Author Archive for Daniel Edmonds

Who Do You Know?

Why is this important?

Every disciple should know their mission field. Go, and as you go, make disciples is a fair assertion from the Great Commission. So as we are going, we need to look up and look around to see who God would have us disciple unto salvation and unto obedience so they too can make disciples.

Develop a Personal Acts 1:8 Strategy

There are plenty of models to create a personal awareness of who you know that needs to know Christ and be in a Small Group. The 3151 challenge is a great tool, Concentric Circles of Concern, or FRAN (Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors) are also useful. Assisting people to discover their Acts 1:8 mission field and sharing it with their group has been helpful to numerous people.

Jerusalem

These are people who reside in your heart: family and very close friends.

Judea

These are people who reside in your community. Get to know your neighbors by being a good neighbor.

Samaria

These are people who are discovered at places that you go; work, businesses, restaurants, schools, ball fields, or any other place that you go on a consistent basis.

Ends of the Earth

These are people you discover as you move about in other venues of life; airports, other cities, social networks, events, and other areas that are not necessarily part of your routine or traditional ways to encounter people. Ask God to keep you aware of people that you meet as you are going through life.

Give group members an Acts 1:8 card to help them discover their mission field, and then work as a group to finds ways to connect these people to Christ, the church, and your group.

Daniel Edmonds is a State Missionary and the director of the Office of Sunday School & Discipleship for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
facebook.com/SundaySchoolandDiscipleship/
Twitter: @DedmondsDaniel

 

3 Reasons to Have a Group Mission Board

blankWHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? A Missionary Board is a bulletin board or wall space dedicated to keeping the group focused on “why” we are here. It usually contains pictures that remind participants of the mission and ongoing purpose of the group.

WHAT DO I DO?

  1. Celebration of Mission Engagement. Posting pictures of the latest mission project or photos of group members ministering in other areas of the church serves as an ongoing celebration of the true purpose of any group – Great Commandment/Great Commission engagement. The pictorial celebration of these events encourages the people in the photo and challenges others to be involved. The photos can also inspire more ideas of mission opportunities in the community.
  2. Care for Missionaries. Posting photos of people who have left the group to serve in other groups or areas of ministry, reminds group members of their responsibility to provide ongoing care and assistance to these missionaries. One of the difficulties of stepping out to serve, is the feeling of loss that comes from departing the group. Group members should strive to continue in friendship and fellowship with all who serve so they will know they are still valued person in the group.
  3. Change the Culture. What you value is visible and vocal. There are plenty of grandparents that can show pictures and talk endlessly about their grandchildren. Why? Because they are treasures of great value. By developing a Mission Board, the group makes visible what they value. It also creates opportunities to talk about the importance of growing and going as a group on mission for Christ. When people walk into the meeting place of the group, they should be able to quickly access the community culture by seeing and hearing about those who matter most. A Mission Board will become a valuable tool to change the culture of the group from ‘meeting’ to ‘mission.’

3 Ways to Deploy Group Members in Ministry

care4otherWHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? The writer of Hebrews (10:24-25) reminds us that we gather to “spur one another on towards love” and to “encourage one another.” Jesus says that His disciples are recognized by their love of one another (John 13:35). If your group does not minister effectively to one another and show love one to another, then it will quickly fall apart.

WHAT DO I DO?

  1. Inside the Group. Each group should set up smaller groups within the group for prayer and ministry. The smaller the sub group (3-5) the better. These groups can be informal, put together on the spot, or formal, an ongoing group. They should meet for approximately 10 minutes to share prayer needs and pray. The smaller group will make this a more intimate time and curtail needless travelogue in prayer requests. If you form groups on the spot, you will be able to better include and get to know guests. As the teacher/leader you may want the guests in your group.
  2. Through the Group. Each Group should have a Care or Ministry Leader(s) who presents the ministry opportunities discovered through prayer groups and contacts. This should not be a lengthy recital of prayer needs, but a presentation of ministry opportunities and making assignments. It should include assigning individuals to contact a group member who is absent and organizing the group to take appropriate ministry actions for group members who are hurting (sick, unemployed, hospitalized, etc.).
  3. Beyond the Group. Encourage group members to become aware of ministry opportunities to unreached people in their relational networks. Organize members, as appropriate, to perform acts of kindness to spread Christ’s love beyond the group. Share stories of ministry that takes place and makes positive impact.

Many groups already have a system of Care Ministry and Prayer Ministry. This is commendable! However, many groups spend more time in prayer requests rather than in prayer and in discussing ministry needs rather than assigning ministry action. If this is the case for you, it may be time to recalibrate your groups and refocus them on ‘why’ they should minister to the group.

8 Reasons to Engage Locally and Globally

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Classes need missions just as missions need our classes to respond, not just by giving and praying for, but by going together. We know that we get to know each other better outside the classroom. We also know that we need to be visible in our world. We are all familiar with the great commission but often fail to apply that to a class or group.

There are many reasons why a class should be involved in local and international mission projects. Some are obvious others perhaps not as obvious.

8 REASONS TO ENGAGE IN MISSIONS

* People need help

* Class members have a deep desire to help

* People need a Savior

* Class members understand this need and know how to meet it

* Our communities need a Christian influence

* Class members can be this positive influence and help by ministering locally

* Class members grow together as we serve together

* Class members are fulfilled when they serve and use their spiritual gifts

We have been involve in missions projects with our classes and know the benefits that await those that get involved. Many times we can get prospects involved in projects because of their skill set. We get to know them in a neutral setting and possibly win the right to share the gospel. God blesses obedience and faithfulness. What project do you think your class would get involved with? The opportunities are limitless and there are members of your class that would love to take the lead and take care of the details. We just have to challenge them and give them the opportunity.

_______________

John Thomas is the Assistant Director of Missions for the Calhoun Baptist Association, Anniston, AL.

Cindy Thomas is Director of Women’s Ministry, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Alexandria, AL.

3 Ways to Celebrate New Leaders

celebrationWHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Paul instructed Timothy to take what he had learned from Paul and pass it on to others who would do likewise. Leaders are needed to raise up laborers and become leaders to raise up others. When you cease to raise up leaders, you are only a generation away from extinction. Celebration encourages existing and new leaders.

WHAT DO I DO?

Inside the Group. Every leader in every group should be challenged to have an apprentice. They should disciple the apprentice to develop spiritually and to develop the skills necessary for ministry. They should give the apprentice opportunities to serve in their presence and should celebrate the day they are ready to step out on their own. When Jesus (Luke 9 and 10) experienced His disciples making disciples He rejoiced in the Spirit and praised the Father (10:21). When leaders raise up leaders in your group, celebrate!

Before other Groups. Many churches have a recognition service or an appreciation banquet for leaders. Celebrate new leaders and the individual(s) that mentored them during this event. If you wanting to quit begging for leaders, start celebrating when leaders multiply! Calendar an appreciation event this year!

Before the Church. Affirm and recognize new leaders in front of your congregation. You want others to get to know new leaders, and you want to inspire members to become leaders. Celebrate the new leader by having the mentor stand with them. This is a reminder for all leaders to develop an apprentice into a new leader.