Preface
    For years various elements have come to me from many different sources that go into making up an outreach/discipleship program. I called it ACTS: All Christians Training School, and I put it on the internet.
        My vision for this program is born out of an intense desire to see the Church living in the passion to save the lost. Jesus had this passion from the heart of the Father. The early Church had this passion. This is the number one interest of the Father, and this is where the true joy and victory of the Church lies—in reaching out with passionate love to rescue the perishing.
    All that God is pouring into the Church, all the gifts, teachings, and manifestations of His glory, is all for one purpose, and that is to win the lost. This is very evident in the life of Jesus. His life was for the lost.
    There is a momentum that we have not yet gotten over into. Some individuals have gotten there, but this momentum of a sold out passion to win souls to Jesus, is not being experienced by the Church as a whole. Once we do get over into this momentum, we will look back and say, "What have we been doing all these years?"
    It’s like when one great preacher prayed the Ephesian prayer repeatedly, and when revelation Word started coming to him like never before, he wondered what he had been preaching before! And he’s never been the same since, nor has the world, because of the impact of his ministry. He got into the momentum of revelation knowledge.
    It’s like Church members who go on a mission trip and it radically changes their lives—never the same again.
    When the Church, when each one of us as members of the Church, catches the flame of the passion of being sold out and sensitive to save souls, everywhere and at all times, we will never be the same, nor will the world.
    My prayer is that this program be a guide that will help us step through our self-imposed barriers, so we can share the life and blessing of Jesus with a hurting, helpless, hell-bound world. Once you step through the walls, you are never the same. There is no end to it. Your vision, your passion, your number one interest, is to see souls come to Jesus, grow up, and duplicate themselves into the lives of others.  When we as a Church catch this passion, the world will never be the same.                   Feb. 6, 2001.

1. ACTS Outreach Overview
2. ACTS Guideline: Purpose Of The Program
3. ACTS Guideline: It’s Time To Do It
4. ACTS Guideline: Personal Preparation
5. ACTS Guideline: Principles Of Operation
    a. Power Evangelism
   b. Kingdom Law
   c. Busy People
   d. Tract-Letter
   e. Basic Training (Bootcamp)
6. ACTS Guideline: Reason For Teams
7. ACTS Guideline: Importance Of Follow Up
8. ACTS Guideline: Duplication
9. ACTS Guideline: Do’s And Don’t’s In Witnessing
10. ACTS Guideline: Witnessing Approaches
11. ACTS Guideline: Scriptures To Use
12. ACTS Guideline: What Is A Disciple?
13. ACTS Guideline: Five Step Discipleship
14. ACTS Guideline: Taking Care Of The Temple
15.ACTS Guideline: Laws And Legal Matters
 
 

Acronyms:
     All Christians Training School
     All Christians Teaching Scriptures
     All Christians Transferring the Spirit

Vision: "GO...Make Disciples Of All Nations"

Theme:
a. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Pr.11.30.
b. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Pr.4.5-7.
c. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Pr.11.25. (Outreach churches stay alive and fresh spiritually.)

Overall Goal:
    To have the whole church operating as one unit, as the finest, most Biblically sound, most loving and compassionate, most effective outreach program in the world. It is to be done in the spirit of excellence by the power of the Holy Spirit, birthed out of a deep prayer burden for the lost. Seeing the principles of the "witnessing program" in the Bible, it is a people filled with the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and love, sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit. As a result, there are healings, deliverances, signs and wonders, and bold announcing of the good news to all, both great and small, with individuals, households, cities, regions, and countries being touched and changed by these people. It happens as we each do our part.
    Set up Life Groups on a Church wide, geographical basis, but with no restriction placed on the activities of any Life Team Members. New people can be referred to the closest Life Group, regardless of which Life Group the team member was from who ministered to that person. However, geographical location should not take precedence over formed relationships. The most important thing is to build solid relationships in the groups.
    Reduce the practicalities down to simple outlines and teachings that can be handed out to each person of the church to impart the vision, to build an expectation, and to build up the faith of the people in the power of the Word and in the ever-present power of the Spirit, to enable each person to be a personal witness of the resurrected Christ. In this way, build an anointed people who are trained to rely upon the Holy Spirit, to hear His voice, and to be guided by Him, in the ability to witness to and train others in like manner by just following the system contained in the Bible-based outlines.
    Impart the vision of the local Church as being a single unit of God’s outreach program in which everybody has a place to be involved in consistent, organized outreach ministry. Emphasis is that all are to go out in one capacity or another, on a consistent basis. This can range from taking good, spiritual magazines to the hospitals and other such places, to going door to door to witness and into the prisons and other places. This is to be done with close accountability to the pastoral staff for continued success.

The Basic Structure:
    There are to be Life Teams, with each Team growing to six or seven people with one of these serving as Team Leader. The seventh person can serve as a "floater" who can fill in when a team member is not available to go out. These are to be of the same spirit and mind with one another, to stay in touch with one another, and to be accountable to one another. There is a Life Group Leader (Living In Fellowship Effectively) for every three Life Team Leaders. The Life Group Leader makes sure all necessary information is gotten to all the Team Leaders, who in turn make sure each individual in the Team gets the information. It is set up so all can go out to minister two-by-two. This same format is carried out throughout the whole church to enable every person to be in a Life Group with a Team Leader who is responsible to get training and follow up information to each person and to assist in any way. Life Group Leaders are trained by the Senior Pastor and other Pastors whose vision and heart is in the Life/Team outreach program.
    Every phase of this program is duplicable, with these lesson sheets, so any person in a group can simply go over the guidelines, and by everybody following the guidelines get the job done. Anyone can duplicate this. It does not depend upon the ability or charisma of any one leader. It is just each one following the "system". It is to be kept very simple. We must be led by the Spirit, this is number one, and as every person follows the basics, as outlined in these guidelines, they will be led by the Spirit, and will be together.
    Guidelines cover spiritual guidance and teaching, do’s and don’ts of witnessing, practical information to carry out the mission such as use of city and regional maps, cooperation with city officials, clearance procedures, knowledge of city ordinances and constitutional rights, etc. This is all to be done with direct accountability to the church pastoral leadership.

Have a 24 hour help line set up with designated "on call" ministries.

Two parts to the program:
 a. Outreach—Reaching the lost, the sick, and the defeated believers. Remember, there is a much needed witness to Christians, too.
 b. Duplication—Training others how to reach the lost and sick and defeated, and training them to duplicate for exponential growth, using in home meetings working in conjuction with the regular corporate church meetings, with a very strong emphasis on consistent follow up.

Principles (ABC’s) Of Operation:
The Man—Christ in you. Realize that God goes with you where you go, and never leaves you, working in all authority. Every person must have this understanding.
The Mission—Our written mission statement is the Great Commission. Right now there are people hurting and hungering, both spiritually and physically, waiting for our visit. Children are living in fear, being abused, living in constant conflict, marriages are disintegrating, affluent people are empty, bums are hopeless, religious people are dry and thirsty inside. The fields are ripe, ready for harvest. The commission is to "Go ye." It should take a special calling and leading to not go (Acts 16.6-10). The mission is to set every person free in every way.
The Method—Led by the Holy Ghost, walking in faith and love, we go with the fruit and gifts of the Spirit operating, walking in wisdom, boldly preaching and teaching the Word as the doors open, with God confirming the Word with signs and wonders following.
The Message—The Good News is Jesus, presenting Jesus Christ and Him crucified, resurrected, and reigning today, to freely give hearers forgiveness, the gift of His Spirit, His righteousness, His healing and deliverance to every person in every way, by faith in His Word, the free gift of God's righteousness by grace through faith alone (Acts 15.8-11). Works are a result of and expression of faith.

