A Ministry of Fairhaven Bible Chapel
Organizing A Visitation Training Program
A good calling program is never haphazard. It involves a plan, training, goals, prayer and commitment from those participating. An effective training program helps people to overcome the typical sense of fear and inadequacy.
It is not designed to relieve dependency upon the Holy Spirit.
Elders and other men and women should be available for visitation. One or two people cannot do it all. That is why you need to train others. What is needed for an effective visitation and training program?
· A Director to suggest calls; trainers should initiate calls.
· Experienced trainers to assist others.
· Selected trainees. Start with a modest number of prayerfully selected, capable trainees. They should possess normal ability to converse easily with people. Select those who are willing to be committed to the ministry (have them sign a commitment sheet).
· Regular calling night. Monday is good.
· Someone to lead each session. Use videos, audios, manuals.
· Thorough training. Period of systematic instruction before going out (one hour maximum). A typical training schedule is as follows:
Meet at 6:30pm for instruction, discussion, do assignments, prayer time and calls from 7:30 to 9:00pm.
Making Appointments For Calls
In today’s troubled world, there are more people needing visitation than we can effectively reach. Where should we start?
· Periodic visits to believers within the fellowship. Special attention should be given to absentees.
· Referrals may come from those in fellowship.
· Visitors’ registration records.
· Sunday School, Youth and Adult class attendees.
· Sick, elderly, shut-ins, those with problems.
· Those appearing to be spiritually promising.
· General neighborhood calling, literature distribution, correspondence course offers.
Coordinating Calls
· The Visitation Coordinator will maintain complete files on possible call referrals. Stay in touch.
· Seek referrals for future calls; seek out people from your own contacts at Sunday Church meeting or elsewhere. An effective feeder method is to seek names of candidates for visitation from the people we are now visiting.
· Seek at least one appointment each week and advise the Coordinator before the calling date (by note or by phone). Have back-up calls in mind (people you know) in case something happens (late cancellation, forgot and were not available), you can make “cold calls” (no appointment) but these are best when you already know them.
· Plan two or three weeks ahead and advise the Coordinator whom you are seeking out to avoid duplication.
· Personal contacts are the best for appointments, then telephone. Be careful in calling visitors who don’t know you. Identify yourselves and the church. Be warm, friendly, not abrupt. Don’t ask to see them in your first words.
Visitation shows that we are aware, that the sheep are valuable, that we care and think about them. Effectively done it is an unfailing tool in assisting believers. Routine calling merely to induce people to attend more meetings or to enlist workers is an inadequate spiritual objective. Calling should involve the care of persons. It is a way of bringing souls to Christ. It requires spiritual people, the Spirit of God and the Word of God. It takes time.
There is much lack in calling because people do not feel confident that they know what to do. They lack experience and instruction and sense it. This course is designed to give you the principles and experience needed to do a good job.
|
Date |
Assignment |
Memory Verse |
Key Question |
Way of Life |
|
Week 1 |
READ: Pastoral and Evangelistic Visitation |
Eternal Life: John 10:10b; John 5:24; John 3:16; Romans 5:8 |
Would you mind sharing with me how you became a Christian? |
Pray, write name of an unsaved contact |
|
Week 2 |
READ: Goals and Attitudes in Visitation PREPARE: First draft of your testimony. |
What is Sin? Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6 |
“Have you come to the place where you can say for certain that if you were to die today, you would go to heaven?” |
Initiate an opening with an unsaved person |
|
Week 3 |
READ: Winning the Right to be Heard |
Death/Separation: Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14-15 |
“If you were to die today and stand before God and He were to say, “Why should I let you into my heaven, what would you say?” |
Confess fears to God, keep reaching out |
|
Week 4 |
READ: Initiating and Transitions |
Need to Repent: Acts 3:19; Isaiah 55:7 |
“May I share with you something that changed my life completely?” |
Share your testimony with someone |
|
Appendix A |
ROLE PLAY: Transitions and Initiating No Lecture Quarterly Exam |
Christ’s substitutionary death, resurrection. 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18 |
“In your opinion, what is the greatest change the Lord Jesus wants made in our lives?” |
Go through the gospel with one person |
|
Appendix B |
No Lecture. Turn in written Personal Testimonies & review |
Review Week |
Share testimony with an acquaintance | |
|
Week 5 |
READ: Call to Witness |
The God-Man: John 1:1, 14; 1 Timothy 2:5 |
“In your relationship to God, what do you feel is your greatest need?” |
Share testimony with a relative |
|
Week 6 |
READ: The Gospel Offer is Needed |
Grace, not works. Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5 |
“If you had a year to live, what changes would you make in your life?” |
|
|
Week 7 |
READ: The Gospel Offer is Just |
Understand gospel: 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 1 John 5:11-12 |
Bring a contact to church | |
|
Week 8 |
READ: The Gospel Offer Must Be Accepted |
Receive Christ: John 1:12; Revelation 3:20 |
“In what way would you like to minister to the Lord and His people? |
Share gospel with one person weekly |
|
Week 9 |
READ: Dealing With Oppositions |
Submit to Lord: Romans 10:9-10; Phil 2:10-11 |
None |
Goal to lead one person to Christ this year |
|
Week 10 |
READ: Asking Effective Questions |
Warning to Rejecters: John 3:36; 2 Thess. 1:8-9 |
None |
Share Gospel with one person weekly |
|
Week 11 |
READ: Hiding and Evading |
Know & review all Gospel verses, outline & key questions |
None |
Share Gospel |
|
Week 12 |
READ: Encouraging Others |
None |
None |
Share Gospel with one person weekly |
|
Week 13 |
READ: Analysis and Direction |
None |
None |
Continue to share gospel |
|
Week 14 |
READ: Using the Word |
None |
None |
Review efforts to date and determine need for improvement |
Commitment To Visitation Training
We do not ask for volunteers for visitation. Only those approved by the Visitation Training leadership and who meet specific qualifications are approved for visitation. The following considerations bear on approval:
· Sacrificially committed to Christ in daily living.
