T4T: A Discipleship Re-Revolution: The Story Behind the ...



Group LeadersWho Thrive and MultiplyA Key to Making Disciples, Renewing Families, Revitalizing Churches and Reigniting Global MissionsBy Dan Serns - July 2020 __________My Name:My Next Step(s) in the next 30 days:By God’s grace, and with His Holy Spirit, I covenant to take my next step(s).Signed ______________________________ Date _________________30 Days Update: ContentsGroups - Foundational PrinciplesWholistic, Healthy, Growing, Multiplying GroupsInspired Counsel on Groups - BibleInspired Counsel on Groups - Ellen WhiteFamily is a Small GroupFoundational Steps1. Start groups for every reason under the sun.2. Leaders are the key to the success of groups.3. Group leaders need mentoring and accountability.4. Adventist groups will be soul-winning groups.5. How to start or transition a group.6. Start waves of groups.7. How to use groups to enter new territory.Small Group Activities Ideas (Varies by type of group)Thrive or DiePeru Adventists’ ExperienceJourney Growth Group Responsibilities Learn MoreHigh Impact InsightsGroups - Foundational PrinciplesSmall groups is not a program of the church. It must become the lifestyle of the members (Acts 2:37-47).The Early Church met at the temple and from house to house (Acts 2:46). If we aren’t meeting both places regularly, we are only half a church.Small Groups can help a congregation avoid unhealthy dependence on the pastor and church building (Exodus 18; John 2:13-22).Jesus told us to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). It is much easier to make disciples in circles than in rows.We learn best on-the-job, by saying and doing (Matthew 7:24-27).How much we remember:Read 10%, Hear 20%, See 30%, See & Hear 50%, Say 70%, Say & Do 90%If you are a Small Group Leader remember that people in the group don’t need a sage on the stage but a guide by the side (Hebrews 12:1-3).When I’m on a team, people notice my strengths. But when I try to do it all myself, they notice my weaknesses (Ecclesiastes 4:12).A healthy congregation is actually a collection of small groups (Acts 2:42-47).We need to see in every believer a future group leader, in every group a future church and in every church a future network of churches (Acts 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5).Any Adventist Church that goes 3 months without a baptism or 3 years without taking the Adventist message to a new community needs to refocus on Jesus' mission and methods and reorganize its priorities and activities (Matthew 24:14;28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8; Revelation 14:6-12).Jesus sent out small groups of 2 to find a person of peace so they could prepare the community for the coming of Jesus (Luke 9:1-6; Luke 10:1-9, 20).Wholistic, Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Groups“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”John 15:12Everyone needs a place to…Know & Be KnownLove & Be LovedServe & Be ServedCelebrate & Be CelebratedEncourage and Be EncouragedDisciple and Be DiscipledTeach and Be TaughtHave you ever experienced this?Inspired Counsel on Small GroupsExodus 18:1-27Matthew 28:18-20Mark 3:13-15Luke 9:1-10Luke 10:1-24Luke 15Acts 2:37-47Ephesians 4:11-16Others:Inspired Counsel on Small GroupsChristian Service p. 72-75Pastoral Ministry p. 148-151Testimonies volume 7 p.19-22Desire of Ages p. 818-828Acts of the Apostles - All, but especially...Chapter 9 - The Seven DeaconsChapter 10 - The Gospel in SamariaMinistry to the Cities EvangelismGospel WorkersCounsels on Sabbath School WorkSee quotations at end of manualOthers:Family is a Small Group“Train up a child in the way he should go,And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6Family is the most basic of small groupsInteresting Family Worship is the single most important factor in helping children to grow up loving Jesus and His church. Valuegenesis Study #1Principles of Interesting Family WorshipTalk with the family about a time. Begin with 10-15 minutes.Have it alone at first if necessary.Take turns with who leads out.Have variety- songs, Bible reading, memory verse, thankfulness, prayer, mission story, etc.Seven keys to happy familiesFamily WorshipFamily Time (day and vacation)Forgiveness & EncouragementFinancesFaithfulness & Sabbath-keepingFlexibility & FunFocus (on Jesus and His Second Coming)Why not invite neighbors and friends to join you for family worship one night a week? 1. Start groups for every reason under the sun.“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”Hebrews 10:25Some Types of GroupsSabbath School Group (study)Ministry Group (serve)Bible Study Group (share)Mission Group (send)Affinity Groups (Interest, Recreational, Hobby, Professionals, Women, Men, Singles, Age-specific groups, Support, Recovery, etc.) (connect)Cafe Life Groups (Reach secular people through discussions of music, movies, etc.)Start Groups as follow up to…Anointing ServicesChild DedicationsHospital VisitsBible Study interestsHouse BlessingsNew Members baptism/POF/transfer (they host while others lead)Birthday PartiesGiving Financial AssistanceDisaster ResponseEngagement/Pre-MarriageMarriage CoachingEvangelistic MeetingsSpecial SabbathsQuarterly PacketsPrinciples in Starting GroupsGroups can meet anywhere, any day, any time.Form groups around people in pain or change, trouble or transition. Reach for people’s hearts first, then their heads.When new members are involved in at least two groups it’s easier to keep them connected, growing and sharing.Churches with only one Adult Sabbath School class will have a hard time growing and multiplying.At least 1/10 as many groups as average worship attendance2. Leaders are the key to the success of groups.“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”2 Timothy 2:23 Leaders for each GroupUpreach- "How can I help each person in this group have a living connection with God each day?"Inreach- "How can I help each person in this group feel comfortable, connected and loved, especially guests, new members and those missing?"Outreach- "How can I help each person in this group let their light shine for Jesus wherever they are?"Why a team of leaders?Develops new leadersHelps avoid burnoutMeets more needsDemonstrates and develops unityPrinciples in Developing Group LeadersShortage of leaders? Beg the Lord of the harvest… Luke 10:1-3How to appoint leaders in new or existing groupsMultiply Leaders vs. Sub-divide groupsGideon Principle of Recruiting New LeadersICNUIdentify existing social networks and the leader, see if Mentor can connect.Have an idea? Use the 4 Connections to start groups - God, Partner(s), Mentor, Flock.Invest time heavily in new, young and potential group leaders. Pastor’s & Church Board Members’ role & expectations - Group participant, Group leader, Group Leader Mentor, etc.How did Jesus lead His group?He led by example.He ate and drank with them.He laughed with them. He prayed with them.He accepted them as they were.He was very patient with a very diverse group.He taught them with incremental learning.3. Group leaders need mentoring and accountability.