Acquired skills:
The primary skill is nurturing a consistent intimate prayer/worship/Word  relationship with God so that you are led by the Holy Spirit.
Sub-skills are:
a. Effective and consistent personal Word-centered evangelism
b. Effective, consistent follow up, establishing converts in faith and love and of solid character, training them to duplicate into the lives of others.
c. Ability to faithfully fulfill the responsibilities of being a Group or Team leader, and to recognize those abilities in others to recommend them to the pastoral staff as a leader, using scriptural, duplicable guidelines.
d. Ability to employ all kinds of evangelism such as: servant/relational evangelism, door-to-door, rest home, hospital, special event, prison, mime, clown, puppet ministry, inner city, crusades, use of tracts, etc.
e. Ability to organize and implement an outreach with responsible group leaders with the same coordination as an effective military operation, but in the spirit of love with the leadership of and in the liberty of the Holy Spirit.
f. Ability to faithfully fulfill responsibilities for an assigned geographical area or institutional area such as prisons, rest homes, hospitals, etc.
g. Have a life of character and integrity with the ability to flow in the gifts of the Spirit with all love and wisdom on the street.  One should dress clean,  and proper for the occasion, reflecting the excellence of the King.

A Special Note Here:
    Fear, in all forms and with all excuses, is the barrier for most people. We are all to exercise ourselves in overcoming all forms of fear. Realize that you as you exercise the grace of God in witnessing and reaching out to people, you grow in strength in this grace, just like any other grace in the kingdom such as preaching, teaching, operations of gifts, etc. The more you exercise it, the stronger you become. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Overcomers dominate fear. This makes for a strong church that has the ability to duplicate strength into other churches.

Go With Confidence On The Basis Of The Word:
Have it settled in your heart that it is God’s will to bless ALL PEOPLE.

Know That It Is God’s Will To Save All: (Review these scriptures)
Jn.3.14-17; Ac. 2.38, 39;  Ac. 10.38, 42, 43;   Ac. 17.30, 31; Ac. 22.15; Ac. 26.20-23; Ac. 27.24;  1Ti. 2.1-6;  2Pe. 3.9

Know That It Is God’s Will To Heal All: (Review these scriptures)
Ps. 84.11;  103.2;  145.8,9;  Isa.53;  Ac.10.38;  Mt.6.10;  4.23;  8.16;  9.35;  10.1;  12.15;  14.14, 34;  15.30;  19.2;  21.14;  Mk.6.54;  9.23;  11.23,24

You Are Already Commissioned And Empowered With Full Provisions:
    We are commissioned to preach the gospel to "every creature." God’s power to save and heal is inherent in His Word. The gospel message is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believes. The work of the Holy Spirit is to convince the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement.  God has judged sin and sickness to be evil, and He has given His Son to put it away. So, we can be confident that it is God’s will for us to go, and He is always with us.
    The Word is in you. The Holy Spirit is in you and always with you. He is always doing His job. So, when you do your job to go, and open your mouth, you can be confident that God is working to save and heal all. It is God’s will to save and heal all. Your job, under His guidance, is to carry the message to "all". God is always there with you to save and heal all. Rely on Him for that. Trust the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to do their job. You do your job by carrying and announcing the message in love with the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit in your life to back it up.
    Recognize that most often, due to the way we have been taught in the past, we are expecting a special move of God to facilitate a witnessing situation, conviction of a sinner, and a true conversion. However, the faith teaching gives us understanding that God has moved, He is with us to convince sinners of His goodness and convict them of their sin, and that the gospel is the power of God to salvation to every one who believes. We know that when we preach (announce) the gospel, God is moving. If we are witnessing Jesus Christ to them, God is moving. We believe, therefore we speak.
    Faith takes the lid off of healing and witnessing. Faith will intercede and stay in constant prayer in the Spirit. Intercession and prayer is essential. In this faith, we are free to go in the power of the Spirit every day and preach the gospel to "every creature", for their healing, conversion, and wholeness in every way. God has moved. Now, it’s our move. God is waiting on us to bring salvation to the world (Acts 13.47).
    As we go, it is important to remember this:  Take your authority for the home front when you go out. Don’t passively allow the enemy to cause all kinds of problems in the home, such as strife, sickness, the dog getting out, mechanical problems, etc., that will distract you from the mission. (ABCD)
 a. Acknowledge (Claim) the Word for your situation.
 b. Bind the devil.
 c. Commission your angels to influence for good.
 d. Daily and constantly, give God praise for the victory.

Remember to not neglect family time together. WIN:
W-Be speaking out the Word over you and your family.
 I- Be praying, singing, and worshipping In the Spirit at all times.
N-Nurture the expression of love, respect, and consideration for one another.

Finally, keep your vision as big as the world. Get ready, be ready, to go to the nations. To quote T.L. Osborn, "No one deserves to hear the Gospel repeatedly until everyone has heard it once." God will use consecrated vessels to touch people from the neighborhoods to the nations. As we each exercise ourselves and grow in the grace of being a constant daily witness of Jesus, we will grow as a corporate body in our ability to reach out to more. God is able to use us more as we grow stronger in Him.

Suggested Reading:
--The New Testament. Pray in tongues, and pray Eph. 1.15-23 for yourself.
--The Book of Acts.  It is helpful to read this repeatedly—see the message they preached of the crucified, resurrected, now reigning Lord Jesus Christ.
     To catch the reality of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, it is good to read all four accounts of the resurrection in the gospels, with the commission given to the disciples to go to all nations and preach the gospel. I suggest that you read these chapters repeatedly over a period of time, along with the book of Acts: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 28; and John 20 and 21. We have a vivid lesson in John 21 about abundance of provision available to us if we will do it God’s way, and it shows that the expression of our love to the Lord is one and the same as following up on, feeding, and discipling the sheep.
--How To Be Led By The Spirit. Kenneth E. Hagin
--Soulwinning. T.L. Osborn
--Street University. Arthur Blessit
--Take Him To The Streets. J.Gainsbrugh
--Conspiracy Of Kindness. S. Sjogren
--Successful Home Cell Groups. Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho
--Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs.

No Greater Love (NGL) Ministries has a very similar structure of outreach and ministry as I have outlined in this program. NGL goes to events such as Mardi Gras, Indy 500, Kentucky Derby, etc., to minister to the people at those events. Their web page is www.nogreaterlove.org.
 
 

     People are going to an everlasting, burning hell!
    We are the only ones on earth given the commission to rescue them. This is no casual matter. It is not time for church as usual.
     The military trains intensely to carry out their mission to preserve national freedom.
     Businesses train their people intensely to provide good services and have efficient production—all to make money.
     Athletes train intensely—to play a game.
     Actors train intensely—to entertain others.
     Should the church, who has the highest and most important call on earth, that of saving eternal souls from hell, do anything less than what the world does to gain temporal things? We should be setting the example to the world of the meaning of dedication, excellence, efficiency, production, and return on our investment.
    Our focus is not national security, nor money, nor games, nor entertainment. Our focus is rescuing souls destined to an eternity in hell. We are to be investing our lives and our passion into reaching eternal souls, and doing it in such a way so that we realize a tremendous return on our investment of multitudes of souls.
     Jesus did it. The early church did it. Saints down through the ages have done it. We are to do it today.
     Hell, and the love and mercy of God is the reason for the program.
     God’s love and mercy has touched our lives and rescued us from hell’s hot flames. It is sin for us to not be passionate in training intensely and sharing this good news with all we can, in all love and wisdom, night and day, everywhere we go.
     Jesus told about the good Samaritan who showed mercy on his neighbor by going to him with compassion, and investing his time and money to help him. Then Jesus said, "Go, and do thou likewise" (Lk.10.25-37). We are to duplicate the actions of the good Samaritan.
     Jesus said to go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in (Lk.14.23). He taught that the righteous are those who go to the hungry, the naked, and the bound, to minister to their needs (Mt.25.34-41).
    Jesus taught and demonstrated that the one focus in the kingdom of God is to rescue and strengthen every person who will be rescued and strengthened. Why? Because Jesus realized the reality of hell.
     Jesus taught much about hell. He realized that for every person who does not hear and believe the gospel, that person will burn in hell and be tormented forever.
     This is why Jesus had one passion: To seek and save the lost.
     This is the number one work, the number one priority of the Father: To seek and save the lost.
     There are many desperate people in the world looking for hope. If we don’t go find them, they will die and go to hell.
     It is our God-given responsibility to find and rescue them.
     God has promised to help us and go with us, but it is up to us to go. If we don’t go, souls perish needlessly in hell.
     If we do cultivate the passion of winning souls to Jesus, and training them to win and train souls, then those people will go to heaven with us.
     It is up to us.
     This is the purpose of the Acts Outreach Program.
 
