One-Day Witnessing Workshop

1. One-Day Witnessing Workshop

2. Session One Welcome!

3. Session One Purpose of Session: To verify the biblical mandate for personal witnessing and the claim that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 1A

4. What does this passage tell us to do? Go and tell, make disciples, teach, baptize, make believers, and so on. Clearly this passage tells us to be a witness for Christ. It is the biblical mandate. It expresses the marching orders of the church and every individual that has been saved. This passage is referred to as the “Great Commission.” 1B

5. Thank you for making a commitment to be present at this training. It reflects your desire to be obedient to the cause of Christ and to be vitally involved in His commission. 1C

6. Acts 4:12 Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” What does this passage say about salvation? The message of this text is clear. It is only through Jesus, there is no other way to salvation. 1D

7. So, if we have been given a commission, and if there is no other way to be saved other than through Jesus Christ, how should these two verses affect the way we live our Christian lives? The answer is obvious: We should be obedient to the commission of Christ and to seek to share with others the good news that salvation is available through Him. 1E

8. This is an issue for many believers. They want to be obedient in this area, but they simply don’t know how to share this good news. This causes them to be fearful. Today, we will teach you a very simple process by which you will be able to share this good news as you seek to be involved in this commission. 1F

9. Prayerfully make this commitment: To the best of my ability and with the Lord’s help, I will share Christ as opportunities arise. If this expresses your desire, sign your name on the line as a confirmation of your commitment. Your name 1G

10. Session Two The Work of the Holy Spirit

11. Session Two Purpose of Session: To help the believer understand and apply the work of the Holy Spiritin evangelism. The Work of the Holy Spirit What did Jesus say about the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-18? And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 2A

12. Session Two Purpose of Session: To help the believer understand and apply the work of the Holy Spiritin evangelism. The Work of the Holy Spirit What did Jesus say about the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-18? He is the Counselor He will be with us forever He is the Spirit of Truth He lives in us 2A

13. Effective witnessing depends upon the work of the Holy Spirit.By understanding His work, we will be better prepared to share our faith. 2B

14. How the Holy Spirit Works in a Believer’s Life: 1 Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Hebaptizes us into one body This simply means that each believer has received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and because of this, we are all united into one body: the body of Christ. 2C

15. How the Holy Spirit Works in a Believer’s Life: Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Heseals us for eternity This simply means that each believer is eternally secure in Him. 2D

16. How the Holy Spirit Works in a Believer’s Life: Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Hefills us This simply means that each believer should consistently walk in fellowship with Jesus and to live a life of submission under God’s control. 2E

17. How the Holy Spirit works in an Unbeliever’s Life. In John 16:8-11, what does the Spirit do? When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. He convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment. 2F

18. How the Holy Spirit works in an Unbeliever’s Life. In John 15:26, about Whom does the Spirit testify? When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. He testifies about Jesus. 2G

19. How the Holy Spirit works in an Unbeliever’s Life. In John 3:5-6, how can one enter the kingdom of God? Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Only those born of the Spirit. 2H

20. The Holy Spirit in Life of the Witness He goes before the witness (Acts 10:1-6) At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 2I

21. The Holy Spirit in Life of the Witness He gives the witness boldness (Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. 2J

22. The Holy Spirit in Life of the Witness He guides the conversation, if allowed (John 14:26) But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 2K

23. Knowing these truths about the Holy Spirit will help you share Jesus in your relationships with power and boldness. 2L

24. Session Three How to Build Witnessing Relationships

25. Session Three Purpose of Session: To help the believer identify unbeliever’s and to intentionally build witnessing relationships with them. How to Build Witnessing Relationships Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 3A

26. Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews . . .To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. In this passage, Paul was giving us his life’s mission statement. He wants people saved and reveals what he considers to be his role in helping them come to Christ. 3A

27. What do you think Paul meant when he said, “I have become all things . . .?” Becoming all things is about relationships. What you “become” to someone describes an ongoing relationship with that person. As Paul lived out his faith everyday, the lost could easily see that he was different. Since Paul was ministering through relationships, the lost felt free to ask him why he lived the way he did. They were also receptive to hearing Paul’s testimony. 3B

28. Relationships are like bridges that enable us to cross over to share the good news of Christ. Like Paul, because of these relationships and a God-honoring lifestyle, we may be granted passage into the lives of lost people to discuss spiritual matters. “Because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5 3C

29. Ten Descriptions of a “Becomer” He or she wants his or her life to bring glory and souls to God He or she has died to them self He or she knows that being a friend is a part of evangelism He or she is willing to go the second mile He or she is genuinely concerned for others He or she knows it is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict of sin He or she knows his or her possessions are to be used for service He or she keeps his or her eyes on the harvest He or she invites lost people to their parties He or she always has a “Most Wanted for Christ” list 3D

