Imagebearer’s Weblog

50 Golden Days Resources: 40 Days of Preparation Devotional Guide

40-Day Evangelism Devotional Guide_Download Here

40 Day Devotional
Prayer and Fasting
An Investment in the Lives of 3000
Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church
The following Devotions were inspired through the reading
The Prophetic Evangelist: The Living Legacy of Harry Denman

Excerpts from Prophetic Evangelist: The Living Legacy of Harry Denman, © 1993 Upper Room. Used
with permission.

February 16, 2010 Posted by imagebearer | Holston Challenge 2010, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

50 Golden Days Resources: Holston Conference Audio/Visual Library Catalog

Holston Conference Audio/Visual Library Catalog

Revised September 2009

Some Resources Related to Evangelism

A MIRACLE IN CHINA American Bible Society

China…the largest and most populated nation on earth. For the last half‐century it was distant and

closed…but there is a new China emerging that is eager to accept the challenges of the future. And many

Chinese men and women have sought the Word of God to help guide them through their changing world.

“A Miracle in China documents this spiritual awakening by visiting Christians in churches and in meeting

points throughout the country and sharing in the unprecedented effort that is happening in China today.

A PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN Derek V Smith; AD; Book and Study Guide ‐ August House 2008;

A Purpose Under Heaven is a page turner that’s hard to put down. In less than two hours, you get a sense

of just how much technology impacts our lives, a vivid reminder of the need to stay involved and

connected with our family, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

ACOLYTES, USHERS, AND GREETERS 31 min; UMCom; 2007

Three‐part resource that provides invaluable help for training those who are called to assist with worship.

AFRICAN YOUTH AND STUDENTS: The Impact of Christian Witness 15 min; guide; jh‐ad; Presbyterian

Church; 1991

Filmed at the All‐Africa Youth and Students Assembly, attended by young people from North America and

Africa. Highlights the role of the church in students’ lives, their role in the church, and global economic

issues with major impact on life in Africa.

AGAINST GREAT ODDS 30 min; guide; ad; Vision Video; 1992

Story of triumph of the African Meserete Christian Church in Ethiopia. Driven underground by the

Communist government, the church grew tenfold in ten years to a membership of 50,000. Tells how

small groups meeting in homes revitalized the church with courage, vision and faithfulness.

ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST 9 min; ad; General Board of Discipleship; 1997

To be used with the Lay Witness Mission Handbook‐ “Come and See”. Helpful for churches who have not

had a Lay Witness Mission; explains the goals, potential results, and the importance of thorough planning,

preparation and prayer.

ASSIMILATING NEW MEMBERS 120 min; ad; guide; 2000; Alban Institute

Based on Alban and other studies that led to the book The Inviting Church these tapes identify the

common characteristics of congregations that are warm, inviting and growing.

2

BEYOND 30 SECONDS ‐ DEVELOPING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY guide; ad; UMCom; 2003

A seven‐session video curriculum for small groups. Used with to the Igniting Ministry Media Campaign.

BUILDING CHURCH AND COMMUNITY MINISTRIES 30 min; guide; ad; 1996

A “how to” package for small rural churches interested in revitalizing their congregations through

cooperative ministry.

CAN WE TALK…? DVD; 2005 United Methodist Communications

Since 1972, The United Methodist Church has struggled with a variety of understandings of this topic as it

relates to who we are as faithful Christians. Recently, church legislators strongly encouraged its agency

on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns to develop resources that help United Methodists talk with

civility about their different positions on homosexuality in an open atmosphere where unity and

understanding could grow. This DVD is one of those resources.

Christianity’s Family Tree, What Other Christians Believe and Why, Adam Hamilton

DVD, Study Book and Pastor’s Guide with CD‐Rom; Abingdon Press; 2007

In these video presentations, Adam Hamilton presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian

denominations and faith traditions. Comparing the Christian family to our own extended families, he

contends that each denomination has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith. For

each group, he gives a brief history, outlines major beliefs, and describes some things we can learn from

that tradition to strengthen our own Christian faith. Church and Ministry/Church Life/Ecumenism

Session 1: Orthodxy 17:58

Session 2: Catholicism 17:02

Session 3: Lutheranism 18:12

Session 4: Presbyterianism 14:07

Session 5: Anglicanism 16:19

Session 6: Baptists 15:39

Session 7: Pentecostalism 16:28

Session 8: Methodism 16:46

CHUCK BRADLEY: series four videos, 30 min each; guide; ad; Church Growth

Increase commitment and involvement in the outreach and growth of your church with the lessons of this

series.

1. But I’m Just A Layman. God needs us to use our time, talents and skills to serve others.

2. For the Love of Pete The most fruitful opportunities for evangelism are among our unchurched

relatives, friends, neighbors and associates. These contacts present a natural vehicle for God’s love to be shared.

3. Possibility Sunday School Help your Sunday School staff realize their part in a growing

Sunday School program committed to building disciples.

4. See You Sunday? Shows how important it is for church members to make visitors and new members feel

welcomed, accepted, wanted and loved.

CHURCH IN A CHANGING CULTURE Five 60 min sessions; guide; ad; Word Ministries; 1994

George Barna leads this complete video seminar. Material includes 3 videos, text, supplementary text

and reproducible notebook.

1. Strategic Ministry

2. Dynamics of a User Friendly Church

3. Discovering God’s Vision for Your Church’s Ministry

4. Pastoral Leadership in the Church

5. Understanding and Reaching the Unchurched

CLOWN MINISTRY: Floyd Shaffer Collection 3 videos; oe‐ad; Mass Media; 1979

As Socataco the Clown, Lutheran pastor Shaffer uses timeless symbols and antics to help us see our

lives and faith in new ways. His nonverbal parables challenge the dehumanization of our society and

celebrate the power of compassion and community.

3

1. CLOWN IS BORN 15 min. Socataco, who sees every person as a neighbor, tries to help the

neglected and exploited. Although his kind deeds bring joy to others, he is rejected and cast

aside. But then he meets a welcoming congregation of clowns and joins them in a colorful and

moving celebration.

2. CLOWN MINISTRY KIT 93 min; multiple sessions; handbook. Discover how your youth

group can reach out with a clown ministry…taught by the nation’s leading expert, Floyd

Shaffer. The step‐by‐step leader’s guide has everything needed to get started: “Basics‐

Creating Your Clown”; “Powerful Clown‐Ministry Tips”; “Clowning in Your Community”;

“Practical Ideas for Church Clowning”.

3. MARK OF THE CLOWN 15 min; Socataco demonstrates the ministry of the clown as he

encounters a passive Sunday “audience” and helps to transform it into a worshipping

community.

CONFRONTING THE CONTROVERSIES 105 min; ad; guide; Abingdon Press; 2005

Adam Hamilton leads seven 15 minute small group lessons that explore from a biblical perspective, some

of the most challenging topics of our time: the separation of church and state, creation and evolution in

the public schools, the death penalty, euthanasia, prayer in public schools, abortion and homosexuality.

DISCOVERING THE FUTURE, series of 3, 30‐40 min each; guide; ad; Charthouse; 1991

1. The Business of Paradigms Joel barker helps viewers to understand how paradigms

(the rules we take for granted) become barriers to new ideas, opportunities and solutions.

Suggests ways to unlock resistance to change and break out of “The way we’ve always

done it”.

2. The Power of Vision Designed to help viewers see how a powerful vision of the future

can; provide meaning and direction to the present; help improve the quality of decision

making; eliminate feelings of powerlessness; and help focus on goals and achieve results.

3. Paradigm Pioneers Joel Barker defines pioneers as risk takers ‐ settlers are prudent

followers. In today’s world the settlers are at risk! In this video he outlines the

characteristics and activities of a pioneer. Helps viewers understand the needs and

benefits of pioneering leadership.

EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE FOR MINISTRY 22 min; ad; Princeton Theological Seminary; 1995

Edward White, senior consultant for the Alban Institute, identifies obstacles to dynamic discipleship.

EVANGELISM ACTION PAC 45 min; guide; ad; Abingdon; 1992

Effective methods that encourage people who visit your worship service to return a second and third time.

Excellent resource for Evangelism or Worship Committee. Second part of tape provides training for calling on first

time visitors.

FAITH SHARING: Dynamic Christian Witnessing By Invitation ( REVISED & EXPANDED ) 68 min;

guide; adult; Cokesbury; 1996

Morris and Fox have revised and expanded their tried and proven strategy for outreach. Forward by Maxie

Dunham. George Morris and Eddie Fox lead this study to help persons use life situations for evangelism

and trust their own faith story to help persons understand Christian faith and commit their lives to Christ.

