HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH & GIVE BIBLE STUDIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Step 1 | HOW TO SHARE
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Why Share Your Faith Story? How do You Know When to Share Your Faith Story? The Process Your Faith Story
Step 2 | SECRETS TO SOUL WINNING
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Mingling with People Great Conversation Starters — F.O.R.T Sympathy & Ministering to Needs Winning Their Confidence
Step 3 | FINDING BIBLE STUDIES
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Finding Bible Studies What We Do Here at PMC
Step 4 | EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDIES
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How to Give an Effective Bible Study Preparing for a Bible Study
Step 5 | MEETING OPPOSITION & OBJECTIONS
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How to Deal with Difficult Bible Texts
Answer Key
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STEP 1 | HOW TO SHARE
WHY SHARE YOUR FAITH STORY? 4
“That which will be most effective is the testimony of your own experience.” Desire of Ages, Page 347 Sharing your story is your most effective witness.
1) Sharing your story_________ for others to know God too.
“Let us gather together that which our own experience has revealed to us of the preciousness of Christ, and present it to others as a precious gem that sparkles and shines. Thus will the sinner be attracted to Him.” Review and Herald, March 19, 1895
2) Brings _________ and __________ to those that hear it. Revelation 12:11 – “Hearing a testimony is the way I borrow faith from others. Sharing my testimony is the way I loan my faith to others.” Mark Batterson, The Grave Robber, Page 150
3) God has __________ us as His church to share our stories. 1 John 1:1-3 – Acts 22: 15 –
“The first works of the church were seen when the believers sought out friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and with hearts overflowing with love, told the story of what Jesus was to them, and what they were to Jesus.” Testimonies to Ministers, Page 168
“Thousands can be reached in the most simple and humble way. The most intellectual, those who are looked upon as the world's most gifted men and women, are often refreshed by the simple words of one who loves God, and who can speak of that love as naturally as the worldling speaks of the things that interest him most deeply. Often the words well prepared and studied have but little influence. But the true, honest expression of a son or daughter of God, spoken in natural simplicity, has power to unbolt the door to hearts that have long been closed against Christ and His love.” Christ Object Lessons, page 232 5
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO SHARE YOUR FAITH STORY?
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“Testimony is the beginning of and prerequisite to continuing conversion. Testimony is a point of departure; it is not an ultimate destination. Strong Testimony is the foundation upon which conversion is established.” David A. Bednar
Sharing your story is ________friendship or making friends. “Those who have put on Christ will relate their experiences, tracing step by step the leadings of the Holy Spirit… It is unnatural for any to keep these things secret, and those who are filled with love of Christ will do so.” Christ Object Lessons , Page 125 Luke 8:38-40 – John 4:28-29 –
What is a faith story? “As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard and felt. If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shall have something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise, and found the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing.” Desire of Ages, Page 340 7
THE PROCESS:
Before: ______________________________________________ Meeting:_____________________________________________ After: _______________________________________________
Do’s Don’ts: ›________________________ ›________________________ ›________________________ ›________________________ ›________________________ ›________________________ ›________________________ ›________________________ ›________________________ ›________________________ 8
“Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls. Desire of Ages, Page 347 9
YOUR FAITH STORY:
Before: _____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ 10
Meeting: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
After: ______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
Close: Use an appropriate scripture, which sums your life, to climax. (Be careful not to become “preachy�)
___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ 11
STEP 2 | SECRETS TO SOUL WINNING
MINGLING WITH PEOPLE 12
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. (Then) He bade them, “Follow Me.” Ministry of Healing, Page 143-144
1)__________________________________________________ 2)__________________________________________________ 3)__________________________________________________ 4)__________________________________________________ 5)__________________________________________________ 1) Mingling with People How do we mingle? “You must come close to those for whom you labor, that they may not only hear your voice but shake your hand, learn your principles, feel your sympathy.” Gospel Workers, Page 192 “By being social and coming close to people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse. The presentation of Christ in the family, by the fireside and in small gatherings in private houses, is often more successful in winning souls to Jesus than are sermons delivered in the open air, to the moving throng, or even in halls or churches.” Gospel Workers, Page 193 13
GREAT CONVERSATION STARTERS F.O.R.T.
