CONSERVING THE FRUITS OF EVANGELISM
CONSERVING THE FRUITS OF EVANGELISM
TEXT: Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-20; Acts 2:41-47.
INTRODUCTION
There are two parts of the great commission which was given to the church by Our Lord Jesus Christ. The first one is to preach the gospel to every creature and make disciples of the nations, while the second is teaching the disciples that have been made all that Christ has commanded us. This we generally refer to as follow up. Without giving proper attention to this second part of the Great commission all our labour in evangelization may not produce much fruit. Consequently, there will not be much growth in the Church. Therefore, for the Church to grow as God desires, there must be proper conservation of the fruits of evangelism.
1. MEANING OF FOLLOW-UP.
Follow-up has been defined as the conservation, maturation and multiplication of the fruits of evangelism. Winning and building are inseparably linked together in Scriptures. The new convert requires parental guidance and special feeding on the “the milk of the word" (1 Pet. 2:2). Follow-up is the initial work of helping the new convert to develop in his new found faith. It is discipling the new convert. A new born baby needs someone to assist him and bring him up until he is able to take care of himself. So also, a new convert needs the soul-winner to be by his side, clear his initial doubts, answer his questions, assure him from the Scriptures and prayerfully assist him in every way possible until he is able to stand on his own.
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2. THE PURPOSE OF FOLLOW-UP.
The goal of follow-up is to get the convert established in Christ, integrate into the local church and to be actively involved in doing all that he has been taught.
The Soul-winner, counselor or the one following up the church should teach the new believer one: (1 ). The assurance of salvation (Num. 23:19; Ps. 119:89; 1 Jn. 1 :9; Prov. 28:13; Eph. 2:8,9; Jn. 1:12). Faith in the unchanging word of God, the witness of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of his new life are the basis for such assurance. (2). The daily habit of personal quite time (Mk. 1:35; 6:46; John 15:15; Ps. 55:17). The new believer must be taught how to pray, read, study and meditate on the word of God. (3). Living a victorious Christian life daily (Matt. 28:18-20; John 8:11; Lk. 9:23-26; Matt. 10:37-39; 18:15-35). (4). The importance of fellowship with other believers of like precious faith (2 Pet. 1:1; Heb. 10:24,25; Acts 2:41-47). (5). The personal responsibility and obedience to the great commission (Matt. 28:20; 2 Tim. 2:2; Matt. 9:37.38; Mark. 5:14.20.)
3. THE METHODS OF FOLLOWUP: Acts 15. 36, 41; 18:23; 14:21-23; Phil. 2: 19, 20.
From the above passages we see converts being followed up in various ways and by various methods A new believer could be followed up by: (1). Personal contact (Acts 20:32; 15:36, 41; 18: 23). This is obviously the most effective method of follow-up Personal contact and teaching of the word of God could do more good to the young convert than all Christian literature without personal teaching from the soul-winner himself. The soul-winner will have to organize his time so that he can be with the convert regularly to teach, to share and to pray with. The soul-winner will need Bible Study outlines that are specially prepared for young converts and aimed at bringing them up in love, faith and purity of life. The soul-winner has to bring his convert with him to the place of worship where they will both have good and scriptural food. (2). Personal Prayer (E'ph. 1:16,17; 3:14-19). Prayer is an important part of follow-up. The soul-winner must pray for the convert he is following up. Paul prayed for the churches even when he had not seen some of them. We should have a list of converts and their needs. We should pray for them on definite things and thank God as He gives answers to our prayers. (3). Personal Representatives (Acts 14:21-23; Phil. 2:19,20). There are times when personal representatives may be sent to do the following-up world, (4). Personal correspondence. The epistles of Paul the apostle are follow-up letters. This is follow-up by correspondence. (5). Personal telephone calls.
Follow-up takes time. it is a process, not just an act. We must devote quality time to be able to bring up our converts. There is great danger and judgment if we neglect this task (1 Kings 20:39-40; Ezek. 34:1-10). At the same time, there is great reward if we are faithful in doing the word (Ps. 126:5-6; 1 Cor. 15:58). We should arise and follow-up in (a personal and definite way) every convert of our outreaches. Our rewards are great in heaven.
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4. PlTFALLS TO BE AVOIDED BY THE FOLLOW-UP EVANGELIST.
a. To avoid embarrassments, knock and wait for consent before you enter the house or room of your convert. Avoid unnecessary familiarity
b. Do not shut yourself in with the opposite sex for any reason.
c. Let the Bible be your guide. Talk about Jesus and leave the non-essentials.
d. Teach and read the Bible and encourage the convert to read with you if the person is learned.
e. Do not sit or lie down on the bed of the opposite sex during follow-up.
f. The follow-up evangelist must use their own language if the convert speaks same language.
g. Avoid big and unnecessary grammar. it sometimes causes amusements.
h. Mind the terms you use during personal, correspondence or phone contacts. Avoid using words that are capable of inducing lust or causing misunderstanding especially to the opposite sex. ,
i. Do not often make reference to your past lifestyle, testify of your new life.
j. Dress in modest apparel. Let your nakedness be fully covered. Do not allow the convert sit half naked before you (especially the opposite sex). Do not look like a tout, or prostitute.
k. Do not have bad breath. Be clean in dress, mouth, nose etc., it matters.
l. The evangelist is not permitted to organize all-night prayers alone for the opposite sex to teach him/her to pray.
m. if the evangelist discovers a need in the convert that is single (opposite sex), he/she could pass through mature leaders to solve that problem. .
n. Do not follow-up your converts at night (especrally the opposite sex).
o. Do not talk too much, avoid unnecessary arguments, do not allow your convert to push you into gossip.
p. Do not begin to share your personal problems with the convert or give him your prayer request or ask for loan.
q. Do not take “special or prophets‘ offering" from your convert.
r Report matters you cannot handle to yourArea Leader or Pastor.
CONCLUSION:
We live in the face of a watching world. Our conduct can win people around us or ruin them. in an adulterous generation, such as ours, we must be careful in the way we relate with the opposite sex. Two kingdoms are struggling strongly for that one heart or soul. We should pray that nothing is done in a way even the new convert is discouraged. lf ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
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