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How To Witness At Home And In The Workplace

Witnessing To Your Neighbors

Witnessing In The Workplace
 

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Witnessing In Your Neighborhood

Doing Ministry Where You Live (Laurie Bengochea)
This three session class at Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA, gave wonderful practical suggestions on how to reach out to your neighbors. Topics include who and what to pray for, how to relate to neighbors and the things you can do to show them the love of Jesus.

Witnessing To Your Neighbor (Google Links)

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Witnessing In The Work Place
Below are links to practical ways of reaching people in the workplace. I've also included links to Christian legal rights. Please use these wisely. Jesus is bigger than our legal rights or perceived entitlements.  Please check with Him before you rush to the courthouse. 

About My Father's Business-Taking Your Faith To Work (Regi Campbell)
A 9 page summary of his book with key points on how to trust the Lord and reach your bosses, coworkers, clients, vendors and subordinates.

Legal Rights To Witness

The Legal Implications of Witnessing At Work-What You Can And Cannot Do (2004)

Christian Rights in the Workplace (2010)

American Center For Law And Justice-Articles Faith In The Workplace

Christian Rights In The Workplace-Articles A Year Old or Less (Google)

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About My Father's Business-Taking Your Faith To Work (Regi Campbell)
Scroll Down for the entire 9 page summary or click on the links below for main concepts.

Key Points

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Take Aways From About My Fathers Business-Taking Your Faith To Work

Our Identity & Purpose

Success in Business-To be Stewarded Not Hoarded. p.11.
People need to know the diff between religion and a relationship with the living Christ. p.15.

There's a false Divide between being in the Secular World of Work and ministry. p.22. And the things that define who we are, don't fit into times lots. They bleed over into everything they do. p.36.

Once we belong to God, we can't leave that identity in the closet. So work is a place where you live out your faith, reflecting what God is doing in your life. pp.22, 28. It is a super important environment because we are in close, constant contact with tons of people. p.33.

It's not what we do as much as how and why we do it. A secular endeavor approached from a spiritual perspective is spiritual. But a spiritual endeavor approached from a secular perspective is secular. p.32.

Our Purpose

Christianity is more than what we do in church. We are the light of the world. A city on the hill cannot be hidden. p.36 (Matt. 5:14)

How That Plays Out In The Workplace

Committed Christians who are lousy workers have little influence. But at the same time, great workers whose faith in Jesus is kept secret, have little value in building God's kingdom. p.39. We have to combine the two to teach, model and demonstrate Christ in the Workplace. p.39.

So everyday we have two jobs. We are to be great employees, managers and business owners and do the job to the best of our abilities. But our other job is to be a secret or not so secret agent for God. We are to look to our coworkers, subordinates, clients, vendors and superiors, and to love, serve and challenge them to move to Jesus one step at a time. p.39.

Active Verses Passive Christians

A passive Christian is someone who believes the right things about Jesus, but this belief is almost irrelevant to their every day life. A passive Christian goes on auto pilot in their day to day activities, as if God didn't exist. See pp.45-46.

The Active Christian, however, connects what he does every day with his faith. He has a purpose in his life and he lives with intentionality. He is motivated by gratitude, and his life is fulfilling every day and to the very end. p.46. (He is not just a believer in Christ but a follower of Christ!)

Gratitude As The Only Sustaining Motivator

Gratitude is the only sustainable motivation. pp.51-52. This includes Gratitude for Forgiveness and also the Gratitude for Past And Present Blessings and protections. pp.52-53. (I relate best to the latter.) This gratitude is what motivates us to thank Him, Worship Him and to try and please Him with our behavior. And to do everything we know to get other people in on the life He has to Offer. p.54.

Ask the Lord to help you delight in Him and have more gratitude. This is something He loves to do! And He will honor you if you seek Him in this matter (not from book)

Benefits Of Being a Real Light For Jesus In The Work Place

1. We don't feel guilty-ever. p.41 (often but not always true)

2. We experience the peace and wholeness that comes from knowing we are being obedient. p.40-41.

3. We have real heavenly rewards to look forward to. p.43.

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Being Intentional-Leveraging Our Workplace Relationships
Being intentional means doing what you would be doing anyway but also doing it with a kingdom purpose in mind. i.e. golfing because you kind of like it, but also because you want to reach someone who really loves golf, or going to a movie you might like but also going to reach out to an avid movie goer. pp.68-69. Doing what you like anyway is one way to reach out to people. Now we need to know who it is to reach out to.

Use the Imap (Intentionality Map) to assess where your workplace neighbors are in a relationship with Jesus. If we're going to be like Jesus, we're going to meet the people in our sphere of influence right where they are, and love them where they are. p.66 But we don't have to enter in their behavior to do so. p.66.

The goal is to help them move one step at a time to know Jesus or know Jesus better. pp.58-62. Organize the chart based on those you believe to be “Apathetic”, “Beginning To Search” or “Who Confess to Be Christian” but have no Fruit. p.61.

