RANA Assoc Prep Guide | 2012

© 2010, North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Alpharetta, Georgia. All rights reserved. The North American Mission Board grants permission for reproduction of this publication for educational purposes. Alteration of this publication is strictly prohibited. This publication may not be sold for profit. All other inquiries should be addressed to: Permissions, North American Mission Board, 4200 North Point Pkwy., Alpharetta, Ga. 30022-4176; or e-mail [email protected].

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked NKJV is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Associational Guide to “Reaching Across North America”

i

TAble of CoNTeNTs

Thank You from Dr. David Meacham ...............................................................................................iii

An overview of “God’s Plan for sharing” and “Reaching Across North America”..................1

step-by-step Guide to Involving Churches in “Reaching Across North America”....................3You, the ADoM, as “Reaching Across North America” Principal leader •Rally the Troops: Keep It simple and Make It Theirs•organize a GPs “Reaching Across North America“ steering Team•

“Reaching Across North America” Team leaderxPrayer leaderxMaterials Distribution leaderxevangelism Training leaderxevangelistic event leaderxfollow-Up leaderxMedia leader x

Association Timeline for “Reaching Across North America”.........................................................7

Pastor/Church Timeline for Reaching “Across North America”...............................................11

Available Materials and Resources ..................................................................................................13

other Ideas That Can Help You succeed .......................................................................................15

You Can Do It, We’re Here to Help! ..............................................................................................17

Addendum: Pastor’s Guide to RANA ............................................................................................19

iii

Thank Youfrom Dr. David Meacham

DearFriends,

WeareextremelygratefulforallyoudotoassistSouthernBaptistsintheadvancementofthekingdom.Yourcontributionto“God’sPlanforSharing”isalreadybeingfeltacrossNorthAmerica.Ifsomeonehasfailedtosay“thankyou,”thenletusbethefirst.

Inpreparationfor“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica2012,”thesecondofsixcampaignsrelatedtoGPS,wehavepreparedabookletespeciallydesignedwithyouinmind.Itmayseemtobeexcessivelydetailed,butwewantedtodoourbestnottoassumeanything.GPSisaninitiative,agrassrootsmovement.Therefore,usewhatisbestforyouinyourcontext.

Thisguideisnotjustforlargeassociationsinmetropolitanareas,butitwillworkfortownandcountrycommunitiesaswellasruralregions.Bothsmallmembershipandlargemembershipchurcheswillbenefitbyparticipatingin“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”

Seethefollowingpagesasaclusterofideas.LettheHolySpiritguideyouasyouleadyourassociationin“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”Let’sremembertostayfocusedon:

“every believer sharing, every Person Hearing by 2020.”

Asalways,ifyouneedanyassistance,yourActs1:8partners,includingthoseofusatNAMB,areheretohelpyou!Knowthatweareprayingforyourgreatsuccess.

ForHiskingdom,

Dr.DavidMeachamVicePresidentAssociationalStrategiesNorthAmericanMissionBoard(770)410-6522/[email protected]

1gps2020.net

Reaching Across North America

An overview of “God’s Plan for sharing” and “Reaching Across North America”

In2006,SouthernBaptistselectedastheirpresidentDr.FrankPage,thenpastoroftheTaylorsFirstBaptistChurch,Taylors,SouthCarolina.Dr.PagehadadreamofgatheringGod’speopletogethertocollectivelyandcooperativelysharethegospelofJesusChristacrossNorthAmerica.WorkinginconcertwithActs1:8denominationalleaders,anationalevangelisminitiativewasorganizedandimplementedin2010,calledGod’s Plan for Sharing (GPS).

ThegoalofthisinitiativeistoseeGod’speople“gettingoutofthepewsandintothestreets,”sharingthegoodnewsofChristamongallpeoplegroupsinNorthAmerica.Fromthesehumblebeginnings,God’s Plan for Sharingwasbegun.Therallycryissimple,yetprofound—“Every Believer Sharing, Every Person Hearing by 2020.”Ithastheingredientsofchurchpeoplemeetinglostpeople,withaclearpresentationofthegospelgiventoeveryonebytheendofthedecade.

Toaccomplishthisgoal,SouthernBaptistsmetinworkgroupsacrossthecontinent.ItwasdecidedthatGPSwouldbeaNationalEvangelismInitiative,andnota“programinabox”handeddownbythedenomination.Inotherwords,GPSwouldbeagrassrootseffort,withthedenominationbringingencouragementandvariousresourcestoassistinthecause.God’sPlanforSharingwouldhavefourbiblicalcomponentsproventhroughouthistorytobringeffectiveevangelism,revival,andspiritualawakening.Theyare:

Praying:9 Everychurchprayingforlostpeopleequipping:9 Everybelieversharingasatrainedwitnesssowing:9 EverylostpersonreceivingawitnessHarvesting:9 Everychurchharvestingandcelebratingeverysalvationresponse

ItwasdeterminedthattobuildthemomentumofSouthernBaptiststhroughutilizationofthesecomponents,sixcampaignswouldtakeplacebetween2010and2020.Thecampaignswouldtake

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placeduringtheevennumberedyears.EachemphasiswouldhaveadefinitivethemetorallyGod’speopletosharethegospel.Thetwoyearsbetweencampaignswouldbeusedtodevelopthenewlylearnedskills,involvemoremembers,anddevelopnewrelationshipsamonglostpeopleidentifiedthroughthecampaigns.Thecampaignsannouncedwere:

2010 Across North America9 (SaturationEvangelism…missionstarted!)2012 Reaching Across North America9 (Attractionalevangelisticevents)2014 serving Across North America9 (Servanthood/MinistryEvangelism)2016 sharing Across North America9 (RelationalEvangelism)2018 start something Across North America9 (Startanewministry,smallgrouporchurch)2020 Celebrating Across North America9 (Dowhatevernecessarytofinishthetaskof

theGreatCommission)

For2012,SouthernBaptistshavechosenasthethemeforthesecondcampaign“Reaching Across North America.”Thiswillincludefoursimplesteps:

Aneight-week1. media saturationcampaignduringMarchandApril,2012.Participatingchurcheshosting,planning,andimplementing2. a community-reaching evangelistic eventsometimeduringApril,2012.Participatingchurches3. prayerwalking and distributing invitationstotheeventonetotwoweeksbeforetheevent.Afterward,participatingchurchesdoing4. follow-upwiththosewhoattendedtheevent.

“Reaching Across North America” Pastor / Church Timeline

february 1 March 1 April 30

Praying equipping sowing Harvesting Assimilating

Pray PrayingAcrossNorthAmerica

Hope. Find It Here InvitationDistribution

Promotion Prayerwalking SharingtheGospel

CommunityReachingEvent

Five-weekFollow-up

GetReady EquippingandTraining

AllthechurcheswillneedtodotoparticipateinReachingAcrossNorthAmericaishost,plan,andimplementacoordinated, community-reaching evangelistic event.

Media Campaign

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step-by-step Guide to Involving Churches in “Reaching Across North America”

Onceagain,“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”isacampaigndesignedtoenhancetheGPSinitiative.BelowisaguidelinethathasbeenprovenandtestedbySouthernBaptistsforyears.

You, the ADoM, as the “Reaching Across North America” Principal leader

Asyoualreadyknow,everythingrisesandfallswithleadership.Ifyougive“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”ahighpriority,thepastorsinyourassociationwillmakeitahighpriority.Theyarelookingforguidancetochangetheirworld.Askyourself,areyou:

PrayingearnestlyabouthowGodisgoingtousetheAssociationwhereyouservetotransform9livesandcommunitiesthrough“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”?Learningeverythingyoucanabout“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”?9Talkingwithyourcolleagues,gleaningfromtheirideasabout“ReachingAcrossNorth9America”?Personallyprayedupandpreparedtoleadyourassociationintothedaysof“ReachingAcross9NorthAmerica”?Developingacustomizedstrategywellinadvanceoftheactualdaysof“ReachingAcross9NorthAmerica”?Doesitcontainallthetrainingandmeetingtimesonthecalendar?Thinkingthroughthelong-rangeplanfor“God’sPlanSharing”(EveryBelieverSharing,Every9PersonHearingby2020),andhowitcanpositivelyaffectyourassociation?

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OneofourADOM’s,LarryCheek(StoneMountainBaptistAssociation,EastAtlanta,Georgia),makesthefollowingsuggestionstohelpyouastheprincipalleaderofGPS:

Aplanningretreatwithkeyleadersisanexcellentwaytogettheproject“jump-started”and9underway.AskGodtohelpyouenlistaLeadershipTeamfromthosewhoexpressinterestattheretreat.9Simplyaskforvolunteersandthenenlisttheresttofillouttheteam.GiveyourLeadershipTeamclearexpectations,accountability,andajobdescription.9Schedulebi-monthlyLeadershipTeammeetingswithaclearagenda.9Youmustenlistchurchesindividuallybuiltoffstrongrelationships.Lettersande-mailsdon’t9work.Relationshipsarethekey.Communicate!Communicate!Communicate!Youcan’ttalkaboutitenough.Tellthestoryand9castthevisionsomuchthatyouaretiredofsayingit,thensayitsomemore!Expressappreciationforpartnersinministry(stateconventionpartnerandtheNorth9AmericanMissionBoard).BecreativewithfinancialresourcestomakeGPSareality!Everychurchalreadyhasbudgeted9moniesforevangelismandoutreach.Theyjustneedtobeaskedtousethemforsomethingwithsuchastrategicimpact.Remember,moneyfollowsmission!9Tellpastorstoenlistateamintheirchurch.Onecan’tdoitbyhimself.9Scheduleseveraltimesforprayer.Youcannotunderestimatetheimportanceofcallingupon9heaven!

Inmanyways,youasanAssociationalDirectorofMissionswillwearmanyhatsfor“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”Mostlikely,youwillbethe:

9 Chief Promoter.IftheADOMisnottheoneheralding“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica,”itwillnotbeaseffectiveasitcouldhavebeen. strategic Thinker.9 Beingagrassrootsinitiative,theADOMwillbetheoneeverybodywilllooktoforaplan.Eventhoughthisguideisfilledwithideasandsuggestions,youwillbetheonetosetthecourse. Training Coordinator.9 Anyevangelisticeventoughttobeanopportunitytotrainpeoplehowtopray,equipotherswithtoolstosharethegospel,sow,andharvestthosewhohavemadedecisionsforChrist.Seizethemomenttohostatrainingeventpriorto“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.” logistics Manager.9 Materialsandcreativeideasforevangelisticeventswillbecomingyourway.Someonewillneedtobethepointmanforpassingtheseontothechurches.You,astheADOM,willneedtoseetothis,ordelegatetheresponsibility.

Followingaresomefurtherideasonhowtoadministrateeffectively“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”

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Reaching Across North AmericaRally the Troops: Keep It simple and Make It Theirs

Thefirstcampaign,“AcrossNorthAmerica,“foundgreatsuccessandsynergybecausetheADOM’sinvolvedtheirpastorsonthefrontendofthecampaign.Theyengagedthemwith“initiativethinking.”Attheendofthefirstmeetings,theADOMshadgivenoutassignmentstoimplementtheirplan,withmosthavingakeypastor(oftentheModerator)asthechairmanoftheirGPS“AcrossNorthAmerica”committee.Theyalsohadaspecifictimelineforthecampaign.Theykeptthingssimpleanddiligentlytriednottomakeitcomplicated.TheADOMsworkedhardtomakeittheirs.Youwillwanttodothesamefor“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”

organize a GPs “Reaching Across North America” steering Team

YouwillwanttorecruitsomeofGod’sfinestintheassociationforthefollowing:

“Reaching Across North America” Team leader9 .OftenthispersonistheModeratoroftheassociation.Thatbeingsaid,itisimportantthatyouhaveastrongleaderwithgoodadministrativeskills.Hewillhavetorelatetotheassociationatlarge,organizetheteamforvariousmeetings,andprovidedirectionfortheinitiative.HewillneedtoworkinahealthymanneralongsidetheADOM. Prayer leader.9 Thispersonbringsoversighttoleadingtheassociationtonotonlyprayforthecampaign,buttoteachGod’speoplehowtoprayfortheharvestoflostpeople.Thisprayerleaderwillbeaprincipaltrainerandorganizeroftheprayerwalk. Material Distribution leader.9 Thispersonwillworkwiththelocalchurchestopreparefordistributingtheinvitationsattheirevangelisticevent.Hewillalsocoordinatethe“Hope.FindItHere”materials,andwillhavethemproperlydisbursedtothechurchesinatimelymanner. evangelism Training leader.9 The“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”campaignisanopportunitytotrainpeopleinevangelism.TheEvangelismTrainingLeaderwilltrainpriortotheevangelisticevent,teachingGod’speoplehowtobeawitness. evangelistic event leader.9 Thispersonwillorganizethechurchestodevelopandimplementanattractionalevangelistic,community-reachingevent.Thisenormoustaskrequiressomeonewhocangetitemsorganizedandpeopledelegatedtogetthejobdoneatthelocalchurchlevel. follow-Up leader.9 Manychurchesneedtobetrainedinhowtogreetvisitors,howtocreatea“welcome”environment,andhowtofollowuponthosewhohaverespondedtothegospelinvitation.Inaddition,yourassociationmaywanttoseizethisinitiativeasatimeto“startsomethingnew.”Onecanbeverycreativehere,whetheritbeanewSundaySchool,anewchurch,orboth.TheFollow-upLeadershouldhaveimaginativeskillsthatwillenablehimtohelpeveryonecreateastrong“follow-up”planforboththechurchandtheassociation. Media leader. 9 Withtheassistanceofyourconventionpartners,youwillhavetheopportunitytoparticipateinamediablitzsurroundingthephrase“Hope.FindItHere.”Ithasabrochure,commercials,billboard,banners,andsoforthforuseinyourcommunity.TheMediaLeadershouldbeonewithexperienceinadvertising,andshouldbeabletoimplementabudgetedplanthatprovidestheseresourceswhichwillsupporttheassociation’sinitiative.Inaddition,thispersonshouldbeabletohaveaworkingknowledgeofpresentWebsiteutilitiesthatprovidefreeinformation(e.g.,Facebook,YouTube).TheMediaLeaderwillhavegeneral

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oversightinseeingtoitthatallpointsofadvertisingappearasoneunifiedsimultaneouseffortoftheassociation.

