Session 3

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First, Pray that God will invite you into something new as you go through this Session.
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1) Video. You will be watching Becky Pippert, a global conference speaker, evangelist, and author of eleven books.  She has been at this even longer than I (Chuck Baily) have, so...

A) Really consider the fact that God wants to use you and me (not some superstar or paid professional).
B) Then act on that belief and start implementing some of Becky's ideas.

And when you begin to take this responsibility more seriously, you'll discover two more things.
​First, you'll start to see it as an awesome privilege and honor. 

Second, when you review either your Intervarsity Prayer page or Focus of Ministry page (whichever one your chose) throughout each week, you'll be humbled as you realize God is using you right now just as you are.  Click here for the video link. 

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As leaders and disciple-makers, we need to find a community of believers who are also "consumed" and "focused" on impacting the kingdom of God. It all starts with living out the themes you just watched Becky articulate.

2) Scripture.   Multiple surveys have shown that the vast majority of Christians don't share their faith.  This activity mostly remains in the realm of "good intentions," and often our efforts are too inconsistent.  

There are some practical theological issues here.  I love how The Message puts it.

Romans 10:14-17. But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? 

I think there are only three times where we read that Jesus asks his disciples to pray about something.  The scene below represents one of them.  Without knowing our names, in a very real sense, these men prayed for you and me.  They prayed we would say "Yes," and agree to be sent out.  

Matt. 9:36-38.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” 

1 Peter 3:15, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

3)  YOUR EVANGELISM STYLE(s)  

We should all be able to tell "our story" to others.  Sometimes we may need a little help with this, but it is hard for someone to refute how God has changed you. 

Your Evangelism style(s), reveal how you most naturally connect with others.  Your task is to discover your style(s), and if you're not sure, ask a friend or two to confirm them.  As you start to pursue more intentional relationships, you don't have to act in a way that doesn't fit who you are. Hopefully over time, as part of your own discipleship, you'll also develop some skills in other areas..

I thank God for gifted evangelists but also realize that most of us are not like that. You might not consider yourself an evangelist. While you may not have the special gift of evangelism, all Christians are called to reach out to others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I share six different approaches to evangelism that will expand your view of evangelism and help you find the right style to fit your personality.  - Kevin Halloran. 

Six Styles of Evangelism Survey.  See if you can identify one or two that are most like you.

https://www.liveforgiven.org/?p=1064

But I also want to add this new element to all this, (August 2022).  In our post-Christian world, hospitality has become an effective way to serve and love others as a form of our relational / serving evangelism.  Here's a great article on four ways to practice missional hospitality.  Often people will respond favorably to being invited into your community.  As they get to know and trust you and your group, they will be more open to considering and responding to the Gospel.  https://www.imb.org/2018/04/12/4-ways-practice-missional-hospitality/

The Blue button below takes you to a nice one-page outline that you might want to print off. 

REPORTING IN:  Fill out the section below to email Chuck. 

Continue to pray over your Focus of Ministry sheet as you think about how you might initiate conversations with some of the people you've listed there. Then pick a person to report your plans to, so they can pray for you. And, if you feel stuck with what to do next, call someone who can help you think through that third D of living in 3D,"Discerning Next Steps."  

Reflect on how well you feel equipped for this task while recognizing that even when we might be a little unsure, God will be present directing our efforts.  

What were your two highest scores in the "Six Styles" test?  Do you agree with the results?  If you can find the time, let's talk further about this.