“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”1 Thessalonians 5:12-131 Church Board Mentor for each group Principles in Mentoring Your mentor doesn’t do your ministry but listens and gives encouragement and counsel. Your mentor is your representative on the Church Board.Mentoring = Helping people succeed in their daily walk with Jesus, their relationships including family, the ministry and mission Jesus has called them to fulfill.Dumping fuel on their fire.When possible let the group leader(s) pick their own Church Board mentor.Mentoring QuestionsHow are you?How have you seen God at work recently?What challenges are you facing?How will you tackle those challenges?How can I help you?How can I pray for you?A Mentoring system (and Potential Leadership Pipeline) Elders Mentor Church Board MembersChurch Board Members mentor Group LeadersGroup Leaders mentor Group MembersGroup Members mentor people outside the group and invite them inHow Mentors Can Develop New LeadersI do, You watch, We talkI do, You help, We talkYou do, I help, We talkYou do, I watch, We talkYou do, Others watch, We talk then I go help someone else4. Adventist groups will be soul-winning groups.“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”Acts 2:46-472+ Souls won per year by each groupBaptismal dates set by faith; Dates:Baptismal prayer lists, prayer partnersLook for the most receptive people- pain, change, hospitalityBegin Bible studies- Amazing Facts, Bookmarks, etc.In groups transformation > information, relationships > knowledgeClarify by asking… Have you come to the place in my life where I can say…I have accepted Jesus as my Savior, Lord, Creator, Healer, Intercessor and Soon-coming King. I know He has forgiven all my sins and promised me a home in heaven, and He’s willing to give me victory each day of my life as I ask Him?I understand that the Bible is different from any other book ever written—it is God’s voice speaking to me. I’m willing to ask the Holy Spirit to change my life to match all the teachings of the Bible. I want to embrace all Bible truths and learn something from the Bible every day.I realize that in these last days God is raising up His final movement for the purpose of taking the gospel to all the world and encouraging each other in holy living. Just like the early Christian church, God’s final movement keeps all the commandments of God, it arose as a result of prophecy, teaches and preaches prophecy and has a prophet in it. And I want to be a part of God’s final worldwide movement.Practice explaining each Fundamental Belief in 2 minutes or less.5. How to start or transition a group.“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”Matthew 28:18-204 Connections- God, Partner(s), Mentor, Flock.Reach out to people in pain or change, trouble or transition. Personal invitations to people you know are far more effective than bulletin and platform announcements or general and social media invitations.Go for it!!!Benefits of Transitioning all groups in a church to the 4 connections model.To Start a New Group- Recruit 3 Group Leaders (including yourself) and 1 Church Board Mentor. Then start leading people to Jesus and into His final movement!To Transition an Existing Group (e.g. Choir, Pathfinders, Finance Committee, Sabbath School Class, Visitation Teams, Church Planting Core Groups, etc.)Appoint 3 Group Leaders and 1 Church Board Mentor. Then start leading people to Jesus and into His final movement!6. Start waves of groups.“And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them… Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.”Mark 6:7-13, 30-31Principles in Launching Waves of GroupsGroups have definite start and end dates (promo 4-6 weeks in advance)Groups are best if 4-12 weeks long with a break, cf. road tripStart groups on the same weekMake & circulate a list of groups based on which day of week they meetThree waves a year including times of reaping; similar to school semesters (and exam week!)Harvest Cycle - Sow, Grow [Groups], Reap, Keep, Repeat Identify leaders for next wave during last 2-3 weeks of previous waveTake a break between waves/semestersBenefits of WavesA clear beginning and end dateEasier for people to make short-term commitmentsAllows time for groups promotion and sign-upsEasier for people to get into a group when everyone is starting at the same timeMore group options - new topics offered each semesterMatches the academic calendar yearAllows for the growth that comes through a stress-and-release cycle7. How to use groups to enter new territory.“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.”Luke 10:1-7Principles for Advance TeamsRecruit your group.Target your 10k. (Public High School +)Pick your Pastor/Mentor.Request your Resources.Go for it!Follow the example of Jesus in sending out the 12 (Luke 9) and the 70 others (Luke 10).Develop a 10 year plan to take the Adventist Message & Movement to every segment of your territory (Colossians 1:6; Revelation 14:6-12).Every community of 10k people needs an Adventist church.Every neighborhood/segment of society of 1k needs an Adventist group.Role of House Churches in finishing God’s work on earth.Group Activities Ideas (Varies by type of group)And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.Acts 2:42-47Inreach (Connecting with each other)Food when possibleWelcome & Introductions (Help new people feel welcome; contact missing group members)AnnouncementsMixer Question(s)Testimonies and prayer requests*Upreach (Connecting with God) SingingConversational PrayerBible Study Read versesApplication QuestionsWhat verse spoke to you?What is your next step to put it into action?Who do you want to share this verse with?Outreach (Connecting with our mission & future members) Ask “Who can we invite to our group?” Pray God sends that personAsk God for Divine AppointmentsGive GLOW to allCircle Prayer and Group Hug*A Life of Blessings (weekly rhythm)Bless 3 PeopleListen