 

     Receive the power and proclaim the name.
     Jesus spent three and one half years training and preparing his disciples. Then He had one message for them: "Go. Announce the good news to every creature in all nations, and train each one of them to do the same."*
     The "structure" by which to do this is very simple: Receive the power and proclaim the name. Receive the power of the Holy Spirit to be led by Him, and be a witness of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and God will take care of the rest.
     We see the Church today. For most of 2000 years, she’s been wandering around. Now is the fulness of time for her final harvest. From the timing to the technology, everything is in place to win the world. Particularly in the past 100 years, the parts--justification by faith, Holy Spirit baptism, the gifts of the Spirit, healing, and so much more--has been restored to the Church. Now is the time for all the parts to come together for the final harvest. Now, the Lord has one message for the Church: "Go. Announce the good news to every creature in all nations, and train each one of them to do the same."*
    We are to realize that the liberty, power, and gifts of the Spirit are given for "street ministry"--to win the lost to Jesus.
     Through the Word of faith, the walk of love, and the unity of the Body by the power of the Holy Spirit, the glory of God is filling the temple in true, unbridled worship to God. As His glory manifests in each of our lives, the proportionate multitudes as we saw in Jesus’ earthly ministry, responding to His outreach of love and power, will again be seen responding to that same love and power shown through each individual of the Church. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater...."**
     The Stephens and the Philips, the helpers and the table waiters, and the apostles and the prophets are again coming forth in the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ to touch the nations with the reality of the resurrected Christ. He pours His Spirit out upon all flesh with a prophetic anointing, so that even the sons and daughters are enabled to proclaim the Word of the Lord in such a way so that all people have to do is hear the message and call on the name of the Lord, and they are delivered!
     It needs to be understood by all, that each person in the church is individually called to be a vessel to bear the glory, message, and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ to the world today. Every person is called to be fully empowered and directly engaged in the task of sharing the good news of what Jesus has done for every man, woman, boy, and girl. Only today, can any person touch the nations from the comfort of their own home via telephone and computer. We shall be called into account of how we used, or failed to use, these resources.
     Now is the fulness of times. It is "all hands on deck." This is no fire drill. It is not "business as usual." Souls are perishing by the multiplied millions. Receive the power and proclaim the name!
     Now is the fulness of times. It is the bottom of the ninth, and the bases are loaded. There are two outs, and the count is three and two. The pitch has been delivered by the Lord Himself by His own Word, backed by His own blood. It’s time for every one of us to run with everything we’ve got.
     Receive the power and proclaim the name. Get back to this simple Biblical "structure" of winning the world to Jesus--every person becoming a vocal witness, announcing the good news of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to every person they possibly can.
     Receive the power and proclaim the name. This is the simple format of the ACTS Outreach Program. It is simply duplicating God’s program as shown to us in the Holy Scriptures.

Scripture basis of message:
--Mt.28.19 "in the name" (18-20). All authority, Gen.1.26 dominion, is restored in the name of Jesus. Jesus has "lifted us" from the fall.
"Go, teach this, and duplicate it into the lives of others so they can teach it."*
--Mk.16.17 "in my name" (15-20). "Go, demonstrate my power for all to see."*
--Lk.24.47 "in his name" (46-53). "Go, be a witness, clothed with divine power, and announce to people that their sin has been taken away."*
--Jn.20.19-23 "as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." Jesus came in His Father’s name (Jn.5.43); in like manner, we are sent in the name of Jesus to set people free from sin and all it’s effects.
--Ac.1.8 (4-8) After Jesus taught His disciples for three and a half years, He summed it all up in one message right before He departed to go back to heaven: "Don’t get caught up with times and seasons. Receive the power and proclaim the name. Be a witness unto me unto the uttermost part of the earth, so I can receive my blood-bought harvest unto Myself. I’ll come back the same way I left."*
--Ac.2.14-21 "This is that...your sons and daughters shall prophesy... whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
* my paraphrase    **Jn.14.12-14s
 
 

     What must we do to be a vessel fit for the Master’s use to carry out this mission? First and foremost, realize that if you have a testimony of being born again, you have what it takes to go and share Jesus with others. You are washed by the blood of Jesus, which qualifies you to be a witness. All feelings of inferiority or inadequacy are just a smokescreen to keep you from witnessing Jesus to others. But, the following are some things that will help you grow and be consistent in your ability to share Jesus with others.

1. Knowledge of the Word gives you stability, which you need. So, number one, is feed on the Word "constantly". "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness" (2Tim.2.15,16). Don’t be argumentive.
2. Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to give you supernatural power to witness to others of Jesus Christ, that He is alive from the dead to set every person free in every way. Be praying with your understanding and praying in your tongues prayer language "constantly" to keep yourself built up on your most holy faith and in the love of God, so you can overcome all obstacles that would keep you from witnessing. The joy of the Holy Spirit is that we live in His joyous liberty to just overflow of the goodness of God and good things of God to all those around us. We are to let our light shine and not keep it under a cover of fear, inferiority, or any reasonings such as, "This is just not my calling". Pray in tongues "constantly". See 1Cor.14.2,4,15,16-18; Jude 20,21.
3. Give out what you’ve got. Don’t wait until you "feel like you are ready". Pray, prepare, yes, we do this "constantly", but we also "constantly" share with others, allowing the life-giving stream to flow out through us. If we stop the flow, we stagnate.
4. Give place to and cultivate constant praise and thanksgiving to God in all things, resting in, believing, and knowing the presence of God is with you at all times, and that the promises are for you to draw upon at all times. The peaceful joy of the Lord is your strength.
5. Last, but most important, give place to and cultivate the walk of love. Refuse to think or speak evil or negative of anybody or even anything. Learn to pray and speak the Word in the face of negatives. Learn to replace negative thoughts with Word-based prayer to lift up others. Focus on the good in others, never the bad. Always seek to build up others, and never tear them down. And in this walk of love, referring back to number one, "shun profane and vain babblings"—avoid engaging in religious controversies and arguments. Our purpose is to witness to others the good news of Jesus Christ. If we really love people, we will keep the focus on the answer and not be distracted by religious and controversial things.

These are some things, if followed and practiced, that will guide you into a lifestyle of being led by the Holy Spirit so that you will have abundant fruit that remains.
 
 

 Seek to understand and practice this for effective outreach.

The Man
Realize who Christ is in you, and who you are in Him. Mt.28.18,19;  Rom.8.37-39;  1Cor.6.9-12,15,17,19,20;  2Cor.5.17-21;  6.16—7.1;  2Cor.13.4;  Eph.1.3,7,16-23;  2.4-10;  Col.2.2-10;  2Pet.1.1-11;  1Jn.2.20,27;  1Jn.4.1-8.  In Christ, you go with total victory, fully equipped. Make sure you are God-conscious rather than devil-conscious, and that you are righteous-conscious rather than sin-conscious. You become this by understanding your identity with Father God.

The Mission
It is to go and use all means at all times to share the gospel with all people.
A good salesman is always cultivating prospects for potential sales. So much more are we to be constantly aware of people’s needs and desires and to be constantly alert to ways to relate the gospel to them to meet those needs and desires. We are to cultivate and develop a constant communion with the Holy Spirit so that as we go through daily life, we are sensitive to His leadership to people who need and who are prepared to receive ministry.