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1)_________________________________ — Are you originally from the area? — Is that a picture of your family? — How is your family?
2)_________________________________
— What kind of work do you do? — What is your major? — How long have you worked there? — How long have you been a student here? — Do you enjoy your work? If so, what do like the most about it? — Do you like your major? What do you like the most about it?
3)_________________________________
— Do you have a religious background? — Have you been (insert their current religion) all your life? — Do you attend a local church? — Does your whole family attend that church? — Do you have a faith background?
4)_________________________________
— What is your story? — If Christian, what is your faith story? — Do you have a religious background? — Do you attend a local church? — Does your whole family attend that church? — Do you have a faith background? 15
Suggestions When Using FORT: › Use only two or three questions from each category. › Don’t give the impression you are prying into their personal life or business. If you sense they feel uncomfortable with some of the questions, back off and share about yourself. › When appropriate give personal information when you ask a question. › Spin off questions, for example: “What kind of work do you do?” “I work as a nurse at Saint Joseph hospital.” “Do you enjoy your job at the hospital?” “Yes, I love my work.” "What do you love the most about work?” › Do no ask questions that are obvious. › Show genuine interest and concern for your attendee as become better acquainted.
Close Ended vs. Open Ended ____________ Ended Questions — Do you like the Bible? — Do you like to read? — Do you like to go to church? — Are you spiritual? ____________ Ended Questions — What did you do this weekend? — How is your home improvement going? — What is it that brought you to Christ?
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Common Ground Look to connect and talk about: —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________
Deepening Relationships Relationships grow through shared experiences! 1. Don’t make friendship only____________________________ . 2. Hang out for normal social____________________________ . 3. As the Spirit leads, bring up________________ spiritual topics for discussion. 4. When a__________________ is made you can more easily talk and study harder spiritual topics.
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SYMPATHY & MINISTERING TO NEEDS 18
2) Sympathy “If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be_______ conversions to the truth where there is now only_____________ .” Testimonies To The Church, Vol. 9, Page 189
Showing Sympathy When Talking With Someone Listen not only to their words: 1. _________________________ of communication is non verbal. 2. Re-summarize what they told you, ask if you are understanding them correctly. 3. Try to put together their life story as you get to know them.
E.A.R. —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________
3) Ministering to Needs Questions to ask yourself: — What ministries do you know have in your church? Specifically? — How can those ministries meet their needs? — Is there away that you could minister to them personally?
Remember in ministering to others: —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________ —__________________________________________________ 19
WINNING THEIR CONFIDENCE
4) Winning Their Confidence “The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good.” Ministry of Healing, Page 143 20
Seek to be a blessing, without expecting anything in return. “When men will show confidence in their fellow men they will come much nearer to the mind of Christ.” Testimonies To Ministers, Page 199 “The chief lesson I have learned in a long life is that only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him; and the surest way to make him untrustworthy is to distrust him, and show your distrust.” Henry Stimson, America statesman that served under five presidents.
Being A Safe Person Characteristics of a(n)_____________________________ person. — Avoid closeness instead of connecting. — Concerned more about I than you. — Resist freedom instead of encouraging it. — Condemn and not forgiving. — Treat you as though they’re better. — Unstable instead of consistent. — Negative and not positive. — Gossip and can’t keep secrets. Characteristics of a(n)_____________________________ person. — Admit their weaknesses. — Open to feedback and not defensive. — Humble and not self-righteous. — Apologize if they are wrong. — Earn trust instead of demanding. — Responsible and don’t blame. — Tell the truth instead of lying. — Spiritual instead of Religious. — Work on problems instead of avoiding them. “Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as your ability to your way to the heart.” Gospel Workers, Page 193.