to 3 PeopleEat with 3 PeopleSeek Jesus Through Bible Study, Prayer, Praise & Singing 7xShare progress/challenges with group 1xThrive or Die“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”1 Corinthians 15:58Groups that DieParticipation. One person talks too much (correctives - sit next to, reduce eye contact, call on others, thank them then ask to hear from others)Atmosphere. Not allow for interpersonal connection (task vs people-oriented)Length of meeting. Too long (over 1.5 hours, over 13 weeks)Practicality. Content not practical. Information > TransformationRegularity. Not consistent (cancelled, rescheduled, etc.)Emotionally Needy People. Becomes a therapy sessionRole of Bible. Bible not valued as God’s voice, not applied to lifeAttitude toward new people. New people ignored. No empty chair. Complain about who didn’t come.Groups that ThriveParticipation. Allows and invites all to share.Atmosphere. Builds a safe environment, share lives vs superficial talk (e.g. struggles & vulnerability, levels of discussion questions, not forced but encouraged participation).Length of meeting. Leave people wanting more. Recommended 60-90 minutes.Practicality. Group enriches life. Adapted to needs of people (shy, not good readers, etc.). Transformation > Information.Regularity. Consistent & also connect with each other outside group.Emotionally Needy People. Leader(s) ministers to serious situations afterward (coach and/or refer).Role of Bible. Bible valued as God’s voice, applied to life.Attitude toward new people. New people loved. Empty chair. Make it count for those who came, even if only a few.Peru Adventists’ ExperienceAugust 5, 2003 Lima, Peru .... [Julio C. Mu?oz/ANN] Melchor Ferreyra, president of the Adventist Church in Peru. Thinking small has paid off in a big way for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Peru. By using small groups of church members who reach out to neighbors, the church is doubling the number of new members joining annually, and doing a better job of keeping them in the community. Already growing by an average 25,000 members per year since 1995, the growth rate has jumped since changing its evangelistic emphasis from large public meetings in favor of small group ministries in 1999. In 2002 over 51,000 people were baptized in Peru. This year 21,000 new members have been baptized through May. Melchor Ferreyra, president of the Adventist Church in Peru, says small group ministries are not only successful in attracting new members into the church, but that the apostasy rate has dropped from 87 percent to 17 percent in the last three years. The small group phenomenon has been a tremendous success because of wide acceptance of the system. For church members it is not just a weekly obligation, but a way of life. "In reality small groups are not a method of work, it's a lifestyle," says Ferreyra, "We want the church to live in small groups and to work in small groups and also to grow in small groups." When large public meetings were the premier method of evangelism, many members were not able to participate in the process. They were spectators in the stands, according to Pastor Salomon Arana, president of the church in the Northeast region of Peru. "What's happening in Peru wasn't so easy. Just four years ago they depended on the pastor very much. Really, the pastor was central to every evangelistic program. If the pastor did not get involved, if the pastor did nothing, there was nothing," says Arana. Large-scale public evangelism did not allow the entire church to participate because it was a program "for specialists only," according to Ferreyra. Only those who knew how to do public evangelism got involved. "[Members] applauded but did not participate," he adds. Small groups encourage growth and improve member retention because their church experience consists of more than a weekly visit to a pew. Church leaders say that when members are divided into small groups they lead, guide, worry about peers, engage in visitation, and do more missionary work. Small groups also help the church reach out into the community; to people that might not otherwise be interested in coming to church. With small groups people feel more comfortable going to a home or visiting with a friend from work or neighbor that has invited them. Retaining more new members has been another benefit of small groups. Before small groups existed, new members tended to feel alone and out of place, according to Pastor Ferreyra. "The difference with small groups is that they start making friends from the beginning," he says, "through friendship, companionship with neighbors and relatives and also with work mates. That has permitted the church to add about 50,000 people per year." The small group explosion has brought much rejoicing to the church in Peru as well as two "crisis of growth," according to Pastor Ferreyra: a shortage of pastors and infrastructures, especially churches. The fact that the number of pastors has not been growing proportionately with the number of members is significant, but not crucial, since the very nature of small groups makes them very self-reliant. They organize themselves easily and are eager to help out in any way they can, easing the burden of overworked pastors that often care for multiple churches. The second crisis is far more serious. There is a desperate need for infrastructures--churches and schools--in this poor Andean nation where 54 percent of the population is below the poverty level. There are only about 1,500 churches for Peru's nearly 600,000 members. Abel Guevara, treasurer for the church in Peru's Northeastern region, believes that it would be ideal to build enough churches first, in order to receive all of the new members. The reality is that we win souls and we don't know where to place them," he adds. "The churches do not exist to place all of our members." The church in Peru was caught off guard by the membership explosion that small groups have spurred. Pastor Ferreyra admits that the lack of insufficient planning for adequate infrastructures is the result of growing too fast. "It's possible, because we have been growing much faster than we can attend our members," he says. "We're growing too fast, and I'm thinking we don't have an infrastructure development plan. We have to do it." One regional church official fears that pastors will return to what he calls the "criteria of the past," when, he says, some pastors would slow down their work and prepare for a year or two in order to