· Desire to minister to others in His Name.
· Committed unreservedly to the training for the full period, with a view to sharing this training.
· Be recommended. Apply for the training and be approved by the training leadership.
· Willingness to spend weekly 2 hours minimum in preparation for class. Once approved, we expect the following of both trainers and trainees:
· On time, regular attendance.
· Memory work (verses and key questions).
· Reading assignments.
· Witnessing assignments (sharing Christ as a way-of-life outside of class or visitation calls).
· Respect and attention for those teaching or training. This means listening and participating in class and on the calls. It means directing any criticisms or complaints only to the leaders and not to third parties.
If you are consistently late, irregular in attendance, fail to do memory work or other homework, you will be asked to take the course at a later date. Our training depends on cooperation in this area. If an emergency occurs, which could not have been foreseen and is of supreme importance, then notify the Visitation Secretary of the need to be absent. This should be confirmed to the office before 2:00pm of the visitation day. Arrangement of calls and teams requires this courtesy.
My Commitment
During the coming period of training for visitation I make the following commitment before the Lord and with the believers who are investing their time and effort in sharing their experience with me. By God’s help:
1. I will finish the training and not drop out unless health or other emergency necessitates (2 Timothy 4:7).
2. I will be there ahead of time where possible and on time faithfully, so as not to disrupt the training input by the distraction of a late arrival (Ecclesiastes 3:1, Psalm 119:60).
3. I will conscientiously prepare my assignments in terms of memory work or reading material, just as any other important class (Proverbs 18:9).
4. I commit myself to share with others in their training when I have completed my own training (Romans 15:26-27).
I do this as unto the Lord Jesus and not unto men because He is the motivation for this effort.
Signature____________________
Date____________________
Sign this and keep it in the front of your notebook as a constant reminder. It is between you and the Lord (Psalm 15:4b).
Responsibilities of Trainers
We thank God for your willingness to take on the heavy responsibility of training a new person. The job you do in teaching will determine the quality of those engaged in pastoral and evangelism work.
“Brethren, join in following my example and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Philippians 3:17
Be an example. Be on time, know your material, and demonstrate what is taught. It is your responsibility to be a good steward of the time spent traveling in the car to and from your visitation assignment by using it in several of the following areas:
· Share with trainee your plan for the visit. Define your strategy and goal. Prepare for the call.
· Practice your Scripture memory, key questions and Gospel Outline.
· Pray together about your individual lives and the lives of the people you are to visit, asking the Holy Spirit to minister.
· Gradually include your partner in the responsibility of leading in the home. After several weeks when your partner begins to take leadership, give affirmative input and suggestions.
· One person should be directing the flow of conversation. Two persons cannot be talking at cross-purposes. One person should observe, not speak unless called upon.
· Counsel the trainee to pay close attention to what you as the trainer does. There is a tendency to become absorbed in the one visited. Observe how and why you do certain things. Pre-arrange areas of review.
· Emphasize a good transition and effective questions. How and when you made the transition is significant. How and why you asked certain questions is also important. Question them on these afterward.
· Keep in mind the general purpose of the call. Evaluating the situation spiritually is central. Sensing needs beneath the surface of the conversation requires perception. How have you helped?
· Strengthen the confidence of the trainee. Fear and the feeling of inadequacy are hindrances. Encourage and set at ease the trainee. Can you think of other ways?
· Recognize hindrances that require shortening a call. Know when extending a brief call is advisable. Be careful about staying late (after 9:00 or 9:30) unless they ask. Even then it is maybe better to come back next week.
Responsibilities Of Trainees
Our Purpose: To train in effective home visitation as a form of Christian ministry, including both evangelistic and pastoral calls. We intend to challenge believers to share the life they have in Christ in a regular way of life.
Prayer Partner: Each person will team with another class member for prayer support, assistance and challenge. There should be a minimum contact of once each week.
Evaluation: We will record your attendance, memory work, reading assignments, quiz scores, and visitation reports. We want to keep track of your progress in training. If you cannot complete your assignments or maintain progress, we will confer with you about the possibility of taking the course at a later date.
Role-Playing: We will ask some of you to participate in simulated sessions to demonstrate features of the training.
Testimonies: We want to help you develop your confession of Christ in a form as brief as one minute or as long as ten minutes. You should have opportunity to share it with others.
Book Study: These will stir up your thinking. Our questions are designed to help you apply the truths brought forth.
