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GRCO 201 Textbook Compiled by Hayley Moser

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Lesson 1-------------------Page 3

Lesson 2-------------------Page 7

Lesson 3-------------------Page 10

Lesson 4-------------------Page 13

Lesson 5-------------------Page 20

Lesson 6-------------------Page 26

Lesson 7-------------------Page 29

Lesson 8-------------------Page 31

Lesson 9-------------------Page 33

Lesson 10-------------------Page 35

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LESSON 1

TEACHING THEM

Matthew 28:20 Teaching definition: Didasko (Greek) means “to instruct,

deliver a discourse into another, to impart knowledge, to explain, instill doctrine

into another.”

Our main goal as we respond to the Great Commission is to Evangelize,

Disciple and Train. We are to teach the new converts and those seeking to be

taught. The sinners are to be taught in the way, the meek and those that fear God,

Psalm 25:8-12.

WHY SHOULD WE DISCIPLE AND TEACH?

1) To direct them to repentance and faith. Mark 1:14-15

2) To spiritually grow the new believers. Colossians 1:28-29

3) Because the devil prowls around seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8-9

4) To develop them into ministry and service. Matthew 17:22; Mark 9:30

5) Develop a Christian character in them.

6) They grasp the rich and deeper knowledge of God.

7) Have a deeper relationship with God.

8) And develop a devotional life which is stable and consistent.

9) So that they have Biblical relationships built with others.

10) Identify their gifts in the Lord.

11) And that they become disciples who shall in turn disciple others.

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12) So that they serve in the local church.

13) And decide to separate themselves from the world.

14) Develop meditation on the Word of God.

15) Prayer and fasting development.

16) Lives that shall share sacrificially with others.

17) So they can become doers and not only hearers of the Word.

WHAT SHOULD WE AVOID IN OUR TEACHINGS?

1) Human Traditions.

2) False doctrine.

3) Self-exaltation, but make Christ the center of focus.

4) Philosophies.

5) Be aware of the following to protect the new believers:

-False teachers and prophets, 2 Peter 2:1

-Wrong doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:3; 6:3

-Deceivers, 2 John 7

-Philosophy, Colossians 2:8

-Backsliding, 2 Peter 3:17

-Evil workers, Philippians 3:2

-Hypocrisy, Luke 12:1

-Covetousness, Luke 12:15

If we do not disciple and teach new converts, we create a ground where they

would not be grounded in the faith because the enemy seeks to destroy believers.

In fact, this process of discipling and teaching works for both parties- the teacher

and the student. They both grow. The teacher is grown more and developed in

what he or she teaches, and the student is as well developed and matured.

WHAT SHOULD WE TEACH?

I want to say that we should start with the basics of Christian doctrine then

build on it as the new believer grows and develops in his or her lessons. Therefore,

the teachings should be progressive. The list below can help us with what we

should look at first then what next. This is not final but just guidance. Some of

these are:

1) Assurance of Salvation.

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2) Christ and His righteousness.

3) Godliness with contentment.

4) Personal Integrity and holiness.

5) Stewardship.

6) The sovereignty of God.

7) Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, Hebrews 6:1-2

8) Apostles doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer, Acts 2:42

9) Christian suffering and persecution.

10) The Gospel and tenets of the faith.

11) How to be disciple makers and the virtue of patience.

12) Accountability and sound relationships.

13) Ministry training.

14) Love and peace.

When we are teaching the new believers and those in need of teaching we

should aim at seeing the fruits of being a child of God beginning to manifest in

their lives, and spiritual multiplication. We must aim at spiritual multiplication and

not spiritual addition. The latter is when you just preach and not disciple and teach

the convert. The former is where your disciple and teach them so that they, in turn,

become those discipling and teaching others.

Some things we must begin to testify of in our students is that they begin:

1) Putting on the whole armor of God, Ephesians 6:11-13.

2) Being a new man, Ephesians 4:24.

3) Merciful, humility and kindness, Colossians 3:12

4) Putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation,

1 Thessalonians 5:8.

5) Patient.

6) Putting on the armor of light, Romans 13:12.

We must begin to see that they are putting off the following in their Christian

walk of life:

1) Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy communication out of their

mouths, Colossians 3:8-9.

2) The old man with his deeds, Ephesians 4:22.

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3) The worldly pleasures, standard and patterns.

WHO CAN TEACH?

1) All Christians, Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 3:16

2) Gifted men and women with teaching ministries,

1 Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:11.

3) The Holy Spirit, Luke 12:12; John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:13.

4) Parents, Deuteronomy 4:9-10; 6:7; 11:19.

Teaching should not be done harmfully but with an informal presentation,

moving from one step to another. Topics should be developed, building upon the

series of teaching resources. And questions should be allowed so the students could

understand fully with further explanations. The teacher, mentor, or shepherd must

be caring in their approach to discipling and teaching of the new converts. They are

to be compelled by love and selfless sacrifices, not once but for a lifetime.

APART FROM THE ABOVE WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

We s h o u l d h a v e a p a t t e r n t h a t w o r k s a n d e f f e c t i v e i n t h e

w a y w e t e a c h t h e s a i n t s .

1) One to one approach

2) Small group approach, such as through local church programs.

3) The learner’s personal study, especially when they show a sign of

maturity.

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LESSON 2

CHRIST`S ENCOURAGING WORDS

Matthew 28:20 Christ is telling us that His abiding presence will be with us.

This is in the heart of every believer. This is very encouraging knowing that Christ

has promised to be with us to the end of the age. He is Emmanuel- God with us. He

is literally with us every day. Who can hide from God? You can run but you cannot

hide. Pro 15:3; Job 34:21

God is everywhere. He is Omnipresent, Everywhere, and Omniscient, All-

Knowing. Because Jesus is God, He will never leave us nor forsake us. All other

things including could leave us, but not Jesus. And Christ is with His Church. The

Church comprises the elect. This promise is for every believer whether rich or

poor, educated or uneducated, weak or strong, white or black or Asian. Why?