buy land and build a church to receive new members. In response to the need, Maranatha Volunteers International, a lay supporting ministry, announced last month that it would build 100 churches and 14 schools in Peru as part of its "1,000 Churches in 1,000 Days" initiative. Maranatha Volunteers president Don Noble is excited about the opportunity that the new buildings will provide for the church membership in Peru. "I am convicted that God led us to be here," he says. "If we build 100 projects in this country it is going to make a difference--God is going to bless it." Although church officials are grateful for the new buildings they will receive, they realize it's just a start. They hope that the Maranatha project will be an "impulse that will generate a change of culture within the church to start the construction process," according to Pastor Ferreyra. Though some might consider holding back the reins on small group evangelism to slow down the growth, it just doesn't seem to fit with the vision of the Peruvian church. "Oh, I believe that it could be an alternative. Not to advance with the preaching until we build more churches," says Pastor Arana. "But I believe that the mission of the church is to advance. And if we don't have churches, even if it's under a tree, or under a palm, or in a garage, the church cannot stop." Pastor Ferreyra agrees and sees no signs of slowing down. He believes that by the year 2005 the church in Peru will approach 800,000 members if they continue to grow at this pace. "It's not just thinking about baptism, baptism, baptism," says Ferreyra, "because that's putting people in the boat and it won't make the boat grow. We must grow in an integrated manner." He believes that by working together with small groups and careful planning, the church will be better prepared for future growth.Journey Growth Group Responsibilities One example of a Small Group System*Journey Growth Groups Do 4 Things: 1. Meet together once a week.2. Serve together once a month.3. Play together once a semester.4. Engage in a Servant Evangelism project once a semester. *Journey Growth Group Leaders Do 4 Things: 1. Pray for group members once a day.2. Lead the group once a week.3. Meet with Team Leader in a Growth Group Huddle once a month.4. Form new groups from their current group once a semester. *Journey Growth Group Team Leaders [Church Board Mentors] Do 4 Things: 1. Pray for group leaders once a day. 2. Communicate with group leaders once a week.3. Meet with group leaders in a Growth Group Huddle once a month.4. Form groups to fill their team once a semester. *Journey Growth Group Coaches [Elders] Do 4 Things: 1. Pray for Team Leaders once a day.2. Communicate with Team Leaders once a week.3. Meet with Team Leaders once a month (3rd Mon. night of each month).4. Form groups to fill their team once a semester.Learn MoreBut be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.James 1:22-25Don’t do any additional study until you act on what you’ve already learned!Read Inspired Insights from the Bible and Ellen WhiteSerendipity Bible for Study GroupsResources I’ve found helpfulAdventistFrom House to House, by Craig Dossman, Sr.Teaching Techniques for the Adult Sabbath School, by Charles H. BetzNon-Adventist (85% good material but some parts won't fit Adventist message, mission and/or methods)Activate: An Entirely New Approach to Small Groups. By Nelson SearcyT4T: A Discipleship Re-Revolution: The Story Behind the World's Fastest Growing Church Planting Movement and How it Can Happen in Your Community!The Purpose Driven Church, by Rick Warren Successful Home Cell Groups, by Paul Yonggi ChoWhere do we go from here? By Ralph W. Neighbour, Jr.How To Grow an Effective Sunday School, by Elmer L. TownsGroups, by John Ortberg, etc.Video & Online ResourcesTransforming Your Church #12 - Ministry Teams is Discipleship Worship article, Adventist Review Other Resources:High Impact Insights“Give instruction to a wise man and he will be wiser still.” Proverbs 9:9A Hundred Workers for Christ. He who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. If men will endure the necessary discipline, without complaining or fainting by the way, God will teach them hour by hour, and day by day. He longs to reveal His grace. If His people will remove the obstructions, He will pour forth the waters of salvation in abundant streams through the human channels. If men in humble life were encouraged to do all the good they could do, if restraining hands were not laid upon them to repress their zeal, there would be a hundred workers for Christ where now there is one. {Desire of Ages 250.4}All the World. Churches are to be organized and plans laid for work to be done by the members of the newly organized churches. This gospel missionary work is to keep reaching out and annexing new territory, enlarging the cultivated portions of the vineyard. The circle is to extend until it belts the world. {Evangelism p. 19.2}Army of Youth. With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world! How soon might the end come—the end of suffering and sorrow and sin! How soon, in place of a possession here, with its blight of sin and pain, our children might receive their inheritance where “the righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever;” where “the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick,” and “the voice of weeping shall be no more heard.” Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 33:24; 65:19. {Education 271.2}Backsliding Reason & Cure. Those who profess to believe the truth, but feel no burden for the souls of others, will be continually backsliding, and it will require time and strength on the part of the minister to keep them from making shipwreck of faith, when they should be laboring with all their might to present the way of life and salvation to their friends and neighbors. Hundreds of men and women who at the present time are professedly engaged in the work of God, are not doing one-tenth that they might do if they would only improve all the powers God has given them. Some are doing literally nothing for the truth, and by their example of indifference are bringing others into the same position of uselessness, and thus are scattering from Christ. This latter class includes by far the greater number. They are thinking and planning only for themselves. Fathers and mothers with their little ones around them make their little circle their world. Every power of their being is centered on “me and mine,” and they are becoming narrower and more circumscribed every year of their lives. They do not open their hearts to the grace and love of Christ, and liberalize their nature and ennoble their being by placing themselves in sympathy with their fellow-men.