1. Overview, “Why share faith?”, faith‐partnerships.

2. Commitment, discipleship, barriers to faith sharing, obedience, spiritual disciplines.

3. Evangelism, telling our story, words and deeds.

4. Being sensitive to context and person, hearing your call to ministry.

5. Building strengths, inviting and incorporation into community, being intentional.

6. The Holy Spirit empowers lives.

4

FAITH STEPPING STONES 45 min; ad; guide; Creative Outlet Video; 1995

Designed to challenge and equip church leaders to turn their church into a place that celebrates each

child, gifts to each family; and calls parents back to the promise made at baptism. Features 8 stepping

stones to faith. Includes workshop model.

FIVE PRACTICES OF FRUITFUL CONGREGATION Robert Schnase; HS – Adult; 5 DVDS one for each of the Five

Practices, One Leaders Guide and 5 workbooks; 2008 Abington Press.

1. Radical Hospitality

2. Extravagant Generosity

3. Risk‐Taking Mission and Service

4. International Faith Development

5. Passionate Worship

The focus on the Five Practices is a Congregation Wide Initiative that has been prepared in response to the

requests of many pastors and lay leaders. At the heart of the initiative is a five week congregation‐wide intense

focus of learning, and practice. This series is an eye opener, and makes us look at changes, and no longer using, Its

Always Been This Way.

FOUNDATIONS FOR DISCIPLESHIP 124 min, nine 10‐min segments; ad; Gen. Bd.

Discipleship; 1992

Each portion relates to specific work area. Segments should be used separately. Designed to guide local church

leaders in determining: What is the task of the church? What is my job in the church? How do I do this job? What

resources are available to help me?

1. Primary Task of Local Church

2. Organizing for Ministry

3. Christian Education

4. Covenant Discipleship

5. Evangelism: Sharing the Good News

6. Lay Leader & Pastor: Modeling Team Ministry

7. Raising Prayer to a Lifestyle

8. Stewardship

9. Working on Worship

GO FOR IT! How to Share Your Faith four 30 min segments; guide; ad; Gateway Films; 1993

Film shows why sharing Christ is important and provides helpful guidance on how to get started.

Bible‐based advice on how to witness to friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and acquaintances.

GROWTH FOR SMALLER CHURCHES, 2 videos, six 90 min sessions; guide; ad.

Church Growth; 1990

1. Twelve Growth Principles for the Smaller Church;

2. Effective Ministry for the Smaller Church

GROWTH PLUS: The Vision 45 min, 2 sessions; guide; ad; Discipleship Resources; 1987

This approach to evangelism and church growth teaches that new conversion is only the beginning of a continuing

process of holistic growth.

HELPING CHURCHES GROW 26 min; ad;

Practical ways your church can reach the unchurched.

HOPE FOR THE HURTING 83 min; ad; Christian Family Video

Max Lucado, radio evangelist, takes viewers through the last days of Jesus’ life on earth reflecting on how we can

emulate His character in the trying times of our lives. Reproducible worksheet.

5

HOPE HAS ITS REASONS 2 vols. 90 min ea; ad; guide; Dallas Christian Video; 1998

Does it really make a difference to follow Christ? Explore what it really

means to be a follower of Christ.

Vol. 1 Facing the Mess Vol. 4 Wounded Healers

Vol. 2 Freedom to Live Vol. 5 The Process of Change

Vol. 3 The Power to Change Vol. 6 The Battle

I GOTTA TELL YOU SOMETHING, series 2 videos, seven 30‐min. sessions; guide, jh‐sh;

Creative Communications; 1990

Complete package for an effective youth evangelism training course.

“Loving Others With the Good News”

“Telling Your Story”

“Developing Your Prayer Strategy”

“Pursuing An Effective Quiet Time”

“Building Relationships”

“Communicating Christ to Others

“Helping Christians Grow”

I HAVE DECIDED TO LIVE LIKE A BELIEVER, series 5 videos, 30‐min. each; guide; jh‐ad;

Faith Films, 1984. Tony Campolo evangelism series.

1. LIVING WITH YOURSELF. Christians must be committed to following Christ before they can demonstrate

what they believe.

2. LIVING WITH YOUR SPOUSE singleness, work and marriage as means for servanthood.

3. LIVING WITH YOUR FAMILY. Parents’ responsibility to encourage children in living the Christian life.

4. LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY. Community ministry and working with others.

5. LIVING IN THE WORLD. In a world of injustice…serve in His name.

IGNITING MINISTRY: EXPRESION PACKAGE DVD/VHS/CD‐ROM; UMCom2005

Each commercial produced for the United Methodist Church begins with an eternal Scriptural truth, illustrated

with modern imagery and language. These advertising spots, designed to appeal to thoughtful, intentional spiritual

“seekers” 25‐54 years old, provide the basic themes for complementary advertising for other media, such as radio,

billboards, and newspapers.

Volume 1. The Journey

Volume 2. The Gift

Volume 3. Prayer

Volume 4. Faith

IGNITING MINISTRY PLANNING KIT 3 vols; ad; guide; 2001; UMCom

Your Hospitality and Media Planner for use with the Official Media Campaign of the United Methodist Church.

INVITING AND ENGAGING CHURCH Five 13 min programs; ad; McEwan Prod;

Dr Pat Keifert examines Biblical texts that suggest new understandings about the identity of the church in a

post‐Christian world.

1. The Inviting and Engaging Church Draws upon church leaders to define the emerging world in which the

church will operate, and to specify the witness tasks.

2. A Tent in the Wilderness Focus on ministry in small groups

3. A Temple for All Nations The church as a welcoming, open community of diverse seekers ‐ techniques for

effective hospitality.

4. A Public Well of Eternal Life Center on outreach and mission into the stranger’s territory.

5. A Table on the Way The growing phenomenon of revolving door churches. Ministry to those who are on

their way to somewhere else.

JUST DO IT! Share Jesus With A Friend 55 min; WCLF‐TV; 1992

6

To emphasize that witnessing can be fun, easy, simple and enjoyable. To take the seemingly authentic reasons

most Christians do not witness and replace the reasons they cannot with reasons they can. “Just Do It!” is not

preachy but helpful, not heavy but light, spiced with pictorial visuals, and a touch of humor. It has been church

tried and tested.

JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM, by Bill Hybels, Zondervon, This dynamic four‐week experience is designed

to equip and inspire your entire church to participate in that same pattern of grace‐giving by taking simple walks

across rooms – leaving your circles of comfort and extending hands of care, compassion, and inclusiveness to

people who might need a touch of God’s love today. Kit includes DVD, CD‐ROM, and book. Adults

LEADING EDGE‐CHURCH LEADERSHIP, George Barna series of 4, 60 min each; ad; guide; Gospel Light; 1996

1. How To Turn Your Church Around Overcoming barriers to growth and bringing new life to your church

2. Ten Myths About Evangelism Surprising insights on how to reach a changing generation

3. Trends That Are Changing Your Ministry World America is either facing moral anarchy or spiritual

revival

4. What Evangelistic Churches Do “Ultimate 12 step program”‐the common traits of churches that reach

people for Christ

LEADING GROUPS OF VOLUNTEERS 45 min; Communicating Services, Inc; 1994

A video‐based training program for volunteers who lead other volunteers. The program is divided into three

sections: The leader’s role before, during and after meetings.

LEADING IN THE SPIRIT: Learning Leaders in the Church 59 min; ad; guide; Discipleship Resources;

1997

Use this resource to celebrate and encourage spiritual leadership in congregations. Designed to be used with study

groups for clergy and/or laity, church retreats, and training sessions for congregational leaders.

Divided into four fifteen minute sessions:

1. Embracing Creation: Vision and Creativity

2. Sowing Seeds: Spirituality and Developing the Ministry of the Baptized

3. Gathering Gifts: Identity as Leader and Discovery of Gifts

4. Renewing the Body of Christ: Integrity/Wholeness and Continuous Learning

LISTEN TO THE CHILDREN: Putting Children and Their Families First 35 min; guide; ad; Gen.Bd.

Discipl.;

1996 Takes a look at children‐their needs, fears and hopes. Highlights children in four congregations‐at Kingston,

Jamaica; Flint, Michigan; Nashville, Tennessee; and Rabun County, Georgia.