Way of Life Sharing: Any training limited to being practiced only one night a week would be deficient. Way-of-life reports are designed to stimulate your personal activity throughout the week.
Way Of Life Witnessing Assignments
One of the reasons why local churches don’t grow is that the believers simply fail to reach the unsaved with whom they are already in contact, and fail to seek new contacts actively. Someone has said, with regard to the life and future of any church, “evangelize or fossilize” is an axiom. It has proven to be true time and time again. And it will be true in our local church as well. That is why it is so vitally important to not only learn, but consistently practice witnessing as a way of life. Your training in sharing the gospel is designed to help you witness for Christ where you live, work, attend school, or anywhere else. Confessing Christ to others and sharing the good news of how you found eternal life in Him should be a way of life seven days a week.
Pray that God will open up opportunities for you to witness and give you “divine appointments”. You must be expectant, and you must work at it. Note the following steps:
PRAY for God to lead you to at least one person with whom you can share your faith. Write down a name that occurs to you. List in your notebook the situations in your weekly schedule which might be open for opportunities to witness (have lunch with a co-worker or a fellow student, visit a relative or friend, or even strike up a conversation with a stranger).
“Many of those who heard the Word believed…” Acts 4:4
INITIATE conversational opening with an unsaved person whom you do not know well or at all. Do an act of kindness, show interest, and get to know that person by way of “building a bridge” of understanding, even though you don’t begin by presenting the gospel.
CONFESS your fears to God about witnessing and appropriate His strength to press ahead. Overcome the “fear of man” (Proverbs 29:25).
ESTABLISH your bridge sufficiently with one person so that you can share your testimony because you have earned the right to be heard with them.
GO COMPLETELY through at least part of the gospel with one person, using either a pocket New Testament or a tract, briefly outlining the gospel for them on a blank sheet of paper. Pray more intensively each day for divine appointments.
SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY with a waitress, clerk, barber, beautician, gas station attendant, or similar person. Establish a minimum quota for yourself of weekly speaking to others about Christ.
SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY and the gospel with a relative. If you cannot do it in any other way, use the phone or write a letter. Also express your interest in them in other ways than witnessing.
SHARE THE GOSPEL with someone on a home visit. For example, you could go and visit someone in your neighborhood, or a friend from school or work.
BRING one of your contacts to a home Bible study or to a church meeting. Or bring them to your own home and share with them.
CRY OUT TO GOD to permit you to bring one person to Christ through your witness in the next seven months. Set down on paper any hindrances and determine to root them out.
Way Of Life Witnessing Report
Your Name:
Date:
Their Name:
Phone:
Address:
What did you do?
How did they respond?
What follow-up action do you intend to arrange?
Your Name:
Prayer And Visitation
Nothing goes well without prayer. This is true of effective visitation. Paul told the Colossians, “I do not cease to pray for you”, (Colossians 1:9). He told the Thessalonians, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He begged them to pray for his ministry (1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:1). He prayed for an uncounted number of believers in many churches. He prayed for the unsaved, even a whole nation (Romans 10:1). The Lord Jesus was always a man of prayer. He still intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34) as does the Spirit.
In calling therefore, let us pray beforehand and afterwards. We are engaged in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12). We must know and obey the laws of prayer. These include faith, perseverance, the will of God, the Names of Jesus and our own spiritual condition.
Be specific when you pray (names, situations to be changed). As to the unsaved, pray for conviction of sin, relief from demonic oppression, spiritual blindness, bitter or unforgiving attitudes. Don’t just pray , “Lord, please save them”. Children never ask for things in generalities, “give me what’s good for me”. They are specific and persistent. It should be so with God’s children.
“And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Mark 10:51
Have a prayer partner, during visitation training. Contact each other weekly by telephone or in person. Pray for each other and for those whom you have called or will be calling.
Assignment Completion Form
To Be Filled Out Weekly Before Class
Name
Date
Were You On Time?
1. Write out memory verses and key questions.
2. Did you read your lesson assignment for the week?
3. Did you share Christ this week and turn in a Way-Of-Life report?
4. Did you contact your prayer partner?
5. Other assignments, if any? (books, etc.).
Please correct the verses with your version, and check the Key Questions before you turn this sheet in.
Hints On Hospital Visitation
· To gain admittance to a hospital, simply say that you are a minister of the Gospel. A minister may visit at any time. Except in emergencies, the afternoon and evening hours are the better. Tests, X-rays, and therapy are usually given in the morning.
· Always read a short portion of Scripture and pray. It often adds a special dimension of comfort and warmth to hold the patient’s hand or to “lay hands upon him”. Try to avoid a cold and professional manner, and do not have an anxious and troubled appearance.
“…I was sick and you visited Me…” Matthew 25:36
· Make your visit brief. Long visits can be harmful, exhausting and almost unendurable to someone who is ill.
· Do not discuss the patient’s physical problems with him, and never make negative remarks as to his appearance.
· If the Lord gives you faith, pray for the patient’s healing. Our God is the God of miracles, and we should not limit His power. Above all, help the patient to be aware of the presence of the Great Physician at his bedside.
· Even if the patient is in a coma, do not discuss anything he should not hear. It is known that sometimes people who are in a coma can hear and understand what is being said in the room, even if they cannot communicate.