—The Review and Herald, June 10, 1880. {Pastoral Ministry 146.3}Beehive Churches. During the past few years the “beehive” in San Francisco has been indeed a busy one. Many lines of Christian effort have been carried forward by our brethren and sisters there. These included visiting the sick and destitute, finding homes for orphans and work for the unemployed, nursing the sick, and teaching the truth from house to house, distributing literature, and conducting classes on healthful living and the care of the sick. A school for the children has been conducted in the basement of the Laguna Street meetinghouse. For a time a workingmen’s home and medical mission was maintained. On Market Street, near the city hall, there were treatment rooms, operated as a branch of the St. Helena Sanitarium. In the same locality was a health-food store. Nearer the center of the city, not far from the Call building, was conducted a vegetarian cafe, which was open six days in the week and entirely closed on the Sabbath. Along the water front, ship mission work was carried on. At various times our ministers conducted meetings in large halls in the city. Thus the warning message was given by many.—The Review and Herald, July 5, 1906. {Pastoral Ministry 117.3}Bible = God’s Voice. He [the follower of Christ] is to regard the Bible as the voice of God speaking directly to him. {Acts of the Apostles 474.2}Bible Study & Prayer Benefits. The time devoted to a study of God’s Word and to prayer will bring a hundredfold return. {In Heavenly Places 135.7}Bible Study Group Methods. Bible readings should be given, and believers and unbelievers should have an opportunity to ask questions on points not fully understood. Those who profess to be advocates of truth, should ask questions that will bring forth answers that will shed light upon the present truth. If any ask questions that serve to confuse the mind, and to sow doubt and questioning, they should be advised to abstain from such questioning, that others may be brought to Christ. We must learn when to speak and when to keep silent, and learn to sow seeds of faith, to reflect light and not darkness. Special meetings should be appointed for those who are interested in the truth, and who need instruction.—The Review and Herald, June 23, 1891. {Pastoral Ministry 127.3}Build Team First. In laboring where there are some already in the faith, the minister should at first seek not so much to convert unbelievers as to secure his army of workers. Let him labor for the members of the church individually, seeking to arouse them to gain a deeper experience themselves, and to work for others. When the members of the church are prepared to sustain the minister by their prayers and labors, greater success will attend his efforts.—Gospel Workers, 196. {Pastoral Ministry 151.1}Christ's Method Alone. Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour 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 143.3}Claim Jesus’ Promise. The little companies assembled to worship God on His holy day have a right to claim the rich blessing of Jehovah. They should believe that the Lord Jesus is an honored guest in their assemblies. Every true worshiper who keeps holy the Sabbath should claim the promise: "That ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you." Exodus 31:13. {Testimonies vol 6, 360.3}Discipline and Order Needed. If discipline and order are necessary for successful action on the battlefield, the same are as much more needful in the warfare in which we are engaged as the object to be gained is of greater value and more elevated in character, than those for which opposing forces contend upon the field of battle. In the conflict in which we are engaged, eternal interests are at stake. {Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 649}Do Something Every Day. God asks us to give His service the first place in our lives, to allow no day to pass without doing something to advance His work in the earth. He does not expect from all the same kind of service. One may be called to ministry in a foreign land; another may be asked to give of his means for the support of gospel work. God accepts the offering of each. … {Prophets and Kings 221.3}Don’t Distrust Lay Members. Neither Conference officer nor minister has a call from God to indulge distrust of God’s power to use every individual who is considered a worthy member of the church. This cautiousness, so-called, is retarding almost every line of the Lord’s work. God can and will use those who have not had a thorough education in the schools of men. A doubt of His power to do this is manifest unbelief; it is limiting the Omnipotent power of the One with whom nothing is impossible. O for less of this unsanctified, distrustful caution! It leaves so many forces of the church unused; it closes up the way so that the Holy Spirit cannot use men; it keeps in idleness those who are willing and anxious to labor in Christ’s lines; it discourages many from entering the work who would become efficient laborers together with God if they were given a fair chance. Those who would be laborers, who see the great necessity for consecrated workers in the church and in the world, should seek strength in the secret places of prayer. They should go forth to labor, and God will bless them, and make them a blessing to others. Such members would give strength and stability to the church. It is the lack of spiritual exercise that makes church-members so weak and inefficient; but again I would ask, Who is to blame for the state of things that now exists?