Encounter Jesus today, impact Australia tomorrow,

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Encounter Jesus today, impact Australia tomorrow, and reach the nations for eternity

Into the Harvest – 2020 Version 7.0 Page 2

Power to Change, formerly known as Campus Crusade for

Christ Australia (CCCA), started in 1967. The campus

strategy, formerly known as Student Life, commenced in

1974. Power to Change now has missionaries working in

schools, at universities (in Australia and four locations

internationally), with families, in developing new missional

communities and in aid relief. We experience God making

an incredible difference in our lives and believe that He

helps make sense of the world. We are a community that

values making a contribution that counts and seeing

positive changes made in our world.

We have one purpose – To help fulfil the Great

Commission in Australia and beyond

We have one process – connect, build and send

multiplying disciples.

We have four major priorities – students, churches,

leaders and digital.

Our Values

• Bold faith (we trust God for what only He can do)

• Character Growth (we model our lives on Jesus)

• Fruitfulness (we go after effectiveness)

• Interdependent Community (we thrive together,

not apart)

Let's work together to help change the world.

Allan Gibson

National Director



❑ Pray for yourself as you prepare, and the students who will do this training

❑ Have you read the trainers guide?

❑ Dry run and feedback if this is your first time

❑ Witnessing experience scheduled

❑ Name tags, names by campus

❑ Student Notes, copies of “Satisfied?”, Handy-dandy quiz sheets

❑ Spare pens, clock, training schedule

❑ White board or flip chart for brainstorming, pens

❑ KGPs, 3 circles large version/ Powerpoint

❑ Testimony- ABCDDEF

❑ KGP demo helper, optional role play partner

❑ Examples of evangelistic articles, other tools like CE

❑ Definitions on posters or flashcards for reviews

❑ “Harvest” cards, seed and pots for the closing session, also music

❑ Harvest video (previewed stopping point) – Please get in touch with your state coordinator

for a copy of this video.



• Breaking New Ground

If you would like to use this material, or any part thereof, please contact Power to Change on the

details below.

Power to Change

PO Box 6095

Woolloongabba QLD 4102

Ph: 07 3188 8411

[email protected]

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,

because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep

without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The

harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of

the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest

field.” Matthew 9:36-38



If not following on from Breaking New Ground with the same group,

have an introductory activity to learn names and help people settle in

(5 mins).

Review the dual purpose of this training: Open in Prayer

(5 minutes)

The dual purpose of this training is to

• help you grow more like Jesus, and to

• equip you to make a difference as you live for God.

What were 1-2 elements that played a significant role in you

coming to know Jesus?

(Make the point that God’s main method is using people. Read ‘Why

Into the Harvest’ side column to highlight the need for more labourers

to enter the harvest)

“In Breaking New Ground we looked at the idea that everyone is on a

spiritual journey, whether they’re moving toward or away from God.

We want to learn how to engage with someone where they are and

journey alongside them in such a way that helps them take steps

towards accepting Jesus. We may journey with someone for their whole

lives or only for a short while. This session looks more at how we can

engage in this process of evangelism.”

What can only God do in someone’s spiritual journey? What is my

part? Point out that the hearers are also responsible according to what

they know.

We continue in this session to focus on “my part” in the process.

As we take the initiative

to share Christ, we

intentionally connect

with others in a process

which has 7 common

ingredients. Missing

some of the ingredients

will hinder our

effectiveness.

Students will be able to

examine their witness

against the ABCDDEF

framework.

Students will be able to use

the resources presented to

suggest appropriate next

steps.

This is a reference to

Matthew 9:36-38, “Ask the

Lord of the harvest to send

out workers into his harvest

field.” Jesus then sends out

the 12 in answer to their own

prayer. This training will

help you answer that same

prayer, in your part of the

spiritual harvest.



(5 minutes)

Have someone (student if possible) ready to share how these

ABCDDEF steps operated in his or her situation.

This PROCESS is as easy as ABC!*

A________________ with those who need Jesus

B________________ those who need Jesus

C________________ an interest in Jesus

D________________ the Gospel

D________________ the Gospel

E________________ a response

F________________ on the response

Notice the process represented involves our life (especially at the start,

and our lips- proclamation with our own words or using other media.

Let’s expand on the ABC headings.

(5 mins)

One of the barriers to the spread of the Gospel is the insulation of

Christians from society. If we have no significant relationships with

non-believers, we won’t see the opportunities to speak to their

needs.

Self Test

How many non-believers can I name in my course?

How many neighbours in my street/unit block know me?

How many non-believers do I spend time with weekly?

Do I initiate conversations with people I don’t know?

*ABCDDEF from Ray Smith

The truth is a person- Jesus.

Truth is most powerfully

communicated personally,

through some form of

relationship. This is why

Jesus commanded his

disciples to go- not just to

write letters. One of Jesus’

titles is Emmanuel- “God

with us.” Incarnational

ministry is costly……and

powerful.

“Frequently the unsaved are

viewed as enemies rather

than victims of the Enemy.

Spirituality is viewed as

separation from the

unsaved. The new Christian

is told he has ‘nothing in

common’ with his unsaved

associates. Frankly, I have a

lot in common with

them……. It is well to

remember that Jesus was

called ‘a friend of sinners.”

Joe Aldrich, “Life-style

Evangelism”

Fellowship is vital and can

help us maintain our values,

but salt can’t do its job of

flavouring or preserving

from inside the saltshaker!