Obviously,youastheAssociationalDirectorofMissionswillbeprovidingstrongleadershiptotheentireeffort.Youwillalsobealiaisonwithotherresourcesavailablethroughyourdenominationalpartners.Remember,itisateameffort.You,atthehelm,withcarefulandprayerfulleadership,willassuresuccesstothisventure.

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Association Timelinefor

“Reaching Across North America “

AstheAssociationalDirectorofMissions,wewouldliketoencourageyoutostartearlywithatimelinefor“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”Herearesomesuggestionsforyourplanning:

January - february 2011: Cast the vision with the Association leadership Team. Whateverstructureyouhavetoleadyourassociation,sharewiththesepeopleyourheartand9planfor“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”Handoutallthematerialsyouwilluseduringtheevent.9Helpthemtoseenotonlytheadvantagestothechurchesoftheassociation,butthe9collaborationthatwilltakeplacein2012withSouthernBaptistchurches.Getallapprovalsnecessarytoproceed.9

March 2011: organize your “Reaching Across North America” leadership Team. Ifappropriatetoyourcontext,recruiteveryleadermentionedintheprecedingsectionand9makecleartheirwrittenjobdescriptionfromthatsection.Doyourbesttocommunicateonephraseagainandagaintoyourteamabout“Reaching9AcrossNorthAmerica”—“KEEPITSIMPLE!”Meettogetherwiththisteamregularlyuntiltheendof“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”9

April - August 2011: Cast the vision of “Reaching Across North America” with the pastors and staff. Herearesomeideasforthevision-casting:

Haveabanquetorlunchgathering.9Haveaninspirationalspeaker,visualizingthosewhowillcometoChristthrough“Reaching9AcrossNorthAmerica.”Makesureyouhavegiventhemallthematerialyoupresentedinpreviousmeetings.9IntroduceyourLeadershipTeam.9

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Helpthemvisualizehow“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”willblesstheirchurch,the9association,andthekingdomofChrist.Beginsigningchurchesupfor“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”(Remembertosignup9throughtheentirecampaign).Encouragepastorswhowillhaverevivalstoscheduletheirevangelistsnow.9

september - November 2011: Compare notes with your colleagues. Atthestateconvention,speakwithyourcolleaguesaboutwhattheyaredoingwith“Reaching9AcrossNorthAmerica.”Comparenotesandstrengthenyourcause.9MeetwithyourLeadershipTeam.9Orderallofyourmaterialsfor“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”fromyourstatepartner.9Securewarehousetostorematerials.9

December 2011: Have I forgotten something? UsethistimetoprayandaskGodtoshowyouanythingthatmaybemissinginyour9preparationof“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”InviteLeadershipTeamtothewarehouse,andusethistimetoprayforthecomingmaterials9andwork,onceagaincastingthevisionof“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”

January 2012: Have a pastors and staff luncheon or retreat. Reviewthe“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”materialswiththemindetail.9Utilizeaninspirationalspeakerorspeakerstoencourageandmotivatetheseleaders.9UsethistimeforeachofyourLeadershipTeamtospeakabouttheirresponsibility,andform9anysubcommitteesnecessary.Spendsometimesharingyourheartfortheassociation,andleadinaseasonofprayerforhow9Godwilluse“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”toimpactyourpartofNorthAmerica.Haveallmaterialsfor“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”storedinareawarehouse.9

february 2012: Have a training time for the entire association. Remember,anyevangelisticeventisanopportunitytotrain.AsADOM,seizethemoment9duringthisseasontohelpthechurcheslearnbetterhowtosharetheirfaith.Youmightwanttoincludeseminarslike:“Prayerwalking101,”“CROSSEvangelismTraining,”9“MakingYourChurchAttractiveforGuests,”“UsingHighImpactEventstoGrowYourChurch,”and“NowThatThey’veCome,WhatAreWeGoingToDowithThem?”Yourstatepartner(aswellasNAMB)canassistyouwiththistraining.9

March 2012: begin “Reaching Across North America” (see Pastor and Church Timeline).AsAssociationalMissionary,continuetobeatthedrum,highlightinginyournewsletterstories9andprinciplesaround“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”MeetwithyourLeadershipTeam,makingsurealldetailshavebeencompletedforthefull9impactof“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”

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Reaching Across North AmericaApril 2012: You are in the red zone … Pray!

Constantlybecheckinginwiththepastors.Anyneeds?Anymoreassistance?Howcanyou9help?Bethechampionforprayer.Everyhome,everypersoninyourcommunityisworthit.9

May 2012: Celebrate what God has done!Haveanassociationalparty.WorshiptheLordwiththanksgivingforallthathastranspired.9LookforwaystothankyourLeadershipTeam.Everyoneneedsencouragement.9Debriefwithall“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”groups.Learnfromthedebriefing.Passon9toNAMBanythingthatmighthelpuswiththenextemphasis.

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Pastor/Church Timelinefor

“Reaching Across North America”





Promotion Prayerwalking SharingtheGospel

CommunityReachingEvent

Five-weekFollow-up


You,astheAssociationalLeader,shouldscheduleatimefortheentireassociationtocometogetherandcelebratetheresultsofthisspringinitiative.Itcouldbebuiltaroundameal.Youmaywanttoincludeatimeoftestimonies.Perhapsyoucanusethemeetingasacatalysttoaskthequestion,“Whatnow?”Howeveryouchoosetoorganize,thankGodforwhatHehasdone,andforthosewhoarenowapartofGod’skingdombecauseHispeoplewerefaithfultotheGreatCommission.

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Media Campaign

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Available Materials and Resources for “Reaching Across North America”

Toeffectivelydo“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”youwillwanttomakesureyouhavethefollowing:

Plentyofpastor/churchguidesfor“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”9Materialsforthe“Hope.FindItHere”invitationdistribution9(The“Hope.FindItHere”materialsareinmultiplelanguages)Attractivebrochuresproducedbythechurchesofyourassociationtoadvertisetheir9evangelisticeventAnyothertrainingmaterialsyourstateconventioncangiveyou9Mediamaterialsorcomputerfilesfromyourstatepartner9Areyoumissinganything?9

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other Ideas That Can Help You succeed

BetweenApril2010andApril2012aretwoyearswhichcanbeusedeffectivelytodevelopchurchhealthandtheexpansionofGod’skingdom.Hereareeightsuggestedactivitiesforthistimeframethatwillundoubtedlyimpactyourcommunity.

Usethistimeframeto9 identify unreached people groups.Learnhowtobetterreachandcongregationalizethegroupsinyourcommunity.TheNorthAmericanMissionBoardcanbeofgreatassistancetoyouinassistingwiththeidentificationofthesegroups,aswellasequippingthepeopleinyourassociationtoengagetheircultures.Contactpeopleteams@namb.netformoreinformation.Utilizeyourstateconvention’s9 church planting teamtohelpyoucongregationalizenewlyidentifiedpeoplegroupsforwhichtherearenoculturallyappropriatechurches.Formtogetherclustersofotherassociations,askingtheconsistentquestion,9 “What are you doing with ‘Reaching Across North America?’”Ironsharpensiron.Benefitfromtheideasofotherassociationalleaders.UtilizeNAMB’s9 Evangelism Response Center (ERC)totrainthechurchesinadvanceastelephoneencouragers,andbecomecovenantchurches(www.erconline.net). Keep a journal 9 of“Godstories.”Youwillbeamazedhowthesestorieswillmountupthroughtheprocess.Keepingarecordfromthebeginningof“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”willbeatremendouskeepsakeforthearchivesofyourassociation.ShareyourprayerneedswiththelargerSouthernBaptistfamily.Goto9 www.namb.net/mcpr andleaveyour“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”prayerneeds.TheywillbesharedwiththelargerSBCnetworkofprayerwarriors.Keepchecking9 www.GPS2020.netforadditionalresourcesandideas.LettheInternetbeaconstantcompanioninthis“ReachingAcrossNorthAmerica”journey. Let NAMB know of other ideas 9 youmayhaveduringthecampaign.Wewouldliketosharethosewithothers.

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You Can Do It , We’re Here to Help!

TheNorthAmericanMissionBoardstandsreadytoassistyou.Inaddition,yourstatepartnerwantstohelpyou.Wedesiretheverybestforyourassociation,andultimatelythekingdom.

AttachedisanAddendumcontainingthe“Pastor’sGuidetoReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.”Itwillgiveyouevenmoredetailsonthecampaign.

Letusknowhowwecanhelp.Weareheretoserveyou.

Associational strategiesNorthAmericanMissionBoard,SBCHughTownsend,[email protected](770)410-6524

evangelization GroupNorthAmericanMissionBoard,SBCJerryPipes,[email protected](770)410-6316

Church Planting GroupNorthAmericanMissionBoard,SBCLesDobbins,[email protected](770)410-6248

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Addendum

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© 2010, North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Alpharetta, Georgia. All rights reserved. The North American Mission Board grants permission for reproduction of this publication for educational purposes. Alteration of this publication is strictly prohibited. This publication may not be sold for profit. All other inquiries should be addressed to: Permissions, North American Mission Board, 4200 North Point Pkwy., Alpharetta, Ga. 30022-4176; or e-mail [email protected].

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked NKJV is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Hope. find It HereReaching Across North America

Pastor/Church Preparation Guide

i

TAble of CoNTeNTs

Vision .........................................................................................................................................................1

What is an Attractional, evangelistic event .......................................................................................3

Why Do Attractional events .................................................................................................................5

Creative Ideas from the frontlines ......................................................................................................9

How to Participate in Reaching Across North America ..................................................................11

Reaching Across North America Timeline .....................................................................................11

local Church Revival1.friend Day2.Area Crusade3.evangelistic block Party4.felt Needs Conference5.Ministry/servanthood evangelism Project6.An event Highlighting the Arts7.sporting event8.

GPs event Planning Activities ...........................................................................................................25

Prayer Guide ..........................................................................................................................................27

Getting Your Church Ready for Company ........................................................................................29

Register Your event ..............................................................................................................................33

Appendices .............................................................................................................................................35

Research – Utilizing events in an evangelism strategy

Counseling and follow-up

evangelism Response Center (eRC) Information

Giving an effective Invitation

suggested Resources

1gps2020.net

Vision

GodisatworkinNorthAmerica.HeisatworkintheheartsofthosewhoknowHimandthosewhoareyettoknowHimthroughapersonalrelationshipwithJesusChrist.ThevisionofGod’sPlanforSharing(GPS)istofulfilltheGreatCommissioninNorthAmericathroughEveryBelieverSharing,EveryPersonHearingby2020.

GPs Is DesIGNeD As A TWo-PART PRoCess.

Churchesintentionallyaligningtheirevangelismministryaccordingtothebiblical1.componentsof:

Prayinga. –Everychurchprayingforeverylostpersonequippingb. –Equippingeverybelievertoshareasatrainedwitnesssowingc. –EverylostpersonreceivingawitnessHarvestingd. –Everychurchharvestingandcelebratingeverysalvationresponse

Churchesparticipatinginbi-annualevangelismcampaigns(everyevenyear)thatwill2.resultinEvery Believer Sharing and Every Person Hearing by 2020.Thecampaignfor2012iscalledReaching Across North America andinvolvesplanningandimplementingcoordinated,attractionalevangelisticeventsduringthemonthsofMarchandApril.

ThismanualwillhelpyouprepareforReachingAcrossNorthAmericabyprovidingasimple,strategicplanforresourcingandimplementinganattrational,evangelisticevent.Besuretoregularlyvisit www.gps2020.netformoreideasandresourcestoassistyouinimplementingGPSandReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.ThisWebsiteisprovidedtoyouthroughthepartnershipoftheNorthAmericanMissionBoard,yourstateconvention,andfundsprovidedthroughtheCooperativeProgram.

AlsoknowthatyourActs1:8partners(yourassociation,stateconvention,andtheNorthAmericanMissionBoard)arereadytoassistyouwithadditionaltrainingandconsultationasyouhaveneed.

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What is an Attractional, evangelistic event?

ThinkofanevangelisticeventasarelationaldoortoyourcommunitythatprovidesagreatopportunitytoreachlostpeopleforChrist.Awell-plannedeventwilldrawtwogroupsofpeople:

ThosewhoarereadytobeginapersonalrelationshipwithChrist.Thisiswhyanintentional,1.well-planned,andbiblically-basedgospelpresentationisnecessaryatanevent.Notonlyshouldthegospelbepresented,butalsoeachbelieverinattendanceshouldbeequippedtoshareChristinaone-on-onesituation.ThosewhoarenotreadytobeginapersonalrelationshipwithChrist.Forthesepeople,2.hearingthegoodnewssimplysowsthegospelseedintheirheartstosproutandgrowlater.However,ifproperlyimplemented,thiseventbuildsrelationshipsbetweenbelieversandunbelievers.Whenthesebelieversareproperlyequipped,therelationshipsthenleadtopeoplereceivingJesusChristlateron.

