QUESTION
When you’re having a conversation about the gospel, what do you say to lead people to make a commitment to Christ? Is there some phrase you use to bring them to a decision?
ANSWER
When I have the privilege of sharing the gospel with anyone, I normally ask them, “Does this make sense to you?” If they respond positively, I then ask, “Would you like me to help you invite the Lord Jesus Christ to become your Savior?” And then I make sure they understand their need for forgiveness from sin, how that is provided by the grace of God, and the commitment they are about to make in turning their life over to his control.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to outreach. Every situation will be a little different. We must be sensitive to the person’s openness and responsiveness to the gospel as we are sharing the truth. Don’t shy away from asking them directly if they are willing and wanting to receive Christ as their Savior. If so, help them, but if not, keep the door open for a later opportunity. I Corinthians 3:6 reminds us that some plant, some water, but God gives the increase.
QUESTION
Do you have a good model for staff meetings? We seem to get bogged down on lesser points, and never close
the loop on important plans.
ANSWER
Have a printed agenda to follow. Open with prayer and give everyone in the meeting a few minutes to share anything personal going on in their life. Know the subjects that you need to discuss or review, assign reports or follow-up items to specific people in the meeting, and expect them to be prepared. Set specific time limits and stay within those boundaries.
If an unexpected subject comes up, decide if it’s something that needs to be immediately discussed, or if it can wait until next week’s meeting (when more time can be used for discussion and decision-making). Start on time and stop on time. Staff meeting is not a time to preach. Handle business and come to conclusions on the matters you’re working on together.
Pat Pajak is IBSA’s associate executive director for evangelism. Send questions for Pat to IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.