Motivated For Mission
On Sabbath afternoon, 16 March, over 60 people gathered at the Conference Office (and several others online) for a training event with Pr Gary Webster. The purpose was to equip local church leaders and members for mission. After reviewing the message we are called to share and the motivation for sharing it, several methods of evangelism were outlined and discussed.
Looking at the early church, Gary explained how the number of Christians multiplied rapidly as they met in small groups from house to house (Acts 2.46-47; 5.42). He also shared some encouragement from Ellen White, who wrote that sharing the Gospel in home groups is often more successful in winning souls to Jesus than seminars and sermons (Evangelism, 193). People are more likely to accept an invitation to your home than they are to attend an event at a church building. Opportunities to share your faith will happen naturally as you get to know people over a meal or while sitting in the comfort of a living room. This is one of the reasons why we have an emphasis on small groups across our Conference this year.
In connection with the ‘Right Around Australia’ initiative next year, local churches may consider running a Prophetica seminar as the ‘Bubsie’ car comes through your town. Nevill Westwood, who was the first to drive around Australia, was motivated by a desire to share our prophetic message. If your church is hosting a community event for ‘Bubsie’, such as a family fun day, community BBQ, or teaming up with a local classic car club, you could invite people to learn more about the message that drove Nevill by holding a weekend Prophetica seminar. Gary walked us through how to run this seminar in a church or a small group context.
Tony Di Florio, an elder from the Clarkson church, was invited to share an approach to evangelism that he has used for many years. He knocks on doors in the community and provides a free copy of The Signs magazine with a follow-up survey on the person’s religious beliefs. If they are interested in knowing more, Tony offers them the first of a series of study guides, which provides an opportunity for a follow-up visit. This helps to build relationships with people in the community.
These are just a few of the practical ways we can share Jesus with others. If you’re interested in finding out more or would like support with any outreach initiatives, please contact wadiscipleship@adventist.org.au and we’ll be glad to help!
If you missed the live stream of the training event, you can watch it here