Noticethesimpleprocessandevangelisticoutcome:Awell-planned,attractionaleventdrawslostpeople.•Thechurchcaptures,viaregistration,thevitaldataonallwhoattend.•Thegospelissharedattheevent,leadingtosomeimmediatedecisionsforChrist.•Newrelationshipsarebuiltwithlostpeople.•Allnewbelieversareassimilatedintothechurchforspiritual(andthusnumerical)growth.•

Nomatterhowyoulookatit,well-plannedevangelisticeventsleadtogrowth,bothinthekingdomandinthechurch!

Intentionalityisahugefactorineffectiveevangelisticevents.Alleventsmustbeplannedwithevangelisminmind.Therefore,thekeystoeffectiveevangelisticeventsare:

AbasicunderstandingofhowpeopleoftenbeginarelationshipwithChrist.1.Greatpreparation.Preparefortheeventandpreparetosharethegospel!2.

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Why Do Attractional events?ByJerryPipes

Iamasurfingfanatic!OvertheyearsfromGalvestonIslandintheGulfofMexicototheGoldCoastofAustraliaandontothebeachesofHawaii,Ihavegleanedoneuniversaltruthaboutsurfing—surfersnevercreatewaves,theyjustcatchthem.Likewise,wedon’tcreatethewavesofGod’sSpirit,wejustcatchthem.IsGodstillsendingthewavesofHisSpiritthroughharvestevents?Ifyouhaveattendedchurchgrowthconferencesinthepasttenyearsandhaveboughtintowhatyouhaveheard,thenyouranswerwouldbeno—youwouldsayeventevangelismisathingofthepast!Revivalsandcrusadesdon’tworkanymore.The problem with this conclusion is that harvest events are biblical, and overwhelmingly, growing churches that are reaching and baptizing a large number of lost people (not swapping sheep) are riding the wave of harvest events. (SeeresearchresultsintheAppendices.)

1. Attractional events are biblicalIntheearlychaptersofthebookofActs,Lukeprovidesastrategyforreachingpeoplethatisasapplicabletodayasitwasinthefirstcentury.HerecordshowtheearlychurchobeyedtheGreatCommissionbyleavingtheprayerroomandintentionallysharingthegospelofJesusChristonthedayofPentecost.Additionally,theytookadvantageofthesupernaturalattractionGodprovidedwhenthe120spokeinlanguagestheyhadnotlearnedbyhavingPetercompellinglysharetheclaimsofChristwiththewholecity.The event concept in Acts 1 and 2 is as simple as A-b-C:

A is for attraction.• TheHolySpiritcomes.ThereisthesupernaturalvoiceofGod,aviolentwind,afireworksshow(tonguesoffire),andthespeakingofforeignlanguages—frommouthsthatcouldnotpreviouslyspeakthem.Whataspectacle!Thepeopleinthecommunityheardaboutitandcamerunning.Justimagine120uneducatedGalileansspeakingthelanguagesoftheworld—theeventcapturedtheattentionofthecity.Theywantedtoknowwhatwasgoingon.

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•b is for bridges.Theverticalbridgeisthegreatprayermovementoftheearlychurch(seeActs1:14),whilethehorizontalbridgeispeoplereachingpeople—the120wentoutintothecityandobedientlyshared.Theprocessissimple—peoplereachpeople.•C is for clearly communicating the gospel.Peterseizedthemomentandcommunicatedclearly,inthepoweroftheHolySpirit,and3,000beganrelationshipswithChristandwerebaptized!

Whydid3,000respond?WasitbecausePeterwassuchanawesomepreacher?No.Wasittheten-dayprayermeeting?Thathadsomethingtodowithit,butno.TheyobeyedGod’splan.ThedisciplesprayedandwaitedfortheHolySpirit’spower,andthentheywentintothecitysharingwhattheyknewaboutJesus.Oneverystreetcorner,theysaturatedJerusalemwiththegospelbymobilizingthechurch.WhenPetercommunicatedthemessage,tensofthousandsofprayedforpeoplehadalreadyheardtheindividualstoriesofthe120.Theresult—harvest!

Dr.DavidWheeler,ProfessorofEvangelismandChurchGrowthatLibertySeminary,saysheisconsistentlyaskedwhyachurchshoulddoevents.HisresponseshedslightonthegeniusoftheActs1and2processforreachingpeople.

I tell them it’s because events fit all three areas of strategic evangelism: plowing through prayer, planting through personal evangelism, and harvesting through the event. Effective events lead to people beginning a relationship with Christ, which is the first part of making disciples. It’s what we’re called to do!

2. Attractional events are effective!ChurchesthatarereachingandbaptizingalargenumberoflostpeopleareusingthesameActs1and2strategy.Theytouchheaveninprayer,mobilizetheirpeopletobuildsharingrelationshipswithlostfamily,friends,andcoworkers,andthentheydottheircalendarswithattractional,evangelisticevents(investandinviteopportunities).Thoughthesechurchesmayvaryintheirmethodsofprayer,personalevangelism,andevents,theyareallsimilarinthattheyclearlycommunicatetheclaimsofChrist.

LarryWynnhasusedcountlesseventsasacornerstonestrategyinbuildingHebronBaptistChurchinDacula,Georgia,from100inSundaySchooltomorethan4,300inapproximately30years.Duringthattimethechurchhasbaptizedmorethan9,000people.Wynnstates,

Creative, cutting-edge harvest events have been a key to the growth of Hebron Church and the impact the church has had on the community. Hardly a week goes by that someone doesn’t stop me and tell me they came to Christ and were baptized because of a church-sponsored event.

“Creative, cutting-edge harvest events are making a dynamic difference in having an impact on the community with the gospel of Christ,” saysDr.ThomRainer,apastresearcherofeffectivechurchesandcurrentpresidentofLifeWayChristianResources.“These events are not one-time shots with little or no lasting impact. Indeed, communities are changed for the better before the events begin and long after they are over.”

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Reaching Across North AmericaSeeingpastthesurfaceofintentionallyevangelisticeventsisDr.JimColdiron,ConsultantforCrusadeandRevivalevangelismfortheNorthAmericanMissionBoard(NAMB)andtheBillyGrahamEvangelisticAssociation(BGEA).Coldironstates,

Event evangelism is like an iceberg, you see is just about 10 percent of the equation. A successful evangelistic event is about 45 percent preparation, 10 percent proclamation, and 45 percent preservation. In the local churches, the ones that don’t prepare are the ones saying event evangelism doesn’t work. The ones that prayerfully prepare are saying it works because they are reaping a harvest.

OneofmyfavoriteactivitiesisaskingdecisioncounselorsatharvesteventsifthiswastheirfirsttimetohelpsomeonereceiveChrist.Areyouready?Ninety-fivepercentofthetimeitwas,andtheyaresopumped!!Recentlyonemansaid,“Actually,lastnightwasmyfirsttime,anditwasmy9yearolddaughter.TonightIhelpedtwoteenagerscometoChrist—Iwillneverstopdoingthis!”Apastorsaidrecently,“WhatanexcitingexperienceitwastoseesomeonesharehislovefortheLordwithanotherpersonforthefirsttime.Myfather-in-lawhadthechancetoleadfourteenageboystoChristatthesametime!WOW,howoftendoyouseethat?”

Maywe,asevangelicalpastorsandleaders,startcatchingthewavesofGod’sSpiritthroughdoingharvestevents.Maywefollowthebiblicalmodelofplowingthesoilofourcommunitiesthroughprayer,plantingtheseedsofthegospelthroughpersonalevangelism,andprovidingattractionaleventswherethegospelispresentedclearly.

Last,acompellinginvitationshouldalwaysbegivenbysomeonewiththegiftoftheevangelist.Thenandonlythen—justlikeActs2whenPeterextendedtheinvitation—canweexpecttheharvest!

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Creative Ideas from the frontlines

shadow Hills baptist Church, las Vegas, Nevada…Atleastthreetimesayear,PastorMikeRochellepersonallyhoststhefollowingattractionalevangelisticevents.Pastor’s Mastersisagolftournament.Churchmenwillbelinkedwithlostfriendsduringthe18holetournament.Duringthetrophyhour,astrongtestimonywithagospelinvitationisgiven.Pastor’s blastersisatrapshootingcontestonariflerangewith14teams.Thesamestrategywouldbeused,withastrongtestimonyandinvitationgiven.Pastor’s Castersisaflyfishingclinic.Donewithsmallergroups(reservationrequired),ShadowHillswilltakethemtoaspecialRockyMountainlocation.Trainersfromthechurchfamilywouldworkone-on-onewiththoseintheclinic.Duringtheirstay,flyfishingtrophieswouldbehandedout,astrongtestimonygiven,aswellasaninvitationtotrustChrist.Learnmorebycontactingthechurchviawww.shadowhills.org.

simultaneous Revivals, scioto Valley baptist Association, ohio…TheBiblesays,“acordofthreestrandsisnoteasilybroken”(Eccl.4:12HCSB).BillWellman,ADOM,knowsthiswell.In2010,hisassociationdecidedtohaveasimultaneousrevivalcampaigninconjunctionwiththedistributionof“AcrossNorthAmerica“materials.Manyofthechurchesthatparticipatedhadfewtonobaptismsinthepreviousyears,thusqualifyingforSouthernBaptist’sBaptismAssistanceProgram(BAP,www.baptismassistance.org).FourteenchurchesfromthisassociationcommittedtothetaskandplannedarevivalfortheweekbeforeEaster.Inaddition,thechurchesworkedhandinhandwiththeevangelists(manyofthechurchesutilizedvocationalevangelists,www.sbcevangelist.org).Theresultswereahugeharvestforthekingdomandnumerouschurchesrevived.LearnmorebycontactingADOMBillWellmanatwww.svbaohio.org.

first baptist Church, Altamonte springs, florida…PastorToddLamphireandhischurchfamilydecidedtoimplementacampaigncalled,“50 Days of fitness.”Thiscampaignbeganbyinvitingthecommunitytoafitnessevent.Thisholisticefforthadnutritionalseminars,adevotionalguide,fitnesscoaches,financialcounselors,andmedicalassistance,allhelpinganindividualtodevelopawellnessstrategy.TheleaderswerebelieversfromtheFirstBaptistfamily.AspecialinvitationwasgiventotheschoolsystemandthecityofAltamonteSpringstojointhem.ThisattractionaleventhasproducedmanydecisionsforChrist.Learnmorebycontactingthechurchviawww.firstaltamonte.org.

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birchman baptist Church, fort Worth, Texas…Youhavehearditsaid,“Apictureisworthathousandwords.”Likeapicture,usingathemehelpstocommunicateyourevangelisticeventtothechurchandcommunity.PastorBobPearle,alongwithhisassistant,PhilipGriffin,havelearnedthevalueofdoingjustthat.Theyhaveusedsuchthemessuchas“FestivalofFaith,”“FindUsFaithful,”“CarrytheLight,”and“ThereIsaRemedy.”Ithasmotivatedthecongregationtoactionanddrawnthecommunityinthroughcuriosity.Learnmorebycontactingthechurchviawww.birchman.org.

McGehee Road baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama… AutoracingandcarshowsarethemostattendedsportingeventsinNorthAmerica.WhatifyousponsoredaCarShow,invitingthecommunitytocometoyourparkinglot?PastorGregMurksandtheMcGeheeRoadChurchfamilydecidedtogiveitatry.WiththeassistanceofchurchmembersJohnnyandChristyDaughty(carenthusiasts),theyrecruitedMustangandsportscarclubstoparticipateinaSaturdayevent.Theirfocuswastwofold…outreachtothecarownersandoutreachtothecommunity.WorkinghandinhandwiththeAlabamaBaptistStateBoardofMissions,this100-member,senior-populatedchurchdistributedcarshowguidelinesandevenatractusingtheacrosticC.A.R.S.Thedaylongfestivalwasfilledwithpeoplewhoheardthegospel.Learnmorebycontactingthechurchviawww.visitmrbc.org.

Chillicothe baptist Church, Chillicothe, ohio…Christmas,Easter,4thofJuly,andOctober’sfallfestivalsarefoureventsonmosteverychurchcalendar.TheChillicotheBaptistChurchinSciotoValley,undertheleadershipofPastorJohnBurrisandhisassociate,BillJames,havedoneasuperbjobincapitalizingonthesefourmain“crowd-drawers.”AtChristmas,theyhaveadynamicmusical,bringingpeoplebythebusloadtotheirchurchduringtheholidayseason.AtEaster,thechurchputsonaspecialpageantwiththesameeffectinthecommunity.ForChillicothe,the4thofJulydoesn’tpasswithoutbaseball,hotdogs,applepie,andthechurch’sfireworksshow.ChillicotheBaptistalsohasa“JudgmentHouse”eachHalloween,invitingscoresofyoungpeopleforadramaticportrayalofthegospel.Thechurchdecidedlongagotodofourthingswell.Thecommunityhasstamped“amen”ontheirprofessionalperformances,withlargecrowdsattendingeachnightfromaroundtheregion.Atallfourevangelisticevents,thegospelwaspresented,manyreceivedChrist,thechurchwasstrengthened,andthecommunityblessed.Recently,theyalsobeganaministrycalled“RiverofLife”Amphitheater.Atthisevent,theyhavehostedsoutherngospel,worship,andChristianrockconcertsatthelocalpark.Learnmorebycontactingthechurchviawww.chillicothebaptist.org.

