Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Once organized, the Personal Ministries leader must develop a coordinated plan and strategy with specific goals, working closely with the pastor, council, and church board. Three principles guide this process: focus on activities with the greatest potential for finishing the work; utilize proven traditional methods such as cultivating friendships, meeting felt needs, sowing through Bible studies, and reaping through evangelistic campaigns; and, crucially, help members set their own goals rather than imposing plans from above, since people invest themselves in what they own. A key strategic question is where to begin: with the whole church at once, or with a few who are already on fire for God. Moving the whole church together is the ideal—Ellen White envisioned the entire church as 'a living, active missionary agency'—but this requires prayerful discernment of the congregation's readiness. Whichever path is chosen, training must be concrete and practical. The most effective method is the 'On-the-Job Training Class,' which combines brief classroom instruction with actual field work the same day, so members learn to witness by witnessing, under supervision, rather than through theory alone. Midweek prayer meeting training is a worthy alternative where a full on-the-job class is not yet feasible.
Key points
- Strategy should focus on high-potential activities, use proven traditional methods, and let members set their own goals.
- The leader must discern whether to begin with the whole church at once or with a few members on fire for God.
- Moving the whole church together in unity is the ideal outcome envisioned by Ellen White.
- The 'On-the-Job Training Class,' combining instruction with actual field work, is the most effective way to train witnesses.
Key texts
- Proverbs 29:18
- Luke 14:28
- Acts 8:4
From the book
Session 4 · Leader booklet pp. 16–21 · Read the handbook
- “The entire church, acting as one, blending in perfect union, is to be a living, active missionary agency, moved and controlled by the Holy Spirit.” (book p. 17)
- “If Christians were to act in concert, moving forward as one, under the direction of one Power, for the accomplishment of one purpose, they would move the world.” (book p. 18)
- “An 'On-the-Job Training Class' with actual field work as described above is the best.” (book p. 26)
Put it into practice
- Draft a simple outreach strategy with specific, measurable goals in consultation with the pastor and council.
- Prayerfully assess whether your church is ready to move together or should begin with a small group of willing members.
- Plan your first On-the-Job Training Class, pairing classroom instruction with same-day field experience.
- Comprehension
1. What are the three points to consider in developing a strategy, according to the Leader booklet?
- Doctrinal Clarity
2. Why does the booklet emphasize helping members set their own goals rather than assigning goals to them?
- Scripture
3. What two options does the booklet suggest for where to begin building a witnessing program?
- Doctrinal Clarity
4. What does Ellen White's statement about the church as a 'living, active missionary agency' teach about God's ideal?
- Comprehension
5. What is the 'On-the-Job Training Class' and why is it considered the best training method?
- Scripture
6. What traditional methods does the booklet recommend for cultivation, sowing, and reaping?
- Contrast
7. What alternative to the On-the-Job Training Class does the booklet mention, and how does it work?
- Application
8. As you consider your own church, do you sense readiness for whole-church mobilization or should you begin with a smaller group first?