the naked. Our work is not done until they also have heard about Jesus and won them for Christ if possible. Our work is not done until they also have heard about Jesus and won them for Christ if possible.

Life of Service “Christ’s followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true objective of life is ministry” Christ’s Object Lessons, p “Christ’s followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true objective of life is ministry” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 326.

Keys to Discovering Receptivity FAMILY DILEMMA FAMILY DILEMMA EMOTIONAL CRISIS EMOTIONAL CRISIS FINANCIAL CRISIS FINANCIAL CRISIS HEALTH PROBLEM HEALTH PROBLEM WORLD TRAUMA WORLD TRAUMA PERSONAL CRISIS PERSONAL CRISIS

Receptivity – Rating Scale

The Spiritual Interest Line

The Law of Divine Providence “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working” “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working” John 5:17 John 5:17

Divine Providence THE CONVERSION OF PAUL THE CONVERSION OF PAUL THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS THE CONVERSION OF AN ETHIOPIAN THE CONVERSION OF AN ETHIOPIAN

Finding Interest Oikos Principle: Oikos means “house” (Greek) Oikos means “house” (Greek) Bible: “household” extended family Bible: “household” extended family Biblical examples: Abraham, Joseph, etc. Biblical examples: Abraham, Joseph, etc.

Oikos Principle “This was the way the Christian Church was established. Christ first selected a few persons and bade them follow Him. They then went in search of their relatives and acquaintances, and brought them to Christ. This is the way we are to labor. A few souls brought out and fully established in the truth will, like the first disciples, be laborers for others.” Welfare Ministry, p. 60

How Do People Join the Christian Church? SPECIAL NEED1-2% SPECIAL NEED1-2% WALK-IN2-3% WALK-IN2-3% PASTOR5-6% PASTOR5-6% VISITATION1-2% VISITATION1-2% SUNDAY SCHOOL4-5% SUNDAY SCHOOL4-5% EVANGELISTIC CRUSADES 1/2-1% EVANGELISTIC CRUSADES 1/2-1% CHURCH PROGRAM1-3% CHURCH PROGRAM1-3% FRIEND/RELATIVE75-90% FRIEND/RELATIVE75-90%

How An Oikos Works Ron Johnson’s Oikos in Action Ron Johnson - baptized in May 1974 Ron Johnson - baptized in May 1974 He brought His cousin Ken & Mary Morris (July 1974) He brought His cousin Ken & Mary Morris (July 1974) Ken & Mary Morris brought his father and stepmother - Elmer& Ann Morris (March 1975) Ken & Mary Morris brought his father and stepmother - Elmer& Ann Morris (March 1975) Ken Morris brought his brother and sister-in- law Bob & Carol Morris (Feb. 1975) Ken Morris brought his brother and sister-in- law Bob & Carol Morris (Feb. 1975)

Oikos Identification Worksheet Family______ Family______ Close Friends______ Close Friends______ Working Associates______ Working Associates______ Casual Acquaintances_______ Casual Acquaintances_______

Interested Individuals that Now and Then Visit the Church Visitors to Sabbath School and other programs Visitors to Sabbath School and other programs Individuals who have completed any of our Bible correspondence programs Individuals who have completed any of our Bible correspondence programs Parents of children who attend Vocation Bible School Parents of children who attend Vocation Bible School Friends from the Ingathering Program Friends from the Ingathering Program Non-SDA students studying in our Adventist schools and their parents Non-SDA students studying in our Adventist schools and their parents Regular customers of our literature evangelists Regular customers of our literature evangelists Those who have attended our evangelistic meetings who have not made their decisions for Jesus Those who have attended our evangelistic meetings who have not made their decisions for Jesus

Simple Witnessing Activities Tell to All Christ Died for All Tell to All Christ Died for All God gives the gift to all who come to Him God gives the gift to all who come to Him The church members The church members The rich/The poor The rich/The poor The degraded The degraded The dejected The dejected The sick The sick The dirty The dirty The drunken The drunken The welfare client The welfare client The abused child The abused child

The FORT Principle F - Family F - Family O - Occupation O - Occupation R - Religion R - Religion T - Testimony T - Testimony

Three Essential Elements of Testimony My Life Before Accepting Christ My Life Before Accepting Christ How I Became a Christian How I Became a Christian My Life Since I Became a Christian My Life Since I Became a Christian

The Need of a Forceful Testimony The experience of Paul before King Agrippa The experience of Paul before King Agrippa Emphasize the POSITIVE Emphasize the POSITIVE Make your testimony short Make your testimony short

Introducing the Simplicity of Salvation God God Man Man Jesus Jesus Us Us

“Present the gospel in its simplicity. Follow Christ’s example, and you will have the reward of seeing your students won to Him.” (CT 255). “Present the gospel in its simplicity. Follow Christ’s example, and you will have the reward of seeing your students won to Him.” (CT 255). Introducing the Simplicity of Salvation

What is Needed “What you need is a living experience in the things of God and simplicity in presenting the love of Christ to the lost.” “What you need is a living experience in the things of God and simplicity in presenting the love of Christ to the lost.” Sons and Daughters of God, p Sons and Daughters of God, p. 266.