Becoming a Contagious Christian Leader's Guide: Communicating Your Faith in a Style That Fits You (Paperback)

Chapter One

Session Snapshot

This session introduces the concept of Relational Evangelism. Common stereotypes about it are exposed, and its basic components are identified. Participants also begin to assemble an Impact List of names of people they hope to influence toward Christ.

OBJECTIVES

In this session, the participants will:

1. Describe what Relational Evangelism is not

2. Identify the components of Relational Evangelism

3. Revisit the biblical basis for evangelism

4. Begin an Impact List of relationships to build

OUTLINE

I. Session Introduction

A. Welcome to the Becoming a Contagious Christian course and Session 1: Why Become a Contagious Christian?

B. Prayer

C. Overview

II. Discovery

A. Perceptions of Various Professions

B. Perceptions of Evangelists

C. Relational Evangelism

1. Authentic

2. Natural

3. Personal

4. Verbal

5. Process-oriented

6. Team-oriented

7. "Putting Others First"

D. Video Vignette: Why Become A Contagious Christian?

E. Begin an Impact List

III. Session Summary

A. Preview of remaining sessions

B. Evangelism Styles Questionnaire

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

1. Leader's Guide

2. Participant's Guides

3. Name tags, markers for writing names on the tags

4. Overhead pens and transparencies. Check before each class to be sure they are all there and in correct order. (Note: We suggest you frame the transparencies. You can use either transparency frames or a frame for the overhead projector itself.)

5. Overhead projector in proper working order, screen, extension cord, projection table, spare bulb, overhead projection markers.

6. Becoming a Contagious Christian video cassette cued to "Session 1."

7. Video player and monitor in proper working order, stand, extension cord, all necessary cables and connectors.

8. Optional: Tape/CD player for instrumental music. (Note: Use this before and after the sessions to create a relaxing atmosphere.)

3 Minutes

Session Introduction

WELCOME TO THE BECOMING A CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIAN COURSE AND SESSION 1: WHY BECOME A CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIAN?

1. Call the group together.

2. Welcome the participants to Session One of the Becoming a Contagious Christian course.

3. Introduce yourself.

PRAYER

Dear Father, we want to start our time together by telling You we are thankful to be on the receiving end of your love and grace. What an amazing thing it is that You have not only forgiven our sins, but You have given us the incredible privilege of being tools in your hands to reach others. Please use this time to make us confident and effective in communicating our faith, and may the result be an eternal impact on the lives of many friends and family members who will come to know You. Help us to become contagious Christians, infectiously influencing those around us. In Christ we pray, amen.

OVERVIEW

Participant's Guide page 7.

Note: You can also view the corresponding Participant's Guide page on the page opposite each Leader's Guide page.

As the title of this course indicates, the goal is to help each of us become contagious Christians, the kind who have caught Christ's love, and who will now make efforts to contagiously communicate this new life to all who are willing to listen. God wants each of us to become effective carriers of His life-changing Gospel message.

If you've ever influenced someone to commit their life to Christ, then you will already understand this-there's nothing that compares to the thrill of being used by God in this way. There's nothing as important as helping someone find God's forgiveness and the new life He offers. There's nothing as rewarding as knowing that your efforts have made a difference in someone's eternity. Our goal is that, very soon, all of us will experience the adventure of being used by God in this way.

In this first session, we will describe what Relational Evangelism is not and what it is. We also will identify its components, revisit the biblical basis for evangelism, and begin an Impact List of relationships to build.

Discovery (44 minutes)

5 Minutes

PERCEPTIONS OF VARIOUS PROFESSIONS

Let's start by first looking at some perceptions we may have of various professions in our society. Fair or unfair, certain professions have a negative reputation that they just do not seem to be able to get rid of. Keeping in mind that we are not intending to be critical, what are some examples that you can think of?

Leader's Note: Solicit several responses from the group. If "evangelist" or some variation of "evangelist" comes up, comment that you will get back to that profession in a minute.

Possible responses you may get are:

Politicians

Used car sales people

Lawyers

Insurance sales representatives

Just a reminder: You do not need to read these "possible responses" to the group. They only are provided to give you an idea of what to expect when you ask a question.

PERCEPTIONS OF EVANGELISTS

Participant's Guide page 8.

Okay, now turn to page 8 in your Participant's Guide. What comes to your mind when you hear the words "evangelist" or "evangelism"?

Leader's Note: Most groups will begin with negative examples of evangelism or evangelists. Write them down under the negative column on the overhead.

After you get a few negative examples, ask for some positive examples.

Some possible responses might be:

Positive-Extroverted, Billy Graham, committed, bold, outgoing, articulate, concerned for the salvation of others

Negative-Obnoxious, pushy, money-grabbing, insensitive, self-centered

If you get responses that could either be positive or negative, depending on the approach used, write them in the middle of the chart.

(Continues...)