Lifebuilders Ministries compiled by Winston Barnett Outreach Guidelines Practical Steps Creating Christian Culture through Compassionate Contact “It has always been my ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known…” Romans 15:20 Lifebuilders Ministries compiled by Winston Barnett

Get Attention (build credibility) I. Introduction Give names (first & last) & Church’s identity Have basic name tag Getting Acquainted with people in the neighborhood Have community friendly flyer Become friends, help out in any way possible Community chaplaincy whether you ever visit our church or not ASK for permission to come in – this is vital Why boldly asking works in today’s culture Many don’t think they are worthy Not used to being noticed or truly care for Greatest hindrance is self- consciousness

Get Acquainted (“Conversation, not conversion”. Let them talk.) II. Personal Inquiries (Jesus Cared for People. Mk. 1:29-34 – Spent time, listened, and participated in activities they enjoyed. Jn. 2:1,2, Matt. 9: 9,10) They must be able to sense that you really care (agape’) Names of all household members present Introduce yourself to each one individually Pay special attention to children! Place of origination How long in Springfield, and/or current address? Where they grew up Do parents and extended family live nearby? (Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents) Do you see them often? Place of employment (How long, etc.) How did you get into that line of work? If not employed, what type of work preferred to do? If opportunity presented itself, what type of vocational training would you like to have? Hobbies, recreation, favorite pastimes.

III. Tipping point evangelism In every life there is at least one emotional, physical, relational, or social issue that is bringing a great stress on that individual. The key is to identify this pressure point and minister to it by pointing them to a scripture or some community resource, or personal help you can give them If you stay with them through the solution at some point their interest in personal relationship “TIPS” toward you. Pitfalls in the Process Offering them help with everything you see they need Smothering them with “parental” attention Only offer to help with the obvious need Realize that not everyone you enter into this process with is going to respond spiritually II Timothy 2:24-26 – What does that say about us? Lovers of their souls, teachers, message givers Watch for signs of the Holy Spirit working. I Cor. 2:14 Eyes lighting up when you give them a Biblical truth. A general hunger for the Word of God developing. Interest in attending weekly Bible Study/Worship Services.   If none of the above are happening and they are just trying to relate to you to keep on meeting their physical needs while continuing to do the things that are destroying their lives, then you need to pull back.. Let them experience “abandonment” for a while.

Get Real IV. Church, Religious, Spiritual background (Ultimate goal is to get them to realize their personal responsibility to their creator.) Church attendance in the past? (Childhood, VBS’s, Youth Camp) If you had a denominational preference, what would it be? Ever think about life (how short it is), death, God, Heaven, Hell, Jesus? If you could talk to God personally, what would you say to Him or ask Him? Depending on their response you may have to stop at this point and continue probe on next visit.

Get Out V. Begin to close out the visit Review details about weekly church (refer to flyer again) Make sure they know where the church is located Mention Block Parties, Movie Nights, Thanksgiving, etc. Talk about connecting with their neighbors, building a “helping each other” community, how this can center around the church meeting Many people now days are afraid to even get to know their closest Neighbors Ask them if there is any particular problem or troubled area in their life that you could pray with them for. Pray before you leave (vital) Mention community chaplaincy role again Excuse yourself with a sincere hope that you will see them at church on “Sunday”.

Notes: When inquiring about church background, if they express confidence concerning faith, Church membership, or Baptism, do not hesitate to ask them what their relationship is with Jesus (their perspective on Him, etc.) Always be prepared to give the Plan of Salvation as opportunity presents itself.

Accountability Factors If you are to be effective in the above you will need to find a separate time in which to do a 2-hr. weekly or bi-weekly outreach. Inform your Pastor of the time frame you will be canvassing. If more than one team present, meet before and after (if possible) to pray and share results of visits. Make a detailed report of each contact for your personal records and to share with your Pastor.

I Thessalonians 2:8…”We loved you so much that we not only wanted to share the Gospel of God with you but our own lives as well.”