EVANGELISM RESPONSE CENTER

RESPONSE CENTER PURPOSE to advance the intentional presentation of and response to the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ by responding to and praying with persons who contact us through various media, and referring them to local churches where they can receive further ministry and grow in discipleship. The Evangelism Response Center exists

The Response Network Volunteer Encouragers Telephone Encouragers Internet Encouragers

The Appeal of Telephone and Internet Evangelism Anonymous The encourager protects his/her privacy by using only a first name and by using an ERC mailbox.

The Appeal of Telephone and Internet Evangelism Low Risk The encourager works from home so does not face risks from encountering people in public or in their homes.

The Appeal of Telephone and Internet Evangelism Accessible Homebound people can volunteer.

The Appeal of Telephone and Internet Evangelism Fruitful Respondents have already expressed interest by dialing the number or accessing the website.

How People Hear about Us Radio TV Internet Printed Source Other

What Qualifications Must an Encourager Have? An active member of a Southern Baptist church in the United States or Canada A caring friend At least 18 years old & not currently in high school A born-again believer A growing disciple

Where Are Encouragers Trained?

What Is Included in This Training? Technical aspects of the system Telephone/Internet evangelism Focusing the contact Crisis response Reporting to ERC

How Do We Support the Encouragers? Initial training Commissioning service in volunteers church Periodic communication ERC web community Official NAMB volunteer -- Fellowship of Response Center Encouragers Incentive gifts at stated intervals ERC staff and regional facilitators available to assist as needed

What is the Work of an Encourager? Help the respondent clarify his/her relationship with Christ Encourage the respondent to receive Christ or to grow in Him

A Telephone or Internet Response Example

Someone calls or contacts our website

A Telephone or Internet Response Example Contact routed to TE or IE

A Telephone or Internet Response Example TE/IE leads respondent to Christ

A Telephone or Internet Response Example TE/IE reports to ERC

THE FOLLOW-UP NETWORK

The Vision for Follow-Up A North American network of Southern Baptist churches in the United States and Canada, communicating by intranet, Internet, fax, or telephone to provide immediate, helpful follow-up to salvation decisions and to provide immediate encouragement and information to people with other concerns.

Goals of Follow-up Enlist a network of Covenant (follow-up) churches Immediately refer respondents to a local Covenant church Encourage direct contact with referrals within 3 hours to 3 days Affirm spiritual decisions Encourage baptism, church membership, and discipleship Refer respondents to local professional help as needed

What Is a Covenant Church? Train members to share Christ with referrals Train members to disciple referrals Contact referrals within 3 hours to 3 days Provide resources of help to referrals Send timely follow-up reports to ERC A Southern Baptist church in the United States or Canada agreeing to:

A Telephone or Internet Follow-Up Example TE/IE reports to ERC

A Telephone or Internet Follow-Up Example ERC sends materials to respondent

A Telephone or Internet Follow-Up Example ERC contacts local entity

A Telephone or Internet Follow-Up Example Local entity contacts respondent

A Telephone or Internet Follow-Up Example Local entity reports on contact

Key Points in Follow-up Strategy Included in Encourager Training Included in Covenant Church Orientation Included in communications with Encouragers and Covenant Churches Included in Prayer Lists Prayer for Decision Conservation

Key Points in Follow-up Strategy Timely reports from Encouragers and campaign centers Efficient databases for directing referrals Direct local contact within 3 hours to 3 days Immediacy

Key Points in Follow-up Strategy 1st Choice - Local Covenant Church 2nd Choice - Local Association Office 3rd Choice - Appropriate State Office Referral Efficiency

Key Points in Follow-up Strategy ERC sends a brochure unique to the ERC Covenant Churches are free to offer whatever materials they consider appropriate Coordinated Materials

Benefits to Your Church, Association, or State Convention More baptisms More trained witnesses Local church evangelism emphasized

How Can You Put Us to Work For You? Promote ERC through your communication channels (get brochures from the ERC) Plan a media response campaign Publish JESUS2000 and in all evangelistic materials (please contact the ERC to get required wording) Consider ERC Your Resource

How Can You Put Us to Work For You? At the state level At the associational level At the regional level in local churches Schedule Encourager Training

How Can You Put Us to Work For You?

EVANGELISM RESPONSE CENTER You have a saying, Four more months and then the harvest. But I tell you, take a good look at the fields; the crops are now ripe and ready to be harvested! John 4:35