Also include a column for “Developing Christians” (people who do church activities and have some faith) and for “Excelling Christians” (active unashamed followers of Jesus who exhibit the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience self control...) pp.61-62.

See Small Group Study Guide And IMAP Chart  To Pray For Others (Word Doc)

Populate The Chart With Your Work Neighbors You Have A Relationship With (p.63)

Include:

Assessing Where Our Work Neighbors Are With Jesus (Filling out Your IMAP)
One way to assess someone's Faith Walk in Jesus, is to hear what they talk about. Who are their heroes/who do they admire? What books do they read? What do they do for fun? What places to they go to and what activities do they do? p.65. When in doubt, assume everyone is apathetic about Jesus and respond accordingly. (Assume Column A).

Drop A Few Faith Flags-Make small references to your faith and watch and listen for the person's reaction. How do they respond when topics like church, Christianity, God or Jesus have come up? p.64. A faith flag looks for but doesn't demand a response. It's simply gauging their interest in a non threatening way.

Praying For The People On Your IMAP.
Systematically and genuinely pray for these people to move column by column toward Jesus. p.67. Praying for the people on your IMAP will give you a kingdom focus each day. Before you start work, put your IMAP in front of you and pray for the people on your grid. Ask the Lord “which of these people do I need to pray for today”. You can even choose Column A one day and then pray the next day for those in Column B, etc.

Then when the Lord answers you, ask “Lord, what would you have me do for person ______”. p.77. Things you do may include little things like a phone call, a note, a book or CD to give, or a meal or cup of coffee to schedule. p.78.

Prayer actually changes your work environment. (true!) We need to realize that when we pray for them we replace the spirit of the evil one with the spirit of God. Prayer has power. It turns the apathetic people we pray for into seekers, curious and more open. And in praying for them, we are to seek peace to them, to fellowship with them, to take care of their needs, and to proclaim the good news...in that order. p.83.

And The Lord will lead you to love these people-to serve them and involve yourselves in their lives to help them become excelling disciples. p.67.

The First Step To Reaching Out is Loving The People We Work With
Love is an act of will. We must decide to love someone because God made them, God loves them and God instructed us to love them. (Love the Lord, Love your neighbor) p. 72. We must look at them the way God sees them. p.74. And Ask the Lord (daily) to clear the clutter from our relationships and to give us a new capacity to love the person. p.75. It is this love that will draw people to us, and to the life in Jesus that we live. p.75. We must love them even when we don't like them, and we know they don't like us. p.76

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How To Identify and Reach B's

Beginning To Search-From Apathy To Active Interest

“B” People are those who are into spirituality even if they're turned off by Jesus. pp.88-89. Most say they believe in God. They are readers, they ask questions and they talk about the books they've read. They are beginning to search. p.88. Even if B's are turned off by God or mad at the church, there's still a caring, an interest or a spark inside, even if it's a negative one. p.89. What really matters is that B's become C's: that searchers go from a macro belief in God to a micro belief in the son of God, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior. p.109.

Consistently Pray For B's
B's are just one step away from Salvation. Build up the relationship so that one day you can ask, “What are the three biggest questions or hang-ups that keep you from accepting Jesus Christ for who He Says He is?” Once someone shares that information, you can really prayer for her! p.108.

How To Reach Beginner Searchers.

B's usually don't become searches until Disruption Strikes. p.90. Our single most important strategy for reaching searchers for Christ is to become VISIBLE to them when they experience disruption. p.91

To make the most impact you need to have credibility.

For Credibility, They Should See Beforehand that:

1. You Do Your Job Well (not a stumbling block to them but someone to be admired) p.95.

2. You are Public About Your Faith before Something Goes Wrong with you. p.94.

3. You Continually Express a Genuine Interest in Them. p.94. This includes engaging them by reading some of their new age and cult-like books p.103-104 (you can always bring up what you disagree with in the contrast to the truth in Bible-i.e, going along with them on their search for truth.) (before reading ask the Lord guard your heart and mind from falsehoods).

Living Out Loud The Authentic Christian Life So B's Can See You're Really Different.

B's are watching and keeping notes how you and others can add value to their lives. They pay careful attention when we actively avoid dishonesty and refuse to compromise the truth. THEY PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT WE SAY, BUT EVEN MORE SO TO WHAT WE DO. Our “yes” should be “yes” and our “no” should be “no.”

They are amazed when we admit our mistakes, even when it's clearly not to our advantage to do so. They are watching when we tell the IRS agent or the Delta Agent that we got the refund in error. Our Honesty amazes them and opens up conversations. For example: if they comment on such , You can then tell them your honesty “is between me and my creator... not me and Delta.” p.99.

