NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING GROWTH SEMINAR: NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING GROWTH SEMINAR: COMMITMENT TO SOUL-RETENTION IN THE LOCAL CHURCH John 15:8, 16; John 10:27-29 Acts 2:41, 47 11-05-2019

INTRODUCTION Retention of souls is key to Church growth. The church must be intentional in its efforts in creating an atmosphere that promotes conversion and retentions of souls; intensifies its prayer for supernatural establishment souls in the faith and mobilize its resources for the early integration of all new members through a well planned discipleship programme. So it takes the commitment of everyone in the local church and the intervention of God to realise growth (1Cor 3:6, 7).

CAUSES OF LOSS OF SOULS - John 6:60, 66, 67; Matt 13:19-23; Luke 9:54-56, Mark 10:13,14 Leadership No clear vision Low or no pastoral care Workforce No follow-up/visitation No discipleship programme Membership No love and unity Spiritual Self and worldliness Lack of prayer for supernatural retention Low soul-winning effort Physical Unconducive venue Length of service Routine fellowship

COMMITMENT TO LASTING SOUL-RETENTION - John 21:16,17; Matt 28:20; 1 Thess 2:7-10; 1 Peter 3:8; John 13:34,35 Clear communication of growth-minded vision Effective pastoral care Mobilise the workers for purposeful follow- up/visitation Motivate the members for practical love and care to Newcomers Intensify prayer for supernatural retention of souls Use the BDP for effective integration Organise soul-attracting programmes Early enlistment of new converts in the workforce