WINNING OTHERS

2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
J Johns commentary on this verse:
The apostle Paul's words to Timothy, 'do the work of an evangelist' have often been misinterpreted. So often he has been misinterpreted as saying, 'Timothy, you're a pastor. Don't be a pastor any more. Do the work of an evangelist.' But he didn't mean that. Paul was saying: 'Timothy, you're a pastor. Do it as if you were an evangelist.' To others he might have said: You're a teacher, do it as if you were an evangelist. You're a secretary, do it as if you were an evangelist. You're a cleaner, do it as if you were an evangelist. I want to say to preachers: preach as if you were an evangelist. It is a mindset. Q What is this mindset?

(seeing opportunity, seeing effect, conscious of impression) Story of Samaritan woman (John 4) What did Jesus do in a moment of feeling tired and hungry? - He still saw an opportunity - He showed interest - He didnt get overly drawn into side debates - He wasnt put off by obstacles - He perceived a need and wasnt shy to speak into it - He clinched the deal! Its a mindset I look at opportunity and I seize it rather than shy from it NCD characterisation of Need-Orientated Evangelism, proven to grow the Church NCD (Natural Church Development by Christian Schwarz)
- New Christians find friends in our church quickly - When new people come to church events, we approach them openly and lovingly - I enjoy bringing my friends, colleagues, or relatives (who do not yet know Jesus) to church - I pray for my friends, colleagues and relatives who do not yet know Jesus Christ, that they will come to faith - I can sum up in a few phrases what "faith" means for me - I try to deepen my relationships with people who do not yet know Jesus Christ

Is there anything you can do to be more effective with winning others?

HOW? 1. YOUR LIGHT Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Character It is through this, not your capability or even personality that your light shines

Discipleship is incredibly important Lets do all we can to help people grow - eg. situation recently in advising a couple on living arrangements Connect Groups, Christian Essentials, Life Training Integrity your words, your beliefs, your actions are all in line Loyal you stand by your commitments Strong you are not won over to an action your conscience cant accept Consistent you are reliable, trustworthy dependable, self-controlled
Q What can I adjust to build my character? Q Can I do more to example this and encourage this in my team?

Strengths You shine brighter when you are working to your strengths or gifts Do enough of that which energises you for you to shine We all have to do the mundane - but too much will remove our shine So know what your strengths are Know how to work with these in the context of your leadership As a Church we build on our strengths, passion, resources and gifts We know how to build great worship services that reach people so friends bring friends to Church and they get saved We know how to connect well, put events together ie. Incorporate the city in our Church
Q What is your edge that will help your C-group or team have an evangelist mindset? Q What can you do to make your C-group, ministry area or team more outreaching?

What you have found victory in you can help others with What you enjoy doing you can get others involved in As a Connect group where and what is your activity of strength?

2. YOUR VOICE Read: John 10:1-5 There are many voices workplace, media, friends .. Some good, some bad We need resounding messages that drown out the voice of this age The voice of the shepherd through us

Matthew 3:3 NKJV "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the

way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.'

People live in a wilderness as far as good news voices are concerned Matthew 3:17 NKJV And suddenly a voice [came] from heaven, saying, "This

is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

We need to be their voice that sounds like suddenly heaven John 18:37 NKJV Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. People hear through filters The filter of truth lets the voice of the shepherd through Win people, build an alternative kingdom around their lives and they will hear the voice of the shepherd So Your voice needs to be: calm faith/hope clear Not: anxious regularly down confused

What J John has to say:

We don't preach because we want to say something. We preach because we have something to say. The Greek word for 'preach' euaggelizo, from which we get the English word 'evangelise', is used fifty times in the New Testament. It is usually translated 'preach the gospel' or 'preach good news'. This reminds us that our preaching should contain good news. Our message, especially to the unchurched, has to be good news.

Know what it is you have to communicate:

Action: Write out your testimony now in bullet point form before I met Christ, how I met Christ and the difference He has made Action: Write in 1 paragraph the good news for an unchurched person

What are people looking for? - encounter - answers - friends have them!