B's notice when we avoid gossip (even when they're avid gossipers themselves). They also pay attention when we pray silently over our food or are very involved with our church. When you do great work, handle disappointment with Grace and include everyone in your conversations, and when you don't laugh at crude jokes, you are making a statement that gets heard. p.105

And they are always watching to see if we love others, are showing compassion and sharing our knowledge of things that will help them. pp.96-100. They are impressed when we reach out to them when they have a crisis or setback. p.100. They note when we share out network of people who can help them in business or at home, etc. i.e. the good painter, or excellent doctor.

Sharing Your Personal Story

People can argue all day long about the Bible, but no one can argue you about your experience.

Your personal story is often the most powerful resource you can offer. Be as transparent as you can be about your doubts and struggles and meanderings. This gives you credibility, especially if they know before hand that your talk matches up with your walk. p.106.

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Closing the Deal From Searching B To Confessing C

There's a 4 word road-map to salvation. The searcher must reckon with and choose to accept that “God Loved”, “God gave”, “I believe”, and “I receive.” p.109 (John 3:16). This is something you can pray with them. Or they may choose to ask Jesus to come into their hearts alone.

WE ARE RE RESPONSIBLE FOR BEING OBEDIENT, BUT NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RESULTS

We Have done Our Job Well if We Have :

1. Loved and Accepted our B's in an Unconditional way,

2. Lived a Godly Life Out Loud in front of them,

3. Gone on the Journey with them, helping them pursue the answers to their questions, And

4. Prayed Earnestly (and consistently) for your searcher friends to come to Christ. p.109.

Who Are C's? (Confessing Christians) And How To Identify And Reach Them
The typical C has spent much of his life in and around the church. but often times his level of Christian activity far exceeds his level of true spiritual activity. Confessing Cs have God confined to a small segment of their lives and have never shown the relevance of their faith to their work. p.122. We are not to look down on them as not really Christian, for they are. p.122.

However, their lives lack outward evidence of growth. And in everyday situations they make little or no reference to their faith. Typically, they do not exhibit much of the fruit of the spirit. p.112.

Cs will often refer to Christianity as an it, a set of beliefs, the most important of which is that Jesus Christ was God's Son and that He died on the cross to pay for their sins. If we perceive faith in Christ as a box to be checked off, then we're probably a C. We figure that since we confess Christ, we're Christians. We have it, We're going to Heaven. So since we have it, we can go about life as usual. p.126.

C's often have a long list of reasons for keeping a low profile. p.118. (Christ is their Savior. But Christ is not yet Their Lord. They are believers in Christ more so than followers of Christ). Yet sometimes a C is really a D in need of a push. p.114.

How To Get C's Out of Spiritual Hibernation

The fact is that a C really believes, but they need to be actively encouraged to live out their faith. p.115. Some of us ask,: “Why Bother since they are already saved?” The answer is that Jesus commanded us to make disciples, not just believers. p.114 (Hebrews 10:24).

Encourage them. Show them a cause to be a part of . Something bigger than themselves that forces a test of that person's faith. (For Example: Promise Keepers). pp.119-120. Sometimes all a C needs is an invitation to begin seeking God's presence in a new environment un-affiliated with a church. p. 120. For example: a small men's study where we all read a Christian book together-one chapter a week.

Invite them to lunch to discuss their beliefs, i.e. what it's like to be Catholic or Methodist?

Ask them for permission to challenge them. And ask them if they would be willing to challenge you. p.121. If you can help them see their faith as relevance in everyday life, they can begin to experience relationship with God that's more vibrant than they ever thought possible. p.122. We are to challenge them and involve them in a cause, spur them on to good works, but to do so with a gentle and encouraging touch..p.123.

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Apathetic A's: How To Tell The Difference Between Confessing C's and Apathetic A's-People that are “Culturally Christian” But Don't Really Believe.
Some people grew up in the church and talk about Jesus. These are “Cultural Christians. (form of godliness but with None of it's power) But before you consider them believers, listen to what they say about the essentials. Do they falsely believe God is in every one of us, even non believers? Do they think that there are other roads to Salvation then just Jesus?

(Do they focus on works to earn salvation? ) If so, they may be apathetic A's using Christian speak to avoid being bothered by born-again Christians. p.116-117. (and some may not even know they're not believers).

Some A's may be more dedicated to Christian Values than to being committed to
Jesus, the person. They may imitate His life and naturally become exhausted because they don't know Him Personally. (They live by a set of values only, but not by Faith in Him) So they see the values of Jesus, but He himself remains invisible to them. (pp79-82 of Devotions for the Man in the Mirror-Patrick Morely.) For A's we need to move along side of them as a caring friend, waiting and praying for God to bring disruption in their lives which will cause them to search for better answers. p.117

Ds (Developing Disciples)

Developing D' are disciples-learners and followers of Jesus. They aren't silent or secretive about their faith. p.124. God gives specific, individual instructions to His developing disciples. And D's also ask for instructions and they follow His orders. p.125. They realize that confessing Jesus is just the beginning of the relationship, not the end pf a quest for truth. p.126. Developing D's don't see their faith confined to a building called the church. They pray constantly about everything and recognize God's voice when he answers. (but not always!) p.126.