Because He cannot lie nor change His mind. We can count on Him. Hebrews 13:8;

Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalm 139:1-18; Romans 8:31, 35,37; Genesis 28:15; Isa 43:1-4

HOW IS HE WITH US?

• By faith, Ephesians 3:17.

• By keeping His Word, John 14:15-16.

• Jesus Christ ascension gave us an advantage in our walk of life. And this

is because HE sent the Comforter the Holy Spirit. John 16:7-8; Acts 1:8;

Luke 24:49

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WHAT ENCOURAGING BENEFITS DO WE DRAW FROM KNOWING

CHRIST IS WITH US? Philippians 4:6-9; Joshua 1:1-9; Psalm 91; Exodus 1:1;

Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105; Psalm 119; Matthew 16:21-28; Romans 12:9-12; Isaiah

43:1-7; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 84; Psalm 139:7-12

The summary will be like this: Protection, Provision, Assurance, No doubt,

Contentment, Strengthened, Successful, No fear, Boldness and Courageous. God is

ever involved with His people. Just like He was with His people in the Old

Testament, so shall He be with us forever. Christ is not only the hope of glory but

an ever-abiding God in our hearts. Even right now He is there. But we must not

take advantage of His presence in and with us. Because this attracts God's wrath

upon such people.

HOW DO WE TAKE HIS PROMISE FOR GRANTED?

1) By being disobedient, stubborn and stiff-necked.

2) Self-righteous

3) Vulgar

4) Having no forgiveness and animosity against someone.

5) Unloving

6) Worshiping idols

7) Living in sin without repenting.

BUT WHAT DO WE DO SO CHRIST DOES NOT LEAVE US AS

REPROBATES?

1) By humbling and surrendering ourselves to Him and His will.

2) Having faith in Him, nothing else.

3) Living lives that are compelled by love.

4) Deciding totally to live for God with a willing heart.

5) Displaying the fruit of the Spirit.

6) By praying without ceasing.

7) Living holy and righteous lives by abstaining from all evil.

8) God to receive our thanksgiving in all circumstances at all times, and no

grumblings.

9) Avoid quenching the Holy Spirit.

10) Meditating on His Word day and night.

11) Dependence on God.

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Christ is with us so that the Great Commission is accomplished. And this our

guarantee for victory on our side. We must just decide to be passionate for His

presence. You know the song:

It is the air I breathe, your very Presence living in me... This is my daily

bread your very word spoken to me... And I am desperate for you...

And I am lost without you...

Let us make this our anthem. We must grow in our passion for God. Exodus

33:15-16

Jesus to be with us all the days, to distinguish us from those who are not His

in the faith. Whatever you are passing through, or you are feeling lonely and

answers are like not coming forth, remember He is there with you. Come against

anything that comes with a notion contrary to that truth.

Fight it and encourage yourself with the promise “He will never leave me

nor forsake me.” God knows you and He sees everything you are and passing

through. Nothing shall separate you from Him. He will fight for you and supply all

your needs according to His riches in glory. Amen. Be strong and fight a good

fight of faith.

Pray Until Something Happens- (PUSH). With Christ, you are more than a

conqueror.

You are a winner.

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LESSON 3

HOW CAN THE GREAT COMMISSION BE

A C C O MP L I S HE D ?

We must know that the Great Commission can be accomplished. This is

because Christ Jesus says that it must be preached to all. Mark 13:10

We must also know that it is our mandate to accomplish The Great

Commission. We are the ones sent to do so. We are co-labors with Him. Romans

10:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 3:9

Our mandate is to be according to Matthew 10:1, 6-8.

1) Jesus power of attorney to His disciples over unclean spirits, and cast

them out

2) To heal all manner of sickness and disease

3) And freely give.

Christ Jesus is the core of the Gospel. Therefore, we must abide in Him, His

word to abide in us, to have faith in Him, love and obey Him and His

commandments. Not forgetting our obedience to Him, and loving Him and His

people. John 15:7, 16; Mark 11:22-24; Matthew 22:37; 1 John 3:21-22; 1

Corinthians 9:16-17; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Corinthians 5:11

The God we serve looks forward to seeing us taking the commandment

seriously. This means we should move from just talking to being doers of the

word, and from lazing about to going. And as we go, we must propagate the

Gospel: 1 Thessalonians 1:5

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1) In power, 1 Corinthians 4:20

2) In word, 1 Corinthians 1:18-20

3) In the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:4-8

Every person has God's given function, talents, and gifts on earth to bring

Him glory and honor. Therefore, all should know they have a part to bring godly

change in what they are doing.

WHAT STRATEGIES CAN WE EMPLOY IN ACCOMPLISHING THE

GREAT COMMISSION?

First things first, we must look at winning the lost as paramount, and not our

ambitions. We must impact the whole world with the Gospel for this will last

forever. Some of the things we can do are as mentioned below. These are not final

as such, but some are the major ones we can use as strategies to achieve the

mission.

1. Discipleship Training.

2. Evangelism, including children being reached.

3. Church Planting.

4. Leadership Training and Development.

5. Prayer and Intercession.

6. Financial and Material Support.

7. Global Missions and Strategies for the Unreached.

Some of the activities to be carried out will include;

1. Spiritual warfare.

2. Having a vision for Global and Personal Strategies.

3. Personal approach of evangelism and counseling.

4. Cross culture missions.

5. Winning the lost and discipling them.

6. Gathering the new believers to one place as a church.

7. Radio, TV, Christian Movies and Films, and Audios.

8. Discovering personal gifts, talents, and calling.

9. Small group training and leadership.

10. Distribution of Christian tracts and materials.

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11. Mission Trips.

