Stan Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 We don't talk about how people can be a member and not be active is Soul Winning... Quote If you receive benefit to being here please help out with expenses. https://www.paypal.me/clubadventist Administrator of a few websites like https://adventistdating.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 In Latin America when they take down the attendance for Sabbath School they also write down the number Bible studies each member has going on. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Gail Posted August 3, 2006 Administrators Share Posted August 3, 2006 I think we underestimate how valuable this is for the person themself's spiritual life and growth Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted August 3, 2006 Members Share Posted August 3, 2006 You mean it's not good enough to have little plastic smilie faces lined up in the pews each Sabbath? <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 "Active" is a relative word. What is active for some may be inactive for others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> Stan Jensen said: We don't talk about how people can be a member and not be active is Soul Winning... <hr /></blockquote><font class="post">given the fact that none of us can "win" a soul I think this is a side issue.... and its an issue that usually leads to attempting to quantify performance... i.e. how many bible studies did you conduct this week, how many tracks did you pass out, how many times did you share your faith... is that really what you want? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeHiscost Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> rudywoofs said: You mean it's not good enough to have little plastic smilie faces lined up in the pews each Sabbath? <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> Some people smile because they enjoy being in the company of others serious about "being about the Lord's business". [:"red"] "And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them." [/] Luke 2:48-50 KJV <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/DOVE.gif" alt="" /> Quote Lift Jesus up!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicodema Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 given the fact that none of us can "win" a soul I think this is a side issue.... and its an issue that usually leads to attempting to quantify performance... i.e. how many bible studies did you conduct this week, how many tracks did you pass out, how many times did you share your faith... is that really what you want? I have to agree with claborn here. It's not a competition, and you cannot "shame" people (i.e. by low quantification of performance) into "doing more". Some people just don't have people skills. Others are shy. Others don't connect to others that easily. I am firmly convinced that not everyone who follows Christ is meant to be an evangelist. Where we got that idea, I'll never know. But even the bible states that some are just supposed to "go back home" and be thankful for what God has done for them and tell their friends and family how merciful He is. Which they may very well do ... but it doesn't mean it's gonna result in a conversion or even a visit to church on Sabbath. Quote "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?" -- T.S. Eliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Koot Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 given the fact that none of us can "win" a soul I think this is a side issue.... and its an issue that usually leads to attempting to quantify performance... i.e. how many bible studies did you conduct this week, how many tracks did you pass out, how many times did you share your faith... is that really what you want? The role of the human agent in winning souls for Jesus, is very important. God works through people, to reach out to other people. A case in point . . . Months ago, I met Scott while conducting door-to-door surveys. He told me that every morning, he kisses the statue of Mary in his front room, and that he believes in God. But, it was difficult to start Bible studies with him. After getting to know him, and repeated offers to share a Power Point study in his home, he finally agreed. He really enjoyed the first study. Some weeks later, we did another study together, this one on the gospel. At the end of the study, he gave his life to Christ. Yesterday, we had our third study together, on baptism. At the end of the study, he requested baptism. Preparation is needed, but thank God he made the decision! Yet, it took the presentation of the studies, and the time commitment with him, with much prayer, to help him reach that decision. At the core of the issue, I believe, is the DESIRE to seek souls for Jesus. If a person has that desire, then all the other stuff is secondary. That desire is God-given, and something which God would like each of His people to have. We can pray for God to give us a burden for souls, and then, to stop at nothing in seeking souls for His kingdom. He is ready and willing to help, if we are willing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Naomi Posted September 26, 2006 Administrators Share Posted September 26, 2006 Quote: At the core of the issue, I believe, is the DESIRE to seek souls for Jesus. If a person has that desire, then all the other stuff is secondary. That desire is God-given, and something which God would like each of His people to have. We can pray for God to give us a burden for souls, and then, to stop at nothing in seeking souls for His kingdom. He is ready and willing to help, if we are willing. David, I couldn't agree more. I might add that there are many ways to do soul-winning work for Jesus. Sometimes the life we life, perhaps even the way we react behind the wheel of our car when someone cuts you off is our witness. Some may ask "When driving your car?" Yes, the person in the car next to you may know you and know that you profess to be a Godly person. Actions often speak louder than words. If we look deep into ourselves we will find the God-given desire. Prayer, study and action will give us the fulfillment. All that I am attempting to convery is that if we are sincere God will find our Mission Field. God does not call those who are qualified, he qualifies those who are called. Naomi Quote If your dreams are not big enough to scare you, they are not big enough for God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Jeannieb43 Posted September 27, 2006 Moderators Share Posted September 27, 2006 And the real need is for us to keep in touch with a new member, keep him/her active by giving him/her a church office [even if it's only taking up the offering], so that person will begin to feel a part of the church family. Too often we baptize new members then drop them. My burden is for each new member to immediately start receiving subscriptions to the local Union Conference paper and to the Adventist Review. And be sure to provide the new members with S.S.Lesson Quarterlies each quarter. So often they come in the front door and out the back door within a few weeks, if they're not immediately given work to do and made to feel welcome. Quote Jeannie<br /><br /><br />...Change is inevitable; growth is optional.