D's are learning to see people as God sees them and to interpret and respond to events realizing that God is really in control. p.127. They're lives are marked with gratitude and humility.

D's have accountability in their relationships with other Christians at work.

i.e. we think twice before we say things, lose our temper, or join in on things we know we shouldn't, for when our workmates know what we stand for, we know they are watching how we act. D's ask questions of one another such as “How can I pray for you this week?” or “What is God doing in your life? How has He been teaching you”. p.132.

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D's-How To Get More Intimate With The Lord

THE BIBLE

God communicates to us in many ways including the Bible. When we read the Bible, we should ask God, “Lord, what are you telling me about Yourself here?” The Bible is a complete picture of Himself and when we read and study it from this perspective, the book comes alive. p.128

PRAYER

We also gain intimacy with the Lord through Prayer. p.129. If we spend unhurried time with God, if we listen as much as we talk, we can begin to relax in our relationship with Him and really get to Know Him. When we learn to “be still and know that He is God,” we can begin to pray without a checklist of things we want Him to do for us or people we want Him to touch. pp.129-130.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE INTIMATE WITH GOD?
Like with any person, intimacy grows when you spend quality time with them. p.130. Intimacy with God means bringing Him into every situation we face. p.131
When you approach God, you can ask any of life's questions. For example when before him you can ask or reflect: Is my heart soft toward the Lord right now? Am I feeling Judgmental or unforgiving to my wife or others right now? Have I sincerely thanked God today for Anything. p.130.

If you feel in your spirit that this is an issue, stop right now and Talk to the Lord about these things.. Ask Him to change your attitude-to help you forgive, to direct your thoughts to the friend who is in trouble or to thank Him for all He has done for you. pp.130-131.

Good Habits of D's That Grow Intimacy With The Lord

D's bring the Lord into every situation. Into every relationship (even if not flagrant about it).

They ask the Lord, “How would You have me react Father?” “Give me the words that You would have me say.” In every circumstance, it's “what are teaching me here Father?” Then listening and remembering what comes to your heart and mind. Intimacy is telling God when you're afraid, telling Him when you're tired, telling him when you're disappointed. p.131.

D's hook up with other Christians, giving and receiving love, giving and receiving accountability, praying for others and being prayed for. p.134.

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What Makes A D Into An E?
The only difference between Ds and Es is that E's are intentional in their efforts to have others come to know Jesus. p.135. D's have the fruit of the spirit but they are more self centered, more focused on what God can do for them. pp.134-135. C's have got it. D's are growing it. E's are giving it away. p.135

Making Disciples

We are to go and mike disciples. This means we must be active and intentional. We must model the Christian life by being a disciple. And we respond to the opportunity to help others to take their next step toward becoming a disciple. p.137. We need to act on Faith hand Courage. And sometimes we don't know until he last second of a strange situation, what we are to say to someone who presents an opening. Having a grateful hearts is our biggest motivator to go forward and overcome an anxious heart. p.138. (but we must ask Him for gratitude and a heart for others, this book treads likely on that many don't yet have this gratitude and we can't fake it, it has to come from the Lord)

Dealing With Our Fear
The spirit of fear comes from the evil one. God has not given us a spirit of fear. Tim 1:7 Behind every fear is a lie. pp139-140. Either we're afraid of failure or rejection, or we accept the lie that sharing our faith is not really important. p.140. To deal with fear, Ask What's The Worst That Can Happen? If it goes badly, what does that look like? Usually, the worst that can happen is that someone will politely tell us they're not interested. We are unlikely to get fired or imprisoned or executed!. p.142

Second, we can deal with fear by focusing on the upside. What is the best thing that can happen if I take the risk? God could be using me to bring someone into his family for eternity. I could be talking to the mother or father of the next Billy Graham or Mother Teresa. p.142. And I am responsible for being obedient. But I am not responsible for positive results. That is the Lord's bag!. p.143.

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Excelling E's

What Does an Excelling E Look Like, On The Inside And On The Outside

E's are the active, growing public Christians that we work with. The people who care about bringing people to Christ in the workplace. They are about our father's business full time. p.144. While they do their secular jobs and do them well, they have a spiritual purpose every day. They are on a mission for God and it's all wrapped up in what they do every day. p.145 (I am a servant of the living God, masquerading as a lawyer). They work at what they do for a living and what they do for the Lord with all their heart-For their boss is the Lord, not men. (loose paraphrase of top p.145).

E's will be characterized by love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. E's know the love of God enough that they want to share Him with others. p.148. They know that giving is really receiving and that true joy comes when we emulate Jesus in everything we do. E's can be spotted because they're on purpose. p.148. THEY ARE ACTIVE OBSERVANT INITIATORS WHO CONSTANTLY LOOK FOR THE RIGHT TIME TO SHOW LOVE AND TO EXPLAIN WHERE THEIR LOVE COMES FROM. pp.148-149.