The Method
    In Bible style, witnessing is by love, faith, joy, and power.
    Love is foundational. It can be defined as that state of being of having others interests at heart for their highest and best good. We choose to do and say those things that are for the highest and best good of those to whom we are ministering at the time we are ministering to them. Timing is important.
    Faith is foundational, working together with love. Faith is our choice to be looking to and listening to Father God, through the Word and Spirit, so that we are depending on His guidance in all things, and taking action accordingly.
    Joy is the fruit of the operation of love and faith, which gives us the liberty to realize our authority in Christ, to be relaxed, to be real, and to have the freedom to reap the harvest.
    Power is also the fruit of the operation of love and faith. We are to engage in signs and wonders "power evangelism", whether on the street or sitting with a friend over a cup of coffee. God said He would confirm His Word with signs following, so as we move in love, faith, and joy to give out the gospel, we can expect God to confirm His Word with signs following. We can move boldly on the basis of God’s faithfulness to His Word.

The Message
--Mt.28.7,10; Mk.16.10,14; Lk.24.6,9,33,34,45-48 "and ye are witnesses of these things". Jn.20.9-18. Ac.1.22 "witness with us of his resurrection".
--The following references in the book of Acts are easy to follow. Just take your Bible and start at the first reference, and follow them right on through the whole book. By going through the Word in this way, your faith is built up in what the message is that we are to preach—the crucified, resurrected, ascended Lord Jesus Christ who now rules and reigns over all to give His Spirit to all and to benefit and bless all in every way.
Ac.2.32-36;  3.13,26;  4.2,10,33;  5.29-32,40-42;  8.4,5,12,25,35;  9.20,22,27,29;  10.36,39,42,43;  11.20,21,24;  13.23,30,33,38,39;  14.3,7;  15.6-12;  16.31,32;  17.2-4,18,30-32;  18.5;  20.21,24-27;  23.6,11;  24.14-16,21;  26.6,18,22,23. One final reference to consider is Rom.10.9. Notice the emphasis on the resurrection of Jesus.
--The Gospel itself is a sign and wonder, and the true New Testament Message is never separated from signs and wonders. They are part of the message. We see the life of Jesus filled with signs and wonders, but we also see signs and wonders accompanying the Word given by the early church. There is to be a demonstration of what we preach. This is what sets Christianity apart from all religions. Without a demonstration, Christianity is just another religion in the eyes of the world. Read these references to have your faith and expectation built up for all kinds of signs and wonders to occur as a normal part of the ministry of the gospel.
Jn.14.12-14;   15.7,8;   Ac.1.9-11;   2.4-7, 11-13, 43;   3.1-16;   4.10,29,30;   Ac.5.1-16,19;   8.6-8,13,18,39;   9.1-7,10,12,17,18,33-35,36-42;   10.3,9-20,44-48;   12.5,7,10,21-23;   13.7-12;   14.3,8-10;   15.12;   16.9,16-18,25-26;   19.11,12;   27.24,37;   28.3-5,8-10;   Gal.3.5;   1Cor.2.4,5;   12.7-11;   1Thes.1.5;   Heb.2.4;   Rev.11.11,12;   22.2.
     Always, bottom line of the message, is that you just give the plain, simple Word of God. Our personal opinions are not needed. Our experiences are to be seen only as a result of the Word and Spirit working in our lives, with all the glory going to God. Our display of theological phraseology needs to be laid aside. Religious controversy is to be quieted with "What does the Word say?" We are to see the overall view of the scriptures, the immediate context, and we are to compare parallel passages to see what the Word really says.
    We are to focus on Jesus, and the promise of abundant life that we have in Him through the power of the Holy Spirit within and upon us.
    We are to just preach and teach the Word with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven (1Pet.1.12). It’s that simple.

Power Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus with miracles, signs, and wonders. This is the pattern that Jesus set for us to follow. Every believer can do Power Evangelism, if we will. There’s nothing in the Bible that says it is just for certain ministry offices or for certain periods of time. Rather, the Bible tells us that everything is now in place for it to happen for "every creature."
Power Evangelism is having a passion for the welfare of people. Passion develops as you step out in faith and become involved in people’s lives knowing that it is God’s will to do them good and bless them.
You might say, “I don’t have a passion for street witnessing, door-to-door ministry, or mission trips. My passion is teaching believers, praying, and ‘staying by the stuff’, etc.” That is well and fine. It all starts with prayer. Prayer is an absolute essential, and we must have good teaching to stay on track for the long haul. But I would ask you, have you ever pressed through the fear, pride, and other obstacles and stepped out in faith to do street witnessing, door-to-door ministry, or mission trips, and seen the people set free and benefited by your ministry? Once you do, then you realize that youstill have your passion for teaching, prayer, etc, plus you are fulfilling Christ’s will for you to be an active personal witness of Him in any area of ministry. The only limit to Christ using us in any way is in our own minds.
How do we do Power Evangelism? Let us look at Jesus and see how He did it.
Jesus operated on the basis of three things:
1. Being anointed, trained, and led by the Holy Spirit. Lk.4.18. He knew and declared Himself to be anointed by the Spirit of God for the express purpose of setting people free from oppressions and bondages of all kinds. His training and preparation and daily fellowship with the Father was for this purpose. This is why God has anointed you with the Holy Ghost. This is why you are to get good training and continue in prayer and in feeding on the Word. This is why the gifts of the Spirit are in you to operate—for others, but, they cannot operate until you get out there and get involved.
2. Speaking the Word in faith and acting in faith in order to bring about a fulfillment of the Word in people’s lives, and, in every day circumstances. Mt.8.16,17;Mk.11.23; Lk.7.14; Lk.13.11-13. Peter spoke and acted. Ac.3.6,7; 9.34,35,40. Paul spoke. Ac.16.18. We are to speak the Word with boldness. Eph.6.20.
3. Teaching the written Word to build people’s faith, so that the Word was fulfilled in their lives by them speaking and acting from their own faith. Lk.5.15; 6.17-19.
Jesus’ method of evangelism consisted of:
1. Conversion. Mk.1.15. He called for people to “repent” or “change your way of thinking”. He taught and demonstrated the goodness of God so that people could begin seeing God as a good God who is here to do good things for you, based on the written Covenant, the Word of God.
2. Discipleship. Mk.1.17;3.14,15;6.12,13. “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” He gave His students hands on training, showing them a demonstration of the power and goodness of God from the very beginning.
3. Delegation. Mt.28.18-20; Book of Acts. Jesus delegated the mission of spreading the kingdom across the whole earth, first to His disciples then to the church. He taught that as believers put the interests of the Father first, to spread the kingdom across the earth, then all the material needs would be supplied. He taught that as they were endued with power from on high by the Holy Spirit, then the supernatural power would be supplied. Thus, we are fully enabled to accomplish the mission given to us by God, through the provisions of God and by the power of God. We are to delegate this mission to the new believers in Christ while we ourselves continue carrying it out.
Power Evangelism is God’s way of witnessing of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. ACTS OUTREACH PROGRAM was conceived to be carried out with Power Evangelism. We are to expect the power of God to manifest, for He dwells in us. We are to step out in faith and boldly speak and act on the Word of God in order to bring about a manifestation of God in our ministry. We must have Power Evangelism to reach the people in a maximum way.
The time is short. The Word is given. There is no excuse. We are to “Just Do It.”