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How to Participate in Reaching Across North America

ReachingAcrossNorthAmericainvolvesfoursimplesteps:Aneight-weekmediasaturationcampaignduringMarchandApril,2012*1.Participatingchurcheshosting,planning,andimplementingacommunity-reachingevent2.sometimeduringMarchorApril,2012Participatingchurchesprayerwalkinganddistributinginvitations*totheeventonetotwo3.weeksbeforehandAfterward,participatingchurchesdoingfollow-upwiththosewhoattendedtheevent4.

*Caution:Besuretofollowalllocalrules,regulations,andlawsinplacingpromotionalmaterials(i.e.,HomeownersAssociations,privateproperty,andmailboxes)

Reaching Across North America Timeline





Promotion Prayerwalking SharingtheGospel CommunityReachingEvent

Five-weekFollow-up


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AllyouneedtodotoparticipateinReachingAcrossNorthAmericaishost,plan,andimplementacoordinated, community-reaching event.

Toclarifytheterminology,“coordinated,”meansconductingtheseeventsduringthesametimeframe.TomultiplythespiritualimpactofthousandsofSouthernBaptistchurchesconductingattractional,evangelisticevents,itisrecommendedthatyouplanandimplementyoureventduringMarchandAprilof2012.Tosupportthiscoordinatedeffort,amediasaturationcampaignwilloccurduringthesemonths.ThoughMarchandAprilarerecommended,feelfreetousethetimethatbestsuitsyourareaandseasonoftheyear.“Community-reaching”describesaneventthatissaturatedinprayer,well-prepared,attractional,andevangelistic.

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Attractional, evangelistic events You Could Host

TheAcrossNorthAmericaPastorManualcanbefoundontheReachingAcrossNorthAmericapageontheGPS2020.netwebsite.Eachofthestepslistedbelowwilllinktotheappropriatesectionofthemanual.Youhavethechoiceofusingthishardcopyoryoucanchoosetousetheonlineversion.

local Church Revival1. Creative Themes-FestivalofHope:FindItHere–A___DayEvent*

CelebrationofHope:FindItHere–A___DayEvent*ThePowerofHope:FindItHere–A___DayEvent*RevivalofHope:FindItHere–A___DayEvent*

*Intheblank,specifythelengthoftheevent(1-Day,2-Day,3-Day,etc.)

Thiseventisalocalchurchcampaigninvolvingaseriesofconsecutiveservices.ItprovidesagreatopportunitytoattractlostpeopleandintroducethemtoChrist.Whenproperlyplannedandimplemented,arevivalservesastheplatformforGodtoworkinthelivesofbelieversandnonbelieversalike.Thefollowingaregeneralstepsnecessarytoplanthisevent.Theyshouldonlybeconsideredaguideandnotacomprehensivelistofeverythingassociatedwithplanningacommunity-reachingevent.Adjustthislistasnecessary.

Planning the event (ThepagenumberslistedrefertospecificcontentintheRevival Preparation Manualwheremorein-depthplanninginformationisavailable.)

6-12monthsprior–Recruitaneventplanningcommittee(pp.15-21,31-35),meetwith•planningcommittee(consider:theme,budget,revivalteam,prayer,hospitality,promotion,specialactivities/nights,food,suppliesneeded,evangelism,counseling/follow-up,andchildcare)(pp.37-43),andsecurearevivalteam(pp.23-26,27-30)4-6monthsprior-Recruiteventstaff(consider:choir/musicandspecialactivities/nights)•(pp.47-82)

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2-4monthsprior–Traineventstaff(consider:invitingrevivalteamtoparticipateintraining,•choirrehearsal,evangelism,specialactivities/nights,counseling/follow-up,hostingrevivalteam,foodpreparation,childcare,andpromotion)(pp.23-26,47-82)1-2monthsprior–Beginpromotingtheeventinsidethechurchandoutsideinthecommunity•(pp.51-56,99-102)andmobilizethechurchtopray(pp.47-50,77-93)2-4weeksprior–Gatheranynecessaryfoodandmaterials(consider:giveawaysforspecial•activities/nights,evangelismmaterials,andfollow-upmaterials)(pp.45-82,Alsoseesuggestedresourcesinthismanual.)1-2weeksprior–Contactrevivalteam,reviewanylast-minutedetails,prayerwalkthe•communityanddistributeinvitationstotheevent1dayprior–Meetwithplanningcommitteeandeventstaff,setupcounselingroom,finalize•details,doaquickrun-through(pp.107-108,109-112)Aftertheevent–Counselingandfollow-up•

evangelistic block Party 1. Creative Themes –FestivalofHope:FindItHere

StreetsofHope:FindItHereTheevangelisticblockpartyisanintimate,highlyeffectiveattractionalevangelismeventenhancedbyapersonalevangelismthrust.Fellowship,entertainment,fun,food,andspecificministriesprovidenumerousopportunitiesforsharingChristinanon-threateningsetting.Thefollowingaregeneralstepstohelpyouplanthisevent.Theyshouldonlybeconsideredaguideandnotacomprehensivelistofeverythingassociatedwithplanningacommunity-reachingevent.Adjustthislistasnecessary.Planning the event (ThestepslistedrefertospecificcontentintheBlock Party Manualwheremorein-depthplanninginformationisavailable.)Seesuggestedresourcesectionofthismanualtoorderordownloadacopy.

6-12monthsprior–Recruitaneventplanningcommittee,meetwithplanningcommittee•(consider:budget,specialguests/personalities,prayer,promotion,equipmentneeded,food,suppliesneeded,evangelism,andcounseling/follow-up),secureanyspecialconferencepersonalities,findalocation,andsecurenecessarypermissionsand/orpermits4-6monthsprior–Recruiteventstaff•2-4monthsprior–Traineventstaff(consider:eventresponsibilities,food,hostingofevent•personalities,registration,promotion,evangelism,andcounseling/follow-up)1-2monthsprior–Beginpromotingtheevent(insidethechurchandoutsideinthe•community)andmobilizethechurchtopray2-4weeksprior–Gatheranynecessaryfoodandmaterials•1-2weeksprior–Contactspecialinvitedpersonalities,reviewanylast-minutedetails,•prayerwalkthecommunityanddistributeinvitationstotheevent1dayprior–Meetwithplanningcommitteeandeventstaff,finalizedetails,setup,doaquick•run-throughAftertheevent–Counselingandfollow-up•

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Reaching Across North America Area Crusade 2. Creative Themes–FestivalofHope:FindItHere–A___DayEvent*

ThePowerofHope:FindItHere–A___DayEvent*CelebrationofHope:FindItHere–A___DayEvent*CrusadeofHope:FindItHere–A___DayEvent*

*Intheblank,specifythelengthoftheevent(1-Day,2-Day,3-Day,etc)AnareacrusadeisacoordinatedeffortofchurchesinaspecificareaworkingtogethertosharethegospelofJesusChrist.Theareamaybeacity,partofacity,anassociation,oracounty/township.Thefollowingaregeneralstepsnecessarytoplanthisevent.Theyshouldonlybeconsideredaguideandnotacomprehensivelistofeverythingassociatedwithplanningacommunity-reachingevent.Adjustthislistasnecessary.Planning the event(ThepagenumberslistedrefertospecificcontentintheArea Crusade Manualwheremorein-depthplanninginformationisavailable.)

6-12monthsprior–Meetwithotherareachurchestodiscusstheideaofacrusade,recruitan•eventplanningcommittee(recruitfromallparticipatingchurches)(pp.1:1-1:2),meetwithplanningcommittee(consider:theme,budget,crusadeteam,prayer,hospitality,promotion,specialactivities/nights,food,suppliesneeded,evangelism,counseling/follow-up,andchildcare)(pp.1:3-2:8,5:1-5:6,6:1-6:51),secureacrusadeteamandeventfacility(pp.1:3—1:4,3:1),recruitaneventstafffromallparticipatingchurches(consider:choir/musicandspecialactivities/nights),andmobilizethechurchestopray(pp.2:1-2:8)4-6monthsprior–Orderprintedmaterialsandanygiveawayitemsneeded(Refertothe•SuggestedResourcessectionofthismanual)2-4monthsprior-Traineventstaff(consider:invitingcrusadeteamtoparticipate,choir•rehearsals,evangelismmaterials,specialactivities/nights,andcounseling/follow-upmaterials)(pp.6:1-6:51,alsorefertotheSuggestedResourcessectionofthismanual)1-2monthsprior–Beginpromotingtheevent(insidethechurchesandoutsideinthe•communities)(pp.6:37-6:39)2-4weeksprior–Gatheranynecessaryfoodandmaterials•1-2weeksprior–Contactthecrusadeteam,reviewanylastminute-details,prayerwalkthe•communityanddistributeinvitationstotheevent(pp.4:1-4:2,6:37-39)1dayprior–Meetwithplanningcommitteeandeventstaff,finalizedetails,doaquickrun-•throughAfterthecrusade–Counselingandfollow-up(pp.6:16-6:25)•

friend Day3.Creative Themes–DayofHope:FindItHere–AOne-DayEvent

ThePowerofHope:FindItHere–AOne-DayEventCelebrationofHope:FindItHere–AOne-DayEvent

AFriendDayisaone-dayeventwherechurchmembersareencouragedtobringalostfriendwiththemtochurch.Itcanbetreatedasaone-dayrevival.Thefollowingaregeneralstepstohelpyouplanthisevent.Theyshouldonlybeconsideredaguideandnotacomprehensivelistofeverythingassociatedwithplanningacommunity-reachingevent.Adjustthislistasnecessary.Planning the event(Thiseventwouldbeplannedasaone-dayrevival.ThepagenumberslistedrefertospecificcontentintheRevival Preparation Manualwheremorein-depthplanninginformationisavailable.)

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6-12monthsprior–Recruitaneventplanningcommittee(pp.15-21,31-35),meetwith•planningcommittee(consider:budget,specialguests/personalities,prayer,promotion,equipmentneeded,food,suppliesneeded,evangelism,andcounseling/follow-up)(pp.37-43),andsecurespecialconferencepersonalities/leaders(pp.23-26,27-30)4-6monthsprior–Recruiteventstaff(pp.47-82)•2-4monthsprior–Traintheeventstaff(consider:invitingspecialeventpersonalitiesto•participateintraining,choirrehearsal,evangelism,specialactivities/nights,counseling/follow-up,hostingrevivalteam,foodpreparation,childcare,andpromotion)(pp.23-26,47-82)1-2monthsprior–Beginpromotingtheevent(insidethechurchandoutsideinthecommunity•(pp.51-56,99-102)andmobilizethechurchtopray(pp.47-50,77-93)2-4weeksprior–Gatheranynecessaryfood,materials,giveaways,counseling,andfollowup•resources.(pp.45-82,Alsoseesuggestedresourcesinthismanual.)1-2weeksprior–Contactspecialinvitedpersonalities,reviewanylast-minutedetails,•prayerwalkthecommunityanddistributeinvitationstotheevent1dayprior–Meetwithplanningcommitteeandeventstaff,finalizedetails,setupcounseling•room,anddoaquickrun-through(pp.107-108,109-112)Aftertheevent–Counselingandfollow-up•

felt Needs Conference1. Creative Themes–HopefortheFamily:FindItHere

HopeforTomorrow:FindItHereEventssuchasamarriageenrichmentseminar,financialplanning/debtreduction,careerplanning,jobfairs,orfamilyissueseminarsprovideanopenrelationaldoortoyourcommunity,aswellas,anopportunitytosharethegospel.Thefollowingaregeneralstepstohelpyouplanthisevent.Theyshouldonlybeconsideredaguideandnotacomprehensivelistofeverythingassociatedwithplanningacommunity-reachingevent.Adjustthislistasnecessary.Planning the event(ThestepslistedrefertospecificcontentintheHigh Impact Event Manualwheremorein-depthplanninginformationisavailable.)

6-12monthsprior–Recruitaneventplanningcommittee,meetwithplanningcommittee•(consider:communityassessmenttodeterminetheevent,budget,specialguests/personalitiestoconducttheevent,logistics,prayer,suppliesneeded,evangelism,andcounseling/follow-up),secureconferenceleader(s),findalocation,andsecurenecessarypermissionsand/orpermits(pp.16-39)4-6monthsprior–Recruiteventstaff(pp.18–39,75)•2-4monthsprior–Traineventstaff(consider:eventresponsibilities,refreshments,hosting•ofeventpersonalities,registration,promotion,evangelism,andcounseling/follow-up)(pp.18–39,75)1-2monthsprior–Beginpromotingtheevent(insidethechurchandoutsideinthe•community)andmobilizethechurchtopray(pp.18-19,30–33)2-4weeksprior–Gatheranynecessaryfoodandmaterials(pp.34-35,75,alsorefertothe•SuggestedResourcessectionofthismanual)1-2weeksprior–Contactinvitedpersonalities,reviewanylast-minutedetails,prayerwalkthe•communityanddistributeinvitationstotheevent(pp.20-21,75)

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Reaching Across North America1dayprior–Meetwithplanningcommitteeandeventstaff,finalizedetails,setupcounselingroom,doaquickrun-through(p.75)Aftertheevent–Counselingandfollow-up(pp.22-27)•

Ministry/servanthood evangelism Project 2. Creative Themes–ProjectHope:FindItHere

HopeInActionServingthepeoplewholiveinyourcommunityisthesimplest,mosttransferable,andmostfunapproachformovingbelieversclosertoabiblicallifestylemarkedbyconsistentwitnessing.Christfirstexemplifiedthislifestylebyreachingouttoanunsavedworld.Servanthoodprojectsmayincludeasinglemom’scarcareevent,givingawaywateratacommunityevent,washingwindows,orchangingbatteriesinsmokealarms/carbonmonoxidemonitors.Thislistisonlymeanttobeginyourthinkingaboutpossibilities.TodiscovermoreaboutservanthoodevangelismprojectgettheServanthood EvangelismManual(seetheSuggestedResourcessectionofthismanual).Thefollowingaregeneralstepstohelpyouplanthisevent.Theyshouldonlybeconsideredaguideandnotacomprehensivelistofeverythingassociatedwithplanningacommunity-reachingevent.Adjustthislistasnecessary.Planning the event (ThepagenumbersprovidedrefertolocationsintheHigh Impact Events Manualwheremorein-depthplanninginformationisavailable.)

