“Systematic Visitation: Binding True Worshippers to the Fold” James 1:27

Visitation One major reasons why every church should be make visitation ministry a priority is that people matter to both God and to you. Visiting them lets them know you care. There is no substitute for heart-to-heart personal work. http://www.lcgi.org/church-health-growth/visitation-ministry-training/

Goal of systematic visitation program Provide increased fellowship opportunities and to promote love, unity and commitment among Christians. Encourage and strengthen new members, weak members, those who are ill, shut-in, lonely, discouraged, experiencing problems, etc. Show dropouts our love and concern and to pave the way for aggressive efforts to reclaim them. Demonstrate to people who are not Christians that we, like Jesus, are “friends of sinners”. Matthew 11:19. To open doors of opportunity to share the gospel with them

Who Needs to Be Visited? Acts 15:36; Matthew 25:34-36, 40. Virtually everyone in the church needs to be visited especially: elderly and disabled people, the sick and bereaved people, prisoners, people in crisis

Who Should Do The Visitation: Acts 15:36; Matthew 25:34-36, 40. Visitation is a corporate effort not just the pastor's or committee's job hence every born-again believer should be involved. Each Christian is a minister who is responsible for using his/her abilities in ministry to build up the church. Ephesians 4:11-16. The fact that we are saved by grace does not excuse us from good deeds; it demands that we do them. Ephesians 2:8-10 We cannot hire someone else to do our Christianity. Galatians 6:4,5; 1 Corinthians 3:8 Each of us is unique. There is someone we can serve and influence for Christ more effectively than anyone else can. However, the Pastor must lead in visitation.

What Should Happen in a Typical Visit: Spend most of your time listening. Be sensitive with what you do say. Remember that you are there for them and not for yourself so be respectful. Offer to pray with or for them. Leave something with them as a reminder of your visit - a card, a flower, a balloon, a book, or any small token.