I'm Not An E and May Never Be One, Why Bother Paying Special Attention To Them

Partnering with E's can give you leverage when you are trying to encourage people to move to the next stage in their walk. They often know the best books or CDs to read that explain the gospel in straightforward terms. Knowing the hobbies and interests and passions of E's allow you to have an army of soldiers to call on. People who can help work together with you to help people find the truth. pp.150-152. E's are the best .people to have pray for you and encourage you. p.153. E's help keep you accountable. An E may ask you: What's the question that you hope I don't ask you today”

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Being Sensitive To a Bruised And Broken World

Be sensitive to other people's sense of humor or possible strong feelings regarding homosexuals, divorce or sexual abuse. A careless comment to a victim of sexual abuse or divorce could be harming your witness. And many people have wounds you'll never know about. p.157

Building A Bridge First
Build a bridge between you and the other person that is strong enough to carry the weight of the gospel. p.159. When people know your heart, they're much less likely to take offense to the things you say. p.159. (In General I agree except when the Lord calls you to talk to them anyway, For example, when that coworker or other person will never let you in, but the Lord is still pressing you to talk to them or send them a letter about Him)

When a person values you and his relationship with you, he will feel free to answer and won't feel threatened or embarrassed. p.160. And if they answer in a disappointing way, you have to be ready to accept that person's answer just as it comes. If you get emotional or heated, that communicates rejection. p.160. But even if they don't answer the way you want, SUCCESS is when you were able to broach a new subject, ask a question, get an honest answer, and keep the relationship intact. p.160.

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BOSSES-Special Considerations When Sharing Your Faith
Bosses are especially vulnerable to harassment and religions discrimination charges. So if you are in management, it's better to delegate the out front roles to others in your organization. i.e. have someone else lead the Bible study. p.163. And if your meetings open in prayer, explain that people don't have to participate and can arrive late, after the prayer. Also, if you allow conferences rooms for Bible studies, give equal access to other religions and cults to do the same. BUT in private, PRAY AGAINST IT!!! p.165.

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Conclusion
When we meet our heavenly Father, we want Him to say WELL DONE. p.166 (That we didn't bury our talent in the dirt and live a half life of faith., but instead trusted Him, and in active faith and obedience, lived our lives to the full).

So we are to take the Great Commission Seriously. And With His help, get up every morning focused on influencing specific people toward Christ. p.166.

Yes, there will be ups and downs. And sometimes you'll think “What's the Use?”. But you will start to see people's lives change. And years from now you may see an amazing difference in the people you prayed for. A difference that will shape 3^rd and fourth generations. p.167. And Take comfort. For we are not responsible for results. Our job is to show up and do the will of our Father! He'll handle the rest.

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Doing Ministry Where You Live (Laurie Bengochea)
 Feel free to scroll down the page. You can also click on the main points below.
 

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3-13-11 Week #1

Col 4:2:-6

Devote yourself to prayer, Being watchful and thankful..

Acronym: P-R-A-Y People, Relationships, Availability, Yield

People-Praying For The People To Talk To

(List Neighbors I know By Name)

Ex: Stan, Janice
Winnie, Gary,
MATT, Rachel

Prayer Walk or Prayer Drive The Neighborhood.
If you see neighbors going in their house, pray for them, if you see children get off the bus, pray for them right then and there.

Ask God “What is your plan Lord, Why Am I here?”

Pray for Homes For Sale in Your Neighborhood
“Lord God we pray you move in strong believers who are salt and light.” OR, Ask the Lord to “move in hungry neighbors, and keep out evil from moving in.”

Questions For Lisa-Guest of Speaker:

“Why Did You Come to This Study and What Brought You?”
Lisa was new in town, and couldn't find church that fit. She was hungry for something missing in her life. She wanted to be fed and took the invitation when she saw a welcoming Bible study flier in her mailbox.

“What impact has coming to this study had on your family?”
Lisa says one benefit was that her family could experience the benefits of the Bible study through Lisa, even when not attending directly.

“How has Your View Of The Bible Been Impacted, After Bible Study?”
Lisa grew up Methodist, but she never really opened the Bible. An intimate setting of women allowed Lisa to understand that the Bible was really a good read.

“What Are The Tangible Benefits Of Being Involved in Such A Group?”
Lisa says “it helped me be a life of love. It also allowed me to open up a group in my home in a similar way. And this impacted our family. You have no idea the difference you can make in someone's life. Even when they stop attending and move on elsewhere.”

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Relationships-How To Reach Out

Begin to pray for the desire and the opportunity to connect with your neighbors. To see and take the opportunities God gives you to build relationships with those you're praying for.

Be open to their slightest needs. If a neighbor needed garlic-She gave it to her. This opened up more in relationship.

If you are not a teacher, Ask Him to Bring One to the study. If you're not the type of person to knock on doors or bring people? Ask The Lord to Bring one to your study! The Lord Answers!

When you establish yourself as light. People, even non believers will seek you when in trouble.