6-12monthsprior-Recruitaneventplanningcommittee,meetwithplanningcommittee•(consider:communityneedstodeterminetheactualevent,budget,logistics,registration,materialsneeded,prayer,promotion,refreshments,evangelism,andcounseling/follow-up),findlocation,andsecurenecessarypermissionsand/orpermits(pp.16-39)4-6monthsprior–Recruiteventstaff(pp.18-39,69)•2-4monthsprior–Traineventstaff(consider:eventresponsibilities,createaregistrationform,•trainforevangelism,counselingandfollow-up,etc.)(pp.18-39,69)1-2monthsprior-Beginpromotingevent(insidethechurchandoutsideinthecommunity)•andmobilizethechurchtopray(pp.18-19,30-33)2-4weeksprior–Gatherthenecessaryfoodandmaterials(pp.34-35,69,alsorefertothe•SuggestedResourcessectionofthismanual)1-2weeksprior–Reviewanylast-minutedetails,prayerwalkthecommunityanddistribute•invitationstotheevent(pp,20-21,69)1dayprior–Meetwithplanningcommitteeandeventstaff,finalizedetails,doaquickrun-•through(p.69)Aftertheevent–Counselingandfollow-up(pp.22-27)•

An event Highlighting the Arts3. Creative Themes–AnEveningofHope:FindItHere

DayofHope:FindItHereFestivalofHope:FindItHere

Inmostcommunitiestherearegroupswhoregularlyparticipateinculturalarts.Considerhostingoneoftheseevents:adinnertheater,aconcert,anexhibitfeaturinglocalartists,anartsfestival,oramusic/artclass.Thefollowingaregeneralstepstohelpyouplanthisevent.Theyshouldonlybeconsideredaguideandnotacomprehensivelisteverythingassociatedwithplanningacommunity-reachingevent.Adjustthislistasnecessary.

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Planning the event (ThepagenumberslistedrefertospecificcontentintheHigh Impact Events Manualwheremorein-depthplanninginformationisavailable.)

6-12monthsprior–Recruitaneventplanningcommittee,meetwithplanningcommittee•(consider:typeofevent,budget,promotion,specialguests/personalities,prayer,suppliesneeded,evangelism,andcounseling/follow-up),securespecialconferencepersonalities,findalocation,securenecessarypermissionsand/orpermits(pp.16-39)4-6monthsprior–Recruiteventstaff(pp.18-39,74)•2-4monthsprior–Traineventstaff(consider:eventresponsibilities,refreshments,hostingof•eventpersonalities,registration,promotion,evangelism,andcounseling/follow-up)(pp.18-39,74)1-2monthsprior–Beginpromotingtheevent(insidethechurchandoutsideinthe•community)andmobilizethechurchtopray(pp.18-19,30-33,74)2-4weeksprior–Gatherthenecessaryfoodandmaterials(pp.34-35,74,alsorefertothe•SuggestedResourcessectionofthismanual)1-2weeksprior–Contactinvitedpersonalities,reviewanylast-minutedetails,prayerwalkthe•communityanddistributeinvitationstotheevent(pp.20-21,74)1dayprior–Meetwithplanningcommitteeandeventstaff,finalizedetails,setupcounseling•area,doaquickrun-through(p.74)Aftertheevent–Counselingandfollow-up(pp.22-27)•

sporting event1. Creative Themes–AimingatHope

CatchingHopePeopleofallageslovesports.Aspringtimesportingeventcouldbehuntingorfishing,asportsman’sdinner,agolftournament,afunrun,a3-on-3basketballtournament,orasportscampforchildrenandyouth.Thefollowingaregeneralstepstohelpyouplanthisevent.Theyshouldonlybeconsideredaguideandnotacomprehensivelisteverythingassociatedwithplanningacommunity-reachingevent.Adjustthislistasnecessary.Planning the event(ThepagenumberslistedrefertospecificcontentintheHigh Impact Events Manualwheremorein-depthplanninginformationisavailable.)

6-12monthsprior-Recruitaneventplanningcommittee,meetwithplanningcommittee•(consider:typeofevent,budget,logistics,registration,equipmentneeds,prayer,promotion,refreshments,evangelism,specialguests,andcounseling/follow-up),securesportspersonalities,findlocation,andsecurenecessarypermissionsand/orpermits(pp.16-39)4-6monthsprior–Recruiteventstaff(pp.18-39,55-62)•2-4monthsprior–Traineventstaff(consider:eventresponsibilities,createaregistrationform,•trainforevangelism,counselingandfollow-up,etc.)(pp.18-39,55-62)1-2monthsprior-Beginpromotingevent(consider:howregistrationformswillbesubmitted•andfees,ifany,areprocessed)andmobilizethechurchtopray(pp.18-19,30-33,55-62)2-4weeksprior–Gathernecessarysportingequipment,gatheranynecessaryfoodand•materials(sportsdrinks,water,plates,napkins,forks,snacks,etc.)(pp.34-35,55-62,alsorefertotheSuggestedResourcessectionofthismanual)

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Reaching Across North America1-2weeksprior–Contactinvitedsportspersonalities,reviewanylast-minutedetails,prayerwalkthecommunityand,ifapplicable,distributeinvitationstotheevent(pp.20-21,55-62)1dayprior–Meetwithplanningcommitteeandeventstaff,finalizedetails,setupcounseling•area,anddoaquickrun-throughAftertheevent–Counselingandfollow-up(pp.22-27)•

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Event Tasks

Time Prior

Event6-12 Months 4-6 Months 2-4 Months

Local Church Revival Festival of Hope: Find It Here

Celebration of Hope: Find It Here

The Power of Hope: Find It Here

Revival of Hope: Find It Here

Recruit an event planning

committee

Meet with planning committee

Secure a revival team

Recruit event staff Train event staff

Friend Day Day of Hope: Find It Here The

Power of Hope: find It Here



committee


Secure special conference

personalities


Area Crusade Festival of Hope: Find It Here

The Power of Hope: Find It Here


Crusade of Hope: Find It Here

Meet with other area churches


committee


Secure a crusade team and event

facility

Recruit event staff from all

participating churches

Mobilize the churches to pray

Order printed

materials and any

giveaways needed

Train event staff

Evangelistic Block Party Festival of Hope: Find It Here

Streets of Hope: Find It Here


committee


Secure conference personalities

Find a location

Secure permissions and/or permits


Felt Needs Conference

Hope for the Family: Find It Here

Hope for Tomorrow: Find It Here


committee


Secure conference leader(s) and

event location

Secure permissions and/or

permits


Ministry/Servanthood

Evangelism Project Project Hope: Find It Here

Hope In Action


committee


Find a location


permits


Event Highlighting the Arts An Evening of Hope: Find It Here

Day of Hope: Find It Here

Festival of Hope: Find It Here


committee


Secure special conference

personalities

Find a location


permits


Sporting Event Aiming at Hope

Catching Hope


committee


Secure sports personalities

Find a location


permits


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Reaching Across North AmericaEvent Tasks

1-2 Months 2-4 Weeks 1-2 Weeks 1 Day After the Event

Begin promoting the

event

Mobilize the church to

pray

Gather any necessary

food and materials

Contact revival team

Review any last minute

details

Prayerwalk the community

and distribute invitations to

the event

Meet with planning

committee and event staff

Set up counseling room

Finalize details

Do a quick run-through

Counseling

Follow-up

Begin promoting the

event


pray


food and materials

Contact invited

personalities


details


and distribute invitations

to the event

Meet with planning


Finalize details

Set-up counseling room


Counseling

Follow-up

Begin promoting the

event


food and materials

Contact crusade team


details



to the event

Meet with planning


Finalize details


Counseling

Follow-up

Begin promoting the

event


pray


food and materials

Contact invited personalities


details



the event

Meet with planning


Finalize details

Set-up


Counseling

Follow-up

Begin promoting the

event


pray


food and materials



details



the event

Meet with planning


Finalize details

Set-up counseling room


Counseling

Follow-up

Begin promoting the

event


pray

Gather the necessary

food and materials


details



to the event

Meet with planning

committee and event

staff

Finalize details


Counseling

Follow-up

Begin promoting the

event


pray


food and materials

Contact invited

personalities


details



to the event

Meet with planning


Finalize details

Set-up counseling area


Counseling

Follow-up

Begin promoting the

event


pray


sporting equipment


food and materials



details



the event

Meet with planning


Finalize details

Set-up counseling area


Counseling

Follow-up

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GPs event Planning Activities

ThefollowingaresomeactivitiesandresourcesassociatedwiththeGPSbiblicalmarkers,thatmayhelpyoubetterplanandimplementReachingAcrossNorthAmerica:

Praying1. -Eachaspectoftheevent,everyoneinvolved,andthepeopleofyourcommunityshouldbesaturatedinprayer.Hereareafewideastogetyoustartedpraying:

Prayerwalkyourcommunitya.Planfor40daysofprayerb.Plana24-hourprayervigilc.3:16cardsd.Discoverandprayforlostpeopleinyourcommunitye.DevelopCountdownCalendarsf.

equipping2. -Planan“investandinvite”eventthatmeetsafeltneedandisofinteresttoyourcommunity.Next,youshouldequipyourchurchtoimplementtheevent,aswellassharethegospel.Inotherwords,yourchurchshouldbewellpreparedtohostthisevangelisticevent.Hereareafewideastohelpyouequipyourcongregationtohostanevent:

Usethea. Plan-Itfeatureonwww.gps2020.nettoselectandplanyoureventRefertotheb. Revival Preparation Manual,Area Crusade Manual,andtheHigh Impact Events Manualatwww.gps2020.netforhelpinplanningforanevent.Selectcounselorsandtrainthemproperlyc.UseOperationAndrewCardsd.Usemultiplepersonalevangelismapproachesforthetraining(CWT,NET,FAITH,e.witnessingbooklets,Connect,etc.)Planforfollow-upf.

sowing 3. –Mucheffortmustbegiventomobilizeyourcongregationtogetthewordoutintothecommunityaboutthisevent.Hereareafewideastogetyoustartedsowing:

Distributeticketspromotingtheeventa.Promotespecialservices(FamilyNight,StudentNight,Children’sNight,etc.)b.Planaservanthoodevangelismprojectorseasonofservicec.

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Distributeagospeldrop-inpiecewithaninvitationtoanattractionaleventa.Publicizewithposters,signs,printedads,andradioand/orTVspotsb.

Harvesting4. –Thiseventmustbeintentionallyevangelistic.Plantosharethegospelatthiseventandprovideopportunitiesforyourcongregationtosharewithindividuals.Alsomakeplansforfollow-upandassimilationofnewbelieversintothechurch.HerearesomeideasforharvestingandcelebratingGod’swork:

Plantimesandpeopletopresentthegospelduringtheeventandgiveaninvitationa.Planabaptismcelebrationfornewbelieversb.Dospontaneousbaptisms(besureyouhaveparentalpermissionforchildren)c.Plancounselingandfollow-upforseekersandnewbelieversd.Startsomethingnew(class,ministry,orchurch)e.

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Prayer Guide

IfReaching Across North Americaistobeeffective,thenGod’speoplemustpray.Thisprayerguideisprovidedtoencourageyouandyourcongregationtobegindiligentlyprayingforthesalvationoflostpeopleinyourcommunityandforthosesharingthegospel.Herearesomesimpleideastohelpyoumobilizeyourchurchtopray:

EnlistaPrayerCoordinator.Seekoutsomeonewhoalreadypraysconsistentlytofillthis1.positionandorganizethiseffort.Determinedatestoprayerwalkyourcommunitypriortotheeventyouarehosting.Select2.alternatedatesalsoincaseofinclementweather.Enlistprayerwalkerswithinyourchurch.Haveasign-upsheetforpeopletocommitto3.prayerwalkyourcommunitypriortoyourevent.Encouragemembersofallagesandstagesoflifetoparticipate.Forthoseunabletotravelthroughoutthecommunity,enlistthemtoprayattheirhomeorchurch.Gatherthefollowinginformationfromthoseparticipating:

Nameandcontactinformationa.Dotheyplantowalkalone,withagroup,orathome/church?b.Dotheyhavealocationwheytheywouldcommittoprayerwalk(suchasc.neighborhoods,schools,publicplaces,etc.)?Remindthemtheycanwalk,run,orevendriveastheypray.

Createprayerwalkroutesbasedonthenumberregistered.Thesewillbedistributedwhenyou4.meetwithyourprayerwalkers.Gatherthenecessarymaterialandresources.5.

