Rev City Altar Ministry Training by ediaz0829

Rev City Church

ALTAR MINISTRY TRAINING

Table of Contents Introduction

Principle 1: Focus on the Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart

Salvation

Physical Healing

Freedom

Practical Application

Principle 2: Focus on People

Guidelines: Delivery

Principle 3: Focus on Follow-Up

Emergency & Crisis Follow-Up

Addendum

INTRODUCTION VISION To establish a kingdom culture where people are saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, and empowered for ministry. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18–19 God works through altar ministry to directly fulfill the first three statements in our vision: to see people saved, healed, and set free. Altar ministry typically functions as a first-line ministry for both visitors and regular attendees of Rev City Church. John 14:12–14 ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

PRINCIPLE ONE FOCUS ON THE FATHER’S HEART Jesus’Example: Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.” John 5:19–20 (NIV) •

Our focus is on who God is and what God is doing, not our opinion or experience.

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Altar ministry is all about ministering like Jesus: out of the overflow of your relationship with the Father.

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Maintain your own intimacy with God.

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Pursue your own spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being in Christ.

1. Father’s Heart for Salvation The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 Jesus’ Example: When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” - Mark 2:5 •

Jesus’ primary concern was that the man’s sins were forgiven.

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Always ask, “How is your relationship with Jesus?” or some variation.Many people will come to the altar with needs but may not be born again. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

2. Father’s Heart for Physical Healing

“We believe Jesus is still in the healing business.” Jesus’ Example: In Matthew 8:1–4, Jesus heals the leper and then sends him off to see the priest for confirmation. The next testimony is in verses 5–13 where Jesus heals the centurion’s servant based on the faith of the centurion in Jesus’ word & authority. He didn’t even have to go to the house! Have the faith of the centurion! We can’t make healing happen, and we can’t counsel people into being healed, but we can trust God to heal. Anointing oil is most commonly used for healing ministry (James 5:14) and praying for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but you may anoint with oil as led by the Holy Spirit. 1. Ask permission before using anointing oil. Explain how you will use the oil. 2. Put a small drop of oil on your finger. Touch the person’s forehead or hands. 3. Do not touch a person’s clothes after you have placed oil on your hands. 4. Close the vial. If someone asks for “elders” according to James 5:14, feel free to pull in a pastor or other altar ministers. This added gravity may help faith rise and eliminate doubt.

3. Father’s Heart for Freedom Jesus’ Example: In John 11, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, and His instructions to the people around Lazarus are interesting. In John 11:44, He says, “Loose him, and let him go.” Jesus raised Lazarus but his friends had to set him free. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 Like Jesus, trust God to do the work in the moment! We mentioned earlier to focus on what God is doing. We’re not here to counsel, teach, or preach. We can see God change a life in an instant! ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

4. Practical Application You don’t need to ask for specific details. These are not needed to pray the Father’s heart into a person’s situation. You may need to gently interrupt a talker if you have enough information to pray. If you aren’t sure what to pray, just start praying. Or, take a moment to listen to the Holy Spirit together. Again, it’s about focusing on the Father’s heart, not what you are saying. Take the burden to the Father, don’t carry it yourself. Jesus carried all our burdens on the cross so you can leave them there! Bring their burdens to God with them. As you pray, the goal is to connect this person’s heart to the heart of the Father, not to you. Remember to always ask, “How is your relationship with Jesus?” ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

Principle Two Focus on People At Rev City, we say “Shining Brightly. Revealing Jesus.” Altar Ministry is no exception. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him [Zacchaeus] …. - Luke 19:5 5. See the person. 6. Create a loving environment, a safe space. a. They are inviting you into their personal space. b. Show compassion, grace, and the utmost respect. Imagine someone for whom you have deep respect. c. Never be surprised by a person’s sin or situation. Remember how Jesus treated the woman caught in adultery: “Neither do I condemn you …” John 8:11 d. Smile. :) ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

1. Guidelines: Delivery 1. Have an open, accepting posture. 2. Step forward. 3. Smile and shake their hand. 4. Introduce yourself and ask their name. 5. Use appropriate, conservative touch. Ask permission to touch their shoulder or hold their hand. Don’t rub their back or shoulder. 6. Pray with eyes open. 7. Speak comfortingly, not condescendingly. 8. Act naturally. 9. Dress modestly and with excellence. 10. Wear name badge (right side). 11. Use a breath mint! 12. Use a breath mint! 13. Use a breath mint!  It’s okay for them to have bad breath but not you. Did we mention? Always pray. Never counsel. We’re all about people’s connection to God, not to our own experiences or advice. Any questions?

Principle Three Focus on Follow UP We minister the first three parts of our vision directly at the altar: salvation, healing, and freedom. Through effective follow-up, we have the opportunity to connect people to the last four vision statements: be discipled, equipped, empowered, and serving. We can charge others to be responsible for their relationship with God. Jesus’ Example: Jesus invited people to participate with Him in their own journey. He told the man with the mat to get up (Luke 5:27–39); He commanded Lazarus to come out of the grave (John 11); He told the ten lepers to go see the priest (Luke 17). Encourage people to participate with God’s work in them. Altar ministry is a good place to introduce people to their ability to hear God for themselves. The altar is a limited experience. That’s why we pray rather than counsel. Invite people into the journey God might have for them! Know your follow-up avenues and places of referral: 1. Life Groups 2. Discipleship Classes 3. Dream Team 4. Bible & Literature (new believers) 5. Rev City Welcome Center