Take Neighbor Victoria who was in a really bad place but never committed her life to Christ. Victoria was not a part of Laurie's Bible Study. But Laurie was still able to meet a need of hers by giving her personal handwritten notes of scripture and encouragement.

The Lord Encouraged Laurie to take a special necklace to Victoria while she was in financial and other trouble. On the Lord's urging, Lorie spoke to Victoria about Kevin Cross and his Book Embezzlement: A True Crime Story. Soon afterward, she asked this neighbor the important question: “Why haven't you committed to Jesus yet?” Turns out just the night before she was crying out to the Lord. Now she is going to church.

Not All Stuff is an obvious victory. Some Catholics left the study when they disagreed that Jesus had brothers.

REACHING OUT TO BE THE LIGHT TO YOUR NEIGHBORS

Drop Notes-Handwritten-In Mailboxes.
This let's people know you care. For example: You could write “I haven't seen you in a while, I know your son has chicken pox, and I've been praying this prayer for him to recover...”

For Bible Study Fliers, tape outside the mailbox, but for handwritten notes, you can get away with putting them inside.

My Neighbors Identifying Financial needs, Have Sick Child Child, Etc.

Stan, Janet
Winnie, Gary,
MATT, Rachel

Ideas on How To Reconnect With Neighbors We Haven't Connected With For 4 years

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AVAILABILITY

WE ARE CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS....IN OUR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD

To your neighbors, you are Jesus with Skin on.

Pray about how you spend your time. Be ready to say NO to some not so important things so you can say YES to some of your neighbors.

For Example: Being on the PTA may not be as important as being available to walk with your neighbor.

When you see people with needs. Ask them “CAN I PRAY FOR YOU RIGHT NOW?”

YIELD

Prov 16:9

We can make our plans but the Lord Determines our steps.

Pray your heart's desire for your neighborhood... But remember to yield to WHAT and WHO God brings. TAKE who he Sends you. And LOVE them.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

“For a Bible Study, what book Do You Start With?”

ANS: “THE BIBLE, Can Start With the Book of Mark As Chronological.

“Be faithful, Available and Teachable”

Split Up Local Phone Directory and pray for these neighbors.

Are you new or just don't know the names of your Neighbors? As one person in the class suggested, you can find the names of your neighbors through neighbor look-up directories. Simply enter in your own address and the names and addresses of your neighbors will appear.
see http://www.whitepages.com/find_neighbors

Principle: When You Respond To Him, The Lord Reveals More of Himself.

MARK Speaks Regarding Workplace Ministries

MARK addressing the Men regarding a man who he had pray to know Jesus. Mark told this man “You've seen the changes in your kids, You've seen the changes in......, Has anyone explained to you how to accept Jesus?”

Assignment

Find more neighbors and pray for them. Also challenge yourself to pray for the right neighbors to fill in those empty houses.

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Class II (3/20/11

Brain Storming To Love Your Neighbor- Group Suggestions

Teens: Open you home for youth gathering... host Young Life, Student Venture, or youth group and
invite neighbor kids to attend. Go to local high school events, Host 5th Quarter (after football game party), invite
kids over for pizza. Keep popcorn on hand....cheap and easy snack for teens. Don't forget the cokes!

Families: Help organize a Spring/Fall block party/cul-de-sac party. Organize a neighborhood garage
sale, neighborhood clean-up day. Plan a picnic outing, hike, afternoon build your own ice cream sundaes.

Host family popcorn and movie night, roast hot dogs & marshmallows in a backyard fire pit. Invite a family
or two over for Easter breakfast and then go to Easter service together.

Couples: Creative couples parties: chili cook-off, winter: soup, spuds & spouses, progressive dinner,
wild game night (hunters cook-up venison, buffalo burgers, etc.) and play crazy competition games. "Supper Six" -
3 couples meet together 6x's in 6 months for dinner - in each other's homes or out to eat.

Serve: Visit and/or provide meals for the sick & shut-ins, run errands for, clean house or yard work for
elderly, single mom or others in need. Love on those who have lost loved ones....reach out, don't ask them
to call you. Coordinate a street or neighborhood fund raising car wash for a neighbor in need. Involve the
whole family! Why not plant flowers by someone's mailbox?

As you reach out in Prayer and Faith, The Lord will surround you with amazing relationships.

Other: Put together a monthly newsletter or email, directory or Neighborhood Watch. Take pictures of
your neighbors home when it snows, their children, during events in the neighborhood and make copies to
give them.

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Always look for opportunities to encourage people,

For example: the speaker saw a neighbor on total bed rest who was expecting twins. Their women s group was able to be a light to her by providing her with one to three meals a day for months.

Story About How They Got A Bible Study For Neighbors

Speaker didn't know many neighbors, but Debbie and her did a prayer walk in the neighborhood.

They chose to get to know people by opening up a “Spring Fling Get Together” for women. She made fliers and had everyone bring some dish plus a recipe. She sent invitations through their community website and by email.