—The Review and Herald, July 9, 1895. {Pastoral Ministry 153.1}Entire Church Involved. The church of Christ on earth was organized for missionary purposes, and the Lord desires to see the entire church devising ways and means whereby high and low, rich and poor, may hear the message of truth. {Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 29}Every Believer a Soul Winner. It is fatal mistake to suppose that the work of soul-saving depends alone upon the ministry. The humble, consecrated believer upon whom the Master of the vineyard places a burden for souls is to be given encouragement by the men upon whom the Lord has laid larger responsibilities. Those who stand as leaders in the church of God are to realize that the Saviour’s commission is given to all who believe in His name. God will send forth into His vineyard many who have not been dedicated to the ministry by the laying on of hands. {Acts of the Apostles 110.2}Exalt Christ’s Love. There are souls who listen to the theory of the truth and are impressed with the evidences brought out, and then if a portion of the discourse presents Christ as the Saviour of the world, the seed sown may spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. But in many discourses the cross of Christ is not presented before the people. Some may be listening to the last sermon they will ever hear, and some will never again be so situated that they can have the chain of truth brought before them and a practical application made of it to their hearts. That golden opportunity lost is lost forever. Had Christ and His redeeming love been exalted in connection with the theory of truth, it might have balanced them on His side.—Testimonies for the Church 4:393. {Pastoral Ministry 125.4}Faith vs. Hopeless Complaining. Take the word of Christ as your assurance. Has He not invited you to come unto Him? Never allow yourself to talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If you do you will lose much. By looking at appearances and complaining when difficulties and pressure come, you give evidence of a sickly, enfeebled faith. Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The Lord is rich in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in faith. Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency. {Christ’s Object Lessons 146.5}Feeling Weak? Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty name. {Desire of Ages 130}Five Minute Problem Solving. If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most difficulties. Angels have been grieved and God displeased by the hours which have been spent in justifying self. I saw that God will not bow down and listen to long justifications, and He does not want His servants to do so, and thus precious time be wasted that should be spent in showing transgressors the error of their ways and pulling souls out of the fire. {Early Writings 119.1}Give Work to Each Member. The best help that ministers can give the members of our churches is not sermonizing, but planning work for them. Give each one something to do for others. Help all to see that as receivers of the grace of Christ they are under obligation to work for Him. And let all be taught how to work. Especially should those who are newly come to the faith be educated to become laborers together with God. If set to work, the despondent will soon forget their despondency; the weak will become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all will be prepared to present the truth as it is in Jesus. They will find an unfailing helper in Him who has promised to save all that come unto Him.—Testimonies for the Church 6:49.” {Pastoral Ministry 155.2}Giving Gospel to World in This Generation. Success in any line demands a definite aim. He who would achieve true success in life must keep steadily in view the aim worthy of his endeavor. Such an aim is set before the youth of today. The heaven-appointed purpose of giving the gospel to the world in this generation is the noblest that can appeal to any human being. It opens a field of effort to everyone whose heart Christ has touched. {Education 262.1}Global Missions Emphasis Essential. To show a liberal, self-denying spirit for the success of foreign missions is a sure way to advance home missionary work; for the prosperity of the home work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence of the evangelical work done in countries afar off. It is in working to supply the necessities of others that we bring our souls into touch with the Source of all power. The Lord has marked every phase of missionary zeal that has been shown by His people in behalf of foreign fields. He designs that in every home, in every church, and at all the centers of the work, a spirit of liberality shall be shown in sending help to foreign fields, where the workers are struggling against great odds to give the light to those who sit in darkness. {Gospel Workers 465.4}Go as Far and Fast as Possible. In this country and in foreign countries the cause of present truth is to make more rapid advancement than it has yet made. If our people will go forth in faith, doing whatever they can to make a beginning, and laboring in Christ’s lines, the way will be opened before them. If they will show the energy that is necessary in order to gain success, and the faith that goes forward unquestioningly in obedience to God’s command, rich returns will be theirs. They must go as far and as fast as possible, with a determination to do the very things that the Lord has said should be done. They must have push and earnest, unwavering faith.... The world must hear the warning message.—Manuscript 162, 1905. {Evangelism 18.4}Greatest Work on Earth. The conversion of souls to God is the greatest, the noblest work in which human beings can have a part. In this work are revealed God's power, His holiness, His forbearance, and His unbounded love. Every true conversion glorifies Him and causes the angels to break forth into singing. {Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7: 52.1}Hasten Jesus’ Return. By giving the gospel to the world it is in our power to hasten our Lord's return. We are not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day of God. 2 Peter 3:12, margin…” {Desire of Ages p. 633.3}House-to-House Work. Hundreds of men and women now idle could do acceptable service. By carrying the truth into the homes of their neighbors and friends, they could do a great work for the Master. God is no respecter of persons. He will use humble, devoted Christians who have the love of the truth in their hearts. Let such ones engage in service for him by doing house-to-house work. Sitting by the fireside, such men—if humble, discreet, and godly—can do more to meet the real needs of families than could a minister.