5) (Then) He bade them, “Follow Me. 21
STEP 3 | FINDING BIBLE STUDIES
FINDING BIBLE STUDIES
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— Response Cards (Connect Cards) — Coming in contact with your community — Magabooks: One of the best methods of finding sincere people is doing literature evangelism. — Surveys: A simple multi question survey is a great, effective way in finding sincere searching people in the community. It is an opening wedge of coming close to the people in your community. By making conversation with people during the survey and smiling will prove to be effective. — Door Hangers: The Door hanger can be left at the person’s door, asking for prayer request, needs, and also offering Bible Studies. Some like to do this on morning jog or walk in their neighborhood. It is a fast unintimidating way to connect with your community. — Glow: A little pamphlet you can leave or give as a gift for anyone. You can leave it with people at the grocery story, gas station, shopping places, drive through, — Ads: Small ad in the classifieds in the local newspaper with the offer of Bible studies. — Media: Radio commercials, TV commercials advertising meetings or offering Bible studies. — Bible Study Mail Out Cards: It comes to the people by mail offering Bible studies. There are always sincere searching people that respond to this. 23
WHAT WE DO HERE AT PMC Where a Bible study interest might come from: - PMC weekly service - Week of prayer - One Place - New Life - An interest from the community What to do when you receive a Bible study interest › Make contact by phone and email within 48 hrs. › Let them know that they can text you back as well › Tell them you want to briefly get together with them to let them know what options there are concerning Bible studies › It’s useful to ask: “What brought you to this decision to be baptized/receive Bible studies?” 24
› The purpose of this time together is to hear their background and story. › After they finish, you can briefly share a piece of your story, › Remind them that we can offer one on one of the studies or group Bible studies. › Remember that nothing is more effective than personal contact. Reaching Out To Friends, Coworkers, And Family: Reaching out to friends and family for many of us is the most intimidating people to reach out to. Your life has already been a witness to them and planted seeds. These people will be the best people to ask to join you in Bible studies. “Go to your neighbors one by one, and come close to them till their hearts are warmed by your unselfish interest and love. Sympathize with them, pray with them, watch for opportunities to do them good, and as you can, gather a few together and open the Word of God to the darkened minds. Keep watching as he who must render an account for the souls of men, and make the most the privileges that God gives you of laboring with Him in His moral vineyard.” Review and Herald, March 13, 1888 “My brethren and sisters, visit those who live near you, and by sympathy and kindness seek to reach their hearts. Be sure to work in a way that will remove prejudice instead of creating it. And remember that those who know the truth for this time, and yet confine their efforts to their own churches, refusing to work for their unconverted neighbors, will be called to account for unfulfilled duties.” Testimonies, vol. 9, Page 134 “He who begins with a little knowledge, in a humble way, and tells what he knows, while seeking, will find the whole heavenly treasure awaiting his demand. The more he seeks to impart light, the more light he will receive. The more one tries to explain the Word of God to others, with a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to himself. The more we use our knowledge and exercise our powers, the more knowledge and power we shall have.” Christian Service, Page 100 25
STEP 4 | EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDIES
HOW TO GIVE AN EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY 26
The Presentation: Four main objective 1) ______________________________ “The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts, when the mere reiteration of doctrines would accomplish nothing.” DA 826 - Present Christ in Everything - Christ & Doctrine are inseparable
2)______________________________ Truth is progressive… - Jn.16:12—“Many things to say… can’t bear them now.” - Pro.4:18—More & more until the perfect day. - Darkness to light
3)______________________________ - Only as new truths are clarified & confirmed in the minds of the listeners can future truths be received and accepted. - Constantly ascertain whether or not hearers are accepting and intergrading new concepts in belief system & daily life. “Many a laborer fails in his work because he does not come close to those who most need his help. With the Bible in hand, he should seek in a courteous manner to learn the objections which exist in the minds of those who are beginning to inquire, "What is truth?" Carefully and tenderly should he lead and educate them, as pupils in a school. Many have to unlearn theories which they have long believed to be truth. As they become convinced that they have been in error concerning Bible subjects, they are thrown into perplexity and doubt. They need the tenderest sympathy and the most judicious help; they should be carefully instructed, and should be prayed for and prayed with, watched and guarded with the kindest solicitude.” GW 190 27
4)______________________________ Information must lead to action - Small decisions lead to big decisions - Appeal must be... __________ — People must see the importance of such a decision. __________ — Must know exactly what their doing.