LIF

E &

LIP

S

Ex

po

se

Co

nn

ect B

uild



(15mins)

“What is it that makes someone your friend, rather than just an

acquaintance?” (Discuss)

While meeting people may be unavoidable, making friends requires

faithfulness on our part. Friendship is accelerated when we meet

people in more than one context. Compare the likely outcome if

Morgan meets Taylor

1. in lectures only

2. in lectures, a group project and lunch weekly

3. same as 2 plus Morgan comes to Taylor’s party

“Why might building a deeper friendship with someone help you in

sharing your faith with them?” (Discuss ideas. Note that you can still

witness to strangers or acquaintances)

While we can start building friendships at any time, there are various

times in life when people are naturally more open to connecting with

others. (Note: 5 C’s are just a resource – don’t need to go into detail)

Times people are more open to connection = prime times to

initiate relationship ( 5 C’s are from Dave Andrews)

Change of location, job or relationship

A great example is starting uni. Much of life is being

renegotiated and there is a strong need for connection.

Friends made in the first 6 weeks will likely set the tone for

the whole degree.

Cycles of life

Births, death, engagement, 21sts are all “public” events

when conversation with others is expected.

Crisis or shared threat

Whether as global as September 11 2001 or as local as a

dispute with a lecturer or a restructure of office jobs, we

are drawn together seeking reassurance and solidarity.

Celebration at parties, festivals, holidays

At parties we expect to meet strangers. Christian festivals

such as Easter are valid times to connect as a believer.

Chance encounters

All my neighbours know me

as a Red Cross collector.

Several know me as a fellow

soccer parent. A few share in

a fruit and veg co-op and

child taxi service with us.

Others share wheelbarrows

and ladders. This is the

broader context in which

they understand we attend

church on Sundays.

How do your associates

know you? Primarily as a

propagandist or as someone

with a life worth living?

Gary Cook

“In the proselytisation game

we treat people as faceless

commodities (contacts) -

potential trophies for us to

win. We do not treat people

as people. If we meet

people’s needs, it is not so

much to help them, but to

help us win them over. The

proselytisation game may

promote encounters with

people but subverts the

possibility of developing

relationships of mutual

acceptance and respect.”

from Dave Andrews “Can you

hear the Heartbeat”



Premeditated visits like door-knocking carry some risk of

stereotyping, but the spontaneous meeting of the same

person in a queue or on public transport or walking the

dog does not. Multiple meetings make it natural to talk.

Ideas for uni

What are some things you already do, that you can do with non-

believers?

Brainstorm ideas. Make a list under Associate and Befriend on the

wall. Encourage note taking.

Join a uni club that interests you- or start one eg. Allan’s Tennis Club

story from Toowoomba (Hint - some clubs are better than others for

connecting. Sailing and bushwalking offer travel and recreation time

in small groups. Chess itself is not conversational in competition; you

might need to foster the social side.) Issues-focused groups such as

Amnesty or the Sorry-Day campaign will connect you with people

thinking about what matters in life.

Choose where you sit in lectures (and for lunch). Aim to meet 4 new

people in every new lecture you have. Sit next to someone of the same

gender you don’t know. Have lunch where the overseas students hang

out. Queue up at the microwave and start chatting!

Talk in the photocopy queue!

Get involved in the Student Union/Council as a faculty rep. Does your

Christianity make the uni a better place for everyone? Hang out in the

Women’s Department or arrange to have lunch with the Gay and

Lesbian officer. Ask the Clubs and Socs officer how you can make their

life easier.

(20 mins)

Discuss: What do you think might make someone more interested in the

Gospel?

Creating an interest in Jesus can be done by showing how the

Gospel connects to our everyday lives. Here are just 3 ways we can

do this:

1) Build bridges to the Gospel or your testimony

While it is valid and valuable to speak to strangers about Jesus,

creating an interest in the Gospel flows more naturally where

people already know we have a sincere interest in them. Too often

we try to tell people the answers to the questions we think they

“The best argument for

Christianity is Christians;

their joy, their certainty, their

completeness. But the

strongest argument against

Christianity is also Christians

- when they are sombre and

joyless, when they are self-

righteous and smug in

complacent consecration,

when they are narrow and

repressive, then Christianity

dies a thousand deaths.”

Sheldon Vanauken

“A Severe Mercy”



should be asking, without listening to hear their side. What are their

current concerns in life? What are they thinking about?

If Jesus is relevant to all of your life, it will certainly be the same in

the lives of your friends and associates. These are the bridges

across which the Gospel can travel.

➢ What are some issues that the Gospel relates to in everyday

life?

Relationship hopes and disappointments, stress and contentment,

anger at injustice, ethics and knowing right and wrong, belonging and

family, self image and identity, sickness and healing, past hurts and

wholeness, guidance and direction, hope for a future, forgiveness and

freedom from guilt, sense of own inadequacy, handling failure.

In groups of 2-4, ask how one of these suggestions could be used to

build a bridge to the Gospel or to their own testimony.

If time: Headline exercise. Produce some recent papers and ask groups

of 2-4 to see how they can use a headline or story to create an interest

in the Gospel. Goal - to show how Jesus is relevant to everyday issues.

2) Uncensored sharing

While we often shy away from mentioning our faith or Christian

activity to non-believing friends, sharing openly about the Christian

side of our life can help to create an interest in Jesus. If your friends

ask what you did on the weekend, tell them you went to church. If

a topic of conversation links with input you have received from a

sermon or from Christian books, share what you have learned.

