Hey Agape! and Welcome World!

I just wanted to share some of my notes from Bible study last night. Pastor has been in a powerful vein lately that is much-needed, teaching on Witnessing and Soul Winning. The Bible tells us the he that winneth souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30), but we must remember that just getting someone to visit your church, or join your church is not winning their soul. The soul is won when that person begins to make the decisions needed to change their lives and live for God. When the mind, will, and intentions of that person are changed so that there is a desire to mirror the Word of God, then the soul is won!

The night began a little differently, with a few praise and worship songs by our awesome tenor songstress Minister Cynthia Simms. She helped to usher the people into the presence of God that dwells at Agape. Pastor Coward then began to do a little review and share more of his "wisdom nuggets", (out of Matthew 5:16) pertaining to soul winning. Afterwards he released a guest (Mike, sorry I didn't catch the last name, but he's a frequent visitor) to share with us on his experience with evangelizing.What he shared was very insightful, and well received by those who were there. He shared that we must first Be Honest with those we are witnessing to. Then we must have an open mind. Not to the extent that we doubt our own God, but to be flexible enough to receive the person we are talking to so that we can understand where they are. We must also make sure that we have a willing heart. Your motive for sharing and witnessing is vital. We must develop a sincere interest in what the person is sharing, engage them with questions, and listen carefully to what is being said. I am learning for myself through my relationship with my wife, that here is a difference in carefully listening to someone, and waiting to talk! Another good point that was shared is that we must lead people to Christ, not try to BE their Christ! They should see an example of Christ through our lives, but it should not be that we should get His glory, but divert the praise to Him.

Be humble enough to share your faults so that they can see how God can forgive and restore.Don't get backed into a corner! Lean to do what Jesus did. When he was asked a question, he first discerned the motive of the heart, and then he either gave the correct answer, or he answered the question with a question- to force the person to analyze their own thinking, and allow you more leverage to avoid an argument.Learn to recognize a "fool"! Don't allow them to distract you from the point of JESUS, when you are engaged in conversation. Arouse their interest and curiosity for what you have found in Christ personally. Don't criticize, condemn, or complain. Encourage the person to talk more about themselves, and show a genuine interest in them. Know the Word well enough to be able to apply the Word to their situation or question with wisdom, instead of toting and throwing the Bible in their faces.And last, but surely not least. Remember their NAMES! This should have gone first, but I wanted to make sure you remembered this point. I pray that this helps those of you who were not there, and even strengthens those of you who were there. Be blessed of the Lord, and tell someone about the Jesus we found at Agape!

Elder Donelson