Helpful hints… › Study lesson just before you go to the Bible study so it is fresh in your mind. › Encourage them to fill out lesson. _______________ will deepen impression. - Review & reinforce what they already studied. - Psychologists tell what we retain… ______ of what we hear ______ of what we hear and write ______ of what we hear, write, and repeat › Seek ways to affirm › Have an attitude of a learner › Be sensitive & keen to needs › Be adaptable. › Ultimately, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit › Have an attitude of prayer.
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PREPARING FOR A BIBLE STUDY The plan of holding Bible reading (studies) was a heaven-born idea.” Gospel Workers, Page 192
Steps for preparing study: 1)__________________________________________________ “It is a sin for those who attempt to teach the Word to others to be themselves neglectful of its study… One who does not possess a knowledge of the Word of life, has no right to try to instruct others in the way to heaven.” Gospel Workers 249 30
2)__________________________________________________ - What is the message of the lesson? - Try to sum up the entire lesson in one sentence. - Based on the message, make appeal. 3)__________________________________________________ “Preach the truth in its simplicity, but let your discourses be short. Dwell decidedly on a few important points. Realize every moment that you must have the presence of the Holy Spirit; for it can do a work that you cannot do of yourself.” Testimony to Ministers, Page 310 4)__________________________________________________ “Theoretical discourses are essential, that people may see the chain of truth, link after link, uniting in a perfect whole; but no discourse should ever be preached without presenting Christ and Him crucified as the foundation of the gospel.” Gospel Workers, Page 158 5)__________________________________________________ - Find additional information - Historical facts - Personal testimony - Illustrations - texts; quotes; etc. 6)__________________________________________________ - Does lesson make sense to you? - Does lesson make sense to them? - Does additional information connect? 7)__________________________________________________ 8)__________________________________________________ 9)__________________________________________________ 31
STEP 5 | MEETING OPPOSITION & OBJECTIONS
HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT BIBLE TEXTS
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Meeting Objections — Don’t argue over the Bible “The Savior knew that no argument, however logical, would melt hard hearts or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness.” AA 31 “Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power that it is impossible wholly to resist.” AA 511 - You can win the argument but lose the soul. - But if you win the soul you’ll win the argument. — Be tactful and smooth... “A soft answer turns away wrath, but haughty words stir up anger.” Pro.15:1 “He disturbed as little as possible their accustomed train of
thought, by abrupt actions or prescribed rules. He honored man with His confidence, and thus placed him on his honor.” Eva. Page 139 — Answer with a Question Because Jesus used Questions It helps clarify the discussion It helps you know what they are talking about Its indirect and non-confrontational — Always meet objections with the Bible Jn.10:31-39 —“Is it not written in your law?” Establish that reason should be with Bible — Share truth progressively “Do not at the outset press before the people the most objectionable features of our faith, lest you close their ears to those things which come as a new revelation” Evangelism P 201 33
Share common beliefs first Visit harder subjects later in studies — Be humble Its ok if you don’t know answer. If you don’t know, study it out and come back later: “That’s a great question, let me look into that and get back to you”
Answering Objections Principles › Always affirm their question: “That’s a very good question!” › Discover your student’s views on a particular subject before launching into it. - If unsure where they’re coming from ask: “What do you think/ know/heard?” - Put it back in their court. Let them answer their own question. - Answer question with a question — Lk.10:26 › Not wise to always directly correct a wrong statement. Instead say… - “We have an entire lesson on that, we’ll study it later.” - “That is a very interesting & deep topic that will take an entire lesson to cover.”