—The Review and Herald, August 26, 1902. {Pastoral Ministry 133.4}Make Appeals. Bring the people to the point to decide. Show them the importance of the truth--it is life or death. With becoming zeal, pull souls out of the fire… {Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1: 152.1}Mentoring Small Groups. The apostle [Paul] felt that he was to a large extent responsible for the spiritual welfare of those converted under his labors. His desire for them was that they might increase in a knowledge of the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He had sent. Often in his ministry he would meet with little companies of men and women who loved Jesus, and bow with them in prayer, asking God to teach them how to maintain a living connection with Him. Often he took counsel with them as to the best methods of giving to others the light of gospel truth. And often, when separated from those for whom he had thus labored, he pleaded with God to keep them from evil and help them to be earnest, active missionaries. {Acts of the Apostles 262.2}Mobilize Members. Ministers alone can never do this work. There is an abundance of talent in the church that should be put to use. There are men and women who have ability, and whom God would accept as laborers in his cause; but they are shirking responsibilities under the plea of unfitness for the work. Ladies who in the parlor can engage in conversation with wonderful tact and earnestness, shrink from pointing the sinner to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, and then kneeling in prayer, pleading that light may shine into the mind and heart of this precious one for whom Christ died. Oh! there is so much work for God and souls that is left undone because it is a cross, and because each seeks his own amusement, and works for his own selfish interest.--RH Oct. 7, 1884. {Pastoral Ministry 146.1} Neighborhood near Church. Let there be in every church, well-organized companies of workers to labor in the vicinity of that church.--Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1891. {Christian Service 72.3}New Member = New Soul Winner. Earnestly and untiringly he [every true minister] seeks to inspire the believers with a desire to win souls for Christ, remembering that every addition to the church should be one more agency for the carrying out of the plan of redemption. {Acts of the Apostles 207.1}New Places the Best. The places in which the truth has never been proclaimed are the best places in which to work. The truth is to take possession of the will of those who have never before heard it. They will see the sinfulness of sin, and their repentance will be thorough and sincere. The Lord will work upon hearts that in the past have not often been appealed to, hearts that heretofore have not seen the enormity of sin.—Letter 106, 1903. {Evangelism 21.1}Occupy Territory Quickly. You cannot afford to spend years in preparation. Soon doors now open to the truth will be forever closed. Carry the message now. Do not wait, allowing the enemy to take possession of the fields now open before you. Let little companies go forth to do the work to which Christ appointed His disciples. Let them labor as evangelists, scattering our publications, and talking of the truth to those they meet. Let them pray for the sick, ministering to their necessities, not with drugs, but with nature's remedies, and teaching them how to regain health and avoid disease. {Testimonies for the Church vol 9, 171, 172}Offshoot Small Groups. There are little companies continually rising who believe that God is only with the very few, the very scattered, and their influence is to tear down and scatter that which God's servants build up. Restless minds who want to be seeing and believing something new continually are constantly rising, some in one place and some in another, all doing a special work for the enemy, yet claiming to have the truth. They stand separate from the people whom God is leading out and prospering, and through whom He is to do His great work. They are continually expressing their fears that the body of Sabbathkeepers are becoming like the world, but there are scarcely two of these whose views are in harmony. {Testimonies vol 1, 417.3}Only a few people but not discouraged. "I would encourage those who assemble in little companies to worship God. Brethren and sisters, be not disheartened because you are so few in number. The tree that stands alone upon the plain, strikes its roots deeper into the earth, spreads out its branches farther on every side, and grows stronger and more symmetrical while wrestling singly with the tempest or rejoicing in the sunshine. So the Christian, cut off from earthly dependence, may learn to rely wholly upon God, and may gain strength and courage from every conflict. {Life Sketches 259.3}Organize to Grow. Time is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work. {Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 27}Praise & Participation in Small Groups. Let the praise of God be upon your lips when you meet together in little companies to worship God. Let not one man do much of the talking. Let several take part. {Pastoral Ministry 265.2}Prayer Power. [Joshua] The man who commanded, “Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon,” is the man who for hours lay prostrate upon the earth in prayer in the camp of Gilgal. The men of prayer are the men of power. {Patriarchs and Prophets 509.1}Protect vs. Mobilize New Converts. Forgetting that strength to resist evil is best gained by aggressive service, they began to think that they had no work so important as that of shielding the church in Jerusalem from the attacks of the enemy. Instead of educating the new converts to carry the gospel to those who had not heard it, they were in danger of taking a course that would lead all to be satisfied with what had been accomplished. To scatter His representatives abroad, where they could work for others, God permitted persecution to come upon them. Driven from Jerusalem, the believers “went everywhere preaching the word.” {Acts of the Apostles 105.2}Small but Prosperous Churches. “What can be done to maintain spiritual life and prosperity in our scattered churches? Many of these have but a small membership, and enjoy little or no preaching. Must they become weak and sickly, and permit discouragement to come upon them? No, never! If there are but six working members, each of these should feel a responsibility to keep up the interest of the church. Men who know how to conduct worldly business successfully should employ their talents for the upbuilding of the cause of God among them. The members of the church should give diligent attention to the word of God, that they may understand their duty, and then labor with all the energies of mind and heart to make their church one of the most prosperous in the land. {RH September 6, 1881, par. 1}Small but Powerful Groups. "A company of believers may