Josephine Joseph
What does it mean to be a disciple? How can one effectively witness for Christ? Who has time to fit a weekly Bible study into their already overcrowded schedule? How does anyone even do “outreach”?
These were just some of the questions members of the Phenix City Church asked themselves in the fall of 2021, as they were finalizing their plans for the new year. The answers came in the form of the “Amazing Disciples” program, a 13-week DVD series and lesson study from the team at the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism.
Each of the lessons consisted of inspirational and educational video presentations designed to empower disciples of Christ with confidence that they, too, can win souls for His kingdom. These powerful keys for personal evangelism have proven to be successful in reaching others by using Jesus’ method of soul-winning:
“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,’” The Ministry of Healing, page 143.
Nearly 50 people went through the 13-week course either in person or on Zoom. Many were very impressed by the practicality and winsomeness of the various presentations, and felt that they could now lead a Bible study, and properly answer some of the difficult questions that people may have.
Richard Cecere, elder, was most impressed with the practical counsel about reclaiming missing church members. “Baptizing new believers is always a great blessing, but what do we do when some of them inevitably stop coming to church and Sabbath school? How do we win them back? The ‘Amazing Disciples’ program taught us how to do that in a practical, Christlike way.”
“I was really struck by the value of using your own story as a testimony to engage others and draw their attention to Jesus and His word,” said Stephanie Hamilton, health ministries leader for Phenix City Church. “But it makes sense, because what is a better testimony than your own personal experience with God?”
Dwayne Campbell, pastor, noted that the church is excited to put into practice what they have learned in preparation for their annual evangelistic series in the summer.
“It was an amazing 13-week experience as experts shared how we can use Christ’s method alone, which is the most effective method to create community impact and win others to Christ. The experience and study have significantly prepared us for our upcoming evangelistic series, as we give Bible studies with confidence and meaning. The experience has also enriched our devotional life. May God bless us as we strive to become amazing disciples for Him.”
Gulf States | August 2022
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