· Try to be cheery and optimistic.
· Don’t sit on the bed or otherwise do anything that might disturb or upset the patient.
· Be ready to perform any service that is consistent with propriety and with hospital rules.
· Never break a confidence between the patient and yourself.
Personal Testimony
By the second week, you should start preparing, in writing, your testimony as to how you came to know the Lord Jesus as your Savior.
On the third week, you will turn it in for suggestions, to the Coordinator or Director of the Visitation Program. This will be returned to you. Review and revise accordingly. Make out 3x5 cards with key thoughts. Use this rather than just read it.
Before the fifth week you must be prepared to give an oral testimony in class not exceeding 10 minutes, using only 3x5 cards, not reading. Look your audience (two or three persons) in the eye, giving your testimony as is it were to an unconverted listener. Tell them “how Christ changed my life”.
Your testimony will be evaluated (and returned to you) for clarity, conviction, and conformity to the suggested procedure. Remember not to spend much time on before. Be clear on the how. Tell the changes that might matter to others in after.
Preparing A Personal Testimony
The courtroom is the usual scene for terms like “witness, “testify” and “testimony”. It is in the courtroom of this world that these same terms are used of believers in Christ as they witness, testify or give their confession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Paul charged his young disciple Timothy, “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of a many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Jesus Christ, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate” (1 Timothy 6:12-13 NASB). Confession of Christ before others is a great privilege which can be used of God to bring others to Himself. It can also be the occasion of persecution and even death. The words “witness” and “testify” are translations of a Biblical word which relates to our English word “martyr”. It is used in that sense in Scripture (Revelation 2:13) as believers testified to their faith even unto death.
The Lord was clear in His call to His followers to be forthright about their relationship to Him. “Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8; cf. Matthew 10:32). The opening of our mouths before others is linked even to salvation itself. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved” (Romans 10:9 NASB). Our allegiance to the Lord Jesus should be no secret.
Content
A good testimony involves two factors. First, there must be a first-hand authentication of a fact. Ananias told Saul of Tarsus upon his conversion, “Thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard” (Acts 22:15). A good witness deals with what he has seen or knows, not guessed or felt. A good witness for Jesus Christ tells how he met Christ, how his life has been changed and on what authority he makes claim to being a child of God. Second, a witness makes a solemn declaration under oath in response to a question about the truth of a matter. The believer is told, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). The Apostle John in his gospel gave testimony of the things he knew to be true (John 21:24). Paul wrote for the benefit of doubters that he was truly testifying that Christ was risen from the dead. If it were not so, he would have been found a false witness in the sight of God (1 Corinthians 15:15).
The testimony of a child of God often begins with the needs which brought him to Christ, especially the problem of sin. “Many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds” (Acts 19:18). These were evil in the sight of God. The Lord Jesus has brought relief to millions gripped with a sense of guiltiness, emptiness, lack of meaning, lack of peace, fear of death and loneliness. Joy and purpose have replaced them. Yet supremely Jesus came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), delivering then from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Believers therefore testify to the time in their experience when they heard the gospel of their salvation and believed it (Ephesians 1:13). They received “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7).
Any good testimony is Christ-centered (Acts 5:31-32). It is rightly called “the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:2, 9). Particular emphasis was given by first century believers to the fact that Christ has risen from the dead (Acts 2:32, 4:33, 13:30-31). Both prophetic fulfillment and the testimony of witnesses was cited by them. It is important to tell how Christ has changed our lives (1 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Paul once was a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians (1 Timothy 1:13). He became their foremost champion. A good testimony often brings opportunity to solemnly challenge hearers as to the need of “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Remember that spiritual opposition is overcome by believers through “the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).
General Outline
As Seen In Scripture. The witness of Paul in Acts 26:1-29 is a scriptural example of a testimony which deals with Before, How and After aspects of receiving Christ.
· Before Christ was received (26:4-11). Paul tells of his religious background and resistance to Christ.
· How Christ was received (26:12-18). He tells of his meeting with Christ on the Damascus Road and how the Savior reproached him for his sins, yet called him to service of the One he had persecuted.
· After Christ was received (26:19-23). He speaks of the changes in his life and how he became a preacher even among countrymen who sought to kill him.
As Reflected In Your Testimony. When giving your own testimony, keep certain things in mind:
· Before Christ was received - a short biography of your life before becoming a Christian. What elements in your former life caused you to see the need for a change? Which of them are common to the needs of others?
· How Christ was received - how, specifically you took the step of becoming a Christian. Be specific so that others will not see this as a vague spiritual change, but rather an encounter with the living God. How, when and where did this take place?
· After Christ was received - a very brief biography of your life since becoming a Christian. What clear evidences of a transformed life took place? What are the benefits of becoming a believer? What touches the longings in the hearts of others?
Guidelines For Preparing The More Specific Content
The following guidelines should be observed in composing your testimony:
· Keep the Lord Jesus central, telling what He has done.
· Use the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17). Mention the verses that God used in reaching your conscience. This lends authority and brings conviction (Mark 1:22).
· It should end up sounding conversational, not professional.
· Say “I” and “me”, not “you” (share - don’t preach).
