OUTREACH is for EVERYONE

1. OUTREACHis for EVERYONE General Conference Women’s Ministries EVANGELISM MANUAL Training Program

2. OUTREACH IS FOR EVERYONE Chapter 1. Our Gospel Commission General Conference Women’s Ministries Department

3. Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me."--The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.

4. Public evangelism. Tent meetings. Bible studies. Visitation. Small group seminars. Why do we do these things? Is there a compelling reason to share the gospel with others?

5. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28: 18-20 KJV.

6. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and peach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:15-18 KJV

7. The mandate is right here. Not only must we invite people to come to us but we must also go where they are.

8. And the promise is there. He will be with us! Hold on to His promise. His presence is our encouragement, our help, our source of strength and power. He, more than we can ever fathom, has a heart for the lost and has given His all to offer salvation to the people we are seeking to reach.

9. But let us not go, or teach, or preach without the promised power—the Holy Spirit, who will fit us and enable us to fulfill this great commission. Remember to ask for, prepare for and expect to receive this gift. Be intentional in spending time in preparation for the reception of the Spirit.

10. We must ask for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We do not use the Holy Spirit; He uses us to accomplish that which we would be absolutely unable to do of ourselves. He will prepare the hearts of the people. He will convict them of truth. Without the Spirit, we will fail.

11. Yes, we as women can reach them. When the Holy Spirit empowers us to share God’s love and grace, He will also lead in our plans and will prepare hearts to hear the gospel we share.

12. God Calls Women to Evangelism • Do we hesitate to heed the call of the Holy Spirit because we are women?

13. Today, women in many parts of the globe are discovering their talent for evangelism and are reaching the world for Christ. Could more of us participate in public evangelism? Can we possibly lead or assist in small groups, seminars or evangelistic meetings? Can we befriend our neighbors, work associates, and others, finding opportunities to lead them to Christ? Can we then nurture them as new believers?

14. Does God call women to share the Gospel? Definitely! God wants all of His disciples, both men and women, to be involved in evangelism. He did not call only men to preach and teach. He calls all His disciples to evangelize the furthest reaches of the globe.

15. At times we may ask ourselves whether there are some groups whom women especially are able to reach? One answer is anyone with whom we come in contact, including:

16. Our families. • Our neighbors. • The men in our lives. • The youth. • The elderly. • And especially women.

17. God has gifted many of the women of our church with wonderful people skills—skills that can help them reach people’s hearts. Some have already been able through the Holy Spirit to lovingly, tactfully lead people to Jesus.

18. Sisters, we may do a noble work for God if we will. Woman does not know her power. God did not intend that her capabilities should be all absorbed in questioning: What shall I eat? what shall I drink? and wherewithal shall I be clothed? There is a higher purpose for woman, a grander destiny. She should develop and cultivate her powers, for God can employ them in the great work of saving souls from eternal ruin.--Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 642.

19. In addition to presenting the great truths of the Bible, women can listen and provide counsel about many family and personal matters. There are often topics a woman may be hesitant to discuss with men, such as their family problems, their heartaches, and even abuse.

20. God-fearing women who may have gone through similar problems, who have compassion and experience in meeting problems with the Lord at their side can listen, pray with and for them, and when the time is right gently point them to the Savior who will walk with them through their heartaches.

21. Putting GIFTS to Work • Especially in pre-evangelistic programs and ministries, women are often most successful in reaching out to women. However, in public evangelism, women speakers seem to be just as successful as men in reaching both men and women.

22. In planning outreach and pre-evangelistic endeavors, you may want to consider major concerns of women in your community. Some of the most critical issues that face women world-wide are these:

23. illiteracy • abuse • health risks • poverty • workload/hours • lack of mentoring/training The General Conference Women’s Ministries identifies these as the six Critical Issues for women.

24. By studying your community and by surveying the women you wish to minster to, you can discover their most pressing needs. After considering your resources, you can decide how you can best minister to them.

25. If you are a Women’s Ministries leader or someone hoping to begin women’s evangelism, as soon as possible begin training women to lead out in women’s activities and for personal witness. As much as possible, include the women themselves in the planning.

26. Remember that a variety of gifts and talents will be needed for successful evangelism teams.

27. Encourage women who display many different gifts to join you in developing evangelist outreach for your community. • Value and affirm the vivacious, never-met-a-stranger types and the quiet, faithful prayer warriors. • Together seek the leading of the Holy Spirit. Then go forth in faith to fulfill the Gospel Commission.

28. In Bible study groups or other informal meetings, allow women an opportunity to share and visit. Personal relationships are very important to most women. This is an ideal time for the women of the church to establish lasting friendships with women outside the Adventist Church.

29. Let them remember that the home on earth is to be symbol of and a preparation for the home in heaven.Ministry of Healing. P. 363.

30. “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with (people) as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” – Ministry of Healing, p. 143