Iceberg InsightsVisitation: The Hidden

Ministry

Deacon’s & Deaconess’s Bible

• Deacon’s and Deaconess’s Handbook• Dictionary/Concordance• Bible maps• Bible Studies—Christian growth, counseling,

secrets to sharing the gospel with others, call to evangelism

• There is an Answer! Evangelistic Series• Biblical Tools for Deacons and Deaconesses

Rational for Visitations

• “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior 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’” (Ministry of Healing, 143).

Prerequisites• Have a visitation chairperson• Avoid duplication of tasks and

overlap of visits• Schedule the visit• 2 persons of same gender or married

couple (the aim is to maintain a reputable ministry by avoiding the very appearance of evil)

Making the Visit a Blessing

1. Prepare—Pray, select promise passage.2. Befriend—be inclusive, listen, comment.

positively about home, family, etc.3. Read—limit comments to 2 minutes.4. Ask—prayer requests. Show concern

rather seeking to answer.5. Pray—invite all, be specific, mention

absent family members, bless the home.

6. Leave—promptly after prayer—gift.7. Write—summary of visit.

Specific Visitations• Visiting Church Members• Purpose: show concern & learn about

interests and talents• How to conduct: • Affirm importance• Read-short comment• Encourage attendance• Remind them of resources• Pray

Specific Visitations• Visiting New Converts• Purpose: Affirm interest, strengthen growth,

stimulate Bible study• How to conduct: • Encourage consistent attendance• Highlight importance of personal study and

family worship• Clarify doctrine and lifestyle questions• Read a text and pray

Specific Visitations• Visiting Those Weak in Faith• Purpose: Revive spiritual enthusiasm and

encourage them to trust in God completely• How to conduct: • Talk about the power of the Bible• Encourage daily study• Read and encouraging passage and briefly

comment on how to strengthen our faith• Pray

Specific Visitations• Visiting Senior Citizens• Purpose: show concern, offer help, instill hope• How to conduct: • Reminisce• Sing hymns of praise• Read Bible—especially texts on faith and

perseverance• Identify needs the church can minister to• pray

Specific Visitations• Visiting the Sick and Infirm• Purpose: show concern, pray for healing and

strength, encourage trust in God• How to conduct: • Talk about cheerful subjects • Demonstrate optimism• Read a text• Identify needs• Pray • Leave some literature

Specific Visitations• Visiting the Sick and Infirm• Purpose: pray for healing, instill hope• How NOT to conduct: • DO NOT be pessimistic • DO NOT criticize their medical treatment• DO NOT give medical advice• DO NOT ask detailed questions • DO NOT try to supply all the answers• DO NOT stay more than a few minutes

Specific Visitations• Visiting Shut-Ins• Purpose: show Christian friendship• How to conduct: • Affirm importance to God and church• Make arrangements for audio/visual services• Avoid comments about living alone• Treat them like any other member• Read a text and comment• Pray

Specific Visitations• Visiting During Bereavement• Schedule a few days AFTER the funeral• Purpose: offer sympathy and hope• How to conduct: • Talk about Holy Spirit & Second Coming• Offer to help with chores• Contact on special dates• Share a scripture & pray• Leave comforting literature

Rational for Visitations“The Lord desires that His word of grace shall be brought home to every soul. To a great degree this must be accomplished by personal labor. This was Christ's method. His work was largely made up of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience. Through that one soul the message was often extended to thousands” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 229).

God used one Bible Reading for the Home to convert William Cleveland, who raised 3 notable preachers that baptized over 10,000 people and trained generations of preachers to become fruitful evangelists –baptizing 1000’s more.

E.E. Cleveland W.C. Cleveland H.L. Cleveland

Cleveland’s still preaching!