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE TOGETHER ‐ HOSPITALITY: risking welcome

A Study of Christian Character in Community

What does it mean to give and receive welcome? What can we learn from it? Why is it risky? In this study,

David O. Jenkins helps us to understand why hospitality is basic to our lives as Christians. Topics include:

Receiving Welcome; Risking Welcome; Risking Worship; Risking Justice. This kit includes: a study and reflection

guide; DVD; leader guide. (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth/General)

LIVING INTO THE NEW WORLD‐How Cultural Trends Affect Your Congregation 40 min; ad; guide; 2000;

Alban Institute ‐ Alban senior consultant Gil Rendle describes key trends in our culture that affect the work of faith

communities. Leaders are helped to understand the changes in core values that affect their ministry

LIVING THE UNITED METHODIST WAY Duke Divinity School; sh‐ad; SEJ ‐ 2008 ‐3 DVD set of the

presentations, that were heard at the SEJ in July 2008. These DVDs are teaching moments. The set includes:

* Teaching Session #1 ‐ The United Methodist Way ‐ Dr. Randy Maddox

* Teaching Session #2 ‐ Mission and Evangelism ‐ Dr. Laceye Warner,

Dr. W Stephen Gunter and Dr. Edgardo Colon‐Emeric

* Teaching Session #3 ‐ Teaching and Preaching ‐ Bishop Kenneth Carder

7

LONG JOURNEY TO HOPE 32 min; guide; ad; Seraphin Prod; 1995

Part 1: The story of a couple who went from being children of the church to pursuing spiritual development and

social action outside the church. Through personal tragedy they find their way back to the church.

Part 2: A discussion of what the church needs to do to attract and retain people of the baby boomer generation.

LOVE OUT LOUD, Simply Youth Ministry ‐ Want to motivate your students to take Jesus outside the walls

of the church? Then take them on this 6‐week small group video journey with Doug Fields. In Love Out Loud,

Doug Challenges students to put their faith into action in ways that are meaningful, practical and godly. And with

everything already written up (and tested!) for you, this is an easy‐to‐implement way for you to help students

embrace living a gospel lifestyle, not just talking about it. You’ll get everything you need to run this as a small

group. Lessons include: Love Out Loud; Love Risks; Love Serves; Love Multiplies; Love Forgives; and Love Lasts.

DVD; Youth

MAKING SUNDAY WORSHIP WORK four 30 min. programs; guide; ad; Franciscan; 1988

An example of a congregation that revitalized its liturgy.

1. Introduction and Ministries of Welcome Decorating the worship space; welcoming worshippers;

animating the congregation; and greeting the people.

2. Ministries of Music The role of congregational and choral music in worship and prayer.

3. Ministries of the Word Proclaiming the Scriptures with power and conviction.

4. Ministries of the Table Communion liturgy and symbols.

MOBILIZING CHURCH VOLUNTEERS, series of 2 videos; 70 & 85 min; guide; ad; Volunteer Management

Assoc. 1988.

Practical ideas for recruitment and training volunteers.

1. “Phenomenon of Pillars and Pew Sitters”.

“Reasons Why People Say “Yes” to Volunteering”;

“Exercise: Volunteers in my Congregation

Worksheet; “Why People Don’t Volunteer”

“Six Reasons Pew Sitters Give for Not Getting Involved”

“Demographics and Implications”

2. “Four Principles To Help Get Pew Sitters Involved”;

“Leadership Styles”

“Three Common Characteristics of Good Leaders”;

“Creativity: Management Functions (includes ‘Goal’ and ‘Objectives’)”

“Exercise: ‘Write one specific, measurable, achievable, compatible objective for your program.”

‘Discovering My Gifts’ worksheet”

MOMENTUM FOR LIFE Michael Slaughter ‐ SH – AD; Participant DVD/ Journal & Paper Workbook; In the

journey of life and faith, most good things don’t happen magically or suddenly. They are the result of

predetermined desire, an ongoing commitment to work toward the desired goal or outcome. What keeps us

moving forward? Momentum. Abington Press 2008

THE ONCE AND FUTURE CHURCH 75 min; ad; guide; 2001; Alban Institute

Three 25‐minute segments present a provocative look at the church past and present, the culture in

which the church ministers today, and the shape of the new mission frontier. Excellent for use with board

members, planning teams, and adult classes.

PENTECOST JOURNEY‐ A Planning Guide for Hispanic Ministries 93 min; ad’ guide; General Board of

Discipleship; 1999

This video is designed to help congregations fulfill Christ’s mandate to make disciples, with particular focus on

helping local churches understand issues related to developing ministry with the Hispanics. The guiding principle is

the vision of Pentecost in which the uniqueness of the Hispanic cultures is affirmed as ministry is developed.

8

THE PERMISSION GIVING CHURCH: SACRED COWS series of two, 113 and 108 min; ad; guide; 21st

Century; 1997

Churches function best when ministry is allowed to occur anywhere, any time by anyone. This workshop focuses

on how to identify and defeat the sacred cows so that contributions can be made to the Body of Christ without

having to ask permission first.

POWER OF IMAGE 37 min; 5 sessions; guide; jh‐ad; Mass Media; 1989

From the sacramental dimension of images in ancient times to Hollywood’s manipulation of the subconscious,

images flood our senses. Media experts help the viewer make connections and discover new insights.

“Media and Culture”

“Sacramental Image”

“Potential of Television”

“Selling the Message”

“World‐wide Impact of Media“

QUESTIONS OF FAITH I; series of 6 videos; 30‐min each; guide; adult; UMCom; 1988

Several prominent thinkers from varied fields share their thoughts on faith issues. Motivates viewers to consider

and discuss these issues.

1. WHO IS GOD? What is your image of God?

2. WHAT GOOD IS PRAYER? What happens when you pray?

3. WHAT’S GOD GOT TO DO WITH EVIL? How can a good God permit evil?

4. WHAT’S BEING GOOD GOOD FOR? If I’m good, can I expect rewards?

5. WHO NEEDS ORGANIZED RELIGION? How do you deal with religious differences?

6. WHAT MATTERS ANYWAY? What sustains your faith? What does it mean to be fully human?

QUESTIONS OF FAITH II, series of 6 videos; 30 min each; guide; adult; UMCom; 1989

1. WHO IS JESUS? What does one have to believe about Jesus to be a Christian?

2. WHAT’S THE USE OF THE BIBLE? What authority does the Bible have?

3. WHO’S GOT THE TRUTH? How do you deal with people who believe differently from you?

4. HOW DO WE RIGHT THE WRONG? How does faith affect your view of social issues?

5. WHAT GIVES YOU FAITH? How did you come into your faith? How do you sustain and share your faith?

6. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH? What does life after death mean to you?

QUESTIONS OF FAITH FOR YOUTH, series of 6 videos, 20 min each; jh‐sh; UMCom; 1992

High school and college students and young adults respond to questions on issues of faith.

1. What’s God Like?

2. How Do You Deal With Drugs?

3. What is Sin?

4. What’s A Friend?

5. What About Sex?

6. What Can the Church Do About the Future?

REACH OUT TO SINGLES 30 min; guide; adult; Presbyterian; 1984

Three leaders in Singles ministry explore these issues: stereotypes, myths, needs, language, and who single adults

are.

SCRIPTURES ALIVE! series of 30 min videos; guide; ad; UMCom; 1994

Challenges viewers to think and make decisions about issues, culture and news facing our world today. Each

program includes biblical stories and theological insights.

SERIES I

1. God Prefers the Poor What the Bible says about the poor and downtrodden people of the world

2. Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? The ‘Historical Jesus’, what really happened?

3. Violence and the Faith The relationship between the violence of the Bible and efforts toward a non‐violent

society

9

4. Many Religions, One God? Different religions, faiths, beliefs and practices in Bible times and today.

5. Religion and Politics The Bible and the conservative‐liberal political debate.

6. Graying of the Church Growing old in Bible times and today.

SERIES II

1. Miracles: Special Moments in Ordinary Lives. Outlines characteristics, biblical descriptions and

expectations of miracles.

2. Dreams, Visions and Other Talks With God Explores the possible sacred nature of dreams, and the ways

in which dreams, visions, and hallucinations differ.

3. 2001 ‐ A Christian Rapture? Looks at the theory that the world will end with the new millennium and asks

hard questions about the end of time.

4. Checking Out Early: Suicide Examines biblical accounts of suicide, and questions the meaning and

significance of suicide.

5. Healing the Sick ‐ Health Care and the Bible Searches the scriptures for new perspectives on the current

issue of health care.

6. How Your Faith Can Survive Belonging to the Church Questions whether the church can get in the way

of faith.

SERIES III

1. Improving Life or Playing God? Explores major ethical questions about genetic engineering.

2. Nuclear Energy Searches for biblical guidance concerning questions, issues and fears surrounding this

controversial topic.

3. Capital Punishment Explores biblical ideas about the death penalty and searches for new understanding of

this issue.

4. Terrorism: Sacred and Secular Explores biblical stories of terrorism and discusses responses to violence.

5. Taking Care of Business: Biblical Morality in the Workplace Looks for moral guidelines the Bible offers

for the corporate world.