What is one part of your faith or Christian activity that you are

tempted to hide from non-believers?

3) Transitioning to spiritual conversations

Once you have connected the Gospel to an issue in their life, shared

about your own Christian activity or your testimony, this then allows

you to ask questions of them to explore their own spiritual journey

or beliefs.

See Appendix 1 for transitions you can use to turn a conversation

to spiritual things.

Choose 2 or 3 to highlight. Get into pairs and practise transitioning to

a spiritual conversation. It will help to give students different scenarios

– eg. You have told a friend that you went to church on the weekend;

talking to a friend about a relationship break-up; sharing about what

you learned at Power to Change…

Close by summarising A-B-C and pray.

“Strangers, as long as they

remain strangers, only hear

a message and never see it

lived out in human

relationships. One of the

greatest gifts (and evidence)

that we give is the chance for

others to see how Jesus lives

his life out through us. And

the demonstration of his

love, his holiness and his

charity is especially powerful

in a community of believers.”

Rebecca Pippert

“Out of the Saltshaker”



Once we discover that someone is interested in Jesus or spiritually

open, we want to help lead them into a relationship with God. The

first step is declaring the Gospel.

Discuss: On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you that you can

clearly explain the Gospel to others and lead them to Christ?

(10mins)

The Gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who

believes…” (Romans 1:16). It is essential to be able to communicate

it clearly and simply. A simple outline, like the “Knowing God

Personally” booklet, can be very helpful. It has everything you need

to help a person come to Christ; it guides the conversation, it

focuses on what Jesus has done for us, and it provides a clear

invitation to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

KGP: (Ask if they remember the points from Breaking New Ground. Can

give a mintie to those who can recall one)

1.

2.

3.

4.

Brainstorm: How might you transition from a conversation about

spiritual things to sharing the Gospel/the KGP booklet?

Once you’ve discovered where someone is on their spiritual journey

or have created an interest in Jesus, an easy way to start talking

about the Gospel is to ask permission.

• “I have this little booklet that has really helped me

understand all of this. Do you mind if I share it with you?”

• “I’ve been attending this conference where we’re studying a

booklet that makes sense to a lot of people. I’d like to get

your opinion on it. May I share it with you?”

• “Do you ever think about knowing God in a personal way?

(Pause for answer). This booklet talks about knowing God

personally. Would you like to look at it together?”

At this point in the conversation, it is common to face doubts. Satan

may suggest to you, ‘Why don’t you wait for another

The “Knowing God

Personally” booklet is a

key resource for

evangelism. Confidence

is developed through

practice.


examine their witness

against the ABCDDEF

framework.

Students are able to

introduce the KGP

fluently and reply

appropriately to a variety

of responses at the

“circles”.

I am not ashamed of the

gospel, because it is the

power of God for the

salvation of everyone who

believes. Romans 1:16



opportunity?’ or ‘If you continue, he/she will be put off.’ Satan might

remind you of how inadequate you are as a representative of Jesus

or you might start imagining a negative response that threatens

your friendship.

Remember: Success in witnessing is…

(15mins)

It’s time for some hands-on practise now - first watch me and (helper)

and learn from an expert!

For fun! Take 3 mins to present "How not to present Knowing God

Personally". Without telling the group what you’re doing, use several

of the following points to demonstrate a bad presentation of the booklet.

(This should be done with humour).

a) Hold the booklet where it cannot be seen

b) Ask apologetically to share

c) Mumble

d) Stay glued to the booklet

e) Change hands in holding the booklet several times, i.e. move

the book so it cannot be followed

f) Ask to share a booklet. Rip it in half and give half to them

In a couple of minutes ask the group to identify the errors.

Point out the aim is dialogue, and the need to check for understanding.

Demonstrate a good introduction, using one of the suggestions under

the ‘ask permission’ section. Get group to practice introducing

“Knowing God Personally” in pairs. After their introduction, person

two continues reading it through (without unnecessary side-tracking)

from where person 1 finished. Each person has 3 mins to present.

Debrief, asking for any questions. Did their partner read at a good

pace?

Remember, the “Knowing God Personally” booklet forms part of a

conversation. The aim is dialogue, not the shortest route to the

end.

Regularly check for understanding. The ability to repeat what you

just said is no guarantee of understanding.

Ask questions that require the person to answer in their own

words. “How would you summarise what this point is saying?” or “Is

this different to what you have thought before - how?” or “So

according to the Bible, what are some differences between God and

you or me?”….

“The most dangerous thing

about methods is that when

they work, we begin to rely

on them. … As we become

successful, we slip into

thinking that continued

success is a matter of just

keeping that activity going.

We feel that if we just repeat

it long enough and hard

enough, we will accomplish

our goals. But when we

transfer our confidence to

such formula-success

approaches, we are also

resorting to worldly

weaponry.

Our primary spiritual

resources are the Spirit of

God and the Word of God.

Any true progress, any real

spiritual victory, is gained

through the power of these

two forces.”

Jim Peterson

“Living Proof”



From point 3: “How are these claims about Jesus different to other

religious founders you know of?”

Asking “does that make sense” gives them permission to clarify, but

a polite “yes” is no indication of genuine understanding.

(5 mins)

Remember the KGP is just a simple condensation of the gospel, a

stepping-stone to greater effectiveness in your witnessing. If you find a

tool that will better fit your situation, use it!! Briefly describe some

other tools.