The flier said this was an opportunity for women to get to meet their neighbors. At the end of evening she asked if anyone interested in forming a women’s Bible study. Many were enthusiastic. The speaker credits the prayer done before hand to open up their hearts and minds.

Blessings and Impact of this Bible Study:

Now she knew neighbors, she knew the things going on with them and was able to reach out to them in their time of need. And people came to know the Lord

WEBSITE IN THE MAKING

www.nbs2go.com (not up yet but it has simple tools to equip us to love and help our neighbors)

ASSIGNMENT:  Class #2

DO THE PRAYER WALK WITH SOMEONE ELSE WITH YOU, BUT DO IT. AND PRAY FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS.

ASK THE LORD WHO OF OUR NEIGHBORS THE LORD WANTS US TO ENCOURAGE?

Write a hand written note of encouragement to one of your neighbors.

Look for an opportunity to connect to a neighbor.

Example:

When the wife of guy across the street decided to leave him, he spoke to Mark about it often. But lately, he was silent. So Mark asked him to get together to catch up with him.  In these situations you could write him a note.

Or Invite the man as a couple. “The Hatrocks”—would like you to come to our house for dinner”

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3^rd Class (3/27/11)

Opening speaker is JAN.

Review of Prayer, Care and Share

CARE

Connecting, having compassion for, and encouraging your neighbor through your life, and sharing your spiritual journey with them.

SHARE

God blesses people with his extravagant grace, so we may spread his extravagant glory to all people's of the earth. Like the apple which has only a few seeds, you can get bushels of results by investing in people's lives. And it doesn't stop with us hearing the Word. We listen so we can spread what we hear.

Bob speaks of how He and His Wife Reneigh Share in Their Neighborhood.

They are Involved in 2 Timothy 2:2

(“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” )

Bob says that growing up, church was just tradition for him. But he was asked by a man at church to have a cup of coffee. The coffee lasted for three years. After three years of mentoring, he accepted Christ in 2003.

Lifestyle evangelism
Bob is a Graphics Designer by trade. Bob made a tool to measure where people are in living our Christian life. -10= apathetic-no spiritual heartbeat +10=the patriarchs. -2s are searchers.... 2+ a babe in Christ.

If you Can Measure Where people Are At. You Can Give Them The Right Tool for Where They Are

Bob's wife Reneigh met a neighbor 4 doors down who said she was Jewish. Soon Pam and her started walking together. Pam was around a -8 on the scale, but she saw how calm they were in their own hardships, such as when one of them lost a job or when they were both having trouble with their son. Pam eventually said “I want what you have want but not this Jesus stuff.” Now Pam goes to church for yoga. She doesn't believe but she hears scripture every day!

NEIGHBOR WARREN-How To Reach Out to a Neighbor Who Doesn't Even Seek The Lord

This man has a zero pulse. In his case, the tools to use are "ears and beers."

(MARK?) I often would come down with beers and ask him to help fix stuff for me. At one point I showed him how to build a resume as he was out of a job. I also told him I will be praying for him. When Warren got a job, he thanked me for praying for him.

Mark was also able to involve Warren and his talents by getting his help to make a sketch board to preach to people in Africa the Gospel message. (Heart of Man Sketch?)

CHALLENGE WITH -10s . THESE PEOPLE WILL NOT COME TO US, (They don't even know they have a need for Jesus) SO WE HAVE TO COME TO THEM

Love them where they're at.

SHARING YOUR LIFE WITH THE NEIGHBORS YOU HAVE ALREADY CONNECTED WITH (Even When They Don't Know Jesus)

After Coming back from Africa, they invited neighbors to see what they did while in Africa, i.e. used Heart of Man chart to witness to Africans (but while showing what they did there, they were also of course, witnessing to their neighbors). Some neighbors left early.

But they had had earned the trust of their neighbors because years before they had searched for common ground with them and had been a presence in their neighbors lives.

JAN: At first Jan was reluctant to teach Bible study. But she knew The Lord Wanted her to do this. So her fleece was to put a notice in the neighborhood newsletter. She had half hoped no one would respond so she could say she tried and be done with it.

“So I put notice in the newsletter and went out of town.” While away she figured she would need a huge sign to make the Bible study known to others. But meanwhile back at home, the neighbors were calling in to her house and showing they were really interested. Jan didn't need a big sign at all. The harvest was RIPE!. The Lord brought the women to her!

Jan tells us later: Had I not said “YES”, to the Lord, I would have missed so many lives being changed, missed out on so many relationships.” Now the Non-believing husband of a neighbor started praying and got a job. He's even reading his Bible. There's a ripple effect of lives being changed.

Dorine of Jan's Bible Study speaks to us. (A New Believer)
It started with an invitation in the mailbox two years ago. It was tough to break into the neighborhood when we didn't join the country club. My mother was going to be in town, so I told my mother, let's go to this get together Jan was having. We went and mom loved it. But they met on Fridays and I had an art group at this time.