12. Child Evangelism.

13. Helping the Suffering, Under-privileged, and Calamities.

14. Partnering with the Missionaries and Evangelists in the field.

15. Corporate prayer.

16. Teaching about missions.

17. Door-to-Door witnessing.

18. Open-air preaching.

19. Prayer walks.

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LESSON 4

CHURCH PLANTING

We should be able to understand that the Gospel is more propagated by

planting churches. For this is the goal of the Great Commission. Church planting

includes evangelism, discipling and starting a new church for those won to Christ

in case there is no church where they are or be taken to an existing one.

Through church planting, the harvest is brought into the kingdom. And it is

the only way for multiplication of the churches and an increase in the preaching of

the Gospel. It is a command for us to evangelize and then bring in the harvest into

the church.

WHAT IS CHURCH PLANTING?

This is the propagation of the Gospel to the lost, who are won to Christ by

repentance of their sins and receive Him as their Lord and Savior, discipled and

coming together for fellowship and church. And the church meaning, together

worshiping God, prayers, Bible study and spreading the Gospel of Peace by

witnessing to others. A church comprises a gathering of believers, followers of

Christ.

Actually, church in Greek, “EKKLESIA,” means The Called Out. They are

called out from the nations to worship the Only True and Living God Almighty.

And it is the local or many assemblies of Christians (the body of Christ) who meet

to do the will and work of God, such as praying, teaching, evangelizing,

encouraging one another, taking up their daily cross, worshiping, and displaying

the fruit of the Spirit.

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Dr. Bruce McAllister- Director of Ministerial Training & Extension- Bob

Jones University, in his article writes the following:

WHY PLANT MORE CHURCHES?

1) Church planting is God's way of spreading the gospel and establishing a

community- based discipling agency. The driving issue in church

planting is fulfilling the Great Commission.

2) Church planting is an open door opportunity, especially for the entry-

level pastor.

3) Church planting expands the personal and financial base for foreign

missions.

4) Church planting is needed during this time of doctrinal defection,

ecclesiastical compromise, sinking standards, and spiritual lethargy.

5) Church planting provides an opportunity to establish a Christ-centered,

Bible-based ministry independent of mainline denominational

entanglements.

6) Church planting is the Lord’s will for some men. (those called as

evangelists)

7) Church planting is desperately needed in many communities.

There are so many reasons for church planting, and these are:

1) We still have many people lost in sin and not churched. Their outcome is

eternal damnation if not reached with the gospel and they respond not to

Christ.

2) Obedience to Christ's command of going into all nations.

3) This is the order of the New Testament church, and we need to align to

that.

4) Because Jesus said that He will build His church and the gates of hell

shall not prevail.

5) The church is the expression of the body of Christ.

6) The church of believers is the salt and light of the world.

7) This propels church growth.

8) Evangelism and church planting brings life to the church and the

believers.

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9) Leadership development and spiritual maturity become eminent among

the believers involved.

10) New churches handled biblically grow faster than old ones.

11) As believers, we need to reproduce ourselves by raising sons and

daughters in the ministry through the preaching of the gospel.

12) It is the only effective way of winning a community to Christ.

13) That is how the harvest is brought together and nurtured spiritually.

14) Many Christians, especially those who seem to be looking for

opportunities to serve, are engaged in church planting exercising their

gifts.

15) One man says we need to populate heaven and depopulate hell by

witnessing and discipling.

16) Souls and cultures are transformed by their submission to Christ's reign

and headship.

17) The devil and his cohorts are dislodged and given no place to operate.

18) Church planting builds the Church.

19) We as Christians are ambassadors for Christ.

20) It brings freedom from deception.

21) God's glorious power works in the church.

22) God set us as watchmen over the walls.

23) We are workers together with Christ.

24) It is the most effective way of communicating the Gospel.

25) This is a spiritual work, and not circular, God has called the church for.

26) The church reflects the nature and presence of God.

27) The church planted can reach a certain type of people and their needs,

one class of people could be won to Christ because the new church

possibly caters for such a group, such as the rich, intellectuals,

politicians, etc. Remember the Gospel is for all.

WHAT CHURCH PLANTING IS NOT

1) Organizing conferences and seminars and no further action.

2) Making civil officials acknowledge Christ as Lord over their areas of

authority.

3) Building new structures for the existing churches because of the increase

in attendance.

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4) Sheep stealing, starting a church with Christians from other

congregational churches.

5) Growing church staff- structure.

6) Coming up with social amenities at church so members could attend and

woo others.

7) Having a traveling ministry of preaching in churches and come-together

fellowships.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF CHURCH

PLANTING?

1) Lack of understanding of the Great Commission, thereby, placing lesser

priority on the subject.

2) Disobedience and ignorance of the mission of the Church as given by

Christ our Lord.

3) Considering too much of our insufficiencies and inabilities.

4) Poor or lack of planning and the failure to carry out feasibility studies.

5) Settling for the comfort of life one has or is to attain.

6) Insufficient support in terms of finances and other necessities for church

planting.

7) Instead of sharing the gospel many people are self-absorbed, me and my

family only.

8) Racial profiling, forgetting that the gospel is for all regardless of race or

culture.

9) Worldly pleasures and carnality taking the lead above the commission.

10) No hunger for the lost and discipleship.

11) An unprepared and immature team of church planters which produces a

weak foundation.

12) Not able to see the relevance of the Church in this degenerated world

13) Taking the second advent of Christ not seriously.

14) Procrastination, shelving plans to a later date again and again.

15) The spirit of competition and jealousy among the believers leading to

being ineffective.

16) Considering church planting to be for the few called, like evangelists.

