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Dear Indiana Conference Church Family:
It is hard to believe that the Hope Awakens series with Pastor John Bradshaw is coming to an end this Sabbath morning. Pastor Bradshaw’s messages have been very inspiring and Christ-centered. Several have shared with me how blessed they have been by his nightly presentations. They also have enjoyed the question and answer time, as well as the variety of guests who have presented practical topics about our Christian faith. We are forever grateful for the energy and talents of Pastor Bradshaw and the IIW team. God opened an exciting new door for outreach, and we anticipate that virtual evangelism will shape the way we do ministry for many years to come.
Although the meetings are ending this weekend, the follow-up work is just beginning. There are many interested people who have been watching the Hope Awakens program. Before this week ends, each of our participating churches will need to extend an invitation for their next phase of outreach so that our new friends can continue to grow, have their questions answered, and begin establishing relationships with members. Too many times we lose track of new interests once the meetings come to an end. If we invest more time and personal effort, many of these same individuals will make a commitment to be part of God’s church.
In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said: “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” The gospel commission is not to just baptize, nor is it just to get people to adhere to a set of twenty-eight fundamental beliefs. Instead, the summons call is to make disciples for Jesus - men, women, and young people who are growing in their faith, following the truths of Jesus, and are actively leading others to Christ. This is a process that takes place over time and requires a lot of prayer and effort on our part. If we are not investing in people, then we have fallen short of the work that Jesus has called us to do. In John 15:8 Jesus declared: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” A true disciple of Jesus reaches out and leads others to know the same Jesus they have grown to love and follow.
What is your church doing for follow-up? If you are not sure, you may want to talk with your local pastor or elder. Some churches are offering weekly virtual small groups in which new interests and members can further study the Bible and build relationships with one another. Other churches are offering health and/or spiritual lectures through virtual platforms. A few of our churches are rebroadcasting Pastor Bradshaw’s presentations and giving people an option to ask questions throughout the program via chat.
Clearly, there are a variety of ways to follow-up with new interests.
We just need to do something! The myriad of interests generated from these meetings will soon fade way, going back to their busy lives. This is our special opportunity to reach those who are open to God’s Word like no other time. Let us not grow weary and give up. Let us press forward and continue doing the work that God has called us to do.
In His Service,
Pastor Vic
Ignite Indiana Prayer Points- Week of May 12-19, 2020:
1. Pray for all those who have been watching the Hope Awakens series with IIW. Pray for the churches as they develop follow-up plans and work with all the new interests.
2. Pray for the teachers, parents, and students as they come to the end of the school year. Pray that God gives each of them encouragement and strength so that they can finish in a strong way and begin looking to the next school year.
3. Pray for congregations as they begin to reopen. Pray that God will give wisdom and guidance to local leaders so that they can provide safe environments for those desiring to return to in-person services in the future.
Weekly Ignite Prayer Line – Each Thursday
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
605-472-5637
Access Code: 190685
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