be poor, uneducated, and unknown; yet in Christ they may do a work in the home, the neighborhood, the church, and even in "the regions beyond," whose results shall be as far-reaching as eternity." {The Desire of Ages 640.4}Small Groups for Soul Winning. In our churches let companies be formed for service. Let different ones unite in labor as fishers of men. Let them seek to gather souls from the corruption of the world into the saving purity of Christ's love. {Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 21} Small Groups given by God. The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err. If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members, but for unbelievers. If in one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves into a band of workers. {Testimonies, vol. 7, pp. 21, 22}Small Group Methods. If in one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves into a band of workers. Let them keep their bond of union unbroken, pressing together in love and unity, encouraging one another to advance, each gaining courage and strength from the assistance of the others. Let them reveal Christlike forbearance and patience, speaking no hasty words, using the talent of speech to build one another up in the most holy faith. Let them labor in Christlike love for those outside the fold, forgetting self in their endeavor to help others. As they work and pray in Christ’s name, their numbers will increase; for the Saviour says: “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 18:19. {Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7: 21.4}Success from Harmonious Action. God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in perfect order; subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. Success can only attend order and harmonious action. God requires order and system in His work now no less than in the days of Israel. All who are working for Him are to labor intelligently, not in a careless, haphazard manner. He would have His work done with faith and exactness, that He may place the seal of His approval upon it.-- Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 376.Sunshiny Christians. We need more sunshiny parents and more sunshiny Christians. We are too much shut up within ourselves. Too often the kindly, encouraging word, the cheery smile, are withheld from our children and from the oppressed and discouraged. {Adventist Home 37.1}Teaching Truth Techniques. It is not the best plan for teachers to do all the talking, but they should draw out the class to tell what they know. Then let the teacher, with a few brief, pointed remarks or illustrations, impress the lesson upon their minds… {Counsels on Sabbath School Work 115.2}Train all Members. Well-organized work must be done in the church, that its members may understand how to impart the light to others, and thus strengthen their own faith and increase their knowledge. As they impart that which they have received from God, they will be confirmed in the faith. A working church is a living church. We are built up as living stones, and every stone is to emit light. Every Christian is compared to a precious stone that catches the glory of God and reflects it.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 435Train New Believers. Never should the laborer who raises up little companies here and there, give the impression to those newly come to the faith, that God does not require them to work systematically in helping to sustain the cause by their personal labors and by their means. {Evangelism 250.3}Training for Service More Helpful Than Prayer. Our ministers may visit our churches, and may offer public prayer to God for the comfort of the sorrowing, asking Him to dispel doubt from their minds, and shed light into their darkened hearts. But this will not be so effective in helping these sorrowful, doubting, sin-burdened ones, as to lead them to work for those more needy than themselves. The darkness will be dispelled if they can be led to help others.—The Review and Herald, May 5, 1904. {Pastoral Ministry 158.3}Use of Time. Evangelistic work, opening the Scriptures to others, warning men and women of what is coming upon the world, is to occupy more and still more of the time of God’s servants.—The Review and Herald, August 2, 1906. {Evangelism 17.2}Whole Church Working. Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14. {Acts of the Apostles 111.1}Why Churches Become Spiritually Feeble. It is in doing Christ's work that the church has the promise of His presence. Go teach all nations, He said; "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." To take His yoke is one of the first conditions of receiving His power. The very life of the church depends upon her faithfulness in fulfilling the Lord's commission. To neglect this work is surely to invite spiritual feebleness and decay. Where there is no active labor for others, love wanes, and faith grows dim....Christ intends that His ministers shall be educators of the church in gospel work. They are to teach the people how to seek and save the lost. But is this the work they are doing? Alas, how many are toiling to fan the spark of life in a church that is ready to die! How many churches are tended like sick lambs by those who ought to be seeking for the lost sheep! And all the time millions upon millions without Christ are perishing......The sufferings of every man are the sufferings of God's child, and those who reach out no helping hand to their perishing fellow beings provoke His righteous anger. This is the wrath of the Lamb. To those who claim fellowship with Christ, yet have been indifferent to the needs of their fellow men, He will declare in the great Judgment day, "I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity." Luke 13:27…....The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life......His blessings He presents in the most alluring terms. He is not content merely to announce these blessings; He presents them in the most attractive way, to excite a desire to possess them......Let Christians put away their dissensions, and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them in faith ask for the blessing, and it will come… {Desire of Ages 825-827Workers in Every City. In every city there should be a corps of organized, well-disciplined workers; not merely one or two, but scores should be set to work.--General Conference Bulletin, 1893, p. 37. {Christian Service 72.4}#####NOTES ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download