We're starting a new series in our youth class that I am praying about and extremely excited to begin. The idea is to be as absolutely practical as possible and the intent is that we would train our young people (who are quickly going to be our next church leaders) how to answer questions and provide solutions to problems we face in trying to reach our community for the Lord. Here is how it works:
1. We rotate young people going out with me to knock on doors weekly (I am currently trying to do this on Tuesday and Thursday nights for an hour or so, after my church work is done...this way my time is volunteered like theirs is, instead of just another part of my job).
2. We log particular situations, problems, or questions we dealt with during our evangelistic endeavors.
3. I study hard to present Biblical answers and solutions to each of the logged entries (what I could have said or did, what I should do or say next time...)
4. We discuss these topics in class, at length, giving the young people plenty of opportunity to be involved in conversation rather than just listening to me lecture for an hour.
Here are some goals I have and some expectations about the series:
1. Extra motivation (obligation even) to go door-to-door and meet people in our community, discussing spiritual matters.
2. Although we are putting a tract in each hand with an invitation to our church, our focus is NOT on inviting them to our services or promoting our church, it is strictly on meeting them and talking about their lives and their eternal souls.
3. God will bless this because He always blesses the propagation of His word and evangelical efforts.
4. Our doctrine and philosophy of ministry will be more clearly defined as we are forced to face the issues presented to us.
5. Souls will be saved, whether we lead them to the Lord or we leave them and they are forced to deal with the convicting power of the Spirit after we are gone.
6. Our young people will learn to be bolder, braver, and more experienced in physical, eyeball-to-eyeball conversation and confrontation.
Any suggestions or questions about this series are very much appreciated!