I didn't have time or see the need to study the Bible. I had a gaping hole in my heart but no idea how to fill it. But the art group kind of crumbled, so I was free on Fridays again. Dorine eventually started attending the Bible study only after a Jewish friend of hers reminded her of it (about a year and a half later). The Bible study feeds her with what she needs for the week. She refers to Jan as “Grace personified”.

One Study they're doing is called PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING which Jan highly recommends. There's a small pamphlet called “Would you like to know God Personally” that takes us through the Gospel. (Produced by Campus Crusades For Christ.)

PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING

Book speaks on how to be a fisher of people. How to go where the people are, and use different tools to reach them. Book encourages you to pray for the Holy Spirit to work through you and seek common ground to get to know and love the people around you. How to learn about the person's needs and interests and where you can step in and speak into their life. How, when people share their difficulties, you can relate to them based on what has happened to you. Often the Lord will send people who experienced similar things to what happened in your life, and this allows you to speak into their lives.

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Tell Your Story. Your Story Is Extremely powerful because no one can argue with it.

1Peter 3:15-16 says “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience....”

PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING

This book suggests you invite someone for coffee and at an appropriate time ask them “Has anyone ever explained to you how to know God personally?”

And WE are Trust The Results to God. (Our Job is to be obedient, Success is up to The Lord)

Jan hands out an outline for your story in 100 words. Main points in your testimony should include: “This is where I am now... then Describe your life before you knew Jesus, what happened and examples of changes. For a good website with a form to help you, see

http://www.5clicks.com/

MARK URGES GUYS TO BE TRANSPARENT WITH OTHER GUYS WHEN TELLING THEIR STORY

For guys, to be transparent and to admit, yes this hurt me... to say the good and bad but also to describe your feelings.

Devote yourself to pray and be watchful and thankful,

Colossians 4:5-6 Says:

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. “

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Our Class Shares How The Lord Honored Their Step Of Faith By Prayer Walking The Neighborhood
One woman speaks of doing a prayer walk and how a neighbor suddenly asks her if they can both walk together for exercise.

One man while on a prayer walk for his neighbors, gets introduced to a bunch of neighbors he previously only said “hi” and “bye” to. He had forgotten their names already but was afraid to says so. But the Lord took what he was doing and paved the way for him. These neighbors suddenly started dropping the names of the others in the group so he never even had to ask them! He spoke with them for about 15 minutes. This was the longest conversation he had ever had with these neighbors and it could open the door for future relationships.

DARE
For you to take the next step. For Jan, it was to put the Bible study in Neighborhood newsletter. And now she has 30 people in her class. For someone else it might be walking up the driveway and daring to meet them.

At Work

Mark has tips and materials on how to connect in the Workplace. It's a study on leadership and developing character. Not too heavy or scary and people are eased into it.

See also Witnessing In The Workplace

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Raising Godly Kids-4 Areas.

8/2/09 Sermon By Crawford Loritts

 

1. Parents Need to be in God’s School. i.e. constantly growing in the Lord, having their private time and being plugged in to the word. If the parent is not developing, how can they expect the child to do so.
   
   This means to keep away from the things that might take God’s place in my heart. We need to avoid putting the focus and energy on things that move God out of our lives.
   
    

2. Parents Need A Plan on how each of their children needs to grow spiritually. And this plan should be tailored to each child as each child is unique in their struggles. A written plan. To help Kids develop Godly Character And the fruit of the spirit n Galatians 5.
   
   Bob used to write 25 wonderful things about each of his children, things that gave him joy to see. He would also write 2-3 things each child needed to see growth in. He would then share both of these with his child.
   
    

3. Parents need to build an emotional connection with each Child. Otherwise, there positive influence will be diminished. Each child must feel valued by you.
   
   A. Never discipline your children in anger.
   
   B. Don’t use lots of words of rejection
   
   C. Be a Good Listener. Don’t interrupt the child and discourage him from speaking. You can always later ask questions (Like the Columbo Approach) which will draw your child out and help them rethink matters. Don’t always be teaching them things. Sometimes just ask questions and listen.
   
   D Don’t Break Core Promises. And Be Careful what You Say that may be rightfully Taken as a Promise.
   
   E. Spend Fun private Time with each Kid. Bob Would wake one of his kids up at 2am for a “secret” escape to the Waffle House, Just Father and Son. Then in the morning at the breakfast table, he would ask questions in front of the family and the son, to see if the other family members saw them “Escape”
   And of course they didn’t and it was a big FUN secret the son remembers even now as an adult. With another son, Bob did weight training at the Gym, for that was what the son liked and it was a great way to bond with him.
    

4. Develop A Rhythm of Family Routine. Chores, time for homework, Weekly family meetings to discuss things that need improvement, routine play time. IF YOU DON’T SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD’S WEEK, THE WORLD WILL DO SO ITS OWN WAY. With it’s own values and bad priorities.

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