Missions Preparation

We must define missions before we can become missional.

If everything is missions, then nothing is missions.

What is Missions?

Cross CultureWork of the church of reaching the lost for Christ by crossing cultural boundaries.

Is VBS missions??

What is Missions?

Theological ReflectionCultural Analysis Strategy FormationHistorical Perspective

Missional Helix

UrbanizationGlobalizationTerrorismInclusivism, Exclusivism, Pluralism

Keys Issues of Missions

1/3 of the world’s population has never heard the gospel.

Everyday 50,000 of those people die.Of 6,913 known languages, only 420

of them have the complete Bible in their own language.

Statistics

Must begin with the Bible, missionary book.Missions exist because worship does not.Need to understand the narrative of

scripture.CreationFallRedemptionConsummationWhat is the first mission’s text that you think of?What about ASA?

Missions in Scripture

Values of your testimonyHigh degree of human interestCan not be refutedEasy to shareMore willingness from others to share

Personal Testimony

Specific Points of Testimony1. Life before coming a Christian

2. How and why I became a Christian

3. How my life has been affected since

Personal Testimony

Areas to focusHome lifePeople who have influenced youEarly understanding of what

Christ meantSpecific area where Christ has

made a difference

Helps for those who became a Christian at an early age

Be honestFind a common interestUse scriptureExpress your personal relationship with Christ

Do’s in giving your testimony

Avoid using church talkDo not be too wordyDo not avoid the point – Christ

Avoid negative comments about other denominations

Don’tsin giving your testimony

Understanding GodUnderstanding ManUnderstanding SinUnderstanding Hopelessness apart from grace

Understanding the Incarnation

Presenting the Gospel in it’s context

Understanding saving faithComing to ChristUnderstanding our reconciliation with God

Warning to those who reject the gospel

Presenting the Gospel in it’s context

Recognize spiritual warfare Three aspects to engage believers:1. the Word of God2. the work of the Holy Spirit3. the witness of the believer

Sharing

…LOSTEphesians 2

Remember that lost people are…

All people will fit into at least one of these categories:

1. Uninformed 2.Indifferent 3.Hostility4.Interest5.Conviction6.Conversion7.Growing

7 Levels of Spiritual Development

Begin the conversationPresent the GospelAsk the person to receive ChristInstruct new believerFollow up

5 Steps in leading a person to Christ

What is salvation?Must relay a clear messageNot a one time decision, then life goes on.

(Phil. 2:12)True salvation produces fruit. (John 15)Saved by grace through faith. (Eph. 2:8)Must present the biblical gospel

Leading someone to salvation

Sinners PrayerAsking Jesus into your heart

Warning…

Church BridgeWhere you brought up in a particular religious tradition?

Do they talk about heaven much in your church?

Do not assume that every church goer is a Christian.

Bridges to the Gospel

Personal Experience BridgeWhat is your current level of interest

in spiritual things?What would you say the purpose of

life is?

Bridges to the Gospel

Intellectual BridgeHas anyone ever shared with you

how to have a personal relationship with God?

Is there a specific question that you have about your spiritual journey?

Bridges to the Gospel

Personal opinion bridge In your opinion, what is a Christian?What do you think of ______ ?

Bridges to the Gospel

Current IssuesSportsFelt Needs PrayerRelationship

Bridges to the Gospel cont’d

FAITHShare Jesus Without FearRoman’s Road

Evangelistic Tools

What is culture?What is contextualization?What is the importance of knowing both?

How far should you go?

Contextualization