After The Service

Details

Published on Thursday, 06 January 2011 03:55

Often when we talk to pastors about Faith Promise there is a recurring question that comes up. “How do we keep people motivated and committed after our annual Missions Conference or Faith Promise service?”

This is certainly a critical part of following up on our efforts to reach the world. The fact of the matter is that a few weeks or months after the commitment service the depth of the feeling begins to fade for some. They no longer feel the same burden or inner stirring to be involved like they did in that service. The cost of their commitment can often seem to grow and they may start to feel that their small effort is unimportant to the kingdom of God. This is where follow-up becomes so important.

The shepherd must be the leader of the flock. He must remember to present the burden of world evangelism often and with passion. The missionary or Faith Promise representative will not be around to renew the vision from week to week.

Most pastors will find it very helpful to appoint a good Missions Director or coordinator to help cast the vision before the church. This needs to be someone who can lift a voice of burden for the lost. Time should be allotted regularly to read encouraging and positive reports from Foreign and Home missionaries that are published in newsletters and UPCI periodicals. People must be urged to remember their commitment and encouraged to pray often for the families and countries they are supporting.

A prearranged short telephone call to a missionary (consider time zones) that can be broadcast aloud can be a great opportunity for the church to receive fresh testimonies and encouragement.

Church members need to be led in focused prayer from time to time regarding their consecration to trust God with their finances. They need to be taught to ask the Lord to give them a fresh understanding of what they are capable of doing.

They must be instructed in developing a burden for the lost at home and abroad. A specific time for the giving of this offering should be set and promoted such as the first Sunday of the month or whatever works best for each church.

Teach them by example that there is joy and peace in trusting the Lord as they give. This will boost their faith as they feel the blessings of trusting and pleasing the Lord.

Please remember that Faith Promise Ministries and the entire staff of the Foreign Missions Division are here to serve you and be a blessing to every church, pastor and member as we work together in the harvest.