There are other tools that you will find useful in sharing the Gospel.

See Appendix 3 for a more detailed list.

• Christianity Explained

• God Tools App (KGP & Satisfied)

• Parting Gift App (Short film)

• EveryStudent App (Evangelistic Articles)

• Presentations using the Bible and drawn diagrams

• Your personal testimony!

Have Testimony worksheet from Core group available. Give it to any

who have not prepared a testimony before. Note this for follow-up.

(5 mins)

Discuss: Can you recall a time when you’ve thought, “I can’t talk to

people about Jesus because I will be asked questions I can’t answer”?

Were you able to overcome it or is it something you still wrestle with?

As we share the Gospel message with others, we will find a variety

of questions and objections are raised.

Many questions can be posed by someone as a ‘smoke screen’,

covering up a deeper issue or distracting from the real matter at

hand. Before we attempt to respond, it is helpful to ask questions

to uncover what is underneath. For example, an intellectual answer

to the issue of suffering will not satisfy if they are dealing with the

death of a family member. It may also be helpful to ask whether

having an answer would make any difference to their belief in

God/Jesus.

There is humility in admitting we can’t answer a question. We

should then attempt to get back with an answer.

Apologetics is the defence

of the faith. Most questions

are some variation on the

following: (they can all be

answered!)

1. Is there a God?

2. Was Jesus who he claimed

to be? (identity and

resurrection)

3. Is the Bible trustworthy?

4. How can there be a good

God with all the evil and

suffering in the world?

5. All religions lead to the

same Being. It doesn’t

matter what you follow.

6. There are so many

denominations, why should I

believe your version of

Christianity?

7. Your beliefs are true for

you, but others find their

truth elsewhere. Sincerity

and tolerance are the key.

8. Religion was invented to

give insecure people a

crutch to hold onto in the

face of life’s uncertainties.

Christian experience is a

psychological illusion.

9. Look at the history of the

church/ missionaries. This is

a human invention to

control people, not a

revelation from a loving God.

(Church is full of hypocrites)

10. I’m basically good. That’s

all God expects - we’re all

human. My good outweighs

my bad, so God will let me

into heaven.

11. Science has disproved

the Christian explanation of

the world. We don’t need

superstition any more.

A basic book to read and give

away is “More than a

Carpenter” by Josh

McDowell.



Great websites for answers:

www.everystudent.com.au

www.whoisjesus-really.com

While it may be necessary to challenge error, “Defend” is not about

arguing. Beware if you love a debate! You may easily outmanoeuvre

your “opponent” and win a battle, but lose the war.

Other resources to help you with Declare and Defend are the Power

to Change training modules ‘Leading Christianity Explained’,

‘Evangelism as a Way of Life’ and ‘Faith and Reason’.

(10 mins)

Without this E, our ABCDD process would not be evangelism, but an

information dump.

In ‘Breaking New Ground’ we read 2 Corinthians 5 where Paul says

“we try to persuade men” and “we implore you on Christ’s behalf,

be reconciled to God”. The Gospel is urgent and requires a

response.

The KGP helps us with encouraging a response with the circles on

the green pages in the middle of the booklet.

Elaborate, turning to the “which circle …” question.

Handling Responses (see flow chart)

“Our goal in sharing Knowing God Personally is to show ‘how to’

know Christ personally. The result is in God’s hands. A person may

respond in a number of different ways and this demonstration is to help

you handle these different responses.” Leader: practice your answers

out loud before this session. Don’t read from the flow chart!

Turn to p12 (the circles) and ask a person to choose a response.

Demonstrate several responses, including ‘not sure’ where you check

if it is an understanding problem. Spend a few minutes with students

practising the same process in pairs.

4 Questions

If you are speaking with someone after a meeting where the Gospel

has been shared, or they have seen a video or read a book, these

questions can be used to encourage them to continue seeking.

http://www.everystudent.com/



1. What did you think of it?

2. Did it make sense to you?

3. Has anyone explained how you can have a personal

relationship with God?

4. Would you like to know?

(5 mins)

We are commissioned to “make disciples,” not “get decisions.”

Therefore follow-up is a high priority.

For the times we are privileged to be a part of a “new birth” and

someone becomes a Christian, the KGP contains some material for

immediate follow-up. Vital topics include assurance of salvation and

suggestions for growth. Power to Change has other material for on-

going follow-up of a new Christian. (see Multiplying Disciplemaking

module)

Reference p16 onwards of the KGP.

(5 mins) Give out copies of ‘Satisfied’

Early in your conversation you may learn that the person identifies

as a Christian. Even if some of their ideas sound incorrect, it can

seem a contradiction to use the KGP if they say they have a

relationship with God. In this setting, it is better to use the “Satisfied”

booklet. The early pages will indicate how alive to God they are. At

page 5, explain the circles and ask “Was there a time when you

made a decision like this, giving Jesus the control of your life?” “Tell

me about it.” Was there an understanding of sin, repentance and

trusting in Jesus’ death for salvation?

If yes, go on to p7 and there ask “which circle best represents your

life?” etc.

If no, but they understand these things, the prayer on p12 is

appropriate. Where understanding of salvation is lacking, revert to

the KGP, as it explains the work of Jesus.

"Evangelism is a

responsibility laid by Christ

upon His whole church and

every member of it. So the

people of God must be both

mobilised and trained."

John Stott

S



After you have read the

prayer ask “Have you ever

prayed a prayer like this

before?”