5. Religious Coalitions and the Challenge to Faith Explores current attempts by conservative Christian

organizations to change the face of US politics, and their effect of the faithful.

SCRIPTURES ALIVE V series of six, 30 min each; ad; UMCom 1996

1. Teach Us To Pray: Biblical Models of Prayer

2. Spreading The Word: Biblical Models of Evangelism

3. Dead Sea Scrolls: Fact or Fiction

4. E.T., UFO’S and Other Questions of Faith

5. Relating to Our Environment: Ecology & The Bible

Resurrection: Physical, Spiritual None of the Above

SEEDS 30 min; guide; ye‐ad; Mediascope Prod; 1992

Storyteller Jim Bergwall visits a farm and discusses the different ways Jesus used seeds to illustrate a point.

Important point include: Seed often seem to be disguised; Seeds always hatch the next generation from which

they came; Seeds can be dormant for many years. Rich and challenging material.

SPEAKING OF JESUS, curriculum series 8 lessons; guide; ad; 2100 Productions; 1995

Host Mack Stiles provides practical training in sharing your faith. Includes text and discussion guide.

1. Communication Contrasts: the learning curve of sharing your faith.

2. The Christian Job Description: the essentials of evangelism.

3. The Christian Ambassador: the marks of a representative.

4. Adventures in Immigration: taking risks to tell the truth.

5. Beyond Comfort Zones: hints for breaking barriers.

6. Listen Up: learn to be attentive and relevant.

7. The Politics of Apologetics: navigating through questions and answers.

8. Windows to Jesus: telling your story.

10

STAINED IMAGES: Christianity‐Looking Beyond the Stereotypes 25 min; guide; jh‐sh; Intervarsity; 1989

Negative images from church politics, media reports and Sunday School experiences influence our impressions of

Christianity. In this video people talk honestly about Christianity and Christians and explore these issues and

misconceptions: Christians as hypocrites, Christians wanting to convert others, the reward of “heaven” for being

good, etc.

STRAY 15 min; guide; ye‐adult; Teleketics; 1971 Award winner.

A modern parable of a field trip to the zoo and the driver’s search for a lost child.

TALE OF “O”: On Being Different 27 min; guide; adult; Goodmeasure Inc; 1979

A training tool for managing diversity. Video is a portion of total training program. One of the most effective videos

on diversity ever made.

TALKING ABOUT GOD series of 7, 20‐25 min ea; ad; guide; UMCOM 1998

This series raises important questions about God and provides responses from a variety of people who think about

God a lot: theologians, pastors, a rabbi, a teacher of disabled children and others. Some of the names you may

recognize –Marcus Borg, Burton Visotzky, Janet Wolf, James Cone, Bill Hinson and more.

Vol. 1What’s Your Experience of God? Vol. 4 Where Is GodYour Life?

Vol. 2. How Do You Talk About God? Vol. 5 What Is God Doing?

Vol. 3 Who Are You to God? Vol. 6 Whose Side Is GoOn?

Vol. 7 How Can Believers Live Together?

THEY LIED TO US 45 min; jh‐ad; Gospel Films; 1985

This evangelical film looks at the conflict between the world’s values and God’s values. Particular emphasis on the

influence of media: television, movies, music and print. Asks: What price do we pay for popularity and happiness?

TRANSFORMING CONGREGATIONS series of two, 92 and 84 min; ad; guide; 21st Century; 1997

A six session study designed to help church leaders see the basic changes occurring in the world and the basic

ministries and structures that are transforming declining congregations.

The Reality of Change

Future Active Leadership

The Role of Laity in the Church of the Future

Organizing Around Small Group Ministries

Worship for the Seeker Sensitive Church

Where Is Our Church Going?

TUG OF WAR 16 min; guide; oe‐jh; Mass Media; 1986

Modern version of parable of Prodigal Son. This is a parable of temptation and forgiveness in which a young

runaway finds more adventure than he can handle and a greater lesson than he ever expected. No dialog ‐ story is

told through action and symbol.

VALUING DIVERSITY, series of 5 videos 30 min each; guide; ad; Griggs Prod; 1991

A workshop model designed to provide understanding of problems among people who are different; generate

sensitivity to differences; enable people to value differences; and remove barriers to working together. Secular.

1. CHAMPIONS OF DIVERSITY A documentary film about change. Senior executives share why they are

“champions of diversity” and how they change their own behavior and lead their organizations in change. Special

emphasis is given to personal growth, changing demographics and the benefits of diversity.

2. COMMUNICATING ACROSS CULTURES Dramatically shows how misunderstandings result from different

styles of communication. It also addresses the discomfort people feel when dealing with issues of race and gender,

and suggests ways to communicate more effectively.

3. DIVERSITY AT WORK Discusses upward mobility in the multicultural organization. Dramatic illustrations

show how stereotypes and actual differences affect each employee’s ability to succeed. Diverse individuals present

11

strategies for employee self‐development, team‐work, and relationship building with supervisors and peers who

are different from themselves.

6. CHAMPIONS OF DIVERSITY

7. PROFILES IN CHANGE

VEGGIE TALES 3 thirty min videos; pr‐ye; Big Idea Productions; 1994

Each video includes two related stories teaching biblical values for dealing with everyday issues.

Animated vegetables are appealing and entertaining.

Are You My Neighbor?

Story of Flibber‐o‐loo

The Gourds Must Be Crazy!

VISITOR 30 min; guide; jh‐adult; Creative Communications; 1986

Based on a Tolstoy short story, a contemporary retelling of Martin the Cobbler, who has lost interest in life, God,

and the people around him. An old friend helps fan the last flickering spark of faith and assures him that God is

coming to see him. Martin then reaches out to people in need who become channels of God’s grace.

WELCOME THE STRANGER 20 min; ye‐adult; Family Films; 1987; Puppetry

Nanny and Isaiah portray how all strangers are welcome at the manger. Two homeless children search for a place

where they will feel wanted.

WELCOMING THE CHILDREN 24 min; guide; adult; Friendship Press; 1994

Utilizing their own resources and partnering with other groups. Designed to encourage and inspire all people who

care about children. 1994 mission study resource.

WHAT SIZE SHOULD WE BE? Visioning the In‐Between Church 96 min; The Alban Institute; 2000

This video incorporates and expands on many of the ideas in Alice Mann’s book The In‐Between Church:

Navigating Size Transitions in Congregations. The video provides congregational leaders with a provocative,

comprehensive guide to the theory of size transition. In addition, Mann outlines steps for exploring what has been

happening in a congregation and possible solutions that will help members discover and carry out the ministry to

which God is calling them.

WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH? 60 min, 3 segments; guide; adult; UMCom; 1986

William Willimon uses a warm, inviting and personal style to present a lively defense of the church, presenting an

analysis of the role of the church in our society.

1. “Ways the Church Makes Us Uncomfortable (and Should)” Jesus’ expectations of us as disciples.

2. “Good Things that Happen to Us in Worship” discusses activities and excesses in the church; what Jesus

might say about our churches; and how the church reinforces the self‐esteem of Christians.

3. “How Does the Church Impact the World?” is religion a private matter; does the church accommodate

itself to the world; what political causes should Christians be involved in; and what is your church doing right now

for the old, young, poor and retarded?

WHAT SIZE SHOULD WE BE? Visioning the In‐Between Church 90 min; ad; guide; 2000; Alban Institute

Alban senior consultant Alice Mann helps congregations to recognize six possible size transitions‐three resulting

from growth and three resulting from contraction and ways to navigate these changes.

WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS MY NAME 17 min; guide; adult; Discipleship Resources; 1985

Evokes a vision, a hope and a dream of reaching out to unchurched persons. Celebrates the new life in Christ which

Sunday School programs can offer those in need of spiritual growth, support, and community.

THE WIDENING CIRCLE 26 min; guide; adult; UMCom; 1994

Shows how churches can involve physically and mentally challenged people in the full life of the congregation. It

shows two UM congregations that have innovative programs that embrace persons with handicapping conditions.

12

WIDEN YOUR CIRCLE 5 min; ad; UMCom; 1995

Five 30‐second promotional spots for the United Methodist Church. Good ideas for promoting your church.

Includes one in Spanish.

WILL OUR CHILDREN HAVE FAITH? 90 min, 3 segments; adult; Argus Films; 1983

John Westeroff explains how faith is nurtured by family and the community of faith.

1. “Remembering Who We Are” What is a Christian? What is faith? How can adults learn to live into their

baptism in order to further their faith?

2. “Made Not Born: Life in the Church” How can the church become more faith‐filled? New images of the

church as a faith filled community. Christmas, worship and the church as family.

3. “Pilgrims: Living into our Baptism” Who helped you to be a Christian? How do you pray and listen best?