The Sequence Of Your Preparation
· Accumulate brief notes on three separate sheets of paper labeled:
a) Before; b) How; c) After
· Write out a long, rough draft using your notes from the three sheets of paper (it will usually take about 10 minutes to read it).
· Cut your draft down to under four minutes to read.
· Outline your three-four minute presentation on a 3x5 card. Learn to give the testimony using only your outline.
· Learn to give your testimony in three minutes without the outline.
Testimonies Of Christians - Before And After
Before Salvation
terribly lonely, fearful, proud, selfish, frustrated, angry, searching, unhappy, dissatisfied, empty, haunted by unanswered questions, very shy, apathetic, messed up, insecure, seeking approval, loner, no meaning to anything, useless, desirous of things (cars, fun, drugs), void (missing something), bitter, just a number, life shallow, stubborn, lived for self, rebellious, depressed, aching for attention, serious outlook, restless, obsessed with death, hateful, practiced one-up-manship…
After Salvation
love toward spouse/family, life is exciting/challenging/ enjoyable, acceptance, new motivations, able to quit bad habits, has purpose, not afraid to die, sense of direction, aware of God’s presence, re-aligned, desire to help others, secure, victory, no more fear, new ambitions, love, enjoy other people, obedient, joy, better person to live/work with, thirsty for the Word, inner peace, understanding, happiness (eternal), purposeful, accepting, endurance, lasting friendships
Personal Testimony
Read notes thoroughly and prepare your testimony according to the “Guidelines” and “Sequence of Preparation”. Your final draft should be recorded under the three major questions below which bring out the Before, How, and After of your conversion.
1. What was your life like before making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?
2. How and when did you make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior? What were the circumstances? What Scriptures did you claim by faith? In a simple, understandable way, make clear to others the way to God. Be sure that Christ, rather than people or the church, is central.
3. In practical terms, how has your life been changed after making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior? A commitment that resulted in a changed life is a mark of reality. There is no point in telling about a “decision” or prayer that had no such effect.
Outlining The Gospel
Offer Made
Eternal and Abundant Life: John 10:10b, John 5:24
Love of God: John 3:16, Romans 5:8
Give Your Personal Testimony
Offer Needed
What Is Sin? Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6
Death As Consequence (separation): Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:14-15
Need to Repent: Acts 3:19, Isaiah 55:7
Offer Is Just
Christ’s Substitutionary Death and Resurrection: 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18
The God-Man: 1 Timothy 2:5, John 1:1, 14
Grace Not Works (a gift): Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5
Offer Must Be Accepted
Understand Gospel Content: 1 John 5:11-12, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Trust, Receive Christ Revelation: 3:20, John 1:12
Submit to Lord and Savior Romans: 10:9-10, Philippians 2:10-11
Attitudes: the root of right and wrong
Positive: Loving (1 John 4:11-12); Teachable (James 3:17); Thankful (1 Thess. 5:18); Humility (1 Peter 5:5); Forgiving (Eph. 4:32)
Negative: Slander, hatred (Pro. 10:18); Argumentative (Pro. 18:19); Bitter, resentful (Eph. 4:31); Strife, jealousy (Gal. 5:20); Pride, self-sufficient (Pro. 16:18)
Guidance
Desire (Luke 22:42b)
Plans (James 4:15)
Trusting (Pro. 3:5-6)
Counsel of God (Psa. 119:10)
Counsel of others (Pro. 15:22)
Waiting (Psa. 106:13)
Growth:
Priorities (Matt. 6:33)
Lordship (Luke 6:46)
Commitment (Rom. 12:1-2)
Obedience (John 14:21)
Abiding (John 15:4)
Perseverance (Is. 40:31)
Reckoning (Rom. 6:11)
Yielding (Rom. 6:13)
Suffering (1 Peter 2:20)
Unity (1 Cor. 1:10)
Power (Eph. 3:20)
Holiness (1 Peter 1:15)
Discipleship (Lk. 9:23, 14:26, 27, 33)
Quiet time (Mk. 1:35)
Word (Jer. 15:16)
Prayer (1 John 5:14-15): Asking (Matt. 7:7); Interceding (1 Tim. 2:1); Praising (Heb. 13:15); Thanking (1 Thess. 5:18); Confession (Pro. 28:13)
Witness (Acts 1:8): Servant (Matt. 20:26-27) Laborers (Matt. 9:37-38)
Submission (Eph. 5:21, Heb. 3:17)
Grievances
Forgiving (Col. 3:13)
Overlooking (Pro. 19:11)
Correcting (2 Timothy 4:2)
Reconciling (Matt. 5:23-24) Confronting (Matt. 18:15-17)
Family
Husband (Eph. 5:23, 25)
Wife (l Peter 3:1)
Support (1 Tim. 5:18)
Children (Eph. 6:1-2)
Marriage (Heb. 13:4, 1 Cor. 7:3-5)
Parents (Eph. 6:4, Pro. 22:6)
Divorce (Matt. 5:32, 19:9, 1 Cor. 7:15)
Finances
Giving (Pro. 3:9, 1 Cor. 16:2)
Borrowing (Pro. 22:7, Rom. 13:8)
Church
Baptism (Acts 2:41)
Communion (Acts 20:7)
Fellowship (Heb. 10:25)
Ministry (1 Cor. 4:1)