“Do you want to pray

this prayer with me

now?”

(CONTINUE TO END OF

BOOKLET)

Ask: “What is stopping you from saying

this right now?” Or “Which part could

you not say honestly to God?”

(Clarify the issue. If appropriate, ask the

pray question again. If not, ask if they

would be interested in meeting again to

explore the Gospel further)

“Tell me about it.” Seek to

encourage them in their faith

and to be meeting with another

group of Christians

Left Not Sure Right

What circle would you like to

describe you? “Would you mind if I finished

reading through the booklet so

that you could share it to

someone else?” (CONTINUE

THROUGH BOOKLET TO END OF

PRAYER)

Left Not Sure Right

“Someday you

may want to be in

the right circle.

Can I show you

how you could do

this?” (CONTINUE

ON TO NEXT

PAGE (12))

Ask if they have

any questions.

Revise if necessary

(CONTINUE ON TO

NEXT PAGE (12))

Clarify their

understanding.

“The following

describes how to

surrender your life

to Christ”

(CONTINUE ON TO

NEXT PAGE (12))

Could you say this to God and mean it?

No

Yes

No

Yes



If using the Harvest video here, show the first 9’50” of it at the start

of this session. Add this time to your plan!

(10mins)

“We’ve talked a lot about how we can engage in the process of

evangelism and different tools we can use to lead others towards

Jesus.”

Some of you may be excited by the prospect of joining God’s

mission and engaging with others in their spiritual journey. Others

of you may be familiar with this idea of ‘evangelism’, and yet feel a

sense of reluctance or guilt when you think about witnessing to

others. When we lack motivation for joining in God’s mission, we

usually respond in one of two ways – we obey even though we don’t

feel like it, or we don’t obey at all.

Can you recall an instance when you responded in either one of

these ways? Which one do you tend to lean towards? (In pairs)

Read Romans 5:5. Where should our motivation come from?

It is the Spirit which transforms our hearts and enables us to truly love

God and love others. We should be motivated by the Gospel, by love

from God and our love for God, rather than a feeling of guilt. We need

to be filled and relying on the Spirit, surrendering our lives and our

motives to God. As we do this, we’ll be able to say as Paul does that

“Christ’s love compels us”.

“Now, before we think about how to put this into practice, let’s review

the steps we’ve looked at.”

Review ABCDDEF steps –give minties for each correct answer. (5

mins)

(15mins) Extra activity, if your session time allows it:

Use the scenarios in Appendix 5 of the trainer’s manual to practice

exploring where someone is in their spiritual journey, transitioning to

the Gospel, sharing the Gospel and encouraging a response. Print out

sufficient copies of the scenarios to distribute to the individuals in the

session. Give each person their own role description, which remains

hidden from their partner (one Christian and one non-Christian role

per pair). The goal is to find out the kind of information their partner

(the non-Christian) has on their handout and, if appropriate, to share

the Gospel. Swap roles for Scenario 2. Debrief.

“Let’s move from theory and role plays to action…”

What will better equip

me to share the

Gospel? It’s time to

check our readiness

and to make plans for

the future.

Specific plans will be

made, including next

steps to take in

evangelism.

"All Christians at all times

should be prepared for that

moment when God brings

them into contact with a

person prepared by the Holy

Spirit for accepting Christ."

C. Peter Wagner



(15 mins)

Vision + Plan - Action = Dream

Vision + Plan + Action = Reality

“In Power to Change we’ve wanted to bridge the gap which often

exists between belief and behaviour. This is part of the reason we

encourage each of you to be involved in evangelism with your group

leader. We are not just talking about evangelism but also doing it.”

What usually stops us from taking action in sharing our faith?

Discuss. Obstacles include: Desire (we don’t really want to), Fear

(we’re afraid of being rejected or turning someone off), Know-how

(we’re not sure how), Busyness (we’re doing other things)…

It is helpful to be aware of the obstacles that we will inevitably face as

we begin to step out and share our faith.

Instruct on filling out the 3 tables - circulate… some students struggle

to write down names. Suggest the kinds of people who might appear in

the first column.

"In my thirteen years of

doing evangelism, however, I

have come to a painful truth:

After all is said and done,

there is usually more said

than done. Evangelism is

much discussed,

encouraged and 'taught', but

seldom demonstrated.

Evangelism is nothing if it is

not done. For to fall short of

doing evangelism is to

remain neutral in the

spiritual battle. The proof of

our spiritual convictions is in

the doing.”

Mark McCloskey

People I’m concerned for Steps Taken

Areas of Common

Ground (eg. studies,

work, sport)

Next Step to be

Taken (be

specific)

1 A B C D D E F

2 A B C D D E F

3 A B C D D E F

4 A B C D D E F

5 A B C D D E F

Behaviour Beliefs



(10 mins)

At this point it would be appropriate to pray, perhaps in pairs, regarding the applications written. Ask

them to share what they have committed to, including any specific friends to pray for.

More Options

You could show the first part of the Harvest video here- explain they will see the end next session.

It may seem a bit “soppy” and cute, but it makes its point well next session. PREVIEW is required (The

stopping-point is just before they wake up on the harvest day - things are looking grim.)

A better option is to juggle sessions so you can see all of the video in Session 4. This avoids anyone

finishing this session focussed on the farmer’s dilemma or their own experience of loss and grief.