Contactyourlocalassociationforavailableprayerresources.a.Visitb. www.gps2020.net foravailableprayerresources.Therearemanylocatedherethatcanbedownloadedforfree.ViewtheSuggestedResourcessectionofthisguideforavailableprayerresourcesc.ConsiderusingtheHEARTacrosticasaguideforprayingforlostpeopleasyourtraveld.

throughoutyourcommunity:

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H–PrayforreceptiveHearts(Luke8:5,12).E–Praythattheireyeswillbeopened(Matt.13:15).A–PrayfortheirAttitudeadjustment(John16:8)R–PrayforthemtobeReleasedtobelieve(2Tim.2:25-26)T–PrayfortheirTransformation(Rom12:1-2)

6.Organizepeoplewhowouldliketoprayerwalkingroups.Keepthegroupssmallinsize,betweentwotofourpeople.

7.Planameetingwiththeprayerwalkerstoconductabrieftraining,assigngroups,anddistributeprayerwalkroutes.Thosewhostaybehindtopraycanprayforalocation,street,oreventhosetravelingthroughouttheneighborhoods.

8.Prayerwalkyourcommunityontheassignedday(s).

BesuretoviewtheSuggestedResourcessectionofthemanualforresourcesandideasforprayingforyourcommunity.Also,regularlyvisittheGPSwebsitewww.gps2020.netforup-to-dateresourcesandideasforprayingforeachlostpersoninyourcommunity.

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Getting Your Church Ready for Company

It’sSundaymorning.TheSmithfamilyhasdecidedtoattendchurchforthefirsttimeinover12years.TheychoseFirstChurchbecauseofaneventyouhostedandaninvitationfromsomeofyourmembers.Astheyturnintotheparkinglotitisdifficulttofindaparkingplace.Afterdrivingaroundforseveralminutes,theyfinallyparkbutaren’tsurewheretogo.Thefirstdoortheycometoislockedandthereisnooneinsighttohelpthem.Mr.Smithnoticesacouplewalkingtowardthefrontofthechurchsotheyquicklyturnandfollowthem.Onceinside,abulletinisshovedintheirhands,andtheyaretoldtofindaseatquicklybecausetheserviceisabouttobegin.Aftersteppingoverthreefamilieswhowouldnotmovedownthepew,theyarefinallyseatedasthemusicbeginsandeveryoneistoldtostand.

Aftertheservice,theSmithfamilyleftwithoutanyonespeakingtothem,invitingthemtoBiblestudyorexpressinganyinterest.However,theSmithsdidmakeadecisionthatday—theydecidednevertogobacktoFirstChurchagain.

Itwasnotbecausetheydidnotlikethesermonorthemusic.ItwasbecauseFirstChurchwasjustnotreadyforcompany.

Reaching Across North Americaisquicklyapproaching.Plansarebeingfinalizedtomakesurethoseinyourcommunityreceiveaninvitationtoattendyoureventandyourchurch.However,aquestionremainstobeasked.Withallthisworkyouaredoingtoinvitepeople,isyourchurchreadyforcompany?

Eachservicecannotbe“businessasusual.”Theremustbeaplantomakesureeachguestfeelswelcomed,loved,andwanted.Manyofthepeoplewhowillbevisitingyoureventandservicemayhaveneverattendedchurch.Theirattendancemightberevealinganewreceptivitytospiritualthingsorapersonalsearchforanswerstolifeissues.Ifyourchurchisnotreadyforcompany,itcouldmeantheywillneverreturnorrespondtothegospel.

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Somemightthinkthattoomuchattentionisbeinggiventoguests.Let’stakealookatwhatJesussaysonthisissue.InMatthew25:35Jesussaid,“…I was a stranger and you invited me in”(NIV).ItsoundslikeJesuswantsustobehospitabletostrangers.AnotherpassageisHebrews13:1-2whereweread,“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers…”(NKJV).“Brotherlylove”shouldnotstopwiththebrothers.Itshouldcontinuebeyondthebordersofthoseweknow.Theword“entertain”meanshospitality.God’sWordcommandsustoshowlovetoeveryone,evenstrangers.

Sowhatshouldourchurchdotogetreadyforcompany?Inthepagesthatfollowareseveraleasyyetessentialstepseverychurchcantaketomakecertaintheyareprepared.Somechurchesmightfeelwhattheyofferissimplyokay.Itmightnotbethebest,butitisgoodenough.Whatisanacceptablelevelofqualityperformance?Isit50percentofyourguestsfeelingwelcomed?Seventy-fivepercentofyourguestsfeelingloved?Ninetypercentofyourguestsfeelingwanted?

Well,if99.9percentisanacceptablegoalforyourchurch,howwouldthisgoalimpactotherareasoflife?

12babieswouldbegiventothewrongparentseachdayinAmerica.•200,000drugprescriptionswouldbefilledincorrectlyinthenext12months.•107incorrectmedicalprocedureswouldbeperformedeachday.•

Since99.9percentisnotgoodenoughforparents,pharmacists,anddoctors,itshouldnotbegoodenoughforchurches.

Wehaveonechancetomakeagoodfirstimpression.

outside the Church

A.Yourchurchcampusmust:Havedirectionalsignsinparkingareasandoutsideofbuildings•Bewelllandscaped•Becleanandwellmaintained•Beinviting•

Everyonehasheardofbodylanguage.Thereisbuildinglanguageaswell.Yourbuildingcommunicateshowmuchthemembersofyourchurchvaluetheirchurchfacilityandtheministriesoffered.

B.ParkingAreasAdequatenumberofguestparkingareas•Guestparkingmustbeeasytolocateandidentify•Guestparkingmustbeyourbestparkingspaces•Guestparkingmusthavegreetersoutside•

Whydoweneedguestparkingspaces?Researchershavediscoveredthatchurchguestsdecidewhetherornottoreturntothechurchtheyarevisitinginthefirst10-12minutesuponenteringthechurchcampus.Greeterscanensurethefirsttenminutesforyourguestarethebest.Ifyoudonothaveguestparkingwithgreeters,youcannotbecertaintheirfirsttenminuteswillbeapositiveexperience.

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Reaching Across North AmericaC.GuestParkingGreeters

Shouldbeyourfriendliestpeople•Mustwearnametags•Needtounderstandthevalueofthisministry•

Thistimeiscriticallyimportantandshouldbeusedtodiscoverusefulinformationabouttheguest(s)suchastheirnames,wheretheyarefrom,howlongtheyhavelivedinthearea,informationabouttheirfamily,interests,andpossibleneeds.

D.TransitioningYourGueststotheInsideGuestparkinggreetersshouldescortallguestsfromtheparkinglottotheWelcome/InformationCenterandintroducethemtotheWelcomeCenterstaff.

Inside the Church

WhyshouldourchurchhaveaWelcome/InformationCenter?Mostfamiliesdonotvisitachurchwhenthingsaregoingwell.Usually,theyattendduringacrisisortimeofneed.Theymightbelookingforhelp,friendship,orfulfillmentinlife.IfyourchurchdoesnothaveaWelcome/InformationCenter,howwillaguestfindoutaboutyouryouthministry,parentingclasses,marriageretreat,women’sBiblestudy,oranyoftheotherwonderfulministries,andactivitiesyourchurchoffers?

AttheWelcome/InformationCenter,guestscandiscovermanyofthebenefitsyourchurchoffersthosewhoattend.Youmayunknowinglydiscusshowyourchurchcanmeetoneoftheirmostcriticalneeds.Theyprobablywillnotreceivethisinformationduringaworshipserviceandcertainlywillnothavetheopportunitytoaskquestions.AttheWelcome/InformationCenter,guestsareinformedandencouragedtogetinvolvedinthelifeofyourchurch.

A.Welcome/InformationCenterShouldhaveveryfriendlygreeters•Shouldhavewell–informedgreeterswhoknowallaboutthechurchministries•Shouldhavegreeterswhocanprovideup-to-dateinformationon•

Upcomingeventsforallages➣

Recreationalleaguesandopportunities➣

Discipleshipclasses/smallgroups➣

Churchstaffandministrydirectors➣

Allage-gradedandaffinityministries➣

Contactinformation➣

Campusmap➣

AftervisitingtheWelcome/InformationCenter,thegreetershouldescorttheguesttotheappropriatearea,suchasnursery,children’schurch,youthministry,discipleshipclasses,orworshipcenter.Thegreetershouldintroducetheguesttotheministrystafforleaderandmakesuretheyareaccommodated.

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B.Nurseryareamustbe:Clean•Safe•Secure•Organized•

Someguestsmaynotbereadytoleavetheirnewborninyourchurch’snursery.Toassistvisitingparentswiththisemotionaldilemma,itmighthelptoencouragethemtotourthenurseryareaandmaketheirowndecision.Iftheystilldonotfeelcomfortableleavingtheirbaby,youcansuggesttheysitinthebackoftheworshipcentertoalloweasyaccesstothefoyer.

C.AcknowledgingGuestsDuringaWorshipServiceMostguestspreferanonymitywhilevisitingachurch.Theydonotwanttoraisetheirhand,•standup,orstayseatedwhileeveryoneelsestands.Theywanttodowhateveryoneelseisdoingandfeelascomfortableaspossible.

Itisimportantforsomeonetoacknowledgetheminawaythatmakesthemfeelwelcomedand•wanted.Sincetheywillbeblendingintothecrowd,churchleadersmustteachtheirmemberstovaluetheirguestsandspeaktothoseseatedaroundthemwithakindwordandinvitingsmile.

Itiscriticalforchurchleaderstogatherthecontactinformationoftheirgueststofollowup•withthem.Guestcardsmaybeplacedinpewracksorinbulletins.Whoeveracknowledgestheguestsshouldpolitelyencouragethemtofilloutaguestcardandplaceitintheofferingplateorpreferredareas.

Somechurcheshaveaguestreceptionfollowingeachworshipservicetogivetheman•opportunitytomeetthepastorandstaff.

Mostchurchesconsiderthemselvesveryfriendly.Thetruthistheyare,butusuallyonlytoeachother.Itisimportantforyourchurchtodoitsbesttomakesureeveryguestfeelslovedandwelcomed.

Asyouincorporatetheseideasandyourownintothelifeandministryofyourchurch,youwillbewellonyourwayto“GettingYourChurchReadyForCompany!”

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Register Your event

ThemediacampaignforReaching Across North Americawilldirectthelostandunchurchedpeopleofyourcommunitytotheevangelisticwebsitewww.FindItHere.com.Onthissitepeoplewillbeabletointeractwithagospelpresentation,locateaSouthernBaptistchurch,andfindanevangelisticeventtoattendinMarchandApril.Tomaketheseeventsavailableforviewingonthissite,weneedallparticipatingchurchestoregistertheirevents.Allregisteredeventswillpopulateunderthe“FindAnEvent”buttonlocatedontheFind It Herewebsite.

Inordertomakeyoureventknowntoyourcommunity,weneedyoutomakeitapartofthisdatabasebyregisteringyoureventassoonaspossible!Toregisteryourevent,gotowww.gps2020.netandclickonthe“Reaching Across North America”button.Fromthere,clickonthe“RegisterYourEvent”buttonandsimplyfollowtheinstructions.

Oncecompleted,youreventwillbeaddedtothemasterlistandbeavailablewhenpeoplesearchforeventsyourarea.

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Appendices

Research:UtilizingEventsinanEvangelismStrategy1.CounselingandFollow-up2.EvangelismResponseCenter(ERC)Information3.HowtoGiveanEffectiveInvitation4.

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ResearchUtilizing events in an evangelism strategy

In2009,theSpiritualAwakeningandMassEvangelismTeamoftheNorthAmericanMissionBoard(NAMB)commissionedSouthwesternBaptistTheologicalSeminaryandtheRoyFishChairofEvangelismandMissionstodoacomprehensivestudyonevangelisticeventsinSouthernBaptistchurchesacrossthecountry.FivehundredofthemosteffectiveevangelisticchurchesintheSBC*and500comparisonchurcheswereaskedthisquestion,“OtherthanVBS,doesyourchurchutilizeattractional,evangelisticevents?”

Forthisstudy, attractional, evangelistic eventsweredefinedasspecialeventsthat:Intentionallydrewlostpeoplethroughrelationshipsandattraction•Presentedthegospel•Providedanopportunityforthoseinattendancetorespond•

Theprimarysampleconsistedof519ofThe Most Highly Effective Evangelistic Churches*(A-Churches)fromalargerpoolof3196churchesthatmetthecriteriamentionedbelow.Thesecondarysampleconsistedof519Less Effective Evangelistic Churches*(b-Churches)fromalargerpoolof4060churcheswhichmetthecriteriamentionedbelow.Bothsamplesarecomposedofchurchesinthetop45percentofallSouthernBaptistchurchesintotalbaptisms(2007ACP),andbothenjoypreciseproportionalrepresentationfromeachstateconvention.Churchesofvaryingsizesarerepresented,thoughnotproportionally,inbothsamples,andbothsampleswerelimitedtochurcheswithatotalmembershipof50ormore(2007ACP).

