A Closer Walk with God

1. A Closer Walk with God Increasing Opportunities to Share the Gospel

2. What is the most effective way to reach people? • The Institute for American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question: What was responsible for your coming to Christ? • 79% responded that a friend or relative invited me • 6% responded I liked the minister • 3% responded I had a special need

3. What do we learn from a survey like this? • If the church is to grow, it will be through the efforts of individual members. • The greatest potential lies with those who have some contact with members of the local congregation.

4. Do things which make for a caring congregation • Our love will help prove that we are who we claim • John 13:15 – By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. • Our love makes us useful to the Lord • Practice hospitality • I Peter 4:9 – Use hospitality one to another without grudging

5. Make a list of souls you would like to see saved • This helps focus our attention upon those we hope to reach for the Lord. • Start close and work outwardly: family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, relatives, visitors to service, casual acquaintances • Prioritize your list. • Keep this list where you will see it daily.

6. Pray for these souls on your list daily • That God will work together with you • 2 Th. 3:1 – Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you. • That those on your list will have the opportunity to hear the truth and have honest hearts to be receptive to it • Remember, it is God who gives the increase • I Cor. 3:5-7 -- …but God gave the increase

7. Do things which demonstrate your love for them • A demonstration of love will make a person more likely to be receptive to the gospel of love when it is shared. • I Peter 2:12 – Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. • Invite people to your home for dinner. • Visit people, especially in times of trial or sickness.

8. Invite those on your list to attend services • This allows them to see a caring congregation in action • As you prepare to invite these souls, be sure to pray for wisdom.

9. Demonstrate love toward those visitors who attend • Greet them, let them know they are welcome • In doing this, you are preparing their hearts for the gospel

10. See that they have an opportunity to hear the gospel • Ideally, this will come after witnessing a demonstration of the gospel in our lives. • If you feel confident in teaching others, then approach them yourself and suggest a home Bible study. • If you do not feel you are yet capable to approach them concerning a study, or in conducting the study yourself, bring it to the attention of members who are able and willing to teach.

11. Increasing Opportunities to Share the Gospel • These suggestions are offered • with a firm conviction that if they will be carried out, opportunities to share the gospel and save souls will be greatly increased. • with the hope that you will accept the challenge to implement these suggestions.