Where you are in your pilgrimage and what help do you need to live into your baptism? Three pathways to God.

Importance of solitude and silence for the soul.

WITNESSES 58 min; guide; jh‐adult; Gospel Films; 1990

In this dramatic, yet very personal video, actor/author Curt Cloninger portrays eight adverse characters ‐ witnesses

‐ who knew Jesus.

WORLD GOD LOVES 38 min; guide; jh‐adult; 2100 Productions; 1993

Eight short segments describe cultures, religions, and people throughout the world. Message is the need for

Christians to reach out to those who have not heard of Jesus Christ. Good Confirmation resource. Segments focus

on:

1. World Overview 4 min

2. World Religions 3 min

3. Hinduism 4 min

4. Buddhism 3 min

5. Islam 5 min

6. Children and Youth 4 min

7. The Poor 10 min

8. Urbanization 4 min

DAN WAKEFIELD: Returning ‐ Wakefield reads from his autobiographical account of his journey from

agnosticism/atheism to the restoration of his Christian faith.

YOU CAN’T DO THAT IN CHURCH 24 min; guide; sh‐adult; UMCom; 1984

People on the street are asked to “name something you can’t do in church”. Helps congregations define their

communities – not on the basis who already comes to church or who they would like to come – but on the basis of

those for whom they must take responsibility.

Revised September 2009

Holston Conference Audio Visual Library References_ evangelism_Download Here

February 16, 2010 Posted by imagebearer | Holston Challenge 2010, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

50 Golden Days Resources: Fifty Characteristics of Disciple-Making Congregations

Fifty Characteristics of Disciple-Making Congregations

by Dean McIntyre

At The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, we invest a lot of time and energy in

thinking and talking about what it means to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the

transformation of the world. We also study congregations that we think are successfully

engaged in that primary task. We recognize that disciples are not made at General Conference,

in any general agency office, or in any bishop’s cabinet meeting. Disciples are made in the

local church, and the rest of us assist in that primary task in a variety of ways. Through

offering training events and developing resources for use across the denomination, the General

Board of Discipleship works with local church and annual conference leaders to help

congregations in their disciple-making efforts.

In a recent e-mail message, I asked the entire staff of our agency, “What are the characteristics

or activities of a local United Methodist congregation that is actively and successfully engaged

in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?” I asked my colleagues

not to respond with explanations, philosophy, theology, or theories. I really wanted short,

specific, and practical answers to the question. There were nearly 100 responses with some

duplicates. I have eliminated the duplicate responses and ordered the replies under different

areas: Worship and Hospitality, Ministry of the Laity, Mission-Outreach-Evangelism, Nurture,

Christian Faith and Life, Education and Training, and Small Groups. Similar responses with

slightly different content have been grouped together under one response.

I invite you to consider your own congregation in light of these characteristics. I also invite

you to send additional characteristics that don’t appear on this list to music@gbod.org.

Worship and Hospitality

A local United Methodist congregation that is actively and successfully engaged in making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world . . .

1. Engages in vital worship that helps worshipers encounter the presence, love, grace,

call, forgiveness, comfort, power, and peace of God.

2. Welcomes visitors.

a. Visitors become active members.

b. There is an open door policy. The congregation sees itself as a hospital for

sinners, not a museum of saints.

c. Empty seat and open door.

3. Worships with eyes open to needs and circumstances around the church (with the

intent of being the embodiment of Christ wherever needed).

4. Keeps the light of Christ out front like a beacon.

5. Offers numerous points of entry into congregational life.

6. Loves and affirms those whose lives don’t measure up to conventional standards of

intelligence, beauty, success, or morality.

7. Encourages and affirms diversity.

8. Shares Communion every time it meets in worship.

9. Is small enough to welcome and large enough to serve others.

Ministry of the Laity

A local United Methodist congregation that is actively and successfully engaged in making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world . . .

10. Emphasizes that all are called to ministry through baptism.

11. Stresses impact awareness. Leaders within the congregation have a plan for growth

and development, and they qualitatively measure the impact (value) of what they do

in faith formation.

12. Has an outward focus. People do not exist to serve the institutional church; rather, the

institution exists to equip, train, and support people to be the church in the world.

13. Ensures that empowerment isn’t just a buzzword, but central to a truly “gifts-based”

ministry where the clergy’s gifts are counted equally with those of laity to provide a

foundation for leadership based in gifts rather than structure.

a. Equips people to discover and use their spiritual gifts in ministry.

b. Assists people in identifying spiritual gifts.

14. Delegates ministry responsibility to visit members who are sick, hospitalized, in

nursing homes, or convalescing at home.

Mission-Outreach-Evangelism

A local United Methodist congregation that is actively and successfully engaged in making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world . . .

15. Helps members see that their primary place of ministry is beyond the church walls.

a. Ensures that the church is involved in the community in which it resides.

b. Serves the community in practical ways to convince people of God’s love for

the world.

c. Values community.

d. Gets out in the community and REALLY reaches and accepts people where

they are.

e. Reaches out to others in the community.

f. Leans into the hope of God that God’s mission is bigger than our own limited

sight/plan.

g. Believes that community matters.

h. Ushers each person into a safe place within community to grow faithfully.

i. Involves people in service and outreach (works of mercy).

16. Lives what it proclaims; extends its worship and witness to the community(ies)

outside its walls.

17. Engages members in local and global mission outreach.

18. Does more for others than for itself.

19. Reaches the lost

20. Witnesses

Nurture

A local United Methodist congregation that is actively and successfully engaged in making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world . . .

21. Nurtures and equips people through vital worship, active small groups, and

challenging outreach opportunities.

22. Cares for one another.

23. Respects each person for being a child of God (not outward signs of power or

position).

24. Has leaders who know the names and faces of all members.

Christian Faith and Life

A local United Methodist congregation that is actively and successfully engaged in making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world . . .

25. Provides opportunities for personal growth and spiritual formation of its members’

progressive journey.

There is a clear, mentored structure that moves people to ever deeper, broader

experiences of living and learning the Christian faith.

26. Helps people develop language for talking about God in their lives

27. Engages people “where they live” and starts the journey from that point;

Welcomes folks as they are.

28. Prays often (corporately and privately).

29. Helps people study the Bible and apply its truths to daily life.

30. Teaches people how to pray and encourages prayer;

Teaches formative spiritual practices, such as prayer and devotional study.

31. Practices spiritual disciplines, intentionally and corporately.

a. Practices the means of grace.

b. Equips and encourages people to practice spiritual disciplines (works of

piety).

32. Regularly makes clear, specific, and consistent assertions of beliefs.

33. Guides new converts into a personal relationship with God that creates holy,

righteous living.

34. Is authentic; walks the talk.

35. Practices good stewardship for all ages.

36. Encounters and is empowered by God in worship, in study and in action, and in all

the means of grace.

The church is more concerned with relating people to God in supporting Christian

community than it is with comparative statistics, profits, and safety margins.

37. Attends to justice and advocacy issues as well as mercy and compassion.

38. Exhibits the ability to think and act theologically.

39. Connects with God in everything it does.

40. Gathers as a community of faith and scatters as a community of hope.

41. Believes in asking questions and discerning answers together.

42. Makes certain that people know and experience God.

43. Believes that discipleship means more than membership.

44. Preaches, follows, and introduces Christ to others in a changing way.

45. Knows the theory behind faith development and human development (Kohlberg,

Paiget, etc.) and plans a systematic way of congregational life that moves people

along the progressions of faith and human development.

46. Clearly understands the fruits of the spirit, the importance of practicing faithful

disciplines, and holds people accountable for growth in and practice of faith.

Education and Training

A local United Methodist congregation that is actively and successfully engaged in making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world . . .

47. Offers appropriate and effective age-level Christian education and spiritual formation.

a. Offers Bible-based Sunday school classes.

b. Offers Bible study; isn’t past-time; it’s shared praxis.

c. Teaches the faith.

d. Offers Bible study that is both deep and wide.

48. Engages conversations among children, youth, and adults in order to discuss (and

dive deeply) into lively conversation about faith, theology, ethics, moral behavior,

and so on.

Small Groups

A local United Methodist congregation that is actively and successfully engaged in making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world . . .

49. Offers small groups.

a. Offers content-oriented small groups.

b. Has class meetings or Covenant Discipleship groups.

c. Offers spiritual formation small groups.

d. Provides small-group settings for accountable discipleship.

e. Has small groups dedicated to study: Bible, church history, current affairs.

f. Expects participation in small groups that includes mutual accountability and

support for growing in love of God and neighbor.

