Weekly Ministry Tip #13, Fall 2014
Grow Deep, Reach High
A Simple Conversation
I just finished attending a conference in San Diego this week. We actually stayed at a place called Oceanside. Each day after my devotional, I would take a 2-mile prayer walk to the Oceanside pier before our meetings began. I decided to throw in several “Knowing God Personally” booklets in my windbreaker. As I walked and prayed, I had a chance to engage 7 people in a spiritual conversation. I gave all 7 a copy of the booklet, but I was able to share the essence of the gospel message more actively with 5 of them who had more time.
With three of the people I spoke with, I was able to pray for them. In my personal prayer for them, out loud and on the spot, I prayed that they would come to know the One who was born in a manger 2,000 years ago and would die for the sins of the world. They seemed very appreciative that someone would pray for them. My prayer is that most of them will re-read the booklet and place their trust in Christ as their Savior.
I thought to myself as I reflected on this past week, “This was way too easy.” I simply engaged people in simple conversation, told them who I was, who I worked for, and kindly asked them what they thought about God and spiritual things. It was an easy transition to sharing the Gospel message from memory and giving them a written copy of what I just shared with them in the “Knowing God Personally” booklet.
Yes – you can do the same, wherever you’re at in almost any situation where people have at least 5 minutes. Of course, 20 minutes would be better. But take the opportunity to proclaim the message of Christ with people who have time, and with whom the Holy Spirit prompts you.
Plan Accurately for the Spring
The next two weeks are critical for you to plan out your Spring term so that you can hit the ground running. Read carefully this past weekly tip to give you some good tracks to run on: http://www.benrivera.org/?p=397
Make it the goal of your ministry to give even more people a chance to hear the gospel message this spring. Follow-up and invite them to your Bible study/Weekly meeting. Cast the gospel net in your ministry situation widely, regularly, consistently, and prayerfully – under the power of the Holy Spirit. God is the One in charge of changing lives, we are simply His servants fulfilling the Great Commission.
Talk to you next week,
Ben with Cru