Evaluating my Strengths • Associating with non-Chistians

and Weaknesses • Befriending non-Christians

Rate each of the items on the right • Creating an interest in Christ

"3" I'm doing well • Declaring the gospel

"2" I need some help

improvement • Defending the gospel

"1" I need much improvement" • Encouraging a response

• Following up on responses

I will...

❑ Commit to praying regularly for ______________________. I will find someone to

keep me accountable in praying for them.

❑ Meet with my small group leader or discipler and practice using Knowing God

Personally.

❑ Work through my personal testimony with my small group leader or discipler.

❑ Explain my plans and make myself accountable to __________________

(person/discipleship group).



You could make available a quiz sheet as a review, for those who are finished early. See at the end of

these notes or produce your own.

Close in prayer.



(20 mins)

(This Session is timed slightly shorter than the others in the event there

are unanswered questions. Note the “Harvest challenge” is designed

to make a final impression after 8 hours training. It could work well in

a large group setting. Avoid diluting its impact with additions

afterward.)

Well, here we are at our final session for this training! Before sending

you off, I want us to look together at Jesus’ final instructions to his

disciples before he sent them off. (Set the Scene - just before Jesus is

taken up into heaven. He has already promised them the Holy Spirit.

Having completed His mission, he gives them their mission and leaves

them.)

Read, point out parallels in other gospels (margin)

(In small groups, discuss and record)

What is the extent of Jesus’ authority?

Does it sound like he wants these guys to take this seriously?

Summarise the commission:

What is to be done? (make obedient disciples )

Where is it to be done? (all nations)

Who is to be involved? (All the disciples who are taught this

command)

What application is there to you, over 2000 years later?

We are in the line of disciples, responsible for the fulfilment of the

commission in our generation.

People finishing can look up the margin verses then continue on with

Acts 1:8.

Jesus’ final instructions,

the “Great Commission”,

describe the continuing

mission of the Church.

Jesus wants us to join in

his harvest.


paraphrase the Great

Commission and its

application to them.

Students will be affected

by the vision of disciples

from all nations

worshipping God.

Emotion and

understanding will

combine to produce a

desire to join God in the

Harvest.

Opportunity will be given

to make a physical,

personal response while

limiting peer pressure.

“In their heart of hearts, I

think all true followers of

Christ long to become

contagious Christians.

Though unsure of how to do

so or the risks involved, deep

down they sense that there

isn’t anything as rewarding

as opening a person up to

God’s love and truth”.

Bill Hybels “Becoming a

Contagious Christian”

“There’s nothing like the

adventure of being used by

God to contagiously spread

his love, truth and life to

other people - people who

matter deeply to him.”

Bill Hybels “Becoming a

Contagious Christian”



What did they need? The Holy Spirit’s power

How were they to proceed? Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria.. to the

ends of the Earth.( Don’t make too much of the geography, but it does

include where they are now, the people and places close to them, and

everything else. They would have been wrong to stay in the capital,

and also wrong only to focus overseas.) Note for most of the disciples,

Jerusalem was not home - they were from Galilee - to the north of

Samaria. On the map the white star is Jerusalem .

Who else was involved? Jesus would be with them - in the form of the

Holy Spirit

Harvest

My Jerusalem (where I live and work)

Write a description

My Judea (where the people are the same as me in beliefs and

culture)

Samaria (where people are somewhat like me.)

My Ends of the Earth…. (The planet! …all kinds of people)

This is an enormous responsibility Jesus gives them. Not just their

whole country or region, but nations who don’t speak their language

or follow the same food laws.

When Jesus gives this commission, he also gives the power to carry

it out. (The disciples had to wait until Pentecost when the Holy Spirit

came to take up residence in them.)

God supplies us with all we need, to do his will.

Rom e Sofia

Jerusa lem

Athens

Beirut Dam ascus

Cairo

LIBYA EGYPT

ITALY

GREECE TURKEY

SYRIA

CYPRUS LEBANON

SAUDI ARABIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

ROMANIA

HUNGARY

BULGARIA SERBIA

BOSNIA

CROATIA

MAC.

ALBANIA

RUSSIA MOLDOVA

Mediterranean Sea

Black Sea

Red Sea

N

W E

S



We began in Matthew, with Jesus’ commission given over 2000 years

ago. It would be fair to ask

(10 mins)

Just like the time of Jesus’ return, I don’t know the schedule. But we do

know

• God has taken the initiative to show his love and mercy to a

rebellious world and he promises that it will be

accomplished.

I also see that God gives us the responsibility for our generation, and

• Half the people who have ever lived are with us on earth

today.

• With around ¼ of the world identifying as Christian, with all

the technologies available, the task has never been more

do-able.

The fact that there are still people who have never heard of Jesus says

a lot about the priorities of church people like me and you.

God has given us a picture of the Great Commission’s fulfilment:

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that

no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,

standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were

wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their

hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,

who sits on the throne,

and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9,10

Imagine this scene - every tribe, every nation or ethnic group, every

language! So vast that no-one can count! …That is what

Jesus is calling us to be a part of.

You might have enjoyed some fantastic worship experiences - and

heaven will be all that and more. But some of the people in this picture

have not yet heard of the God you worship…. And you will be the one

to tell them,…… just like someone has told you, ….and told them …. All

the way back to the first 11 men who stood on a hill outside Jerusalem

watching Jesus leave, with those sickening/ scary words rolling around

in their guts (All the world!!! That’s impossible)

And that precious promise calming their minds and reassuring their

hearts… “I will be with you always”.

