One Is Enough
When it comes to personal evangelism, "people are more likely to commit themselves to a task that appears manageable," says Geoffrey W. Posegate, pastor of two United Methodist churches in the southeast corner of Missouri. Thus, he has devised a one-to-one strategy for Trinity UMC in the county seat town of Bloomfield (pop. 1,600).
In the fall of 1980, planners began by updating a list of prospects—every local person they knew who had no active church affiliation. They easily came up with nearly 40 individuals, couples, or families.
Next, they began matching each prospect with an active member of the church. "We paid a lot of attention to natural bridges of kinship, friendship, similar interests or life-situations, employment, and age," says Posegate. "We didn't just throw names together at random."
Throughout the fall each member was contacted personally and asked to make a commitment for 1981:
• To visit or call the prospect at least once a month
• To be ready to listen and watch for opportunities to share what Christ means personally
• To invite the prospect to special church activities.
"In a year's time, we began to see results," Posegate reports. "Eight new members joined the church because of these personal contacts. People began commenting to me cheerfully about the number of 'new faces' in worship. Our Sunday school ran about 12 to 15 percent ahead of a year before."
Do the prospects feel hounded by Trinity people? "We've talked a lot with our members about what we've termed 'overkill,' " the pastor adds. "We've urged the use of discretion; we've said, 'When you go to visit, don't stay forever. If you visit one month, just make a phone call the next. And in every situation, listen as much as you talk.' "
"We've had no resistance ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,358 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
