The primary purpose of the Priority One Ministry is to bring people closer to making the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The secondary purpose is to equip Christians to reach non-Christians by telling their story and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
“INVITING others to join the family” by inviting non-Christians to join the family of God and equipping members to do the inviting.
Helping non-Christians and unchurched Christians develop a genuine family connection with God and His church.
This is definitely in the House Hunting ministry model.
Unchurched people visiting FOM do not leave the church building on Sunday am if:
1. God is stirring their hearts and convicting them to find out more about becoming a Christian.
2. They have needs that we can help them with by allowing them to talk to someone, letting them know that we care, putting them in touch with counselors/pastors, and/or praying with them.
3. They are interested in our church and need additional info.
To answer any questions non-Christians and unchurched Christians may have, or direct them to others that can help answer questions such as counselors and pastors.
· Priority One text in Worship Folder and on the Web site
· Priority One room for anyone to visit and learn more:
o
Next to the
o Relaxed, casual atmosphere
o Couch, chairs, a small round table, and resource shelves – similar to what’s in there already
o At least two people, male and female, available in between services on Sundays; more after the 10:00 am service (Mid shift); staying maybe a little longer if someone needs us to
o Volunteers prepared to:
§ Listen
§ Tell people about our church
§ Provide people advice on available counseling services
§ Pass on pastor contact info
§ Lead people to Christ
o Provide free bibles
o Provide free gospel tracts
o Provide info about our church
o Provide info on counseling services
o Provide pastor and other business cards
· Volunteers to talk to individual members and Life Groups about Priority One
· Coordinate Priority One promotions with the Senior Pastor, other pastors and other ministries
NOTE: UNLESS COUNSEL IS OBVIOUS OR HOLY SPIRIT-INSPIRED, IT IS NOT INTENDED THAT PRIORITY ONE COUNSELS PEOPLE.
Please make sure that you write down any information you can about the people we meet with and the situation that they are dealing with and/or any other outcome that we either need to pray or give praise for. There are pads of paper and pens in the Priority One office. Please either e-mail or place the note in the FOM office in-tray of the Priority One Leader (currently, Gavin Robertson) by Monday evening at the latest – the earlier, the better. These notes are passed on to the FOM office staff for inclusion in the prayer requests that are sent out to the Priority One team, the Prayer Team and FOM leadership; usually, on Tuesday morning/early afternoon. An additional benefit of the notes inclusion in the prayer requests is that everyone becomes aware of the people we meet with and the situation they are dealing with for potential follow-up or subsequent reference.
Volunteers: Priority One room - 2 shifts per week – 25 to 30 minutes per shift – at least 3 volunteers per shift – every other week = At least, 6 volunteers in total; ideally, 8 to allow for absences, vacations, etc. This means that as a volunteer and once we have enough volunteers, each person would serve once every two weeks; unless they would like to do more. 2 “spare” volunteers allows for vacations and days that people can’t make it.
Budget: Minimal budget for tracts – most tracts are free – and introductory Bibles - perhaps ask for specific Bible donations from members?
Shift: Early = between 1st and 2nd service; and Late = after 2nd
With the recent
change to two services on Sunday am, visitors are likely to be at both
services.
Self-study material like “Share Jesus Without Fear” – includes a handy reference card.
Most volunteers should go through an orientation and/or brief training of some kind; Gavin to coordinate.
If interested in helping with this ministry, please contact:
Gavin Robertson
gavin.robertson@winninglife.org
817-466-3900 (h)
972-380-4645 x223 (w)
817-995-4912 (m)