Activities (Acts 2:42)
Leaders (Phil. 1:1, Acts 20:28)
Gifts (1 Cor. 12:7, 11-12)
Missions (Matt. 28:19-20)
Problems
Success (Joshua 1:8)
Restoration (Psa. 51:2-3)
Help (Isa. 41:10, 13)
Devil (James 4:17)
Flesh (Rom. 13:14)
World (1 John 5:4)
Sorrow (Psa. 30:5b, John 16:22)
Anxiety (1 Peter 5:7, Phil. 4:6-7)
Loneliness (Psa. 27:10, Heb. 13:5)
Bereavement (Psa. 23:4, John 14:1-3)
Burdened (Matt. 11:28, Psa. 55:22)
Difficulties (Rom. 8:28, 2 Cor. 4:17)
Temptation (1 Cor. 10:13, James 1:12)
Encouragement (Deut. 31:6, John 16:33)
Trials (1 Peter 1:6-7, James 1:2-3)
Victorious (1 Sam. 17:47, Romans 8:37)
Strength (Phil. 4:13, 2 Cor. 12:9)
Deliverance (Psa. 34:19, Isa. 43:2)
Comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Needs (Phil. 4:19)
Chastening (Heb. 12:5-6)
Fear (Psa. 27:1, 2 Tim. 1:7)
Sickness (Psa. 41:3, James 5:14)
Depression (Psa. 40:2-3, 42:5)
Give Attention
Thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5, Phil. 4:8, Matt. 5:28)
Speech (Pro. 15:1, Eph. 4:29)
Works/deeds (Titus 3:8, Eph. 2:10)
Conscience (Acts 24:16, 1 Tim. 3:9)
Body as the Temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
Return to the Lord (Luke 12:35-37, Titus 2:13)
Romantic Relationships
Not Anxious (1 Cor. 7:32, 35)
Priorities (Matt. 6:33) Others Directed (Phil. 2:3-4)
Yielded (Rom. 12:2)
Counsel (Pro. 15:22)
Yokes (2 Cor. 6:14)
Visitation Practices And Goals
Grade
Name
1. List five of the eight GENERAL OBJECTIVES in calling (5 points each).
2. List five of the seven things you need to learn to be effective in visiting (5 points each).
Complete each sentence: (10 points each)
3. Pure religion is to do what?
4. Jesus said that visiting people is like visiting who?
5. What major hindrance needs to be overcome to be effective in visiting?
6. The best way to learn good visitation principles is by
7. The method of the Lord in training was largely
Attitudes In Visitation
Grade
Name
1. List five of six suggestions for a good attitude in calling (7 points each).
2. List five of seven questions you need to ask yourself to check your attitude in calling (7 points).
3. List five questions others may be asking about you when you call (6 points each).
Winning The Right To Be Heard
Grade
Name
1. List two ways to get “on the wave length” of those you visit (7 points each).
2. List four of the seven things that will help you generally to make a good start (7 points each).
3. List four suggestions for initial conversation (7 points each).
4. List four DO’s (4 points each).
5. List four DONT’s (3.5 points each).
Initiating And Making Transitions
Grade
Name
1. List three suggestions in taking initiative (9 points each).
2. List the three essential steps in making a transition (9 points each).
3. List four spiritually oriented questions you might use (9 points each).
4. List the two major suggestions to keep in mind that can help you improve your conversation in calling (5 points each).
Call To Witness
Grade
Name
1. What is the foremost reason every believer should witness (10 points).
2. List three possible hindrances to witnessing (9 points each).
3. List four things you can do that will help you witness (9 points each).
4. List three motivations for witnessing (9 points each).
Outlining The Gospel
Grade
Name
1. What are the four major points of the Gospel Outline? (5 points each)
2. List the three subpoints of the first major point listed above. Include one
verse matching each of the first two subpoints (10 points each).
3. List the three subpoints of the second major point. Include one verse
matching each subpoint (10 points each).
4. True - False questions (2 points each).
[ ][ ] The source of all evil is the devil.
[ ][ ] Sin began in the Garden of Eden.
[ ][ ] If others agree they are sinners, then we can be sure they have truly seen their need for Christ.
[ ][ ] All humanity is sinful and it is only necessary for salvation to acknowledge that we are one of many sinners in God’s eyes.
[ ][ ] Since believing in Jesus is the only condition of salvation, asking people to repent is teaching salvation by works.
[ ][ ] Repentance involves both turning from sin and turning to God.
[ ][ ] Repentance for sinners today means only to believe the Gospel.
[ ][ ] The sinner is dead in sins and incapable of responding to God by repenting.
[ ][ ] A good way to present the Gospel is to:
a) tell people that Jesus loves them and
b) ask them if they would like to accept Him.
[ ][ ] The reason Jesus had to die for our sins was to show that He loved us.
Gospel Offer Is Just
Grade
Name
1. 1.Give three reasons why Jesus had to die (5 points each).
2. List the three subpoints under the Gospel Offer is Just. Include one verse
matching each subpoint (5 points each).
3. List four proofs of the resurrection of Jesus (5 points each).
4. True - False questions (5 points each).
[ ][ ] God is able to forgive our sins because He has a kind and loving heart.