BUSY PEOPLE
Therefore, as you go, disciple all the nations (Mat 28:19ISV)

ACTS OUTREACH PROGRAM is designed for busy people. As you stay in touch with your team members, you should be able to get with a partner and run out there and do some outreach when you have an extra hour or so. Your witnessing partner could be your wife or husband or another team member. It should be planned out in such a way so that you don’t get into another team’s territory, and where you leave off, you can take up right there next time. This is accomplished by maps and some very simple record keeping, and communication between team members.
By using maps and territory assignments, there can be a long-term and systematic coverage of any given area. Proper record keeping will assure there to be proper follow up. Once the “track” is laid, then a person can quickly grab that hour of outreach without wasting time “re-inventing the wheel”. You’ll know exactly where you are to go. Every team can have their own “field” to work, until it is “gleaned” so the next one can be covered.
Included in the planning and territory assignments, should be a systematic outreach/follow up to (a) one’s immediate neighborhood, (b) the area immediately surrounding the church, and (c) the upper middle class and affluent neighborhoods. Many times outreach is focused on the lower class people. There are just as many lost and miserable and sick people of the upper class as there are in the lower class. There are many Christians in the upper class that need ministry and encouragement in the faith. Everyone you meet is a ministry in some dimension.
There should be contact with the middle and upper class that is pleasant, respectful, and to-the-point. You are busy people and they are busy people. Keep in mind that we are seed sowers. Have in mind to sow the seed and go on, but be sensitive to the Spirit for any in-depth ministry that opens up. In all contacts, let the attitude be in you of being a relaxed, pleasant, friend.
Even if you can only go out to one or two houses at a time, that is better than nothing. It’s good to start with your neighbors and work your way out to other nearby neighborhoods. Every time they see you come and go, they are reminded of your visit and the message you gave them.
It is helpful for team members to share cell phone and home numbersand work schedules, and have those with each team member at all times. This will aid in being able to smoothly carry out the outreach efforts, plus, there could be a call for prayer support or for a testimony to be given.
We need to carry a team attitude, very much like carrying out a strategic military operation, and, it should be conducted with the same commitment to accomplish the mission that is set before us.
Once this program is “ignited” in any give area, its flame can be spread by word of mouth. Even if the “igniter” has moved on to another territory, the program is designed to be “self propagating.” A couple of people can get together and access the web page and get the program and start doing the work of outreach and sharing the program with others. It will need to be printed out and put in a 3-ring binder for all to have in hand.
The program is designed so that a lot of lengthy meetings are not required. The meeting is in the material of the ACTS Outreach Program. When you share the idea of the need of outreach, interested people will respond. Refer them to the material so they can read it and set a time to get together with a map and determine the area you are going to “touch”, then just get out there and do it. We are discussing the mechanics here, but we need to remember that everything is to be bathed in prayer, trusting God to guide every step.
Have a records section in your binder so you can keep track of where you are to go, where you went, and who you contacted. You can carry an inconspicuous pocket pad which is sufficient to write names and addresses and numbers and date of contact, for follow up. These can be transferred to whatever means you are going to use to permanently keep up with the people you contact, either with a hand written record in your binder or by computer.
A tract, flyer, or brochure that has your name and the church name and contact information, should always be left with the people, but not forced. The simple gospel message should be printed on whatever you leave. The gospel is the power of God to save those who believe. Our mission is to get the gospel into people’s hearts and operating in their lives. We contact, God converts. And, always remember, God is always on the job to convert, at some level or another, through the presentation of the gospel of Jesus.

     In the ACTS Outreach Program there are Life Teams consisting of six people, with one of these members designated as the Team Leader. This can vary from five to six people. Three teams working together will form a Life Group consisting of fifteen to eighteen people.
    Some reasons for having teams:
1. This enables people to go out by two according to the scriptural pattern. The ideal couple is a husband and wife.
2. This provides another witness and testimony to confirm the truth being presented—in the mouth of two or three witnesses.
3. A close knit team can pray the prayer of agreement.
4. People who pray together and witness together learn to flow together for better teamwork in the ministry of the Word.
5. Names to follow up are pooled among all six team members. A prospect is not just contacted by one person, but they could be contacted by several different people showing real concern and interest. This is also a measure to prevent failure to follow up a contact, by one or two people of the team being responsible to follow up. WE MUST NOT FAIL TO FOLLOW UP CONSISTENTLY! But, don’t drive them away by overwhelming them with calls!
6. Team members can be mutually supportive, encouraging one another and sharing experiences with one another.
7. Team members can be mutually accountable to one another.
8. Team leaders can glean written testimonies to be turned in to the Church that can be shared with all.
9. Team members will have different abilities that will help make the team a strong, cohesive unit that will be able to carry out the work that needs to be done. Example: one team member might be strong in street witnessing, but weak in training disciples. Another team member might be strong in training, but weak in street witnessing. The strong street person will take the lead in street work, and the strong trainer will take the lead in discipleship, but, with each learning from the other. Working together in this way gets the complete job done by effectively combining strengths and weaknesses, which goes to make up a strong team, that continues to grow in strength.
10.Team members can grow comfortable with calling on each other for help. Example: A call from a cell phone for a short testimony from another team member, or group member, could be a real encouragement to the prospective convert or for someone who needs healing. It could be a real encouragement to someone needing healing from cancer to hear a testimony from someone who was healed of cancer. There could actually be a church wide testimony list that could be available for this purpose. These testimonies could even be put on a voice-on-demand message machine that could be dialed into any time day or night.
 

 "Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do" Acts 15.36.
     Paul instructed us to follow him as he followed Christ. Paul followed up constantly. He prayed for his contacts. He visited them. He wrote letters to them. He sent messengers to them. He received messengers from them. "I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain…for now we live, if ye stand fast in the faith…night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith" 1Thess.3.5,8,10.
     Paul had a passion to win the lost, and, to lift up, strengthen, and encourage the saints.
 So, what is the importance of following up consistently?
1. To gain a harvest, there must be ground preparation, seed planting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, then harvesting. All this is normal follow up activity. Follow up contact is normal harvest activity.
2. Without follow up, the prior work expended is often in vain.
3. Outreach without follow up can actually innoculate people with just enough light to confuse them and turn them permanently away from the things of God (2 Pet.2.20-22).
4. Failure to follow up is disasterous even in the natural business world. If salesmen made one contact and failed to follow up, not only would the company soon go bankrupt from lack of sales, it’s reputation for doing a disservice to it’s clients/prospects would preclude any possible success.
5. With proper follow up and establishment of converts in the Life Groups, the people will grow spiritually, the Word will multiply, and whole neighborhoods, cities, regions, and even countries can be evangelized by the exponential growth of the numbers of converts.

Ways Of Follow Up
1. By the church Follow Up Committee to give and receive "official" information eg. Name, address, church times, if need a ride, etc.
2. By the initial contact person to keep it on a person-to-person level.
3. By another team member to introduce them to the Life Group/Team system. Note: Depending on the make up of the Team and time schedules, etc., there might be a Team Member designated as the follow up person.
 
 

     It needs to be made sure that everybody in the church is "on the same page". This is the value of everybody using the same system with the same guidelines. That way, somebody is not out in left field doing or teaching some "off the wall stuff".
     When everybody has the same information, then everybody can be more in unity of mind. There is a unity of spirit and a unity of mind that we need to cultivate. Most questions that come up can be answered by simply referring to the guidelines. Everybody is to have this whole program with all the guidelines in possession in a loose leaf notebook. When a new guideline is introduced, it can be given out to all and easily added to the existing.
    The system is easily duplicated by each person simply following the guidelines according to the outreach vision. A new person can take home and study the guidelines and gain an understanding of the vision and immediately begin operating in unity with the whole church, even immediately starting a new team in their own home. This speeds up the process for doing effective outreach more quickly.
     Jesus told us to go and teach all nations, teaching them to observe all things that He commanded us (Mt.28.19,20). This is duplication.
     The early church started out on the day of Pentecost with about 120 who were baptized in the Holy Spirit, speaking of the wonderful works of God, and with Peter teaching the Word and preaching the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Three thousand people got saved and were encouraged to "Save yourselves from this untoward [wicked and perverse] generation" (Acts 2.40). These "continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers…in the temple…house to house…with gladness and singleness of heart…and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2.42-47). This is duplication.
     Saul wreaked havock of the church, going into the houses, apprehending believers and committing them to prison. "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word" (Acts 8.3,4). This is duplication—everybody preaching the word everywhere they went.
    Paul wrote letters for guidelines to the churches so they could follow him as he followed Christ (1Cor.11.1). This is duplication.
    Paul explained to the Ephesians how the ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers were given to mature and build up the saints for the work of the ministry, until the very stature of the fulness of Christ is being manifest in the Body of Christ (Eph.4.11-16). The ministry gifts are given to train the Body to do effective ministry. This is duplication.
    Paul told Timothy, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2Tim.2.2). This is duplication.
    Paul, again to the Corinthians, "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church" (1Cor.4.16,17). Paul taught the same thing everywhere he went, and he trained others to duplicate the same thing that he taught in every place.
    Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they brought "our gospel" to them not "in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing" (1Thes.1.5-8). This is an example of the exponential growth that occurs through duplication.
     Everything we do is geared to be duplicated, teaching others to teach others to duplicate it, on and on. This is how the kingdom of God is effectively spread on the earth. We are to have an intense duplication mentality. We see this in Jesus. We see it in the early church. We see it in Paul. We are to follow the way it is done in the Word.
     All of this just plugs in to the established operation of and meeting times of the Church functions, training classes, and special meetings that are designed to introduce, establish, and train people in their life in Christ.
 It is sheep begetting sheep.
This is the only way the job will get done that really needs to be done.
This is the basic Bible way.
 
