Let’s Go Fishing – Weekly Ministry Tip #3, Spring 2014
Matthew records a life changing encounter with his future disciples. Consider the story in Matthew 4:18-22. In the early part of Jesus ministry, as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He calls out to two sets of brothers. Simon and Andrew, James and John. They were all commercial fishermen.
He saw Simon and Andrew casting a net into sea. Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Similarly, James and John were in the boat with their father mending their nets and He gave them the same invitation. The response of both sets of brothers is the same. They immediately left their nets, their boats and even their father, in James and John’s case – and they followed Him.
Over the next three years of His ministry, Jesus would demonstrate that He was fishing for the souls of people who would trust Him as their Messiah. These four disciples and the others He later added, along with many whose lives He had touched, went on to continue fishing for people.
Jesus said to these early disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”. Notice He didn’t say I will make you fishers of a weekly meeting, fishers of conferences and retreats, fishers of socials, but to be fishers of men. Yes, all of these activities are important but the main goal should be to become a fisher of men. We are called to proclaim the good news of the Gospel. Encourage all your activities to be supportive in the sharing of the this message.
Can Everyone Share The Gospel?
Be sure that everyone has had a chance to receive training in how to share the Knowing God Personally (KGP) booklet. You can do this in your weekly meeting, Bible study, or one-on-one discipleship appointment. Here’s the training on the booklet , how to make sure you end sharing the KGP well, and how to use a survey to introduce the booklet.
The Holy Spirit
One of the critical trainings to give to all your disciples is how they can be filled (controlled and empowered) by the Holy Spirit. He is our power source for all we do. Don’t leave home without it. Here’s the training.
Keep Prayer On The Forefront
Daily and weekly engage in the practice of Prayer. Someone once said, “Talk to God about men before you talk to men about God”. Keep prayer on the forefront of all you do. Do this individually, in pairs and in groups. Schedule a regular time to pray with your people to cover your school of ministry location in prayer. Prayer can move the hand of God in your situation.