The Great Commission to

evangelise the world and

disciple the nations is not yet

complete. 300 million

people, separated into 3,000

languages, most of them

unwritten, still do not have

one verse of God's Word in

the language they know

best.

Jack Popjes, Wycliffe Bible

Translators 2002



Show all (or final 6’10” if you have split it) of Harvest video- finishing

with the question on-screen. Pass out cards during video.

(10 mins)

I want to finish with an opportunity for you to make a commitment to

join God in the Great Commission, in this Harvest from every tribe and

tongue and nation.

There are two passages on the card you have.

The first speaks of the fruit, the harvest that can be multiplied as the

Gospel takes root in your life . That’s encouraging!

The second is more sobering. It is a reminder that God doesn’t just

want your time, to go witnessing on campus, or your money to print

Bibles for China. He wants YOU, your whole life.

24I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the

ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it

produces many seeds. 25The man who loves his life will lose it,

while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for

eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am,

my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves

me.

John 12:24-26

It is the person who says, “Yes, God, you are in control, I am your

servant”, who produces a crop. The person who dies daily to their own

desires discovers in the end that they have all that matters.

On your card you have a seed. If today you want to commit to joining

God in the harvest, to make that a priority in your life, in a moment I

will ask you to leave your seat, take the seed off the card and bury it

out here in one of these pots. (It needs to be about a knuckle under the

ground.) This will be a symbol of dying to ourselves and saying yes to

living in God’s power. The card you sign and date - that is a reminder

for you to keep. Take it home and display it as a reminder.

If this is a commitment you want to make, physically and publicly taking

this action will help you remember it. This is a personal thing, your

choice, so there is no requirement that you come and no need to talk

with others.

Let’s take a moment to pray silently, then start to come. There will be

a few minutes, so there is no need to have you all at once. While you

are sitting, I encourage you to continue to pray silently.

Judge how much time is needed. Play an appropriate song timed to

finish at the same time as the planters. ( I’m trying “You’re the voice”

anthem)



Close in prayer

Take the pot (one per campus) back to uni and watch each week as

the sprouts grow- bring them to public meeting as a visual

reminder, all semester. If you get a crop, perhaps distribute

the new seeds in an evangelism celebration time.

Check out Appendix 2 for a memory quiz to test your knowledge on

everything that we have gone through in this training module.

Hints: Label the pots

“Into the Harvest”.

Don’t water them until

you get home!



1. Do you think much about spiritual things?

2. What kind of things have influenced your spiritual journey?

3. How has this experience affected the way you look at God?

4. We've never had a chance to talk about your religious background. Where would you say you are

in your spiritual pilgrimage?

5. I'd like to tell you how I began a personal relationship with God. (Tell your personal testimony of

how you became a Christian. Keep it to three minutes, using the following outline: Before -- What

characterised my life before I trusted Christ. During -- How I came to trust Christ. After -- How I am

different now.)

6. What is your concept of God? Do you view Him positively or negatively?

7. Have you ever come to a point in your life where you trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour

and Lord, or do you think that is something you're still moving toward? May I share with you how I

came to that point?

8. Do you find that faith and spiritual values play a role in your (work) (day) (marriage) (perspective

on life)?

9. If you could be sure there is a God, would you want to know Him? Or if you could know God

personally, would you want to?

10. Bring a friend to your church or a Christian event, then ask:

• What did you think of it?

• Did it make sense to you?

• Have you made the wonderful discovery of knowing God personally?

• Would you like to?

11. Do you go to church? Why or why not?

12. I'd hate for you to come to my church and not understand what it's all about. Would you like to

get together and discuss our basic beliefs?

13. We've been friends for quite some time now, and I've never really talked to you about the most

important thing in my life. May I take a few moments and do so?

14. Is church something that has had an influence in your life? Are you at a point now that you want

church to be a bigger part of your life? What prompted this? Would you want to hear our basic beliefs

so you'll know if that fits in with what you're looking for?



15. How do you think someone becomes a Christian?

16. Can I share the thing I've found most important to me as a (dad), (mum), (boss)?

17. What do you think about when you go to sleep at night? (If anxiety or guilt robs them of sleep,

introduce the peace found in a relationship with Christ).

18. Most people in Australia say they believe in God. What does believing in God mean to you?

19. Before I came to know Christ personally, God was a vague concept that I could not relate to or

grasp. How would you describe your view of God? Jesus? Is He a reality to you or more of a vague

concept?

20. If you were to die tonight are you sure you'd go to heaven? Has anyone ever explained how you

can know for sure?



Knowing God Personally

Point 1:


Point 2:


Point 3:


Point 4:

The self-directed life The Christ-directed life

Spiritual Breathing:

Exhale:

Inhale

Acts 1:8 1 John 1:9

Matthew 22:37-39

paraphrase:

Power to Change’s Mission

The Goal of Evangelism: Success in Witnessing: A

B

C

D

D

E

F

Matthew 28:18-20



The KGP is a proven tool, but only one way to share your faith with others. Here are some more:

1. Share your story (your “testimony”). Suggestions are given in Power to Change’s Core group

material.

2. Lead an investigative Bible study focusing on Jesus.

3. Lead them through a course such as “Christianity Explained” (another module covers this training)

4. Lend (then discuss) a video such as the “Jesus” movie or a book such as “More than a Carpenter”

or “Case for Christ”.

5. Learn another Gospel outline, which uses the Bible, such as the “ Theological History of the

Gospel”.