 

1. Don’t touch people without their permission, then just hold a hand to pray with them.
2. Don’t engage in religious arguments. There are too many hungry people out there to reach, rather than get tied up in a pointless religious argument. Keep your focus on sharing Jesus to get people born again, filled with the Spirit, healed, delivered, or encouraged in some way.
3. Don’t give place to anger to the point of sin.
4. Don’t distract people from their work.
5. Realize your position in Christ, relax, be real, respect people’s rights, and respond to people’s needs and desires with grace and wisdom.
6. Be very kind, considerate, and very courteous at all times.
7. Be constantly asking and listening to the Holy Spirit for guidance.
8. Be trusting in the Holy Spirit to use the Word and your testimony to convince the hearer.
9. Know that God is always with you and with His Word working in the heart and life of the hearer. Your job is to be sensitive to follow along with what God is doing in the person’s life. Locate them and minister to them at their present level with all love and patience.
10.Know that God confirms His Word with signs following, and that His Word never returns void. It’s power is always at work to bless and deliver the hearer.
 
 

     There are many approaches used in witnessing. The approach depends on what kind of witnessing you are doing, such as door to door, open public places, neighborhood servant evangelism, witnessing preceding a special meeting or crusade, or using the survey approach or some other format.
     We are all different and the Spirit of God moves in different ways at different times. Jesus does not show any set format for witnessing approaches. What we do see in Jesus is this: An intimate communion with the Father, and flowing with however the Father is going, producing a variety of "approaches" to people. In fact, His "approach" was as varied as the people themselves.
     His "approach" was to be filled with love, faith, and compassion for the needs of the people, and be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
    He moved in a relaxed, every-case-is-different format, in which He drew from things and events going on around the people or in the people’s lives.
    He moved in the power and all the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as words of wisdom and knowledge, discernment of spirits, miracles, and healings.
     The main thing in witnessing is to be filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, so that you realize your authority in the spiritual realm, be relaxed, and be real with the people with whom you are sharing. Talk with them as your own personal family or close friends. Be genuinely interested in who they are and what they do. Ask relevant life questions. Be real. Then, with that, here are some ideas on approaching people in witnessing situations.

1. Offer a tract saying, "Excuse me, could I please share something with you that has been very helpful to me?" Their acceptance of the tract opens the door for sharing the gospel and your testimony. If they show interest and have time, you can walk them right on through the tract for the purpose of preaching Jesus to them and leading them into salvation.

2. Strike up a friendly conversation to warm up to them and soon get to the point of sharing Jesus to lead them to salvation.

3. More details in approaches:
Approach for door-to-door or any public place:
Good (morning, afternoon, evening)…, or, Excuse me, do you have a couple of minutes…, or simply, Excuse me…,or, Hi…

I’m _______and this is_______, and we are from ________, and we are just out sharing the message of the love of God and the good things He has for you in Jesus Christ. He has changed our lives in a wonderful way, giving us real inward joy and peace, along with many other blessings from God, and we would like to know if there is anything we could visit with you about or pray with you about so you can be blessed, too.
Yes? (Then go ahead and follow the flow. If in a public place, you might need to get a name, number, address, and time to get with them if you can’t get them aside right then.)

No? (Then offer a tract by holding it up to them so they can read the front, entitled, JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOUR SIN AND WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD TO GIVE YOU THE GIFT OF ABUNDANT LIFE RIGHT NOW AND FOREVER.)

"Well then could we please leave this little pamphlet with you that tells some of the many wonderful benefits available to you through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

The Bible says in Romans 10. 9, 13, it is quoted right here in this little pamphlet (point it out), that if you call on the name of the Lord and confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. I know you want to be saved, and not die in your sin and go to hell. We just want you to know that the direction of your life and eternal destiny can be changed right now by a simple prayer and confession before God.  Would you like to have a change in your life now?

No? Then perhaps you could go ahead and take this pamphlet and see some of the benefits of knowing Jesus, and then maybe you will desire to know Him. He loves you and desires to bless you beyond all that you might imagine. And that’s why we are here, just to let you know that God really loves you and really wants to bless you. He gave His very own Son, Jesus Christ, to bless you, but He will not force Himself on you; you are the only one who can allow Him to become a vital part of you life. Are you sure there’s nothing we can visit with you about or pray with you about?

No?
Well, we just want to thank you for allowing us to share Jesus with you. And if you ever want to know more about Him, we would love to share more of Him with you. There is a phone number and an email address on the back. Feel free to contact us anytime.

I just want to remind you that the most important question that you face is this: Where will you spend eternity? I just want to encourage you to get that question settled as soon as possible. Jesus is the Answer.

Have a nice day (evening, etc.).
 

Approach of Making A Friend:
Be warm, friendly, and free. Be real. Strike up a friendly conversation using the FORM guideline (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Mission—their goals in life). Show genuine interest to know this person in a long-term relationship. Get their name, number, occupation, and other pertinent information. Tell them about yourself and letting them know where you live and what you do, in a very informal way. Engage in this until you see an openness.

Once you’ve warmed up to them, offer them this information:

"----__________, could I share something that has really been helpful to me?"

"Sure, go ahead".

Then, launch into a brief testimony, in which you clearly include the facts of the gospel.

End it with,

"__________,are you interested in getting more information about the benefits of living a life in close touch with Jesus Christ"?   Or,

"__________, anybody in their right mind is not going to willfully neglect their own soul and die and go to hell. Are you interested in more information about knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour"?

Remember, your goal is having made a friend, to keep a friend. If you have their name and number, then you can follow up, starting at whatever level you get them to in this conversation. KEEP IT OPEN FOR FOLLOW UP!

When they say "Yes", A simple prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I’m sorry for my sin. Thank you for shedding your blood for me to pay for my sin, and for being raised from the dead to give me eternal life. I now accept and receive your free gift of forgiveness and cleansing. Thank you I am now forever free from all the sin of my past. I believe you are the Son of God who died for me and was raised from the dead to give me eternal life today. I confess you as my Lord and Saviour, and I give you my life for you to be Lord of all. Thank you for saving me and giving me eternal life. Amen."
 
 

The following is adapted from the book, "Share Jesus Without Fear" by William Fay.

I want to give you a simple track to run on to accomplish the task of reaching the world one-by-one. The basis of the following "track to run on"is (1)trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit that works with the Word of God and (2) working with the fact that faith comes by hearing the Word, especially when it comes out of one’s own mouth.

This is an excellent teaching method for witnessing or for sharing Biblical truths with other believers. Jesus used this technique of teaching when He dealt with the religious teacher who was testing Him in Luke 10: 25, 26. Jesus asked him, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" In other words, He asked him, "What does that say to you?" And, the man answered him.

You can use FORM for casual conversation to warm up to the person:
Family. Occupation. Recreation. Mission (their goals). Use any part or all of this.

In casual conversation, as you are finding out about this person by showing interest in them, by listening and responding to them, and getting to know them, you can easily get to know them in another area. Since you are already asking questions about them, the door is wide open to ask them…

--What are your spiritual beliefs? (Just listen with "Humm." Offer no confrontation, no correction, no beliefs of your own.) (You are locating them.)
--What’s your understanding of who Jesus Christ is? ("Humm"…)
--What are your beliefs about heaven and  hell? ("Humm"…)
--If you died right now, where would you go?( If heaven,) Why? ("Humm"…)
--(Ask) If what you are believing is not true, would you want to know?
--(Or ask) Could I share some scriptures that have been meaningful to me?

