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Ministry
Mission Ministry
Mission
"Have you heard the statements declaring the church of Christ is not growing? Have you witnessed large congregations expand at the expense of smaller congregations instead of converting the lost? Is this not opposite to the successful strategy seen in the New Testament and used a generation ago, when small groups would leave the large congregation with her blessing and support to establish congregations in other areas (Acts 8:4)? Have you seen the statistic boxes of large congregations' bulletins showing less than ten souls outside their own children led to Christ a year. Have you seen church leaders schedule programs based on: (1) "It is new," (2) "It sounds good," (3.) "We must do something different," with little regard to proven fruitfulness of the program? Have you heard preachers and elders say, "I can't get our people interested in soul winning?" Is leadership in soul winning a test of leadership?
These observations suggest conditions Christians can and must solve. "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Jesus states tour requirements for soul winners.
(1) "Follow Me" Peter and Andrew left means of livelihood, family support system, comfort and pleasure to follow Jesus. A fine young man came to Jesus seeking answers to eternal life, "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me" (Mark 10:21). Must the lost be willing to give up something to follow Jesus? Must soul winners sacrifice time, talent and resources?
(2) "I" Jesus made a personal request to Peter and Andrew, the same kind of request was extended to Israel in Egypt through Moses. "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" (Exodus 3:14). God (I AM) wants Christians to, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). The Creator invites all who hear the gospel to leave worldly hindrances to become soul winners. Church leadership will have greater success using the Biblical example; choosing, and personally inviting brethren to practice proven soul winning procedures. Has asking for volunteers proven to be successful? Leaders lead by personally inviting individual Christians to train to be soul winners. Did Jesus choose his apostles personally or did He ask for volunteers?
(3) "Will make you" "I will make poiesw, first person, singular, future indicative, active of poiew; to make, form or construct; of God to create." The Analytical Greek Lexicon, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, pp 332-333. Peter and Andrew were not born soul winners. They needed training to become soul winners. Is the lack of training in proven procedures the reason so few souls are being won to Christ today? Training must be provided. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting (training) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" Ephesians 4:11-12). Unprepared leaders will fall in their mission. As go the leaders so goes the congregation. "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:" (Ephesians 4:18). Congregations hire preachers expecting them to train members to be soul winners while the average preacher baptizes about five souls a year including the children raised in the church. Amazed? Do your own survey and check this figure out in your area.
(4). "Fishers of men" A metaphor full of meaning. People take long hours looking for the right place to fish, learning how to fish and spend money buying equipment. This sort of dedication is needed to learn how to win souls. Ignorant and lazy fishermen bring home no fish. When Peter listened to Jesus an abundance of fish were caught, (John 21:3-6).
Jesus trained His disciples, taught them the elements of soul winning and demonstrated how to win souls. He sent the Holy Spirit to "inspire" them to say the right thing at the right time; thus the borders of the kingdom of God were enlarged.
Jesus no longer walks with men on earth as He did with these men; neither does He give the miraculous ability to speak the right words to the right person at the right time. But Jesus can still "make" (train) effective soul winners as he did Peter and Andrew. Christians are to continue this chain reaction Jesus started. "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (II Timothy 2:2).
Jesus makes soul winners through those who, (1) act on His commands and (2) teach others (Acts 1:1). Living a righteous life will afford opportunity to teach, but until the gospel is taught souls will not be saved. Effective teaching requires diligent preparation. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (I Peter 3:15). Do you think it is time to help the church to grow?
Lifted from: Are winners born or made.
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Prayer Ministry Serves as a source of continual prayer for our church as we serve in our city, state, country and the world. We support our members, their families, our lay leaders and all the ministries of the church through prayer.
Service Ministry
Strives to meet "real" and practical needs of others. The reality of God's love and compassion is shared by showing that we care.
Teaching Ministry
Involved with the teaching of God's truth in various forms (lessons, puppets, video film, etc). Whether it be in the classroom, home or recreation area, God's word is taught by example, word and deed.
Worship Ministry
It is open to a wide range of people with various gifts. Those involved are charged with helping people have an intimate time with God.
Youth Ministries
Primarily involve middle school and high school young people. Our programs are oriented to a younger generation and are designed around the mission of First Church of God. A sample of activities include weekly meetings and activities, Youth camps, retreats and fun trips of various kinds.
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