17) Afraid of the unknown (intimidated) - what if the people do not

respond...

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18) Having no mind of Christ hence failing to see the bigger picture of

world evangelism.

19) Lack of vision and faith in God, holding on to our small ambitions.

20) Small mindedness, forgetting that it is Jesus Christ who said “GO” and

“I will build my church.”

21) Failure to understand the culture and ethnic group of people in the

planned area.

22) Unavailable or lack of ministry gifts among those involved in church

planting.

23) Diabolical assignments by the enemy the devil who prowls around

looking to destroy.

24) Failure to understand the principle of church planting.

25) Immaturity both spiritual and natural.

26) Lack of training, spiritual and leadership development for the teams in

church planting.

27) Failure to serve, but considering themselves as masters, loading it over

the people.

28) Winning converts and failing to disciple them.

29) Lack of personal integrity and godliness which could compel the lost to

come to Christ.

30) Having wrong motives for the work.

31) Failure to communicate the gospel properly.

32) Death or retirement of the visionary with no one to take over the vision.

33) Lacking the capacity and courage to reach out thereby settling for

small mentality.

34) Taking the work of church planting to be for the specially gifted

servants of God.

35) Christian persecutions in some places.

36) Considering all places to be hard ground because of the experience of

where they are or have been.

METHODS OF CHURCH PLANTING

The Bible has no one or specific method to follow when starting new

churches. The following will be a simple instruction when we are considering

church planting.

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1) Come up with a vision with the help of the Holy Spirit. The mission and

vision statements are important at this stage. Tabulate them clearly.

2) Prayer and intercession are the main activities before and during church

planting.

3) Begin to plan for the work. Administrative staff included as well, a

budget for food, instruments, accommodation, transportation, etc.

4) Come up with a church planting team, and then train and equip them in

church planting principles and methodologies, evangelism and missions.

This should include men and women in different ministries, if possible,

namely, music, children, youth, administration, and evangelism.

5) Locate the area for the church planting. First look at areas which have no

church or not even evangelized. Or those places which need more

churches because of being densely populated. Do not forget to have

meetings with local pastors who live in those areas for fellowship,

building rapport and obtaining advice. Do not think this is not important.

6) Carry out a feasibility study. Collect information as much as you can

about the area. Surveys should look at areas such as ethnic groups and

their population, working and non-working class and their education

levels, economic situations, religious affiliations, the political and social

status of the people, etc.

7) Then begin to prepare for launching the new church. This may happen by

first announcing to the general populace about the new church to arouse

interest. This by expressing your mission and vision statements and other

activities to the people. Be open to any questions, and courteous.

8) Come up with a strategy of how the new church will be made aware and

launched, either by evangelistic crusades, special gatherings, house

church, or through advertisements, etc.

9) Finally, launch the new church.

The leadership in church planting should know that the gospel is to be

presented in a simple and straightforward manner. Not in a colloquial and difficult

way to understand by using big words. Remember the goal is to nurture the

converts so they could be disciples who in turn will disciple others. And the other

thing is that prayer for people's felt needs is to considered cardinal. Do not do

without it.

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People have different and desperate needs which demand solutions. And

only God is able to supply to the need. Some of these needs could be physical or

spiritual and psychological. Church planting can be done at a full scale when we all

as Christians get involved in evangelism and establishing new churches with the

harvest.

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LESSON 5

EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS

WHAT IS EVANGELISM?

Evangelism is the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost (without

Christ) and may be doomed if they were to meet Him now or at judgment day. It is

the main activity of the church of the New Testament.

WHY SHOULD WE EVANGELIZE?

1) Because this is the command from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:15-16

2) Jesus Christ is the only Savior and answer for the world today.

3) Christ Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, the only way, and

giver of eternal life.

4) Man without Christ is lost and headed for eternal damnation, and he

needs to come back to God.

5) To grow and stimulate the church growth both numerically and

spiritually.

6) The devil is to be given no room to operate because every man and

woman belong to God.

7) To plant new churches.

8) There are still man un-churched people.

9) Stirring up the gift of evangelism.

10) The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.

11) Woe unto us if we do not preach the gospel.

12) The harvest is plentiful.

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13) Satan's diabolical assignments in terms of heresy, false prophets and

messiahs, disobedience, witchcraft, and other evil vices.

14) Deliverance to the captives from the devil’s power and his yoke of

bondage.

15) The kingdom of God to come and His will be done on earth as it is in

heaven.

16) We are to preach to every creature.

17) God manifests His word through preaching.

WHO SHOULD EVANGELIZE?

1) All believers are called to evangelize. 1 Peter 2:9-10

2) Local churches and denominations sending members out to preach.

Romans 10:11-15

3) Evangelistic organizations called and given to propagating the gospel.

WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF EVANGELISM?

1) Prayer. Mark 3:27

2) Compelled by love and compassion for the lost. 1 John 5:1-3

3) The message is Christ; His life, death, and resurrection. 1 Corinthians

1:23-24

4) And the Gospel is for all, both Jews and Gentiles, no exception. Though

one may concentrate on one area or group of people. Romans 10:12-13

5) Send the teams in two's or more, always a team. Luke 10:1

6) Preach the Gospel and not human philosophies. Romans 1:16

7) Make disciples and not mere converts. Matthew 28:19

8) Know that you are likely to be persecuted. But do not fear man. John

15:18-20

9) Salvation is a free gift, therefore, freely share and give. Romans 6:23

10) Remember that the workers need support financially, spiritually and

prayer. 2 Corinthians 11:8, 9

11) God promises blessings and rewards to both those who evangelize and

those who support the work with their resources. Matthew 10:40-42

Witnessing is our mandate, not the mandate of angels. Angels cannot share

Christ with the nonbelievers. It is us for whom Christ died. Let me

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express some considerations in our witnessing to the nonbelievers.