If yes, take your Bible out and turn to Romans 3.23. You have already highlighted it. Turn the Bible around, hold it for them to read,  and ask,
"Could you please read this out loud?" (Point to the verse. They read it.)
"What does that say to you?" (Lk. 10.26—the basis of this question)
If they give an accurate answer, showing they understand it, go to next scripture.
If they don’t give a good answer, ask them to read it again, and again, and again if necessary, asking the Holy Spirit to give them a good understanding.
(You have already written in the next reference on the top of your page upside down.)

Rom. 6.23. Ask to read aloud. Then, what does that say to you. "Humm."
Jn. 3.3. Ask to read aloud. Q. Why did Jesus die? (This will let you know if they have put it all together yet. If a good answer, go to next. If not repeat.)
Jn. 14.6. Ask to read aloud. What does that say to you? "Humm."
Rom. 10. 9-11. Same.
2 Cor. 5. 15. Same.                     (Short version of these seven scriptures is
Rev. 3. 20. Same.                         just using Rom. 3: 23; Rom. 6: 23 and Jn 3: 16)

Commitment Questions (to close the deal if the person has been open)
--Are you a sinner? (If not convinced, have them read Rom. 3.23 again)
--Do you want forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life? (…Rom. 6.23)
--Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose again? (…Jn.3.3; 14.6; Rom.10.9-11)
--Are you willing to surrender you life to Jesus Christ? (…2 Cor.5.15)
--Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life and into your heart right now? (…Rev.3.20)

At any point, if there is opposition, just have them go back and read the scriptures.

Learn to run on this track real good, real casual. Become an expert at being a non-confrontational fisher and trainer of men using the Word in this manner. Mt.4.19

Adapted from the book, "Share Jesus Without Fear" by William Fay, found at Lifeway Christian Stores, 10333 E. 71st S Tulsa, OK    Phone 918-461-1034    $9.99, or, call 1-800-458-2772. Orders by fax 615-251-5933. Email: customerservice@lifeway.com. Web site: www.lifeway.com
 
 

These are just some ideas. You might want to add to these.

Salvation
Ask questions. Locate the person.
--Intellectual, religious person: Jn.3.3 (context 1-21);  6.28,29
--A woman looking for love: Jn.4.14 (see context)
--For those who feel they have done too many bad things or feel they will not be able to hold out and be good enough: Rom.5.6,8
--Basic salvation preaching: Rom.6.23;  10.9,10

Assurance
Jn.6.37-40;  Rom.10.4-13;  1Jn.1.4-9;  3.10,18-24;  5.10-13;  Rev.3.19,20.

Baptism with the Holy Spirit
 In this, as with all God’s truths, we only want to take the plain teachings of the Word. A lengthy theological explanation is not required. It’s simple enough for a child to read and understand.
Jn.1.29,33;   7.37-39;   20.22;   Acts 1.4-8;   2.1-4, 16-18,32,33,38,39;   4.31;   5.32;   8.14-17;   9.17/1Cor.14.18;   10.44-48;   11.15-18;   19.1-7;   Eph.1.13;  1Cor.12.13;   Gal.3.27;   Lk.24.49;  Lk.11.13;  Mk.11.24.

Healing and Deliverance
Matt.7.7-11;  8.16,17;  9.35;  10.1,7,8;  Mk.1.40-42;  9.23;  Lk.4.40;  5.15;  6.19;  Jn.5.5-9;  16.23,24;  Ac.5.15,16;  10.38;  1Cor.12.9; Jas.5.14-16;  1Pet.2.24;  3Jn.2.
 
 

 A soldier, an olympic athlete, and a successful businessman are all disciples. They all share some common characteristics that we will see is shared also with the disciple of Jesus Christ (2Ti.2.1-7).

A disciple of Jesus is one who is called to an all-important mission.

 "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt.4.19). A soldier in the American armed forces has an important mission to preserve liberty and justice for all.  But no one on earth has as important mission as that of the disciple of Jesus—to rescue eternal souls from hell, and to train them to do the same, training them to train others to duplicate that infinitely.

In view of eternity (how staggering this is) there is nothing, absolutely nothing, of any value except that which is pointed toward rescuing souls from eternal damnation. That is why we sleep, why we eat, why we work, why we take time off, why we raise a family, why we study in the ministry, why we watch and pray—to be a prepared and available instrument through which God is able to work to rescue souls from hell.

A disciple of Jesus is one who makes a decisive commitment of their whole life to fulfill the mission that God has called them to fulfill.

 "And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him" (Lk.5.11). When a person joins the Armed Forces, he leaves home, family, and friends behind. There is a radical change of lifestyle. His life is submitted to an authority that tells him what to do and when to do it. All of this is pointed toward being able to accomplish the mission. It is a decision to burn your bridges behind you and totally throw your whole life into doing whatever it takes to accomplish the mission. It is a no-turning-back commitment. This is also what it takes to become a successful athlete and businessman. You can’t be wimpy and wavering and be a success.

 There is a time to bring your ships to land. There are certain things that you must do to get things squared away so you can focus on the thing before you. Then, there is a time to forsake all, a time of release, to turn your back on other involvements. And then, there is a time to follow him, to focus on the one thing before you. If these things are necessary to become a soldier, or an athlete, or a businessman, so much more to become a disciple of Jesus with the all important mission to rescue souls from hell.

A disciple of Jesus is one who has a continuous focus on serious preparation.
 "Be strong in the grace…commit thou to faithful men…able to teach others…endure hardness…please him…study…shun profane and vain babblings…purge himself…flee youthful lusts…follow righteousness …continue thou in the things which thou hast learned…the holy scriptures …be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2Ti.2.1-7, 15-22; 3.14-17).

Soldiers, athletes, and businessmen have available to them a constant update on the latest guidance, technologies and strategies for success in their fields. In the same way, the disciple of Jesus is constantly being updated by the Holy Spirit in every area of their life, providing the guidance, the understanding, and the resources, so that they can always triumph in every way so that the savour of the knowledge of Jesus Christ is made manifest in every place (2Cor.2.14). The grace of God is all sufficient to overcome every obstacle so that we can accomplish our mission successfully. It is up to us to avail ourselves to this constant supply to us.

A disciple of Jesus is one who is motivated by the realization of the judgement of God upon the sin of all mankind. This realization motivates them to make "full proof" of their God-given ministry, regardless of the adversities or amenities set before them.
 "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word…watch…endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry" (2Ti.4.1-5).

 A similar vein of thought is expressed by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians: "…we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ …knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead...they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again" (2Co.5.10-15).

 Soldiers, athletes, and businessmen show the results of their commitment to their cause. Paul, motivated by the realization of judgement on all and by the love of God, made "full proof" of his ministry, showing the 100% results of his 100% commitment to what God had called him to do. He realized that eternal souls depended on the decisions he made on a daily basis. That’s why he kept under his body. He didn’t want one crack in his armour. Souls depended on it. And he did it. He finished his course with joy and victory for a full reward in judgement day.

 God gave us this example to let us each know that we too, can be totally successful disciples by God’s all sufficient grace, and make full proof of our ministry with the exponential fruitfulness promised to Abraham.
 