Specific Questions & Suggested Answers Questions that you don’t know the answer… - Don’t try to make up something; guess; etc. - Show them how to find the answer by using concordance. - “I don’t know, I’ve never thought of it in just that way. I’ll write it down and find the answer for our next lesson.” Questions that don’t have a Bible answer… - It’s okay to give your opinion but let them know that it’s simply an opinion. 34
- “We’ll have to make a list of these questions and let Jesus answer them someday when we are sitting under the tree of life.” - Texts to use: Deut. 29:29, 1Cor.13:11, Rom.11:33 Questions that you aren’t prepared to answer… - Tell them that we’ll study that latter. - “I wasn’t prepared to study that with you today.” - “I really want to show you from the Bible instead of giving you my opinion.” - Give them something small to peak their interest. How’s your religion different from mine? - Turn into positive: “Don’t know all the differences but I’ll tell you the similarities…” - Find every point that you can agree on. - Tell them that we will study together and learn from each other. Close: Let Christ meet the objection and opposition. Remember that we represent Jesus wherever we go. We are not there to debate or argue but to simply present Jesus in life and in His word. We may win the argument but lose the Soul. When we win the Soul we win the argument.
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ANSWER KEY
ANSWER KEY
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PAGE 5 1) Sharing your story creates a desire for others to know God too. 2) Brings hope and healing to those that hear it. 3) God has commissioned us as His church to share our stories. PAGE 7 4) Sharing your story is natural friendship or making friends. PAGE 8 Before: What was your life like before God? Meeting: How did you come to encounter Jesus? After: What a difference following him has made? Do’s: Keep it Christ Centered Keep it Short Keep it Real Expand or Contract Practice
Don’t: Emphasize Past Sin Don’t be Negative Use weird lingo Be spiritually prideful/preach Make it a Bible study/church testimony
PAGE 9 Before Meeting After PAGE 13 1) Mingled 2) Sympathized 3) Ministered 4) Won their Confidence 5) (Then) He bade them, “Follow Me.” PAGE 15 1) Family 37
2) Occupation 3) Religion 4) Testimony PAGE 16 Close Ended Questions Open Ended Questions PAGE 17 Look to connect and talk about: — Shared Beliefs — Shared Experiences — Common goals — Similar Background — Shared Hobbies — Similar Possessions — Mutual Interest 1) Don’t make friendship only spiritual. 2) Hang out for normal social activities. 3) As the Spirit leads, bring up normal spiritual topics for discussion. 4) When a stronger connection is made you can more easily talk and study harder spiritual topics. PAGE 19 1) 55% of communication is non verbal. E.A.R. — Eyes — Attention — Response Remember in ministering to others: — Be patient with them. — Walk with them in their spiritual journey, don’t drag them. — Help them take their next step in their walk. 38
— Be Real. Let them know that you are taking steps in your journey too. PAGE 21 Characteristics of an Unsafe Person Characteristics of a Safe Person PAGE 27 1) Present Jesus First 2) Reveal Truth Gradually 3) Present Truth Simply and Clearly Page 28 4) Make Regular Appeals Earnest — People must see the importance of such a decision Clear — Must know exactly what their doing. Helpful hints... Repetition will deepen impression. 10% of what we hear 30% of what we hear and write 90% of what we hear, write, and repeat PAGE 30 & 31 1) Do the lesson yourself 2) Find the theme of the lesson 3) Keep lesson simple 4) Review points 5) Helpful to study additional material of topic 6) Have a clear flow of thought 7) Find an interesting and catchy introduction 8) Make Appeal 9) End study with Prayer Icons provided by freepik.com
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