Thereliabilityofthestudy:Interviewed1in6churchesthatmetthecriteriaforhighlyevangelisticchurches•Themarginoferrorwaslessthan.1%•Proportionalrepresentationfromeverystateconventionandsignificantrepresentationfrom•churchesofallsizesAcademicpeerreview•

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Keyfindings(foramoredetailedreport,pleasegotowww.gps2020.net):Over92%ofthe“A”poolchurchesutilizedattractional,evangelisticevents•“A”poolchurchesdidover40%moreeventsthan“B”poolchurches•“A”poolchurchesdidasignificantlybetterjobinpreparingfortheirevents•Over70%of“A”poolchurchesutilizedmultipleongoingpersonalevangelismtraining•processestoequiptheirmembersBottomline–themosthighlyeffective,evangelisticchurchesintheSBCwere• missionalandattractional

*BasedoncriteriaestablishedbytheLeavellCenterforEvangelismandChurchHealthofNewOrleansBaptistTheologicalSeminary

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Counseling and follow-up

Godhasnotcalledustomake“decisions”buttomake“disciples.”Additionally,follow-upandassimilationisthekeytothelong-termimpactoftheevent.Churchesthatdothesewellwillbaptize70percentofthosewhoreceiveChristinthesixmonthsfollowingtheirevent.

follow up is not an after-thought—it is part of the preparation processAkeythingtoremember:theeventisnotoverwhentheeventisover!Indeed,thespiritualgrowthofthosewhomGodhasbroughtintothekingdomisjustthebeginning.Andthecontinuednurturingofthosedrawnclosertothekingdommustcontinue.

Follow-upmustbeprompt,especiallywiththosewhorespondedtotheinvitationtobecomefollowersofChristorsoughtanyformofcounsel.Thefirst48hoursiscritical!Decisioncounselorsshouldbeinthehomeofthosetheyhavecounseledwithinthistimeframetoleadthesenewbelieverstobiblicalassurance.Canyouimaginebringingababyhomefromthehospitalandaskingittotakecareofitselfforthefirst48hours?Ofcoursenot,andthesenewbelieversarebabesinChrist.Also,theenemy—Satan—isnothappywiththeirdecision.Hewillplantdoubt,discouragementandcreateasmuchconfusionaspossible.Itisvitalthatsomeonestrongintheirfaithwalkalongsidethenewbeliever,eitherstayingthecoursewithhimorherortransitioninghimorhertoabodyorsmallgroupofotherbelieversfornurturing.

Tips on the processBeginrecruitingdecisioncounselors60daysinadvanceandtrainthem30dayspriortotheevent.Askyourselfthisquestion:“HowmanypeopledoIenvisionreceivingChristattheevent?”Whateverthenumber,trainacounselorforeverytwodecisions,andequipyourcounselorstodofourthings:

HelpapersonpraytoreceiveChristduringthedecisiontimeattheevent.1.Leadthenewbelievertobiblicalassuranceandhowtousethefollow-upmaterial.2.Follow-upforfourweekswiththenewbelieverusing3. Beginning Steps for New BelieversorLiving in Christ(don’tforget,thisshouldbeginwithin48hours).

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Askthemtoinvestandinvite.Givethem5witnessingbooklets.Askthemtoidentify5friends1.whoneedChrist,prayforthemeveryday,sharethebookletwiththemanddoeverythingpossibletobringthemtotheevent.

Tips for finding counselorsEnlistcounselorsfrompastevangelisticevents.•Enlistcounselorsyouregularlyuseattheinvitationtimeofyourregularservices.•EnlistSundaySchoolandsmallgroupBiblestudyleaders.•Enlistothersyourstaffortoplayleadersrecommend.•Choosecounselorsofawideagerange,includinglateteensandcollegestudents,tousewith•thoseofsimilarage.

The Role of the Holy spirit in Decision CounselingCounselingsomeoneaboutsuchavitaldecisionasarelationshipwithChristcanseemdaunting.ThegreatnewsisthattheHolySpirit—theultimateCounselor—isinthemeeting(seeJohn14:15-26)!AspeakersharesthemessageandmakestheclaimsofChristclear,buttheHolySpiritistheonewhohastogivetheinvitation.Asyouspeakwithsomeoneaboutspiritualmatters,beawareoftheSpirit’spresenceand,inyourmind,inviteHimtoguide.

God storyHereisanexampleofwhathappenswhenpastorsusethissimpleprocess.Onepastorwhofollowedthisprocesstrained167decisioncounselors30daysinadvance.Beforetheeventevenoccurredfourweekslater,hehadalreadybaptized40adults.TheydidnotevenwaittilltheeventtoreceiveChrist!Hesawover250morerespondtothegospelatthecelebration.RememberActs1and2—peoplereachpeople.

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evangelism Response Center (eRC) Information

Wouldyoulikeawaytotrainmorepeopleinevangelism,especiallythosewhomightbetimidinsharingtheirfaithbytraditionalmeans?Wouldyouliketohaveacontinuedlistofprospectsforyourvisitationfile?WouldyouwantatelephonenumberandWebsiteyoucanpublishinyourbulletinorwebpage,withconfidencethatatrainedbelieveristhere24/7topointpeopletoJesusChrist?TheNorthAmericanMissionBoard’sEvangelism Response Center(ERC)isanidealevangelismtoolforyouandyourchurch(allcomplementsoftheCooperativeProgram).ThisSouthernBaptistministryisyoursolutionforalloftheabovequestionsandmore!HereareFrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ’s):

1. How Does the evangelism Response Center (eRC) operate?

TheEvangelismResponseCenter(ERC)worksthroughcaringencouragersandinnovativetechnology.ThisministryprovidesanetworkofbelieversinNorthAmericatrainedtocommunicatethemessageofourLordJesusChristtopeoplethroughthetelephoneandtheInternet24hoursaday,365daysayear.TheseseekerscontacttheERCthroughatoll-freetelephonenumberandInternetaddressesthatareshownthroughvariousmediavenues.ThroughtheERCtechnicalsystems,thesecontactsarerouteddirectlyandanonymouslytothehomesofEncouragerswhologontoreceivecallsorInternetcontacts.

2. How Does the eRC follow Up on Decisions?

TheworkoftheEvangelismResponseCenterisnotcompletewhenapersonpraystoreceiveChrist.Manycallersleavetheirnameandaddress,desiringtobeputincontactwithalocalchurch.Immediately,theERCsendsfollow-upmaterials,alongwithafreeHolmanBibletoeverypersonmakingasalvationdecision.Inaddition,theERCincludesanetworkofSouthernBaptistfollow-upchurchescalled“CovenantChurches,”whofollowuponeachdecisionwithinthreehourstothreedaysofreceivingthenameandaddressoftherespondent.

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3. How Will My Church Benefit by Being Involved with the ERC?

Encouragersfromyourchurchwillbetrainedinevangelism.Inaddition,youwillbeabletopublishthe1-888-JESUS20(1-888-537-8720)numberand/ortheWebsite(www.thegoodnews.org)onanypromotionalorevangelisticmaterialsyourchurchdistributes(includingyourWebsite),thusincreasingthepotentialforcontactsinyourarea.

4. How easy Is It to become a “Covenant Church” for the eRC?

It’sassimpleas1-2-3.First,contacttheERCoffice(numberbelow)expressingyourdesiretobeaCovenantChurch.Second,completetheCovenantChurchregistrationthatyouwillreceiveandreturnittotheERCoffice.Third,onceregistered,youwillreceivecontactinformationaboutthosewhorespondtoChristthroughtheERCinyourcommunity.Followupasyounormallydoatyourchurch.

5. How Can I Get started with the eRC?InterestedinbeingaTelephoneorInternetEncourager?ReadyforyourchurchtobeaCovenantChurch?WanttohostanEncouragerTrainingseminar?IncreaseyourGPScapacitybycontacting:

[email protected] / 770-410-6383 / www.erconline.net

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GPs2020.NeT

Giving an effective Invitation

Whiletoday’sgospelinvitationistakingonavarietyofforms,itstillremainstheuniqueopportunityforeveryChristiantoinviteindividualstocometofaithinJesusChrist,ortorecommittoaholylifestyleasHisdisciples.Regardlessofthestyleorapproach,theinvitationistheresponsibilityofbelieversintheirinteractionwithunbelievers.OurGreatCommissiontaskistobefaithfulinproclaimingthegospelandaskinglostpeopletorespondtoJesus.ItistheHolySpirit’sroletobringintheharvest.

Types of evangelistic InvitationsDr.RoyFish,ChairofEvangelismEmeritus,SouthwesternBaptistTheologicalSeminary,describesavarietyofinvitationsthathelppeoplerespondtothecallofthegospel:

Invitation to come forward to openly confess• Christ.Inmanyevangelisticchurches,thestandardinvitationisonetocometothealtarandacceptJesusChristastheirpersonalLordandSavior.Thiskindofinvitationinvolvescounselandprayerwiththepastorordecisioncounselor.Thisisthemostcommonlyusedinvitation. Invitation to go to an inquiry room for further counsel.• Asecondtypeofinvitation,whichhasmanyadvantages,isaninvitationinvolvingcounselorsandacounselingroom.Inthisapproach,peopleareinvitedtocomeforwardandeitherstandatthealtarorleavetheareawithacounselorduringtheinvitation.•Invitation to sign a card.Athirdoptionisaninvitationforinterestedpeopletofilloutacard.OnthecardisastatementofacceptanceofJesusChristasSavior,arequestformoreinformationonhowtobecomeaChristian,andarequestforapersonalvisitfromastaffmember,decisioncounselor,ormemberofthecongregation,alongwiththeirpersonaldata(i.e.name,address,email,phone,othercontactinformation). Invitation to raise one’s hand, look up or stand.• Thisapproachisgenerallyusedduringatimewhenthemusicisplayingandthecongregationhasclosedtheireyesinprayer.Thisprovidesasenseofprivacyfortheindividualwhodoesnotwanttobesingledoutinaroomfullofstrangers.Counselorsshouldbealertandnearbytodiscreetlytalkindividuallywiththoseresponding,gatheringimportantdataforfollowup.

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Invitation to pray at one’s seat.• Afifthoptioncallsforthosewhowanttoprayforrepentance,butdon’tknowthewordstouseintheirprayers.Inthisapproach,theextenderoftheinvitationasksthenewbelievertorepeathiswordsasheleadshiminasinner’sprayer.Thispersonshouldalsopointtocounselorsintheroomforpersonalprayer,datagatheringandfollowup.Asampleprayeris:

Dear God, I know that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross and was raised from the dead. Because I have sinned and need forgiveness, I ask Jesus to come into my life. I am willing to change direction by acknowledging Him as my Lord and Savior, and by turning away from my sins. Thank you for giving me forgiveness, eternal life, and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Adapted from Revival Preparation Manual, NAMB, 2009

CreatingtheRightAtmosphereforInvitationsDr.RonHerrod,PresidentoftheConferenceofSouthernBaptistEvangelists(COSBE),sharestenpointersforcreatingtherightatmosphere:

The invitation should be given prayerfully.9 Longbeforetheevangelisticevent,believersshouldberecruitedtoprayforthedecisionsthatwillbemade.Theyshouldprayfortheevent,fortheinvitationgiver,forlostpeople,forthedecisioncounselors,fortheLordtohaveHiswayinpeople’shearts,andforSatantoberemovedfromthatplaceofworship.9 The purpose of the invitation should always be very clear.RehearseinadvanceexactlywhatyouwanttosayonbehalfofyourSavior.“Drawingthenet”shouldbeconcise,biblical,brief,communicatedinthelanguageoftheaudience,andunmistakablyaboutJesusChrist.Don’tbeadistractiontothisholymoment.Takethemtothecross! Adequate counseling should always be available for those making decisions.9 Thesedecisioncounselorsshouldbetrained,prepared,andorganizedtogatherdata.Prayandfollowupwithapersonabouthisorherdecision,regardlessofthetypeofinvitationyouchoose.9 The length of the invitation should be determined with sensitivity and obedience to the Holy spirit.Bepreparedwithastronginvitationstrategy,workedoutinadvancewiththemusicteamandcounselors.Havesoftmusicplayinginthebackground.BepreparedtoextendtheinvitationasGodworksinthelivesofthoseinyouraudience. Never forget that many of your hearers have religion without a living relationship with 9Jesus Christ.BeanAndrew.FocusontakingthemtotheMaster. The invitation is not designed to create doubt about a previous genuine decision.9 Donotbemanipulative,abusive,ordemanding.Bepoliteandpositive.Exhibittenderness,humility,kindness,andloveinyourextensionofGod’samazinggraceatthecross.9 Give the invitation in a personal way.Inaconcise,briefmanner,tellthemhowyoucametoknowJesusChristasyourpersonalLordandSavior.9 be persuasive in your delivery.Wemayneverhavetheirattentionagain.Neverrefertoanotherchance.Lovinglyremindthemthiscouldbetheironlyopportunity.Warnthemaboutprocrastination.Jesusalwayscalledforimmediateaction.Tellthemtomakethisdecisionnow!9 Give the invitation publicly.Thereisnosuchthingasasecretdisciple.Beboldincallingforadecision.DonotgivetheimpressionthatyouareworriedaboutembarrassingthembycallingthepersontopubliclyprofesstheirfaithinJesusChrist.

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Reaching Across North America9 Plan to preserve the invitation.Makemuchofeachdecision,makeeachdecisionverypersonalandapproachitwithenthusiasmandexcitement.Makesureyouhaveenoughtraineddecisioncounselorstotalkwithandfollowuponeachperson.Remember,yourgoalisnotdecisions,butdisciples.

Adapted from Article in the “Voice of the Evangelist” by Dr. Ron Herrod, COSBE.