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Naomi Posted September 27, 2006 Administrators Share Posted September 27, 2006 Quote: My burden is for each new member to immediately start receiving subscriptions to the local Union Conference paper and to the Adventist Review. And be sure to provide the new members with S.S.Lesson Quarterlies each quarter. Jeannie, that is one of the most overlooked and important things that can be done for a new member. I am so glad that you have this burden for new members. Naomi Quote If your dreams are not big enough to scare you, they are not big enough for God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D. Allan Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Quote: At the core of the issue, I believe, is the DESIRE to seek souls for Jesus. I once broke out into tears watching a gunman shot on the tv news, because He never got the chance to know Jesus. I used to "witness" alot about Jesus - I even wanted to give Bible studies. Just to lift burdens from peoples hearts, you know, and let them learn of the freedom in Christ. But the church itself puts burdens on people, ... tries to limit freedom .... so... It's not the place I'd want to bring new-borns. I'm really sad about it. It's been hard on me too. Quote dAb O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parade Orange Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 D. Allen I know exactly what u speak of. Sometimes in the past I have asked the Holy Spirit to blind the newbies to the people at church. Quote All progress in the Spiritual Life is knowing and Loving GOD"there is non upon earth that I desire besides YOU" PS 73:25That perspective changes EVERYTHING-suffering and adversity are the means that makes us hungry for GOD. Disapointments will wean us away wordly occupations. Even sin(when repented of) becomes a mechanism to push us closer to HIM as we experience His Love and Forgiveness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D. Allan Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 We are called to love those who offend us, too. It's hard to do when you feel hurt. But when we see someone do it to a newbie we should have the courage to stand up for them. It's hard to do, I know. Quote dAb O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clio Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 But the church itself puts burdens on people, ... tries to limit freedom .... so... It's not the place I'd want to bring new-borns. I'm really sad about it. It's been hard on me too. I would never bring a new-born to an SDA church. I've tried too many times. Every time they leave and go someplace more welcoming. Now I bring new-borns to the foot of the Throne and let Abba and my King tell me where they need to go. It's much easier to be a new-born in a place where they don't bind your hands and feet and put a gag in your mouth when you have questions. I cry about it often. Some people I love very much need more fellowship and support. Quote A heart where He alone has first place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicodema Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 *whispers* (non newborns don't do very well with bindings and gaggings either) *vanishes* Quote "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?" -- T.S. Eliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clio Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 (((((safe pinky hugs)))) No, they don't. Quote A heart where He alone has first place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChildofChrist Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 My girlfriend is involved with a friendship ministry. She helps them out whenever she can, I do as well. When we are questioned as to "Why?", we simply answer...'It's a God thing.' We go on to add how God has helped or lead us in the past with this or that problem and so when the opportunity comes around for me/us to do something, we are simply praising and thanking Him for what He has done for us. Quote Wakan Tanka Kici Un ~~Child of Christ~~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gina i Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 The adventist church would be the first place I'd bring a newbie. I've had nothing but good experiences in going to adventist churches. They're not all bad (to those of you who obviously have problems). But that's just me. Quote All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. -Ralph Waldo Emerson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Naomi Posted October 7, 2006 Administrators Share Posted October 7, 2006 Hello Gina, I am with you, the church is the first place I would take a visitor. I am proud of my church and of those who attend. As with anything else, you can occasionally find a SDA church which is unfriendly. However, the vast majority are very warm and friendly ... especially to visitors. I must say that there was one area in which all of the churches I visited were just plain "cold" and I was in that area for quite a long time. Must have been something in the water. Happy Sabbath Naomi Quote If your dreams are not big enough to scare you, they are not big enough for God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gina i Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 There are many unfriendly people in the church, but I think the friendly ones outweight the unfriendly for sure. Quote All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. -Ralph Waldo Emerson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted October 7, 2006 Members Share Posted October 7, 2006 I do not think that the laws of physics can be applied to words and actions of people. Maybe it is just *me*, but it takes so many more kind words to counteract or outweigh only one mean, unkind, or thoughtless word or action. A wound takes only a second to inflict...healing takes a long time. ...just my own stupid opinion... Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted October 7, 2006 Author Share Posted October 7, 2006 Pam If that is a 'stupid opinion' then something is wrong with me as well, as it is mine also... I do find our members, worldwide, to be very friendly, some that are hurting are not that friendly... Quote If you receive benefit to being here please help out with expenses. https://www.paypal.me/clubadventist Administrator of a few websites like https://adventistdating.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beryl Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 some that are hurting are not that friendly... True. Maybe they are amongst those who need a friendly hug. It is hard to be friendly when inside you are hurting. Quote "Grace is God doing for us, in us and through us that which He requires of us but which is impossible for us to do in or for ourselves." But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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