1) Developing a friendship with them is important so we could gain respect

and trust.

2) Our lifestyle carries a strong message.

3) Demonstrating God's love and understanding.

4) Be real and not pretentious, respectful and friendly.

5) Show godly righteousness in areas like language and personal

cleanliness.

6) Don't be self-righteous, all-knowing, argumentative and judgmental,

7) Share your personal story before and after receiving Christ.

8) Be a good listener.

9) Let me see the joy of the Lord in you.

10) Remember to let them ask questions and answer simply and directly, not

using big words. If you do not know the answer mention that without

despising yourself.

11) Look forward to inviting them to church.

SIMPLE ILLUSTRATION OF HOW TO WITNESS TO NONBELIEVERS

My illustration is so simple to use. I will use the Book of Romans, especially

for those young in the Lord to follow and work with. Remember you can use many

scriptures and sometimes God leads us to something else in the Bible depending on

the circumstances. Nevertheless, this layout could be used.

1) Romans 3:10 – No one can save himself or herself by displaying his or

her own righteousness before God.

2) Romans 3:23 – We cannot save ourselves because as sinners we cannot

meet God's requirements

3) Romans 5:12, 18-19 – Through Adam came condemnation for we all

sinned and inherited a sin nature, and face condemnation and death. But

through Christ came eternal life.

4) Romans 6:23 – Sin leads and results in death, but God gives the gift of

life eternal in Jesus Christ.

5) Romans 5:8 – God demonstrates His love for us by sending Christ to die

for us.

6) Romans 10:9-13 – You need to repent of your sins and by faith receive

Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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HOW CAN WE EVANGELIZE TO THE LOST?

1) Open air evangelistic campaigns.

2) Door-to-door.

3) Personal one-on-one.

4) The use of the media; radio, Films, audios and DVDs, TV, Christian

material, and magazines.

5) Our own lifestyle.

6) Church planting, bringing the church within their vicinity/locality.

Souls are not saved by our intelligence or eloquence but by the foolishness

of preaching. 1 Corinthians 1:21. We should as well know that as a Church we

need to be relevant to our surrounding. We must be aware of our surrounding

intelligently so that Jesus Christ could be the answer through us. Christ places us in

this world as His extended hand to help and give; eyes that can see and help in

times of need; ears that hear the cries of people and move in directing those

weeping and sorrowing to God; feet to walk with the weak in their state until they

become strong. This is God's mission; to bless all in the world through His

kingdom ruled by His Son Christ Jesus. And it is the mission of the church. The

church must be worship and mission-oriented in their approach to God and service

to mankind.

SO WHAT IS MISSIONS?

To answer this question, we need to look at the heart of God in terms of His

kingdom and His creation. Matthew 6:10 Christ is telling us to pray for the

kingdom of God to come and His will to be done on earth.

WHY?

Christ coming from the kingdom of heaven came to establish the

kingdom of God on earth. We should have an exact perception of the kingdom

and its realities. And these are that;

1) God is King over all in heaven and earth, 1 Corinthians 15:28; Psalm

103:19.

2) Its purposes are eternal, Ephesians 3:11.

3) It is timeless and endless and it is now, Psalm 90:2

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4) It consists of moral and spiritual realities like righteousness, peace, and

joy, Romans 14:17.

5) The scope of the Kingdom is unlimited, and only He is to be worshiped,

Rev 4:11.

Those who reside in God's kingdom are begotten from above, meaning they

have been transformed by God saved by the finished work of the Cross of Calvary

by His Son Jesus Christ. Christ is the focus because God's purpose is Christ-

centered. This is because of Christ's finished work which brings in:

1) Freedom from the devil's oppression, sin, and sickness.

2) God's kingdom rule and dominion on earth.

3) Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

4) God's Kingdom benefits.

5) The church is blessed with the grace of God and made the channel to the

world.

6) Believers are heirs by promise, adopted sons and daughters and free from

the law.

7) All Christians are equal and one in Christ.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH?

The church is the agent of godly change in the world by making the

kingdom of God manifest through them. Before we answer let us look at what the

church is in the world and this will lead us to the answer.

1. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth, 1 Timothy 3; 15.

2. The assembly or meeting of believers.

3. Habitation of God, and fellow citizens, Ephesians 2:19, 22.

4. A royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, 1 Peter 2:9

5. Comprises ambassadors, 2 Corinthians 5:20

6. Christ is the head of the church.

The Church is indeed the salt and light of the world. How is it so?

1) To carry the mandate and call of God to the world by demonstrating love,

compassion, equality, purity, and hospitality.

2) Declaring the praises of our God, and opposing the activities of darkness.

3) Bringing the Kingdom of God's blessings to the outcasts, the oppressed

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and the poor.

4) Witnessing to the sinner and discipling them as they become born again.

5) Praying for the sick, and deliverance for the demon oppressed.

6) From the church springing generosity in feeding the hungry, and clothing

the naked.

7) Also performing works of justice such as bringing freedom to the

oppressed.

The church has been sent to manifest the kingdom of God's blessings to all

the peoples. Look at how in some areas of the earth which are faced with abject

poverty, disease (like TB, HIV, diarrhea, no clean water), and the killings in areas

of conflicts and war. Not forgetting the unreached peoples of the countries which

fall in the 10/40 Window. That is why we reach man as whole as he is; spirit, soul,

and body. 1 Thessalonians 5; 23 Remember, it is more blessed to give than to

receive. Acts 20:35; Romans 12:9-21

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LESSON 6

PRAYER AND INTERCESSION

Prayer is ----

1) To ask, seek and knock. Matthew 7:7; John 15:7

2) To demand something because of redemptive rights. Matthew 7:7-11

3) To intercede or entreat. Exodus 8:8, 9, 29, 30

4) Spiritual warfare. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

5) To desire. Mark 11:24

6) Making supplication and petitions. Ephesians 6:18

7) To inquire of the Lord. Genesis 25:22; Jeremiah 37:7

We cannot accomplish the Great Commission without prayer. Hence, God is

calling every Christian to pray and battle for the lost in the world. Mark 3:27;

James 5:16; Ezekiel 22:30; 2 Chronicles 7:14

WHY PRAY?