Tips on giving an effective InvitationHerearethreepossiblewaystogiveaninvitation:

1. large Group setting - Ask people to come forward to make a public decisionAfteraconcisepresentationofthegospel,askeveryonetobowtheirheadsandclosetheireyesandsay,“Withnoonelookingaround,Iwanttoaskyouthisquestion,‘Ifyouweretodierightnow,areyou100%certainthatyouwouldgotoheaven?’I’mnottryingtofrightenyou,butdoyouknowforsurethatyouknowChrist?Withnoonelookingaround,ifyouarenot100%sure,Iwantyoutoraiseyourhand.“

Acknowledgethosewhohaveliftedtheirhandsbysaying,“Thankyouforbeinghonest;Godblessyou.Arethereotherswhowouldsay,‘Idon’tknow,butIwanttoknowhowtogettoheaventoday.’Justliftyourhands.Thankyou,anyoneelse?Godblessyou.”

Sayabriefprayerforthosewhohavetheirhandsraisedandanyotherswhowantedtolifttheirhandsbutdidn’t.AskGodtogivethemcouragetostandforHim.

Aftertheprayer,saytothosewiththeirhandsraised,“NowIwanttoaskifyouwillopenyoureyesandlookrightintomine,ifyouraisedyourhandorifyoudidn’tbutwantedto.Assoonaswestandtosing,Iwanttoaskyoutodowhatweaskthousandsofpeoplearoundtheworldtodo.I’mgoingtoaskyouasyoustandtokeepmovingandcomeforward.Youmightbethinking,‘whyshouldIcomepublicly?’That’sagreatquestion.I’mgoingtoaskyoutocomeforwardfortworeasons.

ThefirstisbecauseJesussaidto.Hesaid‘ifyou’reashamedofmebeforemen,I’dbeashamedofyoubeforemyFather.’AndintheBible,ifyoucheckitout,everypersonheevercalled,hecalledpublicly.Whethertherewerethreepeopleorthreethousand,heaskedthemtostepoutinfrontoftheirfriends.Heneverallowedanyonetomakeaprivatecommitment.Whenyoucome,you’renotcomingtobeaBaptist.You’renotcomingtobebaptized;you’renotcomingtojoinachurch.You’recomingtosay‘I’mnotsureIknowChristandIwanttosettlethatrightnow.’

Second,therearepracticalreasonstocomeforward.We’regoingtopraywithyou,helpyoutobeginthatrelationshipwithChrist.Justthink,you’regoingtoleaveandknowthatChristisinyourlife;thatyou’reforgivenandyoureternityissecure.We’llhelpyoumakethatdecision,giveyousomematerialandallowyoutogobackandjoinyourfriends.Ifyouwanttobeapart

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ofthisgreatchurch,wewillhelpyoudothatlater,butthat’snotwhyyou’recoming.You’recomingtobeginarelationshipwithChrist.Weaskyoutocomeforwardinjustaminutewhenwestandandsing.”

Continuebysaying,“SomeofyouknowChrist.MaybeyouprayedtoreceiveChristinapreviousserviceormaybeatcampormaybeafriendledyoutoChristattheoffice.You’vereceivedChristbutyou’venevermadeitpublic.Today’syourdayaswestandandsing;we’llmeetyourightdownfront.Maybeyou’vebeenvisitingthisgreatchurch,andGodwouldsay‘It’stimetostopvisitingandbeapartofthefamily.’Andaswestandandsing,Iaskthatyouwouldcome.MaybeyoujustneedtocometothealtarandtalksomethingoutwithGodorspeakwithafriend.We’regoingtostand;we’regoingtosing.We’llmeetyourightdownhere.”

2. Large or Small Group Setting – Ask people to fill out a response card.Responsecardsshouldbeavailablethroughouttheeventlocationordistributedtoeveryonethrougharegistrationpacket.Feelfreetousetheresponsecardprovidedinthissectionifnecessary.Also,decidebeforehandhowyouwantpeopletoreturnthecardstoyou.Doyouwantboxesdistributedthroughoutthelocationforpeopletofill?Doyouwantpeopletopassthemdowntheirrows?Doyouwanttoassignindividualstocollectthecardsandthendirectthem?Besuretohaveaplanbeforegivingtheinvitation.

Afteraconcisepresentationofthegospel,askeveryonetobowtheirheadsandclosetheireyesandsay,“Withnoonelookingaround,Iwanttoaskyouthisquestion,‘Ifyouweretodierightnow,areyou100%certainthatyouwouldgotoheaven?’I’mnottryingtofrightenyou,butdoyouknowthatyouknowChrist?Withnoonelookingaround,ifyouarenot100%certainthatifyoudiedrightnowyou’dgotoheaven,Iwantyoutopraythisprayeralongwithmeoronesimilartoit.Ifthisistrulythedesireofyourheartthenpray,

‘DearGod,IknowthatJesusisYourSonandthatHediedonthecrossandwasraisedfromthedead.BecauseIhavesinnedandneedforgiveness,IaskJesustocomeintomylife.IamwillingtochangethedirectionofmylifebyacknowledgingJesusasmyLordandSavior,andbyturningawayfrommysins.ThankYouforgivingmeforgiveness,eternallife,andhope.InJesus’name,amen.’

Continuebysaying,“Ifyouprayedthatprayer,pleasetellusaboutit.WewanttoknowaboutyourdecisiontodaysowecanprovideyouwithsomemoreinformationaboutgrowinginyourrelationshipwithChrist.Pleasetaketheresponsecardandfillitoutcompletely.Everyonepleasetakeamomentandlookatthecard.Noticethatthereisaplaceforyourname,address,phonenumber,andemail.Wealsohaveseveralboxesthereforyoutocheck.Pleasechecktheonethatdescribesyourdecisiontoday.Afteryouhavecompletedthecardpleasereturnittousby_______”(give specific instructions here on how you want to collect the cards).

Sayabriefprayerandthenallowattendeestimetocompleteandreturnthecards.Itiscriticalthateachpersonwhofilledoutacardiscontacted.Besuretohaveagoodfollow-upplanaftertheevent.RefertotheCounselingandFollow-upsectionofthismanualforassistanceinimmediatefollow-up.

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3. one-on-one – Personally invite someone to accept Christ. Thismethodusuallyinvolvessometypeofwitnessingbookletoritem(suchasanEvangeCubeorwitnessingbracelet)andisusedineventssuchasablockpartyoraministry/servanthoodevangelismproject.RefertotheSuggestedResourcessectionformaterialstoassistinpresentingthegospelone-on-one.

Presentthegospelandask“Doesthismakesensetoyou?”Iftheansweris“Yes,”thencontinuebyasking,“WouldyouliketoaskGodtoforgiveyouofyoursinsandinviteJesusintoyourlifetobeyourLordandSavior?”Again,iftheansweris“Yes,”thencontinuebysaying,“IfyoutrulywanttodothisthenyoucanmakethisrequestdirectlytoGodthroughprayer.TheBiblesays,‘IfyouconfesswithyourmouththatJesusisLordandbelieveinyourheartthatGodraisedHimfromthedead,youshallbesaved’(Rom.10:9)and‘WhoevercallsuponthenameoftheLordshallbesaved’(Rom.10:13).Ifthisiswhatyouwant,thenjustpraythisprayerorsomethingsimilartoGod,

‘Dear God, I know that Jesus is Your Son and that He died on the cross and was raised from the dead. Because I have sinned and need forgiveness, I ask Jesus to come into my life. I am willing to change the direction of my life by acknowledging Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and by turning away from my sins. Thank You for giving me forgiveness, eternal life, and hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.’

Didyoupraythatprayerandmeanitwithallyourheart?”Iftheansweris“Yes”thensay,“Congratulations,youarenowapartofGod’sfamily!“

Sayabriefprayerforthisindividualandspendafewminutesdiscussingthedecision

ResponseCardWehopethatyourlifewaschangedbythiseventandthemessageaboutJesus.Pleasetakethetimetoletusknowaboutyourdecisiontoday.

___IprayedtoreceiveChristtoday___IrecommittedmylifetoChristtoday___IamalreadyafollowerofChrist___Iwouldlikemoreinformationabout_________________Church___IhavemorequestionsaboutGodandwouldlikesomeonetocontactme___Other____________________________________________________________________________________

Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________Address:____________________________________________________________________________________City:________________________________________________State:_________ZIP:___________________Phone:_______________________________________________________________________________________Email:_______________________________________________________________________________________

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andwhatGodexpectsnext.Hereareafewitemstodiscussduringthistime:assuranceofsalvation,regularBiblereading,prayer,churchattendance,andbaptism.AgoodresourcetousisthePersonalCommitmentGuide.RefertotheSuggestedResourcessectionfororderinginformation.

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suggested Resources

HereareafewresourcesthatwillhelpyouimplementReachingAcrossNorthAmerica.Therearemanymoredescribedandavailableatwww.gps2020.net.AlsovisitthisWebsitetorecommendanevangelisticeventresource.

Witnessing Booklets•Eternal Life { –Availablein16languages(NAMB)Your Life: A New Beginning{ (NAMB)The NET: Your Story, How Will It Turn Out?{ (NAMB)One Hour/One Day Witnessing Card{ (NAMB)Steps to Peace with God{ (BillyGrahamEvangelisticAssociation-BGEA)God’s Special Plan for Children{ (NAMB)An Important Question for An Important Person{ (NAMB)Show & Tell Bookmarks{ (NAMB)Show & Tell Witnessing Tattoos{ (NAMB)Why?{ (NAMB) EvangeCube{ –Acreativewitnessingtoolforallages.(e3Resources–Formoreinformationvisitwww.e3resources.org) 316 Prayer Card { –Agreattooltoremindpeopletoprayfortheirlostfriendsandfamilymembers.(NAMB)

Online Gospel Presentations•www.FindItHere.com{www.TheKristo.com{www.TheGoodNews.org{www.Kidzplace.org{

Follow-up Materials•Personal Commitment Guide{ —Acounselingbooklet.(NAMB)Beginning Steps for New Believers{ —Astudyguidefornewbelievers.(NAMB)World’s Greatest Adventure{ —Beginningstepsforchildren.(NAMB)

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Living in Christ{ —Student/adultimmediatefollow-uptool.Itincludes:decisioncard,theGospelofJohn,andafour-weekintroductiontotheChristianlife.(BGEA)Jesus Loves Me{ —Children’sversionoftheabove.(BGEA)My Commitment{ —Acounselingbooklet.(BGEA)Atsomeevents,utilizingthe{ Evangelistic Response Center(1.888.Jesus20andwww.thegoodnews.org)mightbewise.Considerputtingthisdataonregistrationcardsandfollow-upletters/e-mail.

Evangelism Training•The NET{ –Equipsbelieverstosharethegospelusingtheirpersonaltestimony(NAMB) RELAY{ –Equipsbelieverstosharethegospelthroughrelationships(NAMB–formoreinformationvisitwww.ShareAsYouGo.com) CROSS Evangelism Training{ –EquipsbelieverstosharethegospelusingtheacrosticCROSS(NAMB–formoreinformationvisitwww.ShareAsYouGo.com) FAITH{ –EquipsbelieverstosharethegospelusingtheacrosticFAITH(LifeWayChristianResources) One-Day and One-Hour Witnessing Workshops{ –Equipsbelieverstosharethegospelusingwitnessingbookletsortheirpersonaltestimony(NAMB) Praying Your Friends to Christ { –Guidesbelieversinprayingevangelisticallyfortheirlostfriends,familymembers,andacquaintances.(NAMB) Taking Prayer to the Streets{ –EquipsbelieverstoprayforandshareChristwiththepeopleoftheircommunities.(NAMB) Share Jesus Without Fear{ –Usingarelationalapproachtoevangelism,thismaterialequipsbelieverstosharethegospelwithconfidenceandwithoutfear.(LifeWayChristianResources) Sharing God’s Special Plan with Children{ –EquipsbelieverstoshareChristwithchildren.(NAMB)

Event Planning•{ Revival Preparation Manual –Adetailedmanualthatprovidespracticalsuggestionsforplanninganevangelisticlocalchurchrevival.(NAMB) Area Crusade Manual{ –Adetailedmanualtohelpagroupoflocalchurchesprepareandconductanevangelisticareacrusade.(NAMB){ Block Party Manual–Adetailedmanualtohelpalocalchurchprepareforandconductaneffectiveblockparty.(NAMB) High Impact Event{ s–Amanualthatdescribesover25easy-to–dolocalchurch,evangelisticeventsandtipsforplanningeachone.(NAMB) Evangelism Planner{ –Freesoftwaretohelplocalchurchleadersplananeffectiveyearlongevangelismstrategy.AfreeonlineversioncalledPlan-itisalsoavailableatwww.gps2020.net.(NAMB) Servanthood Evangelism Manual{ –Aguidebookthatoffersadetailedexplanationofservanthoodevangelism,practicalapplicationsforyourchurchorsmallgroups,andprojectinstructions,aswellasfollowupideas.(NAMB)

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Reaching Across North AmericaHowtoorderthesematerials:

NAMB–Visit• www.nambstore.com,www.gps2020.net,orcall1866407-6262LifeWayChristianResources–Visit• www.lifewaystores.comorcall1800448-8032BillyGrahamEvangelisticAssociation–Visit• www.bgea.orgorcall1877247-2426or704-401-2432

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A Southern Baptist Convention entity supported by the Cooperative Program and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering®

For general information, call (770) 410-6000 or visit www.namb.net.

To order materials, call Customer Service Center, 1 866 407-NAMB (6262), fax, (770) 442-9742,

or visit www.nambstore.com.

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