30. In the space provided on your Listening Guide, write the names of those you know who need Christ. 3E

31. How do we begin to reach them? Begin praying for them Build or expand your relationship with them Look for opportunities to talk about spiritual matters 3F

32. What will you “become” to those whose names you have written? 3G

33. Session Four How to Begin a Witnessing Conversation

34. Session Four Purpose of Session: To help the believer understand how to begin a witnessing conversation. How to Begin a Witnessing Conversation In any witnessing conversation, it is very important to be natural. Just be yourself and allow your own unique personality to come out in the conversation. Smile and enjoy people with whom you will have an opportunity to share. Remember, you are reflecting the life and love of Jesus Christ! 4A

35. When you are in a conversation with others, what areas are typically discussed? Hobbies, interests, things you have in common, backgrounds, work, family members, current issues, religion, and so on. Starting a witnessing conversation is really no different than starting any other conversation! To assist you in starting a witnessing conversation, use the simple acrostic C.A.S.T. to help keep you on track. 4B

36. Using C.A.S.T. C: Stands for Connection Seek to make a connection with the person. Talk about the person’s background: Where are you from originally? How long have you lived here? Other questions: If you are already acquainted, ask about family members or mutual friends. 4C

37. A: Stands for Activities Find out about the person’s work, hobbies, or interests. You may ask: What kind of work do you do? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? For students: What courses are you taking? If you notice evidence of their interests such as sports, books, and art, you may ask a question or comment about these. Seek to discover commonalities. 4D

38. S: Stands for Spiritual Matters This is the real heart of the conversation. Find out whether the person is open to discussing spiritual matters. Questions you might ask: Would you consider yourself to be a spiritual person? Do you ever think about spiritual things? If they aren’t sure what you mean, say things like heaven, prayer, God, and so on. Some like to use diagnostic questions such as: Do you know for sure that you will go to heaven when you die? Can I share with you my story of how I came to be sure? 4E

39. T: Stands for Tell Your Story If the person is open, continue by sharing the gospel. Practice sharing the C.A.S.T. acrostic with your partner. 4F

40. Session Five Your Personal Story/Testimony

41. Session Five Purpose of Session: To help the believer understand the importance of a personal story/testimony, how to develop it, and share it with an unbeliever Your Personal Story/Testimony A personal story/testimony is one of the most basic tools that can be used for witnessing. It is simply your story of salvation. 5A

42. A personal story/testimony is divided into three areas: 1. Your life before you made a commitment to follow Jesus. This section includes what your life was like before coming to Jesus. Loneliness, lack of purpose, no hope, and so on, may all be part of your story. It culminates in the discovery that each of us are in need of a change and a recognition that humankind’s most basic problem is sin. 5B

43. 2. How you came to know Jesus personally. How did this occur in your life? Was it in a worship service that you came to know Christ? How did you discover that God loves you and that Jesus died for your sins? When and where were you when you received Jesus as your Savior? This part of your story communicates the circumstances and events surrounding your life-changing encounter with Christ. 5C

44. 3. How Jesus has changed your life since you came to know Him personally. The last part of your story communicates briefly how your life is now different as a result of salvation. Indicate the impact He has had on your life. 5D

45. An excellent model of a personal testimony and its use is found in Acts 22:3-16. Acts 22:3-5 Describes Paul’s life before Christ. Acts 22:6-13 Describes how Paul came to know Christ. Acts 22:14-16 Describes how Paul’s life was changed. 5E

46. Your personal testimony is very important: It has ___________________ No one can refute it, it happened to you! It ________________________ It is a wonderful resource to communicate the reality of how Christ has changed your life! It ________________________ Everyone alive has a spiritual void that can only befilled by a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. It is ______________________ God can use your story/testimony to impactlives and to reveal the life and love of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. authority communicates relates powerful 5F

47. What if you accepted Christ at a very young age? Focus on a defining moment in your life Focus on how Christ has protected you Focus on the direction your life could have gone Focus on what Christ saved you from 5G

48. When I was young, I was taught a lot of wonderful things about God. My parents took me to church and gave me a Bible when I was little. I read it often. As a young child, I entered a personal relationship with Him. When I turned 10 years old, my grandmother passed away. My mother told me that one day I would see her again in heaven. I came to understand that had it not been for my relationship with God, I would never go to heaven.Even though I was young, I realized that I needed to be changed. 5H

49. Use the form to write out your story/testimony. Be brief. Leave out unnecessary items. Try to avoid Christian lingo and words that the hearer may not understand. Stress that even though Christ has changed your life, you are still not perfect. Personal Testimony Worksheet My life before making a commitment to follow Jesus: How I came to know Jesus personally: How my life is different since I came to know Jesus personally : 5I

50. When you and your partner have finished writing out your personal story/testimony, recite/read it to each other. 5J