1) Because God is our Father. Matthew 6:9

2) Because God answers prayer and desires to do His will on earth.

Matthew 6:9

3) Prayer brings down the power and blessings of God from heaven.

Matthew 17:20

4) Power to resist and defeat Satan. 1 Peter 5:9

5) It shows and demonstrates that we are depending on God for

breakthroughs and salvation of souls if they repent of their sins and

follow Christ. James 5:15

6) It breaks the devil's bondage over people, and bring healing and

restoration.

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7) For the harvest to come. Matthew 9:38

8) For we are told to pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

9) Because of our faith in the Creator the God Almighty which pleases

Him. Hebrews 11:6

10) For boldness, and victory over the world. 1 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 5:4

11) The believer’s stability and the establishment of the churches. 1

Corinthians 16:13

WHAT SHOULD WE PRAY AND INTERCEDE FOR?

1) The lost to be convicted of their sins and be drawn to God by the Holy

Spirit- the harvest.

2) Their eyes to be open and see their need of Christ, and the bondage of sin

to be broken.

3) New converts stability and growth in the Lord.

4) Against the powers of darkness from luring the believers from the truth.

5) The church leadership and more laborers in the field.

6) Love, unity, and protection.

7) Nations to acknowledge Christ as Lord and Savior.

8) Government and civic officials for wisdom and fear of God in their day

to day deliberations.

9) Establishment of churches, and growth spiritually, numerically, and

financially.

10) Divine invasion of God's supernatural power with signs and wonders

accompanying the Word.

HOW DO WE ORGANIZE PRAYER?

1) Teach and encourage personal prayer time at home or in a prayer room at

church.

2) Prayer chains.

3) Prayer walks.

4) Vigil nights, all night prayers.

5) Forming intercessors in the church, combined with prayers before church

services.

6) Prayer retreats where all churches come together in a region or city to

pray.

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HOW DO WE PRAY?

1) Reliance on the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26-27

2) Prayer of agreement. Matthew 18:18-20

3) In the power and authority of Christ. Luke 10:19

4) Engage in a spiritual battle. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 6:12

5) Putting on the full armor. Ephesians 6:11

6) Compelled by love and compassion. 1 John 3:16

7) Without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

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LESSON 7

MATERIAL SUPPORT

Salvation is free but the means to convey the message is to be supported.

Whosoever believes in Christ shall be saved. Right. The means to accomplish the

Great Commission cannot be effective without resources. Hence, this chapter deals

with that category. In this regard, we should know that the gospel is to be

propagated or transported from one place to another by us with our resources.

Needs could be spiritual and physical. And both are important.

What we need to consider for support are:

1) The laborers (and their families) in the field.

2) The local church, and the programs for sending out members for

evangelism and missions.

3) Evangelistic organizations and institutes, including those involved in

training and discipling.

4) Mission-oriented projects like feeding the hungry, etc.

Christ is counting on us to support His work materially. We are His hand to

reach out in many spheres by investing in His kingdom. Let us at the following

scriptures; Matthew 25:36-40; Philippians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 16:17; 2

Corinthians 9:11-12; 2 Corinthians 8:14; Ephesians 4:16; Philippians 2:30

HOW DO WE SUPPORT THE WORK OF GOD?

The work of ministry involves a lot, namely, people who are pastors,

missionaries, evangelists and other workers. These need support, no matter how

strong they look in the Lord. Besides these, we have other needs which are there

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whether expressed or not.

1) Prayers for the workers as they go into the world to preach.

2) By being generous in giving our time, finances, and other material needs

– as Partners.

3) Build relationships with the workers for them not to feel lonely.

4) Provide care support in areas like encouragement, volunteering to help

with their other personal needs they may have as a family.

5) Communication through e-mails, telephones, and letters.

6) The sending church establishing a strong and viable evangelism and

mission administration.

7) Send teams of two and more for support and encouraging one another.

8) Information gathering on areas to be reached for proper strategy.

9) Training and equipping of the teams.

10) Make available the material requirements like the equipment,

transportation, especially if you are able.

11) Not forgetting pastoral care, counseling and meeting their felt needs. We

must know that every Christian is to contribute and be a blessing to the

cause of Christ. It is indeed a privilege to give and support the work of

God. Remember, in our giving we must be willing, cheerful and not

grudging or of necessity. 2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:7

Our giving demonstrates the sincerity of our love for God and His people. It

is a measuring line or barometer of our spirituality. And it brings us in tune with

God's agenda. But one thing is really exciting. The cheerful givers are promised

sufficiency by God, not suffering want. Praise God. 2 Corinthians 9:8,10; Luke

6:38

Every Christian supporting those involved in the Great Commission is

equally involved.

That is why your account in heaven is credited. Philippians 4:14-19

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LESSON 8

ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP

Propagation of the Gospel needs to have a strong base and administration.

Things should not be carried by themselves or done in a haphazard way. That leads

to failure, disorganization, and unfruitfulness. There should be no laissez-faire type

of management. This type of managing in one that assumes that individuals are

motivated by internal forces and should, therefore, be left alone. Meaning to leave

alone.

That is not needed in the commission we have from the Lord. The church

needs to understand organizational management for effectiveness in running their

God-given visions and dreams. Without which we fail to manage or manage by

crisis. The goal should be to manage by objectives and not management by crisis.

