DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATION / REGION EVANGELISM SEMINAR Year of Full Restoration 24 DECEMBER, 2017

Perseverance in follow-up and discipling of new converts Acts 15:36

INTRODUCTION (Acts 2:41,42; 9:26-28) Follow-up is the immediate attention given to a new convert. The purpose is ultimately to establish him in the faith – to make him a disciple. Follow-up is necessary to: Assess the new believer’s understanding of the gospel. Clear his doubts and answer immediate questions. Establish immediate link with the Church for proper care and nurture. The factors that determine the success of follow-up include: The caring relationship between the convert and the follow-up worker. The quality of the teaching and guidance he receives in the process. The convert’s involvement in the day-to-day life of the Church.

SUMMARY Portrait of an effective follow-up worker (Acts 22:12-16; II Timothy 2:2): The worker must be born again with a current testimony of victorious Christian living. He must understand the basics of salvation as outlined in the Bible. He must be consistent, persuaded in God’s word, prayerful and sacrificing. Pattern of effective follow-up (John 21:15; Acts 20:20,21): Establish salvation or assurance of salvation first and clear any doubts around that. Follow systematic teaching (BDP): Quiet Time, Temptation, Persecution, Fellowship, etc. Let him learn by doing: Prayer, evangelism, etc. should be done practically. Be a good example: Focus on following Jesus; teach him the fear of God. Pitfalls to avoid in follow-up (II Corinthians 12:14; Galatians 2:17,18): Be interested in him without undue intrusion into his life or being a burden to him. Avoid gossip, frivolity or any other negative influence during your meeting.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 (a) What do you understand by follow-up? Acts 9:27,28 (a) Why is it important? Matthew 20:20 I Thessalonians 3:1-3

QUESTION 2 (a) When should follow-up begin? Acts 15:36 Colossians 1:9 (a) Why? I Thessalonians 3:5 Galatians 2:4,5

QUESTION 3 From the passages below, what are the expected qualities required in a follow-up worker? Ephesians 4:14 Colossians 1:9; 4:12,13 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8 1 Thessalonians 2:10

QUESTION 4 What should be the syllabus of follow-up? Matthew 28:20 Acts 2:41,42 Acts 18:24-26 Acts 20:20,21

CONCLUSION Follow-up is necessary to integrate new converts into the body of Christ. Follow-up should begin immediately after conversion. Negligence in the work of follow-up may lead the convert back to his sinful life. It must be done through systematic instruction from the Bible, with love, in faith, prayerfully, patiently and with a godly lifestyle. Jesus Christ should be the center of follow-up discussion and teaching. The ultimate aim of follow-up should be to establish the convert, make him a disciple and help him to be useful in the house of God.