6. Discuss a Christian perspective on issues in your area of study at uni. Connect the Christian

worldview to the personal implications of Jesus’ life and death. (See www.leaderu.com for papers on

dozens of subjects, by Christian professors)

7.Ice Pak/Soularium

8.

9.

10.



This article is included in your leader’s notes as a personal challenge/ encouragement in your own evangelism.

If you think it will be particularly helpful in your group, copy it for each person.

If I were to offer to you a fantastic, once in a life time opportunity where you could not lose at all - but you needed to act right

now - no waiting, right now - what would you do? And, if I were to add that it would only cost you 10% of your income, and

the return was unbelievable - what would you say? If you're like most of us you would take the advice we have been given all

our lives - "if it's too good to be true - it usually is" or, "if you have to accept right now, without investigation - don't, there is

always a catch." Good advice, right? After all, we have all heard the stories of being ripped-off. If we know this, why do we as

a church tell people, "Accept Christ today, you never know what will happen tomorrow"? This comes from our being told:

"witness" to people.

The word "witness" is a noun; it is defined as a "person who gives evidence of testimony." What I find interesting is the fact

that nowhere in scripture does it tell us only to witness. We are to help make disciples - that requires something different -

something stronger, something like - "withnessing."

The word "with" is a preposition (prepositions are words that connect the noun and the action taking place) which means "in

the company of, among, as an addition to, because of, in the same direction of, at the same time, on the same side." "ness"

being a suffix that relates to a condition of being, action or behavior. So, a withness is one that is in the condition of being

with, the action of being with or the behavior of being with. - a withness is one who takes a person along a faith journey, and

helps them see how faith will work in their lives. It is the same system that Jesus used with the disciples, and the disciples

used with each other, and others.

In John 2:38-39 Jesus is approached by his first disciples. When they asked where he lived, Jesus replied, "Come and see."

Now Jesus could have taken out the scripture and quoted all the scripture that told of who he was, and what was going to

happen - but he did not. What he said was, "Come with me and I will show you a way of life that which will rock your world."

That is what we care called to do with those seeking to know God and see who Jesus is in their lives.

Now I will be the first to admit that being a witness is a whole lot easier then being a withness - but being a withness is so

much more fulfilling. It will rock your world.

To be a withness here are some of the major points you need to know:

Being a withness requires you to invest emotionally into creating a true and honest friendship with those you walk with. You

must get to know the person you are walking with, and they need to get to know you, faults and all.

Being a withness requires a great deal of time, and possibly resources. A true withness is one you can call at 3:00 am and ask

for a ride home, and they come to get you - no questions asked.

Being a withness requires you go beyond self and enter the selfless. If you dislike a person, for whatever reason, that is the

person you need to approach. You need to know the unloved, and love the unknown.

Being a withness requires that you build community - home groups, cell groups, study groups - it does not matter what you

call them, the idea is the same. Build community where people are invited to join and encouraged to grow.

Being a withness requires that we stop being cheque book people and start being date book people. Stop writing cheques to

some group to feed the hungry - get out there and help feed the hungry.

Withnessing is a way of helping people see Christ in you and knowing that you are in Christ. It is not "doing good deeds" - it

is helping to change lives in community while going beyond self-limits and allowing God to alter who you are at your core;

withnessing is faith in action.

Withnessing will cause you pain and it will get you dirty, but if we tell people that a relationship with Christ has truly changed

our lives, we must be willing to show that it truly has. It is not just stating facts, or giving tracts - it is helping and committing

to people in the love of Christ.

John O’Keefe is the founder of ginkworld.net. John sees a desperate need for the church as a whole to change and reach a

new people for Christ. He is straightforward, honest and calls it the way it he sees it. John is a graduate of Drew and has been

a Senior Pastor and Church Planter

Nov 8 2002 http://www.theooze.com/articles/article.cfm?id=364

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ginkworld.net/



1. (Christian)

You have done a group assignment/ tutorial presentation with (non-Christian). They have expressed

interest in what you do with Power to Change. You arrange to meet for a drink/ shoot pool. You have

described your faith as having a personal relationship with God. They reply “What do you mean by

a relationship with God? I believe we all carry the divine within us, and just need to tune into that

through meditation.”

Try to share the gospel message. You may use the KGP.

2. (Non-Christian)

You have been coming to church for 3 weeks, looking for answers after your mother died recently

of cancer. She seemed to have a peace that came from a trust in God. You made a “decision” when

you were 13, but drifted away from faith soon after. Memories of Sunday School have brought you

back to church (the pastor took the funeral). You have a poor self image. Listen with interest, but

express your hesitations. Last week you watched the “Jesus” video. Say “I felt like I really wanted to

respond at the end part, but I feel scared to make a commitment that might not last.”

3. (Non-Christian)

You have done a group assignment/ tutorial presentation with (Christian). You have expressed

interest in what they do with Power to Change. You are interested in the spiritual side of life and

have tried meditation. You arrange to meet for a drink/ shoot pool. They have described their faith

as having a personal relationship with God. You reply “What do you mean by a relationship with

God? I believe we all carry the divine within us, and just need to tune into that through meditation.”

4. (Christian)

You are talking to a person of your age and sex after Church. They have been coming to church for

3 weeks. Last week you loaned the “Jesus” video. They say “I felt like I really wanted to respond at

the end part, but I feel scared to make a commitment that might not last.”

Try to share the gospel message. You may use the KGP.

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