This is an area whereas God's people sent into the world should consider as well

seriously.

IMPORTANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT

1) The vision and mission’s statements and goals are tabulated for the work

to be done. Hence, people do not perish for lack of knowledge.

2) Because of the above planning is worked on. You cannot achieve

anything tangible without plans on the table. So planning skills become

important.

3) Then communication is so important in achieving a task that needs

teamwork. You cannot be one team of one mind without communicating.

This brings the team together especially when the administrative office

becomes and organizes the flow of information to and from the top and

bottom. Dissemination of information and problem solving is part of the

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administration.

4) The administrative management delegates the team of what to do. No

one team does one thing and expect results. No. The team needs to have

different responsibilities which culminate in one goal to achieve, such as,

musicians, intercessors, preachers, etc.

5) Offering checks and balances, evaluation, and doctrinal issues and

spiritual direction.

6) The management does the leading by example. And this leads to

fruitfulness and reproduction of many co-workers who are full of

integrity and the fear of God.

DUTIES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

1) They are involved in decisions making. Acts 6:1-7

2) They are the sending and commissioning establishment. Acts 13:1-3

3) They are in charge of organizing resources to support those in the field. 2

Corinthians 8:18-19

4) Provide a covering, exhorting, disciplining and reproving. 1

Thessalonians 5:14

5) Impartation and recognition and promotion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 4:14

6) Recruiting, training and evangelizing. Mark 16:15

7) Delegate and promote unity and dispute solving. 1 Corinthians 1:10

8) Overseeing the work. Acts 20:28

9) Providing pastoral care and counseling. 2 Corinthians 11:28

10) Compassionate and understanding to the people's needs.

The administrative team should be composed of men and women of God,

full of wisdom, upright standing, loving, caring spiritually and mentally grown,

and applying Biblical principles to their lives and management. People skills are an

essential area as well. The people under any leadership is to be cared for and

appreciated. They are not donkeys to be muzzled., though it is not right to do that

to the animal. They are people with flesh and blood and have the same needs as

anybody else. The administrative directors must be people persons and not just

office oriented. Meaning the very thing they do is as an office as if that is their

reason for ministry.

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LESSON 9

CHURCH GROWTH

Jesus said that he will build His Church and the gates of hell shall not

prevail. Praise God! Matthew 16:18. The church is not just to be planted but must

be seen to be growing. This is very important in the heart of God. Church planting

is a method of starting new churches. Are we to let them be small and not

growing? No. We are to work out the Word of God so the church could advance

and influence the communities with the Gospel. The church must grow spiritually,

numerically and financially. Not only that but also building healthy churches. Just

as the believers are growing spiritually, we must as well aim at numerical growth.

Never just plant a church and end there. Be passionate about growth. Let me repeat

this: The Church must be healthy and growing. Church growth is Biblical. And this

we can see in the New Testament church, where the church grew in numbers so

tremendously. Acts 2:41; Acts 5:14; Acts 6:1; Acts 9:31

HOW DO WE GROW THE CHURCH?

I will deal with some principles which grow churches. Know that we, as

believers, have been given spiritual gifts individually by God, and have spiritual

responsibilities. These spiritual gifts are abilities that the Holy Spirit gives

believers to build the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are many of them, but

I will use some of them in this lesson. Do not just look at maintaining, but begin to

grow the church.

1) Prayer. 1 Thessalonians 1:2

2) The leading pastor's strong and sound preaching and teaching in the

pulpit. Romans 1:16

3) Strong, caring and loving leadership, and promoting these among the

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believers. 1 John 4:11

4) Establishing life groups, small groups (cell groups). Acts 2:46

5) Meeting the needs of the people, such as, their felt needs which could be

natural or spiritual. Acts2:44-45

6) Demonstration of the Spirit and manifestation of the spiritual gifts- signs

and wonders. 1Corinthians 2:4-5

7) Teaching and discipling of the believers. Matthew 28:18-20

8) Evangelism. Acts 1:8

9) Your Christian lifestyle, walking in the Spirit, humility and disciplined.

1Corinthians 10:31-33

10) Reliance upon the Holy Spirit who is our Helper and Counselor. 1

Corinthians 2:11

11) Leaders model themselves- as examples in and outside the church

fraternity. 2 Thessalonians 3:9

12) Promoting family-hood and fellowships among the church members.

Acts 2:42, 44

13) Powerful and anointed praise and worship during services. John 4:20-

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14) Advertisements have worked in many ways to grow the church as well. 1

Thessalonians 1:8

15) Leadership development, which in turn go out and evangelize and train

others. The cycle goes on. Mark 4:34

16) Create a warm and friendly atmosphere, free of gossip, animosity, pride,

and divisions. Psalm 133:1

17) Sharing the vision and mission statements to the members so they could

own and buy into it. Habakkuk 2:2

18) The manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23

19) Sin should be dealt with accordingly. Romans 6:14

20) Conducting revival or special meetings once in a while. Acts 3:19

21) Programs and services for children besides those for older people.

Matthew 19:13-15

22) Involve more leaders in the work according to their gifts. 1 Corinthians

12:4, 7

Now, we as a church have seen growth here and there, but some are still not

seeing fruitfulness. Why?

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LESSON 10

Some of the reasons attributed to church growth failure are:

1) Lack of vision and organization.

2) Lack of ministry gifts.

3) Lack of leadership development to run with the vision – making it a one-

man show.

4) The set man's failure to train and prepare a successor in case of death or

retirement.

5) The manifestation of the works of the flesh which are not quashed, such

as strife, gossip, etc.

6) Bad stewardship.

7) Diabolical assignments of the devil.