50. Offers high commitment intimacy groups. (I’m avoiding using the term “small group”

as much as I can. Faith formation happens best in dialogic settings. Worship is

important, especially when it is focused on God [and not merely a tool for evangelism

or education], but discipling is an interactive process best handled in smaller

settings.)

• • • •

Dean McIntyre is the director of music resources for the General Board of Discipleship in

Nashville, Tennessee.

Copyright © 2004 The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, PO Box 340003,

Nashville TN 37203-0003. Telephone 877-899-2780, ext. 7070. E-mail address

WorshipCenter@gbod.org. Website: http://www.umcworship.org.

(This article and listing may be downloaded, reproduced, and used by United Methodists for

the purposes of study and discussion, provided that the copyright citation is included on each

copy made. It may not be published for profit or included on another website without further

permission.)

Posted 6-2-04

Fifty Characteristics of DiscipleMaking Congregations_Download Here

February 16, 2010 Posted by imagebearer | Holston Challenge 2010, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

EVANGELISM RESOURCE LIST

EVANGELISM RESOURCE LIST

WEB RESOURCES:
Evangelistic Preaching Helps (archives page) — an occasional online resource that helps
individuals prepare sermons from an evangelistic perspective.

http://www.gbod.org/evangelism/articles.asp?loc_id=1101

The Faith Sharing Initiative — a strategy for training the churches laity in how to share
their faith. Rev. Royal Speidel provides training for the faith sharing initiative. [Email
rspeidel1@comcast.net ]

http://www.gbod.org/evangelism/fsparticipants.pdf

The Faith Sharing Initiative also is available in Spanish.

http://www.gbod.org/evangelism/elcompromiso.pdf

General Board of Discipleship Evangelism Web Site

http://www.gbod.org/evangelism/

Offer Them Christ – Holston Conference web site offering resources related to offering
Christ

http://holston.org/about/offer-them-christ/

Offering Christ Today (archives page) — a weekly online resource that provides helpful
tips on evangelism and offers suggested evangelism resources.

http://www.gbod.org/evangelism/articles.asp?loc_id=1100

Rethink Church Web Site

http://www.10thousanddoors.org/site/c.ruI4KbMRIvF/b.4877557/k.BF1F/Home.htm

http://www.umcom.org/site/c.mrLZJ9PFKmG/b.4696269/k.18F8/Rethink_Church__Wha

t_if_Church_was_a_Verb.htm
Stories for Survivors are Bible stories with discussion questions created for survivors of
disaster. The stories are told without extensive commentary in order to allow personal
and group discovery of the spiritual truths in each text that are most relevant to the needs
of people who are in crisis and transition.

http://www.gbod.org/evangelism/articles.asp?item_id=15243

PRINT and VIDEO RESOURCES:
Ancient Future Evangelism: Making Your Church a Faith-Forming Community by
Robert E. Webber
Robert Webber presents a model of evangelism and discipleship firmly rooted in
Scripture, attested to in the history of the church, and authentic to the postmodern world
in which we live. Webber surveys evangelism throughout the centuries, tracing the
development of the ancient process of Christian formation. He translates that process for
the 21st century, presenting four stages — conversion, discipleship, spiritual formation,
and Christian vocation — that can easily be adapted to various church traditions.

http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Future-Evangelism-Church-Faith-Forming-

Community/dp/0801091608/sr=1-1/qid=1158866180/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-1975385-
1204743?ie=UTF8&s=books
Beyond the Roll the Sunday School and Evangelism. A Workshop for
Congregational Leaders + Instructional DVD
This flexible workshop can be used in a variety of settings and includes everything a
congregation needs for focusing the work of Sunday school for its mission of making
disciples of Jesus Christ.
The primary audience is a leadership group within the church, including Sunday school
teachers. The workshop begins with a Bible study pointing to the “main thing,” examines
cultural changes that have contributed to the decline of the church, and focuses on the
potential within the Sunday school for making new disciples.

http://abingdonpress.com/search.aspx?scope=all&query=Beyond%20the%20Roll%20Bo

ok&pid=0687641403
Biblical Perspectives on Evangelism Living in a Three-Story Universe, by Walter
Brueggemann
Brueggemann here describes evangelism as a drama in three scenes, concerning (1) God’s
victory over the forces of chaos and death, (2) the announcement of that victory, and (3)
its appropriation by those who hear the announcement. This same dramatic sequence, as
he shows, is many times re-enacted in the Bible; the times and circumstances of the reenactment
may differ, but the essential message, as well as the structure of its
presentation, remains the same.

http://abingdonpress.com/search.aspx?scope=all&query=biblical%20perspectives%20on

%20evangelism&pid=412331
Church for the Unchurched By George G. Hunter III
Hunter discusses the rebirth of the apostolic congregation, Christianity’s vision of what
people can become, how small groups shape an apostolic people, how lay ministry
advances the Christian movement, and how apostolic churches reach secular people.

http://abingdonpress.com/search.aspx?scope=all&query=church%20for%20the%20unch

urched&pid=277329

The Church in Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell-Based
Ministry by Steve Cordle
The Church In Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell-Based Ministry
makes the case that the cell model will work— if key assumptions about spiritual growth
and the nature of the church are reexamined and renewed. Steve Cordle identifies the four
pivotal philosophical shifts necessary for the cell approach to work:
• programs to relationships—the purposes of the church are best fulfilled in the
cell group instead of in programs
• member to disciple-maker—every member can and should become a group
leader
• educating to equipping—spiritual growth is not knowing more but applying
more
• “come and see” to “go and show”—the power of penetration evangelism.

http://abingdonpress.com/search.aspx?scope=all&query=steve%20cordle&pid=06873257

9X
Deepening your Effectiveness, Restructuring the Local Church for Life
Transformation by Dan Glover and Claudia Lavy.
Proposing a “deep-sea change” from the typical church plan, Glover and Lavy offer
experienced coaching in how to systematize disciple-making in a congregation.

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=343629

Faith-Sharing: Dynamic Christian Witnessing by Invitation by Eddie Fox and
George Morris. The text answers, the fundamental questions of why, who, what, when,
and how of personal witnessing.

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=155037

Faith-Sharing New Testament and Psalms. An inexpensive translation of the New
Revised Standard Version with personal helps. For those wishing to be grounded in the
Christian faith, and to share gracefully that faith with others and lead them to Christian
commitment.

http://store.wmepress.org/fanewteandps.html

Faith-Sharing Video Kit. This video presents a six-session study of personal faith
sharing, based on the book, Faith-Sharing.

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=154979

The Faith-Sharing Congregation, by Roger K Swanson and Shirley Clement. This
book is a strategy for doing evangelism. Based on the quality of Congregational life,
which includes building a discipleship system, paying particular attention to ministries of
hospitality, personal relationships, storytelling, the domestic Church of the family, and
the family as the Body of Christ.

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=154960

How Great a Flame! Contemporary Lessons from the Wesleyan Revival by James
Logan
Logan highlights key elements in that fanned the flames of the Wesleyan Revival. The
discussion questions that follow each chapter make this a good four-week small group
study resource.

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=228449

Journal of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education
The journal contains scholarly articles and book reviews, and the minutes of the annual
meetings of the Academy of Evangelism and Theological Education. This journal
provides a medium for the responsible sharing of ideas among those engaged in the
teaching of evangelism, primarily at the seminary level, as well as those whose ministries
involve them in serious research and writing in the field.
$10 per book.
Checks payable to JAETE. Mail to:
Dr. Ronald W. Johnson, Managing Ed., Jaete, Mercer School of Theology, 3001 Mercer
University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341-4115
Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So! By H. Eddie Fox and George E. Morris
The book explores the fact that many churches do not believe that witnessing is their
calling. Fox and Morris say that churches are shy about their lack of knowledge and
ability to effectively communicate the message of the Gospel. Let the Redeemed of the
Lord Say So! attempts to erase the fears of inadequate witnessing and give confidence to
Christians to spread the Word. It is a book for individuals who long to be effective
witnesses, for congregations who have a desire to reach people and grow, and for college
and seminary classes that are designed to motivate and inspire witnessing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/productdescription/

157736158X/ref=dp_proddesc_0/104-1975385-
1204743?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
The Pathways to Christ Tract Series:
DR446 Begin with Jesus DR450 Hacia una nueva vida en Cristo
DR447 Understanding My Faith Journey with Christ. DR524 Mi jornada de fe con Cristo
DR448 Learning New Habits DR522 Nueva vida, nuevo habitos
DR449 Gifted in Christ DR523 Mis dones en Cristo
Church members and leaders often struggle to explain to unchurched friends and
acquaintances the importance of being a disciple of Jesus and growing in faith among a
community of believers. That’s where this series of tracts can help.
Powerful and priced right to leave with the seekers you meet, each attractively designed,
brief tract builds on the others with the goal of inviting seekers to know and follow Jesus
Christ in clear, non-churchy language.
Each title has a study guide companion available as a free pdf download.

