Breakout Group with Deaconess Sarah Owens Personal Evangelism

Other names for this talk The burden/joy of the Great Commission and Personal Evangelism John 3:16 The vorpal sword, 6 impossible things and me

What are your six possible things? What could go wrong? What are your fears? What are your burdens? What keeps you from “evangelizing.”? Discuss in your groups. Be honest.

Some ideas “I gotta do it like so and so.” “I’ve gotta do it.” “I’m not ‘together enough’ myself to do that.” “I’ve gotta have permission.” It’s up to me.

What do these things have in common?

What makes you “much?” You used to be much more..."muchier." You've lost your muchness. Are you the “right Alice?” First, Who’s your daddy?

What makes you so special? How are you uniquely gifted in the body? “I can not give anyone else’s gift.” How does your particular spiritual gifts/ personality/ style work with the mission of evangelism? Discuss.

How is “it” done? Could have been tracts, or angels, but God chose us. Very personally Use your weakness. “Not out of strength, but mutual weakness” (P49,75) Out of attitude “Jesus knew where the power came from and to where He was going…” and He served. A quiet confidence, an obvious humility, a sincere love.

Out of what motivation? Naturally, flowing out of Jesus love 2 Corinthians 5:14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. Naturally, it’s my life’s work Acts 20:24 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

How’s it done? Some ideas. “Being for Jesus.” Be what other people are not (P71) What Loves look like-“being for Jesus” Let your gentleness “be” evident to all. Meeting people where they’re at and listening. Finding “your people.” Know your audience’s culture and language. Gospel Bracelet Servantevangelism.com

We are definitely not alone. Working together as God’s people. Capitalizing on each other’s strengths. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

What is success? Let God lead the way. People not puppets or projects (P.189) “Divine Appointment” The “vorpal sword knows what it wants. All you have to do is hold onto it.” Set your sights both low and high.

Alice’s six impossible things? “I try to believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast. Count them, Alice. One, there's a potion that can make you shrink. Two, a cake that can make you grow. Three, animals can talk. Four, cats can disappear. Five, There's a place called wonderland. And six, I can slay the Jabberwockey.” Alice from Alice in Wonderland

What are your six impossible things?

Others with focus David Abraham Joseph Moses Peter

Verses of encouragement For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

More verses How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14) For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11,)