8) Not seriously regarding Christ as the Head of the Church, but esteeming

man much more.

9) Lustful eyes seeking worldly pleasures.

10) Watering down the Word of God to please man.

11) Lack of evangelism, but accosting members of other churches.

12) No fear of God.

13) Not teaching the whole counsel of the Word.

14) Lack of resources (money and believers) for the work of ministry.

15) Church splits.

10 Reasons Small Churches Tend to Stay Small

This article by Joe McKeever states that he knows more about getting

smaller churches to grow than larger ones.

What he means by “grow” is reaching people with the gospel of Jesus

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Christ. For example, if you are located in a town that is losing population and your

church manages to stay the same size, you're probably “growing” (i.e., reaching

new people for the Lord). In addition, any church—large or small—that does not

place a high value on evangelism and outreach to the non-churched can’t expect to

grow…period.

McKeever says that the "ten reasons" that follow are not necessarily in the

order of importance or prevalence, and there are probably other reasons individual

churches might not be growing, simply because no two churches are alike. But this

is the way they occurred to him, and the order seems right.

1. Wanting to stay small. "We like our church just the way it is now." While this

attitude usually goes unspoken—it might not even be recognized by its carriers—

it's widespread in many churches. The proof of it is seen in how the leaders and

congregation reject new ideas and freeze out new people.

2. A quick turnover of pastors. It takes at least a couple of years for a pastor to

become the real deal for a church—a pastor in more than name only, one who has

earned the right to lead the congregation. With larger churches, the time period is

more like six years.

3. Domination by a few strong members. Self-appointed church bosses tend to

frustrate the new pastor's initiatives, block his bold ventures, and control his

tendencies to want the church to act on (gasp!) something he calls faith! Result:

The church stays small. No normal family coming into the community would want

to join such a church. The remedy: The congregation must see that key lay

positions in the church rotate, that no one stays chairman of deacons for thirty

years or church treasurer for a generation. Read about Diotrephes in the little

epistle of III John. He "loves to have the pre-eminence."

4. Not trusting the leaders. Interestingly, the opposite phenomenon often occurs

with the same result. The determined-to-stay-small church is far more concerned

about the dollars and cents in the offering plate than about the lost souls in the

community. This church would never step out in faith and do something bold to

reach the lost and un-churched, and if they did, unless their mindset changed, they

would then harass their leaders into the grave demanding an accounting of every

dime spent. Instead, small churches should elect good leaders and—within reason,

as mentioned earlier—trust these leaders to do their work.

5. Inferiority complex. McKeever discovered that small churches often are

stymied by inferiority complexes. "We can't do anything because we're small. We

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don't have lots of money like the big churches in town." So, they set small goals

and ask little from their members. The remedy is to put one's eyes on Jesus Christ

and ask, "Lord, what do you want us to do?" Peter said, "Lord, what about John

here? What do you want him to do?" Our Lord said—and thus set a wonderful

pattern for all of us for the rest of time—"What is that to you? You follow me!"

Want your church to reach people and expand and grow? Get your eyes off what

others are doing.

6. No plan. The church with no plan—that is, no specific direction for what they

are trying to do and become—will content itself with plodding along, going

through the motions of "all churches everywhere." They have Sunday School and

worship services and a few committees. Once in a while, they will schedule a

fellowship dinner or a revival. But ask the leadership, "What is your vision for this

church?" and you will receive blank stares for an answer.

7. Bad health. Anyone who has spent time in more than a few churches can see

that some are just unhealthy. And by that, we do not mean they are small—they are

sick. You can be small and healthy; behold the hummingbird.

An unhealthy church is known more by what it does than by a list of

characteristics and attributes. A church that runs its preachers off every year or two

is unhealthy. A church that is constantly bickering is unhealthy. A church that

cannot make a simple decision like choosing the color of the carpet, adopting the

next year's budget, or accepting changes in an order of worship may be unhealthy.

So, what is a healthy church? Entire libraries could be filled with books written on

the healthy church, and consultants abound ready to assist congregations toward

that purpose. But Romans 12 is God's blueprint for a healthy church.

8. Lousy fellowship. This overlaps with the last point, but it deserves a spot by

itself. The best thing a church has to offer individuals and families in the

community—other than the saving gospel itself—is a place they will be loved and

welcomed and made part of an active, healthy family.

It's what we mean by "fellowship." There are ways to tell if the fellowship in

your church is unhealthy: Visitors are basically ignored, even resented in some

areas. No one follows up with visitors to let them know they are wanted or to give

information on the church. The disciple who is close to Christ loves the brethren.

As such, a congregation that is unloving toward one another may be said to be far

removed from the Lord and in a backslidden state. It's a simple deduction. "Draw

near to the Lord and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

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9. A state of neglect permeates the church. Not always, but often, a dying

church shows signs of its weakening condition by the disrepair of its buildings and

the neglect of its appearance. The interior walls haven't been painted in years and

bear the collective fingerprints of a generation of children.

Dying churches do not tend to their business. No one gets saved, no one

joins, people drift away, the community becomes less and less aware of the

existence of that little church, and the remaining members complain that people

just don't love the Lord the way they used to.

10. No prayer. When King Saul was bemoaning the woes that had descended

upon him as a result of his rebellion against God, one of his chief complaints was

that God no longer heard his prayer. "He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not

answer..." (1 Samuel 28:6) Luke tells us, "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to

show them that they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1). Pray or quit.

Those seem to be the alternatives.

In conclusion, I would like to state that we must be valuable and productive

men and women of God. Let us soldier on and plant churches, develop and

disciple, discover and allow the manifestation of each believer’s gift, grow in

people skills, and live for God. Any Christian is useful and productive to God. We

must be like a tree planted by the rivers of water and yield fruit in all season. Psalm

1:2-3