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/search_page.asp

Personal F.R.A.N. Plan. Sold in groups of 100. These wallet-size leaflets are designed
for praying and for sharing one’s faith, with a friend, relative, associate, or neighbor.
Available in English and Spanish.
English http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=155022
Spanish http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=155108
Radical Outreach. The Recovery of Apostolic Ministry and Evangelism by George
G. Hunter III
This book tells how the contemporary church can reclaim its ancient witness through
hands-on ministries with the unchurched.

http://abingdonpress.com/search.aspx?scope=all&query=radical%20outreach&pid=0687

07441X
Transforming Evangelism: The Wesleyan Way of Sharing Faith, by Henry H.
Knight III & F. Douglas Powe Jr. This book focuses on personal and communal
transformation and the practice of evangelism with a distinctive Wesleyan approach. This
book can be used as a six-week study resource.

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=358091

Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism by Martha Grace Reese. (church leaders)
Unbinding Your Heart: 40 Days of Prayer & Faith Sharing (All-Congregational study)
Unbinding Your Church (pastors, teachers & church musicians resource guide)
(This book emerged from a national four-year study, the Mainline Evangelism Project.
Over 1,000 people were interviewed. The book looks at evangelism in mainline churches
today. It shows examples of great churches sharing their faith. Finally, it helps readers
move into the possibilities God has in mind for them.
For more info, download free chapters: http://www.GraceNet.info

http://www.amazon.com/Unbinding-Gospel-Real-Life-

Evangelism/dp/0827238045/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-4097576-
8726552?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1187214739&sr=8-1
Vital Signs: A Pathway to Congregational Wholeness by Dan R. Dick. Dan Dick
offers helpful suggestions about how different types of congregations can move in the
direction of vitality. This book is for church leaders who believe God calls all Christians
to participate in Christ’s mission to…be the body of Christ for the world.

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=426042

Your Church Can Thrive: Making the Connections that Build Healthy
Congregations, by Harold Percy. Percy provides a practical how-to book that helps
churches focus on their main mission—making disciples. Provocative questions lead
readers through rich times of discovery and reclamation of purpose.

http://abingdonpress.com/search.aspx?scope=all&query=your%20church%20can%20thri

ve&pid=9780687022564

HOSPITALITY/WELCOMING RESOURCES
GO FISH! series of T.I.M.E. – Together In Ministry Everyday. T.I.M.E. outlines an
easy, effective, and cost-free way for churches to make an immediate impact on their
community – have congregations volunteer 90 minutes every 90 days in some form of
community service work with established local agencies engaged in helping with such
issues as hunger, aging, school, grief counseling, or housing. Abingdon Press resource.
http://www.GoFish4People.com
CATCH: Attracting and Connecting Visitors by Debi Williams Nixon with
Adam Hamilton
CATCH brings a comprehensive plan for implementing the proven marketing and
visitor follow-up techniques from Church of the Resurrection. This kit includes a
leadership team handbook and workbook for evaluation, discussion and planning,
a handbook of 40 daily devotions and a resource DVD. Part of the GO FISH!
series

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/Home.aspx?bsc=000379058

Igniting Ministries Web Site http://www.ignitingministry.org/default.aspx
BEYOND 30 SECONDS: Developing a Welcoming Congregation
This seven-session small-group video series is for all local congregations wanting
to go beyond the 30-second length of the national television commercials to
explore what may block our ability to welcome others.

http://www.ignitingministry.org/getstarted/products.aspx

Living Our Promise: The Igniting Ministry Trainers Toolbox 12 Complete
Training Sessions
Living Our Promise of “open hearts, open minds, open doors” requires constant
effort and attention. Help your congregation embrace the idea of welcoming as a
lifestyle with these 12, ready-made training sessions. From an overview of
Igniting Ministry, to a worship service that teaches welcoming, to a session that
helps your congregation through transition and change, this toolbox offers stepby-
step suggestions to enhance your church’s welcoming ministry.

http://www.ignitingministry.org/resources/product.aspx?iid=1124

Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith by Bill Hybels
This practical book invites us to understand the deeper relationships in living a life of
invitation. Not every “faith sharing” moment leads to a prayer of conversion; however,
Hybels challenges the readers to live in 3D (Develop Relationships, Discover Stories and
Discern Next Steps) listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit in guiding us to speak and
when to stay silent. Good look at challenging us to step out of our “Circle of Comfort.”
Book includes discussion questions for each chapter. DVD and church campaign
curriculum kit

http://www.justwalkacrosstheroom.com/faqs.aspxit

Making Room Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition by Christine D. Pohl
This book revisits the discipline of welcoming strangers and provides the foundation for
renewed commitment to recovering hospitality as a Christian tradition.

http://www.cokesbury.com/search.aspx?scope=all&query=christine%20pohl&pid=08028

44316
The Race to Reach Out Connecting Newcomers to Christ in a New Century by
Douglas T. Anderson and Michael J. Coyner
The authors believe that to assimilate newcomers into the life and ministry of the
congregation, the whole church system must be involved. Anderson and
Coyner demonstrate how to identify and respond to visitors in a nonthreatening, yet
interested way; how to share information about them with the leaders of those ministries
and programs in which they would be most interested; how best to help them in their
decision to become church members; and how to help them understand and fulfill their
own call to ministry in the congregation.

http://abingdonpress.com/search.aspx?scope=all&query=michael%20j.%20coyner&pid=

0687066689

Evangelism Resource List_Download Here

February 16, 2010 Posted by imagebearer | Holston Challenge 2010, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

50 Golden Days Resources: Christian Witnessing and Evangelism

Evangelism/Radical Hospitality

March 2009

Anne Travis

1

Christian Witnessing and Evangelism

Evangelism is, at its heart, sharing faith with others, particularly with those

who are unchurched or disconnected, and inviting them to follow Jesus Christ

as Christian disciples. (Guidelines – Evangelism, Cokesbury, 2004, page 8)

What Holston Conference said …

We have a Spiritual Longings for More in Holston Conference.

(from Vision Process at Annual Conference 2005)

♦ We long to be more evangelical, reaching out to the un-churched and

those who have left the church.

♦ We long to be more inclusive and diverse, to move out of our comfort

zones and reach out to those who are different, and to be truly inclusive of

all regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, socio-economic status, age.

♦ We long to be more active and effective in outreach and in mission to

those in our neighborhoods and those in the world.

♦ We long for growth in terms of deepened spirituality and commitment and

in terms of having people join the church.

♦ We long for more action, less talk, and more going out and doing.

♦ We long to move from institutional maintenance to mission. We long for

less politics and business and more living out of the Great Commandment

and the Great Commission.

♦ We long for more lay and clergy teamwork.

♦ We long to be more prophetic and less complacent to what goes on around

us, to not be afraid to speak out boldly against those things that are

contrary to the Kingdom of God – poverty, war, oppression, injustice,

addiction.

Churches in Holston Conference that are receiving new members on

Profession of Faith have these characteristics in common:

• • Vital and energizing worship of varying styles and at varying times
• • Working very hard at being a welcoming congregation
• • Intentionally encouraging members to invite persons to church
• • Very intentional ministries reaching out to younger families with children

and youth

• • Offering their buildings to persons in the community for very little or no

charge

• • Providing many mission opportunities for members
• • Encouraging intentional faith sharing by their members

Evangelism/Radical Hospitality

March 2009

Anne Travis

2

“Fifty Characteristics of Disciple-Making Congregations” by Dean

McIntyre, General Board of Discipleship

* Welcomes visitors.

* Visitors become active members.

* There is an open door policy. The congregation sees itself as a

hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.

* Empty seat and open door.

Abingdon Press resource: GO FISH! series of T.I.M.E. – Together In

Ministry Everyday. T.I.M.E. outlines an easy, effective, and cost-free way for

churches to make an immediate impact on their community – have

congregations volunteer 90 minutes every 90 days in some form of

community service work with established local agencies engaged in helping

with such issues as hunger, aging, school, grief counseling, or housing.

http://www.GoFish4People.com

From Guidelines – Evangelism: Sharing the Good News (by Roger K.

Swanson; updated by Shirley F. Clement, General Board of Discipleship,

2004)

How to get started in evangelism

1. Build an Evangelism Ministry Team

2. Assess your current reality

3. Develop a shared vision

4. Establish a plan

5. Set your plan into motion

The mission of The United Methodist Church is to “make disciples of Jesus

Christ for the transformation of the world.” (para. 120 of Book of Discipline)

We do this by (1) reaching out to people wherever they are and receiving

them as they are, (2) relating them to God through Jesus Christ, (3)

nurturing and equipping them for Christian discipleship, and (4) sending

them out into the community to be the church in the family, the

neighborhood, the community, and the world.

