← All studies

Study 07 of 12

Session 7—Educating and Communicating

Keeping the church informed and inspired for outreach through effective communication and celebration of what God is doing.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Communication is the heartbeat of a mission-driven church. It starts with sharing the vision so that the majority of members embrace the concept of outreach. As the Personal Ministries leader, your task is to help every member realize that they are already witnessing in their daily lives, whether through their family, work associates, or neighbors. Effective communication isn't just about talking; it begins with listening to the needs of the community and the hearts of the members. You have a 'non-negotiable' opportunity to communicate regularly with the congregation, often during the 'personal ministries time' or 'King's Business' on Sabbath mornings. This time should be used to provide interesting and relevant updates, not for haranguing or reading rituals. By highlighting witnessing opportunities and sharing testimonies of success, you move the church from passive observation to active participation. Reporting is not a chore but a way to celebrate how the Holy Spirit is working through the body.

Key points

  • Embracing a mission-driven vision is essential for sustained church growth.
  • Every believer is a missionary in their daily environment, regardless of their formal role.
  • Effective witnessing begins with listening rather than just talking.
  • The 'personal ministries time' on Sabbath should be interesting and relevant, not ritualistic.
  • Reporting and celebration help keep the church motivated and aware of God's work.

Key texts

  • 1 Peter 3:15
  • Mark 5:19
  • Acts 14:27

From the book

Session 7 · Quick Start Guide pp. 6–9, 17-18 · Read the Quick Start Guide

  • “One of the first goals for your congregation is embracing the concept of being a mission- driven church. Unless the majority of members believe in this concept, there isn’t much hope for sustained church growth.” (book p. 6)
  • “Every believer is a missionary, and it is part of your job as the personal ministries leader to communicate regularly with members about their witnessing opportunities.” (book p. 9)
  • “It is equally important that you make this time interesting and relevant to your members, and not a time of haranguing, selling books, or reading in a ritual manner.” (book p. 18)

Put it into practice

  • Schedule a 'vision-casting' meeting with the church board to discuss becoming a mission-driven church.
  • Plan a 'personal ministries time' for next Sabbath that features a live testimony instead of a reading.
  • Create a simple reporting form that emphasizes stories of heart-change rather than just numbers.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is one of the first goals for a congregation regarding growth?

  2. Comprehension

    2. According to the guide, who is considered a missionary?

  3. Scripture

    3. What is a common misconception about how witnessing begins?

  4. Comprehension

    4. When is a 'non-negotiable' time to communicate with members about service?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. Why is listening such a crucial skill in our current culture?

  6. Scripture

    6. How does 1 Peter 3:15 relate to the idea of 'ready to give an answer'?

  7. Contrast

    7. What is the danger of making personal ministries time a 'ritual'?

  8. Application

    8. How can you make next Sabbath's PM time more 'relevant' for your specific church?