| Easy, Effective Evangelism Structures | | | | Our well trained ministers not only know what to |
| In Evangelism, why do I say 'Structures' are so | | | | teach, but (mostly) know how to teach as well. My |
| important? In fact what do mean by the term | | | | Rector and his team intentionally set up a series of |
| 'Structures'? One aspect that The Macquarie | | | | linked well thought out bible teaching themes (PLAN) |
| Dictionary states structures are is "a complex system | | | | with opportunities for the congregation to learn. This |
| considered from the point of view of the whole | | | | includes a preaching roster for the Sunday service, |
| rather than of any single part". I believe we often | | | | small group studies and other teaching activities |
| have lots of 'single parts' with no 'system' we can | | | | (VEHICLES), quite often using things like a custom |
| view as a whole. | | | | made Home Study Guide, Alpha or Christianity |
| I believe 'Evangelism Structures' consist of three | | | | Explained (TOOLS). A good Structure (Plan, Vehicles, |
| distinct components. These are 'Plans', 'Vehicles' and | | | | and Tools) will also take into account where different |
| 'Tools'. | | | | members of the congregation are at in their walk of |
| Plans give clear direction and consist of Desires and | | | | faith and plan accordingly. Deliberate consideration is |
| Goals. Plans come from us through prayer and | | | | also given to identifying and training future ministers |
| obedience. Desires are things we would love too see | | | | of the Word. All this, of course, is great stuff leading |
| happen, but have no control over. An example would | | | | to congregations well versed in Scripture and moving |
| be for a friend to accept Jesus as their Lord and | | | | on, maturing in Christ. |
| Saviour. Goals on the other hand are things we do | | | | Sadly, I believe little of this happens when it comes |
| have control of. An example would be to 'Plan' quality | | | | to Evangelism. It seems a lot of churches give little |
| time with that friend. | | | | thought to Evangelistic Structures. It seems to me, if |
| Vehicles give a means of expression. They are | | | | a Plan is there, desires or goals are not clearly |
| relevant to the people we ministering to. They are | | | | identified; Vehicles may not be the best and Tools |
| derived from the people we are reaching, NOT US! | | | | not always relevant. Another problem is the lack of a |
| An example of a 'Vehicle' would be organising a low | | | | clear system to identify and train potential |
| key social event that your friend WOULD BE | | | | evangelists. This often leads to no clear thought of |
| INTERESTED in attending so they can meet more of | | | | the essential practical steps needed to connect with |
| your friends. Better still; maybe attend something | | | | people outside of the congregation. |
| with them they (or the both of you) are already | | | | This leads to haphazard evangelism, wrongly targeted |
| involved in. | | | | evangelism or ineffective (or only marginally |
| Tools give needed resources. They are essential to | | | | effective) evangelism. What this means in real terms |
| what we want to achieve in God. They are born out | | | | is many evangelist meetings attract few or no |
| of our Plans and Vehicles. Tools are NOT RUN simply | | | | non-Christians. It means few or nobody in the church |
| because they a good resource in and of themselves. | | | | congregation has regular meaningful contact with any |
| This usually results in ineffectiveness. Examples of | | | | outside the kingdom. It means the chances of a |
| Tools are the ALPHA Programme from the UK, | | | | non-Christian being befriended by a Christian appear |
| 'Evangelism Explosion', or the 'Two Ways to Live' | | | | to lessen as the years roll on and the church |
| Booklet here in Australia. | | | | distances itself from the community, unintentionally or |
| Let me sum up with the following sentence: "Through | | | | intentionally. |
| my plan I am aware where I'm going, through my | | | | The burning question that we need to ask is what |
| Vehicle I know my expression and through my Tools | | | | individual Structures are best for me or my church? |
| I will be equipped." | | | | Not being you, I cannot answer. However, I can give |
| By knowing each component and its role very | | | | necessary general elements that must be made |
| complex Evangelism Structures can be made easy | | | | specific to arrive at your all important Evangelism |
| and effective. | | | | Structure. |
| Group and Personal Evangelism Structures are the | | | | May God bless you in all your endeavors, |
| same. It doesn't matter if you're one person or a | | | | Captain Andrew D. Carter Dip. Ev., CA |
| group, the need for direction, expression and | | | | My parting thoughts for now: |
| resources remains. I think group Evangelism | | | | Ask the leaders of your Church to see their |
| Structures are really just a lot of personal Evangelism | | | | evangelism plan for the next 12 months, 3 years and |
| Structures headed in the same specific direction. | | | | 5 years. |
| We are blessed to have wonderful Bible teachers | | | | Where do you fit into your Church's plan? |
| here in the Diocese of the Anglican Church in Sydney. | | | | |