 

Introduction:
    Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency (stand by, be at hand and ready, whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable, whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it be welcome or unwelcome...) (2Tim.4.2 Amplified).
    Here is your object with every person: Give them the seed of the full gospel--enough information to determine their level of interest. If they are not interested, you have planted the seed--next! You might have to sift through many in order to find the "ready" ones, those who are open to receive more information. You are looking for those whose time is now, to work with now, teaching them these basic truths, for them to teach others.
     If they do expresss interest, go to the next step--more information.
    There are four principles that need to be understood:
    1. The Word of truth carries in it the power of God's life. Get the Word into people's understanding. Share the simple gospel, and tell the the truth of how to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Your business is to plant seeds. If you plant seeds, there will be a harvest. If you never plant seeds (the Word), there will never be a harvest. It is as simple as gardening. Whatever you do, with all the tact, gentleness, love, kindness, boldness, and wisdom that you can have, get the truth of the simple gospel and of how to be saved into every person. Get the seed planted. Lk.8.4-15.
    2. Get a third party witness to the truth of the Word. A witness gives living credibility to the truth of the Word. Jn.5.32-38.
    3. Follow up is of utmost importance. This is how you water the seed sown. But, don't overwater, or the seed will rot. A little offered consistently, is better than an occasional soaking flood. There are many different ways to follow up. Use all means that you can. Ac.15.36.
    4. Systematically continuing in this basic process will produce a harvest. This is for conversion, for healing, for the baptism of the Spirit, for spiritual growth, or anything in the kingdom. You can be consistent without being pushy. Be consistent with doing all these four steps. Ac.20.20,26-28,33-35.

Five Step Discipleship
    The following teaching, if taught simply, will produce a constant harvest of souls in your life, and, as you duplicate yourself into others lives, and they do likewise, people will be trained, discipled, and the kingdom will spread with no limits. This is what God promised to Abraham.
    1. Finished. The finished work of Jesus is the gospel of grace. This is accepting what Christ has done for you as the perfect, eternal salvation given to you as a free gift, apart from all goodness, works, or effort on your part. This is having all your sin and shame taken away, and the righteousness of Jesus Christ put to your account. Heb.10.10,17.  Eph.2.8.  2Cor.5.17-21.
    2. Forgiveness--water baptism. This is your scriptural public confession of faith. When you turn to Jesus, you turn from sin. To show that you are following Him, with your sins washed away, you are to be baptized (dipped) in water. Every believer is sent to teach all nations and baptize people as soon as they believe. Then those believers can go, teach, and baptize in the name of Jesus, by the authority that He gave them to go and preach, teach, and baptize others. Matthew 28.18-20. (Note: With an established local church, the new converts will be referred to that local church to be baptized.)
    3. Fullness of the Spirit--baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is God's seal upon you for supernatural service in His kingdom. This too, is to be taught and transferred from believer-to-believer. Jn.1.29,33.  Jn.7.37-39. Acts 1.4-8.
    4. Faith and Love. Living by faith in the Word of God, and exercising love toward all people no matter what, are the foundations for successful living and ministry. Understanding Christ in us and our all-victorious position in Christ includes total victory over sin and flesh by total commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, total victory over all satanic powers, total victory over all sickness and disease, and total victory over poverty. God's people are above only and not beneath in any way (Deut.28.13). The faith that overcomes the world and all things, works by love, so these go hand-in-hand for victory in every way, and growth to spiritual maturity.Gal.5.4-6,18,22-26.
    5. Finding others to duplicate this truth into so they can go and do the same. We spread the Word freely everywhere we go. When we find those who are open and hungry, we minister more to them to quickly establish them in these truths, so they can go and do likewise. This includes every believer being able to preach the gospel, baptize, minister the baptism of the Spirit, teach and demonstrate our position in Christ (eg. minister healing, deliverance from demonic powers, etc.), and teach others to go and preach the gospel and teach others these basic truths. Matt.25.28-30. 2Tim.2.1,2.
    In the early church they largely met in homes. Share the gospel, get a convert, set up a meeting in their home with them inviting their friends, to come hear the Word. Train them to do the same. People need to go to their regular church for corporate worship and training, plugging in to the established training programs, but they can have the added benefit of home meetings with in-home evangelism/discipleship training. Heb. 10.25; Acts 2.46;  20.20.  Rom.16.5.  Ph’m 2.  2Jn.10.

Conclusion:
    This is God's "system" of exploding across the face of the earth.
    These truths, when understood in our heart, can be conveyed to a person in seed form in a matter of a few minutes. We should know the Word regarding each truth, and be able to teach others from the Word, of these truths.
    One's whole life and ministry can follow the outline of these five points. When we are living out these five points, we are effective in spreading the kingdom of God on all the earth today.
    Through the power of network teaching in this way, and the operation of the principle of compounding duplication, the kingdom of God can literally explode through your ministry across the face of the earth, person-to-person, house-to-house, city-to-city, and nation-to-nation. This is God's pattern in Acts 1.8 for the whole church. Never before in history can you sit in the comfort of your home and share the gospel among the people of the  nations (via computer, telephone). Now is the time to do the harvesting/discipling work.
 
 

     "Why", do you ask, "do you have a guideline encouraging proper diet, exercise, and handling your money wisely included in an outreach program?" Because you can be more effective in outreach if you are not weak, sick, or strapped in the stress of debt. We are soldiers in training to rescue others from these type things. Paul said, "I endure all things for the elects sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2Tim.2.10). This program is not about you and I—it is about others. Paul kept his body, his temple, under strict control so he could be most effective in reaching others. So are we to do the same, but, with our focus kept on Jesus and reaching others, and not on keeping our body under.
     "Well", you say, "people go weird on nutrition and stuff". Yes, people do. They also go weird on faith, but we do not quit teaching faith. We just give the truth and the balance so people can learn to use their faith for maximum fruitfulness.
     Our mind, bodies, and general lifestyle are all tools in the hands of the Lord to reach the world with His love and power. If we are a dull tool, God’s ability is hindered from working through us. "A wise man sharpens his ax".
    We want to be a sharp axe in the hands of the Lord to reap the harvest.
    This is only a Guideline to prompt you in the right avenues to do what needs to be done for your body for it’s long-term, trouble-free operation. There is much information available in the marketplace. It is your responsibility to educate yourself and do what is best for your body.
    "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s" (1Cor.6.19,20).
    The body you are using is God’s body, God’s temple in which you live. When it comes to what you are doing with your body--what you are putting into your body, onto your body, how you are maintaining your body and what you are doing with your body--you can just ask the question: Is this something that is doing the maximum good for God’s body/my body, for long-term usefulness to the glory of God?
    "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" (1Cor.3.17).
    God takes seriously what is done with the bodies that he gives us. Jesus died to give us abundant life, and He was beaten that we might have healing and health, and if we are not taking care of our body then we are working against God in that area and opening ourselves to be judged.
    If we are busy being under the judgement of God, we do not have our focus and passion for lost souls. We are a dull ax.
    So, we want to take care of our body.
     We want to keep our thoughts in line with the Word.
     We want to keep our confessions in line with the Word.
     We want to be trustworthy with our money so that won’t be a stress. And, speaking of money, what could be done if the same money that the church spends on the medical industry was invested in missions? I daresay, there would be no lack for missions.
     All this is involved in taking care of the temple of God and being a sharp ax for the harvest.

Thought Life/Conscience—All positive thoughts; keep a clear conscience.
Confessions—All positive, filled with the Word of God.
Nutrition/Physical—Wholesome food, avoid the bad stuff, get plenty of exercise and rest, and drink plenty of water. Keep inward parts cleansed.
Finances—Use wisdom.

 "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies—presenting all your members and faculties—as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world—this age, fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs. But be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind—by its new ideals and its new attitude—so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]" (Rom.12.1,2 Amplified Bible).

 "Not slothful in business…[Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due…keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another" (Rom.12.11KJV; 13.6-8 Amplified Bible).

     God had mercy on us and rescued us from our sin and hell. It just makes good sense, and it is an act of worship to God, to take care of the temple of God, that He has purchased to be His own for His own use, in such a way so that He can have many years of service from us. He just desires to bless us. If we will cooperate with Him in our lifestyle in a rational way, He will be able to bless us all the days of our lives, and, use us as an instrument of blessing to bless many others. This is His will for you.
 
 

This section is for information such as city ordinances, state and national laws, steps required for and contacts to initiate a prison ministry, and other such things that will be pertinent to people talking to people in public places, in business areas, and in homes, and in any other situations. This will vary with each locality. Each individual church will need to compile their own information for this section.