Follow-up does not include: Exchanging any personal information. Don’t take theirs and don’t give yours. Never give a person money. Refer them to Care for financial assistance. Please don’t say, “We will help you,” or “the church can help you.” A person seeking financial assistance can often misconstrue this as a promise for money. Do not share information with others. Maintain strict confidentiality. Team Structure Emergency & Crisis Follow-Up If someone reveals any of the following to you, IMMEDIATELY contact a pastor or altar captain. 1. Suicidal Thoughts 2. Spousal Abuse 3. Child Abuse 4. Elderly Abuse 5. Sexual Assault 6. Physical Assault 7. Criminal Activity

Check-in Process Reminder Always ask: How is your relationship with Jesus going? Always pray, never counsel. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

Addendum When praying for specific needs, we recommend reading through these guidelines and memorizing God’s promises for these common needs. Use this list as a starting point to relay the Father’s heart as you focus on people’s needs. 1. Baptism in the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit empowers people to receive the gifts of the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, and the ability to witness the gospel. In Altar Ministry, we guard against any prayer that would coerce or manipulate an individual in their experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence; however, we do freely welcome and encourage people to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. a. Ensure that the person has received salvation. This is a requirement before receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. b. Clarify the person’s expectations and assumptions regarding baptism. Talk with the individual to determine if there is a need for further understanding. c. Luke 11:13 (NLT) reads, “how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Instruct the person to ask the Father for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Explain that you will agree with them while they pray. d. Ask the person for feedback on what they experienced during the prayer.

e. Together, ask the Lord, “Is there anything else You want to do for this person?” f. Ask the Lord for a free gift of Holy Spirit Baptism and believe it is received freely, just as salvation. No proof required. Do not pray for the Holy Spirit Baptism demanding the demonstration of a particular gift. g. Respond to God’s direction through prayer. h. Encourage the person to grow in the Spirit’s fruit and gifts. i. Invite the person to attend the class “The Baptism in the Holy Spirit” and fill out a ministry card. 2. Praying in Tongues a. 1 Corinthians 14:5 says, “I wish you all spoke with tongues.” This gift is the Holy Spirit’s desire for you! b. Please refrain from speaking in tongues if you cannot identify whether praying in tongues would confuse, distract, or offend the person receiving ministry. When praying in tongues is appropriate, maintain an inconspicuous tone. c. When praying with people to receive their prayer language, be sure to refrain from the appearance of manipulation or control. Simply pray for the person to receive their prayer language or agree with them while they pray. Do not instruct people saying, “Repeat after me.” Instead, you may ask them to join you while you pray in your prayer language. Be sure to invite the person to attend the class “The Baptism in the Holy Spirit,” and fill out a ministry card.

3. Prayers of Confession and Repentance a. James 5:16 says, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” b. The Holy Spirit may convict people to repent of a specific or general sin. When God convicts people, He does so lovingly and with great compassion. If people confess a sin, please show great compassion as you lead them in prayers of repentance and renewal. 4. Prophetic Prayers a. 1 Corinthians 14:3 says, “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” b. Pray it, don’t say it. If you hear something from God, just pray it out like you would a Scripture. c. If you believe you have a prophetic prayer for someone, please remember prophecy is intended to exhort and encourage. In altar ministry, we don’t use prophetic ministry as a means for counseling or giving directive advice for the future. 5. Marriage and Family a. Ephesians 5:21 says, “submitting to one another in the fear of God.” b. The heart of Rev City Church is that every marriage will endure. c. Families carry many complex dimensions. In prayer, it’s important to be sensitive to the various dimensions within a family structure.

For instance, family members have differing expectations and desires for one another. Many of these desires are based on opinion rather than Scripture (e.g., parents who want kids to do something). (If parents bring kids to the altar, talk directly to the child). d. Be sure to pray the will of the Father rather than the will of a person. This is most easily identified when one member of the family has a desire for another family member that involves decisionmaking (i.e., decisions about whom to marry, where to move, or what job to take). 6. Forgiveness a. Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” b. Everyone should feel very safe. Guard your heart and posture from casting any judgment. c. For excellent guidance on praying with someone for forgiveness, please attend Freedom Ministry’s topical class “Forgiveness.” Forgiveness is God’s provision for releasing us from the power and pain of sins committed against us. d. Example of a prayer: “Dear Lord, I choose to forgive [name of the person] for [name of the offense]. But Father, when they did these things, it made me feel [describe the effects of the sins]. Please take these emotions and effects from me and place them on the cross. Thank You for healing the effects of these sins in my soul.” 7. Finances

People experience financial strain for various reasons. For some, the situation is a result of bad habits and lack of education. Others are well-educated, highly proficient individuals who are experiencing a financial struggle due to uncontrollable circumstances. Please consider the following when praying for financial healing: a. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” b. Never ask people if they are tithing. This is a diagnostic question, and we’re not equipped to offer financial advice. This question also presumes that those who tithe are automatically free from financial hardship—true life is much more complex. c. Pray God’s blessing and ask for a financial breakthrough. d. Encourage the people with God’s love and faithful provision for life. e. Refer the person to our Financial Stewardship Ministry. Give them a ministry center card that has the contact and location information. Do this with great care—finances are a very personal part of a person’s life. Say something like: “The church has resources available to help people grow in the area of handling finances. Is this something that would interest you?” ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

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