[ ][ ] The passover lamb was slain in Egypt as a protection from the judgment of God.
[ ][ ] The Old Testament sacrifices totally put away sin.
[ ][ ] The basis of remission of sins is the fact that we pray and confess them to God.
[ ][ ] It is acceptable to God to believe that we are saved by Jesus dying for our sins, plus keeping the sacraments of the church.
[ ][ ] We accept the resurrection of Jesus Christ solely by faith and without any available evidence.
[ ][ ] If we do not accept the fact that Jesus is God we will die in our sins.
[ ][ ] It is not of great significance that Jesus was a man.
[ ][ ] Before Calvary people were saved by keeping the law, while today we are saved by grace.
[ ][ ] If we promise that we will live good lives and continue to keep that promise, we can be sure of salvation.
The Gospel Offer Must Be Accepted
Grade
Name
1. List three points involved in coming to Christ (5 points each).
2. List four points in understanding the meaning of saving faith (5 points
each).
3. List the three subpoints under the Gospel Must Be Accepted. Include one
verse matching each point (5 points each).
4. True - False questions (5 points each).
[ ][ ] To be saved we must believe facts about Jesus Christ.
[ ][ ] Faith means confidence, persuasion and reliance.
[ ][ ] The true gospel includes the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ for our sins and nothing more.
[ ][ ] Since we believe in Jesus in our hearts there is no need of any proof by our way of life.
[ ][ ] Since we are saved by faith, we see that faith is the source of salvation.
[ ][ ] We can be sure we have saving faith if we act in the Name of Christ, freely call Him Lord and gather regularly with believers.
[ ][ ] Unless we confess Christ before others, He will not confess us in heaven.
[ ][ ] If we pray to receive Christ we can be sure we are saved.
[ ][ ] All we have to do to be saved is ask Jesus to come into our hearts, claiming Revelation 3:20.
[ ][ ] If you frequently do not obey God’s Word and do not live a righteous life as a professing Christian, you are probably a backslider.
Overcoming Objections
Grade
Name
1. List three things you should ask yourself before answering an objection (5 points each).
2. List the two major objections to believing the Gospel (5 points each).
3. List five other objections (5 points each).
4. True - False questions (5 points each).
[ ][ ] It is sometimes necessary to argue with people to bring them to Christ.
[ ][ ] Objections are to be welcomed.
[ ][ ] If you are not exactly sure how to answer a question, just trust the Lord and try anyway.
[ ][ ] When you are asked, “What about those who never heard of Jesus?”, just say that you trust the Lord to do whatever is necessary.
[ ][ ] When asked, “Why do innocent people suffer?”, just say that things are not always under God’s control.
[ ][ ] When asked, “How can I be sure the Bible is true?”, just say that you believe it and they should also.
[ ][ ] The problem with the idea that God will accept everyone is that He is a God of perfect holiness.
[ ][ ] Most people don’t believe in miracles of any kind.
[ ][ ] The major reason for believing that Jesus is God is that He said so.
[ ][ ] Another reason for believing that Jesus is God is that His life demonstrated it.
Asking Effective Questions
Grade
Name
1. List five of the seven major purposes of the questions of Jesus (5 points each).
2. List four kinds of bad questions (5 points each).
3. List five kinds of helpful questions (5 points each).
4. Classify each question as “G” (good) or “P” (poor). If good, write whether it is opening, directive or reflective. If poor, state why using a reason from the “Bad Questions” category (1 point for G/P rating, 2 for second part).
What has been your church background?
What goals for your life do you have at present?
What factors might have hindered you in seeking God, other than being offended at someone?
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
Don’t you agree that homosexuality is a sin and Christians must take a stand against it?
Certainly, can’t you see that your lifestyle is wrong?
Generally speaking, Christians believe different things, don’t you think?
Did you like our church?
Do you think you have been acting like a Christian?
In what ways can we help you move toward your goals?
Hiding And Evading
Grade
Name
1. List six of the seven symptoms of hiding and evading (6 points each).
2. List four of the five suggested actions for dealing with possible evasions (6 points each).
3. List three major actions to avoid dealing with suspected evaders in an unhelpful way (6 points each).
True—False questions (2 points each).
[ ][ ] Only when people are willing to respond to God can we hope to help them.
[ ][ ] Hesitance in reply always indicates others are trying to be evasive.
[ ][ ] Don’t ignore excuses. Make a practice of disposing of each one.
[ ][ ] Refuse to listen to complaints against others. Just tell them to forget it.
[ ][ ] Press for decisions on critical questions. Things should be settled promptly.
[ ][ ] People are well aware in most cases that they are being deliberately evasive.
[ ][ ] Embarrassment, fear and just being a human being who doesn’t want to admit weakness are not necessarily bad reasons for evading.
[ ][ ] “Where do you want to go from here?”, can be a useful diagnostic question.
[ ][ ] We would like to change their perspective even if we can’t change their circumstances.
[ ][ ] Problem people are frankly a “pain in the neck” but we must endure them for Christ’s sake.
[ ][ ] If you are informed about a certain situation by a believer you trust, it is not necessary to “hear the other side”.
Encouraging Others
Grade
Name
1. List four general suggestions for openers with people (8 points each).
2. List six of eight specific means for encouraging others (8 points each).
True—False questions (2 points each).
