When I was a kid, my friend invited me to church. He said, “David, I really want you to come to church with me!” I could literally feel the excitement in his voice. He continued, “If you come to church with me, my teacher said I might be the lucky kid who wins a new bike!” I remember feeling so disappointed. First, why could only he get the bike? Though I had not seen it, I wanted a shot at that bike too. Second, why didn’t he say anything to me about what he’s learning about God? Third, I simply felt like he was seeing me as a tool to get what he wanted, that new bike. He didn’t seem to care at all about me.
What is your motivation in inviting people to come to church or when you share Christ? Are you excited about what God is showing you in your life? Do you genuinely love the person you are inviting? Or, are you trying to win a bike?
Inviting people to Christ and to church is an incredibly powerful tool that can lead to lives changed forever. May our motivation for inviting others always be the love God has demonstrated toward us. " But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
A nice couple that moved to Atlanta attended one of our Sunday school classes at FBA recently.
After talking to them for a few moments, they said, “We have been Christians for many years and we are grounded in God’s Word. We desire to be a part of a class that honors God’s Word and we are truly looking for some new Christ-centered friendships.”
We do place a high value on teaching the Bible faithfully.
Be reminded that the Bible also places a high value on relationships and friendships.
What needs to be done in your class this week to strengthen friendships or help people connect with one another?
Simple Ideas to boost friendships:
- Wear name tags each week. - As you take prayer requests, have the person requesting prayer share their name. - Have lunch together each quarter in Lakeside Grill.
T – Thank God whether you win or lose. E – Encourage others to be their best. B – Boldness in leadership and sharing your beliefs O – Obedience to the Lord will be rewarded. W – Work hard with enthusiasm and purpose knowing you have a great boss in Heaven.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)
If at all possible, have everyone sit in a circle, leader included. Having everyone sit in a circle gives unity to the group. It literally shows that the group is going somewhere. It is also vital for discussion. If you want to have better discussion, sit down with your group in a circle.
Don’t be afraid of silence. The worst thing a leader can do is not give the group time to respond. If you are talking, no one else will. Once you pose a question, give at least five seconds of silence before saying anything. Sometimes people need time to think about a question before they say anything. Also, if you give time for the group to think, the responses will be better.
Respond with encouraging words. For some people, it takes a lot to share their opinion in a group. If you as the leader imply that their response was silly, dumb, or shallow, they will be very hesitant to respond again, and might just never come back to the group time.
Clarify what is being said and felt. Say things like, “It seems like you’re saying…” Repeat what you’ve heard the person say. Give the person an opportunity to clarify.
1. Friends telling friends about Jesus. Roy and I were about to get away with showing up at Scott's house and sharing the gospel because we had already earned his friendship.
2. Powerful! Scott got saved and his life was changed.
3. An intoxicating increaser of the joy for everyone involved. The person sharing the gospel, the person receiving the gospel, and heaven itself erupt in joy.
4. Joyfully addictive. Since that first time God used me to help someone find Jesus, I have been doing evangelism. (Dave Earley & David Wheeler, Evangelism Is...pg.9)
"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)
Have you ever studied the 7 churches of Revelation from Revelation 2-3?
Here are a few ways Jesus motivated His churches to get back on track with His Presence and plan.
First, Jesus was positive toward the 7 churches. The only church Jesus had nothing good to say about was Laodicea. Still, even with Laodicea, He desired their fellowship, encouraged their repentance, and spoke of a rewarding future if they would change direction.
Second, Jesus addressed areas in need of improvement. Some of the areas He addessed with these churches included allowing false teachers a platform, worldly living, tolerance, lack of focus and a missing love walk.
Third, Jesus was more encouraging than discouraging. He held out hope for His people to change course.
Listen to Dr. Stanley preach. He motivates us the Jesus way. Try it the next time you teach.