The F.R.A.N. Plan (Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors) to reach the

unchurched people we already know

1. Bring a friend Sunday

2. Establish relationships

3. Provide faith-sharing training

4. Visit your visitors

5. Tell your story

6. Make membership more meaningful

7. Relate people to God

8. Equip people for service

Evangelism/Radical Hospitality

March 2009

Anne Travis

3

Practicing Radical Christian Hospitality

“Can the church practice Christian hospitality? Hospitality is not fixing up

your church just the way you like it and then inviting others to come and

enjoy it with you. That form of hospitality suffers under the needs of the new

people invited in. Hospitality in the biblical sense is making space for new

people to do what they need in their search for God and their practice of

discipleship. Can the church make this shift?” (“Welcoming ‘Time Share’

Christians,” by Gil Rendle; Circuit Rider, United Methodist Publishing House,

Nov/Dec/Jan 2008-09, p. 16)

Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, Robert Schnase, Abingdon Press,

Nashville, 2007, Chapter 1, “The Practice of Radical Hospitality”

“What is radical hospitality? Radical means ‘drastically different from

ordinary practice, outside the norm,’ and so it provokes practices that exceed

expectations, that go the second mile, that take welcoming the stranger to

the max.”

What do people need that congregations offer?

1. People need to know that God loves them, that they are of supreme

value, and that their life has significance.

2. People need to know that they are not alone; when facing difficulties,

they are surrounded by a community of grace.

3. People need to know the peace that runs deeper than an absence of

conflict, the hope that sustains them even through the most painful

periods of grief, the sense of belonging that blesses them and stretches

them.

4. People need to learn how to offer and accept forgiveness and how to

serve and be served.

5. People need to know that life is not having something to live on but

something to live for, that life comes not from taking for oneself but by

giving of oneself.

6. People need a sustaining sense of purpose.

People do not need to be told what they need! Instead, most people discover

their need for God’s grace and for the love of Christ through the experience

of receiving it.

“Radical hospitality describes churches that strive without ceasing to exceed

expectations and to accommodate and include others. … With every

ministry, they consider how to reach those who do not yet know Christ.”

“Word-of-mouth is still the most important form of human communication,

and when people talk about congregations as places that make people feel

welcome and loved, then the church thrives.”

Evangelism/Radical Hospitality

March 2009

Anne Travis

4

“Bishop Sally Dyck once said that for the visitor or the person who is

searching for spiritual help, ‘This Sunday is the only Sunday that counts!’”

Questions churches must regularly ask themselves:

• • How are we doing at inviting guests and at teaching people to invite

others?

• • How are we doing at genuinely and authentically welcoming people?
• • How can we offer Radical Hospitality we see in the life, teachings, death,

and resurrection of Christ?

• • And how can we do better?

Other items to consider related to Hospitality:

• • Signs? Can people easily locate your church? Once they arrive, is it

obvious how to get into the building?

• • Are they greeted before they enter the building?
• • Once inside, are they greeted and offered immediate assistance?
• • Are persons invited to Sunday school and helped with finding a class or

classroom?

• • Is it easy for them to find their way to a classroom or sanctuary? If not,

are signs available? Is a person available to assist?

• • Are children made to feel safe and welcome? Do they know when and

where their parents will come back to get them? Are the children assigned

a “buddy” to be sure he or she has all needed supplies and knows where

to go or what to do?

• • Are youth introduced and welcomed enthusiastically? Does another youth

in the church “buddy” with the visitor to make sure he or she feels

welcome?

• • In Adult Sunday school, are newcomers greeted formally by a class

leader? Does someone write them a note thanking them for visiting and

inviting them back?

• • In worship, do you regularly welcome visitors? Do you ensure that they

have a bulletin (if applicable)? Is the bulletin easy to follow, or does it

assume that they know the Doxology and Lord’s Prayer (and not give the

visitor info on where to find these rituals)?

• • Do you have a method to ensure that each visitor is greeted by several

persons before he or she leaves?

• • How soon after visiting your church does a visitor receive communication

from the church – ideally a visit, but perhaps a phone call? A loaf of

bread?

Evangelism/Radical Hospitality

March 2009

Anne Travis

5

Did You Know?

• • 62% of Protestant churches have a church website.
• • 25% of Protestant churches have a presence on such social networking

sites as MySpace.

• • 13% of Protestant churches have blogs or pages for people to interact

with church leaders.

• • Currently, 80-85% of people are finding their church on the web.
• • 64% of wired Americans use the Internet for spiritual or religious

purposes.

Sources: Barna Research, Your Church magazine, and the Bulletin of the

American Association of Christian Counselors.

Resources for Evangelism

Web Sites and Phone Numbers

Holston Conference

Website: http://www.holston.org

Phone: 1-865-690-4080

E-mail: connectionalministries@holston.org

The Foundation for Evangelism

Website: http://www.evangelize.org

Phone: 1-800-737-8333 (toll free)

E-mail: info@evangelize.org

General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church

Website: http://www.gbod.org/evangelism

Phone: 1-877-899-2780 (toll free)

E-mail: gbod@gbod.org

Discipleship Resources

Website: http://www.discipleshipresources.org

Phone: 1-800-685-4370 (toll free)

E-mail: sclement@gbod.org

Books

The Faith-Sharing New Testament with the Psalms, prepared by H. Eddie Fox

and George E. Morris, Cokesbury Press, Nashville.

Faith-Sharing: Dynamic Christian Witnessing by Invitation. Revised and

Expanded. H. Eddie Fox and George E. Morris, Discipleship Resources,

Nashville.

Evangelism/Radical Hospitality

March 2009

Anne Travis

6

How United Methodists Share Their Faith, Rodney E. Wilmoth, Abingdon

Press, Nashville.

Eight Life-Enriching Practices of United Methodists, Henry H. Knight III,

Abingdon Press, Nashville.

Evangelism Outside the Box: New Ways to Help People Experience the Good

News, Rick Richardson, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois.

Faith-Sharing Congregation: Developing a Strategy for The Congregation as

Evangelist, Roger K. Swanson and Shirley F. Clement, Discipleship

Resources, Nashville.

Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation. Evangelism: Sharing the good

news, Roger K. Swanson, updated by Shirley F. Clement, General Board of

Discipleship, Nashville.

What You Should Know About Sharing Your Faith, pamphlet, purchased at

Cokesbury Bookstore. Prepared by Classic Scriptography.

Witness: Exploring and Sharing Your Christian Faith, 25-week study available

from Discipleship Resources, Nashville. http://www.gbod.org/witness or

http://www.evangelismwitness.org.

Christian Witnessing and Evangelism and Hospitality_Download Here

February 16, 2010 Posted by imagebearer | Holston Challenge 2010, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

50 Golden Days Resources: Intentional Ideas for Effective Evangelism – Inviting People to Your Church

Intentional Ideas for Effective Evangelism – Inviting People to Your Church
1. Start a Facebook Page, it is free and can be used to get to know the people in your
community. Check out the free online e-book, Facebook for Pastors. However, it is not just
for pastors!
2. Start a blog; this one is also free. Check out this resource, The Blogging Church
http://www.wordpress.com
3. Visit people who visit your church or invite them for a cup of coffee at the local coffee
shop.
4. Acts of kindness with a card that reads, “Serving because of Jesus.” List the name,
address, and contact information of your church. Give directions and worship times.
Examples of acts of kindness:
• Wash windshields at WalMart or the local grocery store – You may be able to
work with a local gas station to was windshields for their customers.
• Soft drink giveaways at sporting events where concessions are not available.
• Trash pick-up in your community
5. Pens, pencils, and Post-it® notes giveaway
6. Mother’s Day carnation giveaway
7. Oil changes for single parents
8. Door-to-door free Sunday paper and coffee with information about your church
9. Tutoring at your church for local students, free of charge, and provide a snack or
meal for those who might not have enough to eat a home
10. Clothing giveaway in your community, advertise “Come Take What You Need”
11. Offer parenting classes
12. Offer financial planning classes
13. Hold 5th Quarter gatherings with free food and sodas after football and basketball
games
14. Hold Extra Innings after baseball games
15. Hold Block Party for Youth with free food, Wii, videos, etc.
16. Make prayer walks through neighborhoods, praying for each household
17. Make a Top 10 List of the people you want God to reach and start praying for those
persons
18. Host a community event such as Team Impact or The Power Team
Do you have other ideas to suggestions?

Intentional Ideas for Effective Evangelism_Download Here

February 16, 2010 Posted by imagebearer | Holston Challenge 2010, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment