Visitation for care group by Armando Capangpangan.pptx

Visitation

1. Strategies for Church Member’s Visitation

2. Introduction Church visitation is crucial to the growth of the church . It does not only address the issue of evangelism but also in nurturing church members. Churches who employ church visitation are observed to have lesser drop outs compared to those churches who do not care for their newly baptized church members They also have more in baptism and thus have for church growth both in quantitative and qualitative growth of every church members.

3. Lesson Objectives At the end of the lesson presentation the trainees will have achieved the following: 1.Demonstrate understanding of the Biblical foundation of church visitation . 2.Identify the reasons why church members opt not to participate in church ministry and mission 3. Integrate the basic steps on how to visit church members and non-church members in different situations.

4. Biblical Foundation Personal visitation is founded in the scripture. After Adam and Eve were created, God would visit them in their Edenic abode in the coolness of the day (Gen 3). After man’s fall, God continued his personal contact with humanity in many forms. The ministry of Jesus in this world is the greatest proof of the importance of personal visitation.

5. Biblical Foundation His incarnation is the greatest demonstration of God’s personal concern with every individual. In his earthly ministry he exemplified on the following: He visited Zacchaeus’ home (Luke 19:1-10) He visited Peter’s home ( Mark 1:29-39) He visited the Pharisee’s home (Luke 7:36-39) He visited the Tax Collector (Mark 2:13-17) He visited the undesirable sinners (Matthew 9:10-12)

6. Importance of Church Visitation The importance of personal endeavor is capsulated in 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NASB) “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

7. Importance of Church Visitation Church visitation is important for the following reasons: First it is an opportunity for evangelism. Second, it is an avenue of reclaiming missing church members. Third, it is an opportunity to involve church members for ministry and mission of the church.

8. Advantages of Visitation It gives joy in doing God’s will. We are happy and satisfied to see the church growing quantitatively and qualitatively. It propels us to deeply study God’s Word . It helps know other people and help them in their needs.

9. Advantages of Visitation A. It provides the joy and satisfaction of doing something truly significant and making a positive difference in people’s lives. B. It gives us the satisfaction of doing God’s will. C. It gives us the satisfaction of helping the church grow spiritually and numerically. D. It stimulates us to study the Bible and pray.

10. Advantages of Visitation E. It helps us focus on the needs of others and diverts our attention from our personal problems and anxieties. F. It helps keep us from lukewarmness and worldliness. G. It helps prevent fault-finding, criticism and gossip. We are much less prone to participate in such activities when we are busy in positive satisfying activities. H. It helps us know one another better and to appreciate one another more. It helps us develop new friendships.

11. Targets of Visitation Church Guest - (Matt 22: 9-10 )-Go to the street corners and invites to the banquet anyone you find…” Inactive members (James 5:19-20) – My brothers if one of you should wander from the truth and someone bring him back: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

12. Targets of Visitation Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors (mark 5:19-20) – “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you” Hospital and Nursing homes (Luke 8: 41-42) - Then a man named Jairus , a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus‟ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying

13. Characteristics We Need to Possess A. Faithfulness to the Lord . 1 Timothy 4:12. An unfaithful member of a church who visits in the name of the church will do more harm than good. B. A genuine love for people. People can detect whether we love them. C. A positive, cheerful disposition . Some must gather from observing some Christians that Christianity is a dull, joyless religion. A positive attitude attracts people to the church. Acts 2:46,47. Jesus came to make abundant living possible. John 10:10. Christians can be happy regardless of circumstances. Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:4

14. Characteristics We Need to Possess D. Common sense and tact . Cultivate the art of saying the right thing in the right way at the right time. Colossians 4:5,6. The way we approach people is important. Our purpose is not to win arguments, but to win souls. Pray for wisdom. James 1:5 E. Flexibility . People are not all alike. It is important to effectively relate to different kinds of people. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

15. General Principle in Visiting A. Most visits should be brief – an average of about 15 minutes. Use wisdom in making exceptions to this. B. Be natural and relaxed . This puts the other person at ease. C. Don’t do all the talking; learn to be a good listener. Talk about things the other person is interested in – his/her house, job, family, vehicle, pets, hobbies, sports, etc. D. Don’t ask personal questions . Examples: “How old are you?” “How much did the rug cost?” “How did you get your finger cut off?” “What was your surgery for?”

16. General Principle in Visiting E. Always be enthusiastic and positive when talking about the church. All churches have some problems and need improvement. Accentuate the positive. F. Avoid criticism , gossip and argumentation. G. Be alert for additional information that may be helpful in making future visits. H. Always make your visits warm and informal . Don’t mention “our visitation program”. People need to feel that you are visiting them because you are interested in them. Don’t display your visitation assignment form. Be careful not to leave it.

17. Steps in Making the Visits

18. Before the Visit 1. Study any information you have about that person; (In case of backslider why he/she was dropped from membership), age, hobbies, interests, etc. 2. Memorize the name and use it during the visit 3. Should you go alone ? Couples or families should be visited by couples. Don’t go alone to visit an individual of the opposite sex. 4. Pray. 5. When two members visit as a team, decide who will lead the conversation.

19. Steps on How to Visit Inside the Home Biblical Principle. Col. 4:6 – Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

20. At the Door 1. As you approach the door, avoid loud conversation if two or more are calling. Look for things to compliment. Ring or knock, then step back from the door. 2. Smile and be enthusiastic ! 3. If you don’t know the person you’re visiting, introduce yourself and tell them what church you are with and ask if you may come in and visit briefly. 4. It if appears that they are busy or about to leave, ask is this is the case. Offer to return later if it is not a convenient time for them to visit . Leave some literature about your congregation and briefly welcome them to services.

21. Inside the Home Once inside the home, you can look for visible things to build a friendly conversation with. For example: musical instruments, trophies, pictures, etc. Begin building a relationship with the prospect by talking about the things they like. Remember to retrieve any information that may be used for follow up and ministry. Do not take notes in front of the prospects. Stay focused on ministry to the individual.

22. Inside the Home Listen for feelings, attitudes, perceptions and values as well as for facts. Pay attention and avoid interrupting. Never tune people out because you don’t like them, you disagree with them, or you find them dull. This time should not be rushed although you should not overstay your welcome either. Be Spirit led and use good judgment .

23. During the Visit Introduce yourself as a friend from the church Be warm & friendly Be sincere, kind and genuine Come to the point quickly Be an active listener Let bitterness come out Don’t defend anyone Don’t betray a backslider’s confidence

24. Making the Visit: Don’t stay long: 10-15 minutes Give a brief invitation but do not try to squeeze a promise Always close your visit with a prayer Leave immediately following prayer

25. Making the Visit: DO NOT: Arrange a series of Bible Studies DO NOT: Accept money DO NOT: Solicit a donation DO NOT: Dismiss as hopeless DO NOT: Argue about church standards

26. Leaving the Home Leaving the Home Biblical Principles. Eph 5:15-16 – Be careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise making the most of every opportunity…”

27. Leaving the Home Do not end your visit with a reason you must leave . (i.e. We have a meeting to go to, we have more visits to make, I’ve got to get home, etc..) The prospect should feel special enough that you have designated this time just for them. Praying with the prospect is a good way to conclude the visit , but always ask permission to pray for them and never call on them to pray, some people will be very uncomfortable with that.

28. Report for Assimilation Keep good reports for assimilation (Col 4:9) …They will tell you everything that is happening…”

29. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members Study any information you have about that person; why he/she was dropped from membership, age, hobbies, interests, etc. Memorize the name and use it during the visit Identify yourself and the church at the door. Be warm and friendly

30. Gain trust – build confidence !

31. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members Pray for the infilling of the Spirit for wisdom and Christ-like love for former members. Things to remember when visiting a former member: a. Do not argue b. Do not defend yourself, the church, or anyone else. c. Do not preach that they should look to Jesus instead of looking at people .

32. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members Study any information you have on why they stopped coming, his/her age, and present interests. The first visit: a. May be short (half hour at most) b. Use warmth, tact, and gentleness – no pressure c. Relax, introduce yourself from the S.D.A. Church

33. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members “Good morning! Is this where the Smith’s live? Are you Mr. Smith? We are from the Adventist Church.” “We don’t plan to stay long, but we do want to visit with you for just a little while. May we step in for a few minutes?” ( Greeting example upon arriving at the home)

34. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members Hello, I’m _________________ from the ________________ church. I am doing visitation ministry to find out how our church can better meet people’s needs and would be privileged to be able to come by and visit you and your family. When would be a good time to stop by? Appointment by phone

35. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members You might ask the following questions in conversation: Were you reared in the S.D.A. Church? How old were you when you were baptized? Did you make your decision to join the church through a series of evangelistic meetings? Did you go to Adventist Schools?

36. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members After you have visited for awhile and then seem to be comfortable ask the following question: There are a lot of reasons why people quit coming to church, would you like to share why you no longer attend?

37. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members Express appreciation for honesty/don’t refute or argue. “This information will help me in helping others.” LISTEN. If he/she was treated badly, don’t take sides. After he/she is through unburdening his/her heart, you might say, “I can understand how you might feel that way.” (You want to be able to show you care and yet not show judgment on either side).

38. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members “May I ask you a personal question? Do you still believe the message the church teaches is still the message God has for the world?” “ Have you thought about coming back to church?”

39. Guidelines For Visiting Former Members If they have interest in returning: a. Arrange to take them to S.S. Class or church. b. Leave literature or a sharing book. C. Start a Bible study Find a reason to return again. Give them something to read, listen to or study.

40. Encourage personal devotions

41. Your beliefs don’t make you a better person, Your behavior does BestQuotes4You.com