[ ][ ] Encouragement means only one thing in Scripture.
[ ][ ] An example of a good inquiry is, “How are you?”.
[ ][ ] The chief reason for visiting people is to find out their problems.
[ ][ ] We should be concerned with those problems that need our help in correcting.
[ ][ ] An example of a comforting word is “Cheer up. Things are sure to be better”.
[ ][ ] People can not be expected to serve in the church if they don’t know their gift.
[ ][ ] It is important to keep searching your own heart for imperfections that need correction.
[ ][ ] Unless you resolve each day to seek to encourage at least one person you probably won’t do it.
[ ][ ] “Heaviness in the heart of a man” is a sign of sin or unbelief.
[ ][ ] Worry is normal behavior to the thinking of most believers.
Analysis And Direction
Grade
Name
1. List four areas in which the attitudes of people call for you to be alert (6 points each).
2. List four of five questions to ask in determining what needs to be done (6 points each).
3. List seven of nine general causes of spiritual problems (6 points each).
4. True - False questions (2 points each).
[ ][ ] The problem with most of our people is the lack of Biblical information.
[ ][ ] We visit both to determine needs and to pronounce our personal opinion.
[ ][ ] We can be satisfied that the outcome of a call was good if someone simply said, “I know I ought to change”.
[ ][ ] Questions which challenge the truth of God’s Word are not necessarily bad.
[ ][ ] A call may be wasted if we do not come to a preliminary diagnosis and specific recommendations.
Using The Word Of God
Grade
Name
1. Give three reasons why we should make considerable use of the Word in
calling (5 points).
2. List four basic uses of the Word according to Scripture (5 points each).
3. List seven of nine general purposes for using the Word (5 points each).
4. True - False questions (3 points each).
[ ][ ] Getting together with believers anywhere is not fellowship with the Body of Christ within the meaning of Acts 2:42 and Hebrews 10:25.
[ ][ ] Sermons by an outstanding preacher, such as Paul, was the chief gathering point of early believers in their fellowship.
[ ][ ] The scriptural model of the family is when the order of the home is democratic; equal say by everyone in all decisions.
[ ][ ] Because men and women are equal in Christ, wives are not anymore obligated to be submissive to husbands, than husbands are obligated in this way to their wives.
[ ][ ] If you have a grievance, criticism, objection, concern or correction concerning a fellow Christian, go directly to them, not a third party.
5. Circle the most appropriate response and then give a scriptural reason. (3 points each).
1. If there is a dispute between Christians and you are a concerned friend, you should:
a) stay out of it and pray
b) listen to what you hear and take sides
c) try to help resolve it and hear both sides
Comment:
2. If a person is visiting various churches to find one they like, you should tell them:
a) pray and do whatever seems best
b) any place that preaches the Bible and loves Jesus is OK
c) search the Scriptures on the subject and base your decision there
Comment:
3. Discovering God’s will may require (circle the one least likely):
a) breaking our word
b) refusing an opportunity
c) taking no action
d) walking by faith
Comment:
4. God most frequently counsels people today by:
a) visions
b) dreams
c) direct revelation
d) godly believers
Comment:
5. Jesus used the Scriptures in dealing with others (circle the best answer):
a) to discuss the topics
b) to call attention to His knowledge
c) to confront or correct error
d) to expose ignorance
Comment:
Final Exam
Grade
Name
1. Write outline of the Gospel (1/2 point each, total 19).
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Main Point |
Subpoint |
Reference |
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2. List seven actions that you might take on visitation (2 points each, total 14).
3. Explain the three major points in making an effective transitional statement at a crucial conversational point (2 points each, total 6).
4. Name five purposes which appear to be behind the questions of the Lord Jesus (2 points each, total 10).
5. List three categories of questions to be used in visitation (2 points each, total 6).
6. Name five types of “bad” questions to avoid (2 points each, total 6).
7. List five types of “helful” questions (1 point each, total 5).
8. True—False questions (2 points each, total 34).
[ ][ ] A believer sins because he/she “can’t help it”.
[ ][ ] Every believer is counted as perfect in God’s sight because of keeping a spotless testimony.
[ ][ ] All believers have the same kind of life as that which is in God.
[ ][ ] Self and the Spirit are in internal conflict because self is in control.
[ ][ ] A believer can be “in the flesh”.
[ ][ ] I should obey God when I feel like doing it, or I am “under the law”.
[ ][ ] Christ controls me when He is completely unhindered in living His life in me.
[ ][ ] Every believer is both dead and risen again from the moment of his salvation.
[ ][ ] To appropriate Christ’s power is to ask Him for it.
[ ][ ] When living victoriously, I will be free from temptation and failure.
[ ][ ] A helpful question is, “What do you believe is necessary for you to do in this situation?”.
[ ][ ] Do not “sift out and analyze with discrimination”. That is judging.
[ ][ ] Every person is responsible to God for his/her own actions, no matter what.
[ ] [ ] One goal in a good discussion is to talk about real issues that are crucial in life.
[ ][ ] It is important to praise and appreciate what is good in others, even when some things are not right.
[ ][ ] Exhortation means to point out to others their shortcomings and tell them they must do better.
[ ][ ] We tend to blame others when things do not go well.