 |
Christian Witness
(Must be done in order.) |
|
Bridges Events
Strategies to reach
the secular person |
|
Stages Of Adoption
What is going on
in the life of the pre-Christian |
|
Characteristics
of the pre-Christian
at each stage |
|
1. Reach: Go to their turf; don't require them to come to yours.
|
• Conduct felt-need seminars.
• Ministries of instruction.
• Engage in meaningful dialogue.
• Provide opportunities to meet credible Christians
|
1. Awareness: Pre-Christians become aware of Christianity as more than an abstract idea as seen in a person, group, or church.
|
Indifferent
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2. Minister: Meet their felt needs, hurts, dreams, fears, and doubts.
|
• Address doubts and fears.
• Provide opportunities to build meaningful relationships.
• Provide recovery and support groups for life-controlling bondages.
• Provide ministries that meet needs.
• Offer culturally appropriate forms of ministry.
|
2. Relevance: Pre-Christians perceive the relevance of Christianity through the meeting of a need in their life, family, or group.
|
Inspect
|
3. Teach: Communicate truth in principle and lifestyle, model true Christianity.
|
• Engage in meaningful dialogue.
• Address their doubts and fears.
• Model Christian lifestyle.
|
3. Interest: Pre-Christians develop a growing interest expressed through questions, reading, study, and attendance at church groups or activities.
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Interested
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4. Fellowship: Include them in relationships with other believers.
|
• Provide opportunities to meet credible Christians.
• Provide opportunities to build meaningful relationships.
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4. Trial: Pre-Christians begin to test and imagine what life would be like if they become Christians.
|
Investigate
|
5. Evangelize: Share the gospel and the plan of salvation.
|
• Identify and reach receptive people.
• Actively witness and share the gospel.
• Give altar calls.
• Provide Bible studies
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5. Adoption: Pre-Christians consciously accept Christ as Savior, publicly expresses that commitment through water baptism and church membership
|
Involved
|
6. Nurture: Strengthen their faith through teaching and encouragement.
|
• Provide new convert mentoring.
• Provide new convert Bible studies.
• Provide opportunities to development meaningful friendships.
• Provide opportunity to contribute in ministry role or task.
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6. Reinforcement: following commitment is a time of uncertainty and ambiguity. Encouragement and reinforcement is needed to affirm them in their new life.
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Indefinite
|
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Steven R. Mills is Leadership Development coordinator for the Division of Christian Education, Springfield, MO.
