Save the World, Plant a House Church (50 page Book) - Jason Johnston and Rad Zdero

SAVE THE WORLD …

PLANT A HOUSE CHURCH A BUILDING GUIDE

JASON JOHNSTON, M.DIV.

RAD ZDERO, PH.D. © July 2001

RREEVVOOLLUUTTIIOONNAARRYY BBOOOOKKSS bbyy RRAADD ZZDDEERROO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RAD ZDERO earned his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario, Canada), specializing in orthopaedic biomechanics. He is currently the director of a hospital-based research lab in Toronto. Rad has been actively involved in the house church and small group movement since 1985 and is dedicated to encouraging the full restoration of original New Testament Christianity in our day. He lives in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

The Global House Church Movement Rad Zdero gives you biblical, historical, and practical insights for a radical new type of church that is arising all around the world. This book is guaranteed to challenge your under-standing of what the church is really meant to be and do! Perfect as a study guide to kick-start a new house church! (paperback, 155 pages)

Best price from … www.missionbooks.org

Nexus: The World House Church Movement Reader As the editor of this volume, Rad Zdero has compiled the writings of almost 40 house church leaders and scholars from 20 countries in over 60 provocative articles. Get trained to start your own network of missional house churches no matter where you live! (paperback, 528 pages)

Best price from … www.missionbooks.org

Entopia: Revolution of the Ants An allegorical tale written in the tradition of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia chronicles and George Orwell’s Ani-mal Farm. An adventure of grassroots revolution in the hierarchical and or-dered world of an anthill. The system must change! Although just a fable, it has challenges for the church to grapple with. Fun for kids of all ages! (paperback, illustrated, 132 pages) Best price from … www.capstonefiction.com www.amazon.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Let the Revolution Begin !

1

MODULE 1

The Great Work

Top 10 Reasons for Planting House Churches

6

7

11

MODULE 2

House Church Model

House Church Styles and Formats

12

13

16

MODULE 3

The Two-Winged Church

Role of a House Church Leader

18

19

21

MODULE 4

Strategic Growth Circles

Leading Group Discussions

22

23

24

MODULE 5

The Hand: 5 Features of a House Church

Network

House Church Evangelism

25

26

27

MODULE 6

Multiplying House Churches

Personal Evangelism: Telling Stories

32

33

34

MODULE 7

New Wineskins for Today

One-to-One Spiritual Mentoring

37

38

39

Recommended Resources 44 Appendix 1 – Relational Strategy for Planting a HC Network 46 Appendix 2 – Cold Contact Strategy for Planting a HC Network 47 Appendix 3 – So, You Wanna be a House Church Leader?! 49

- 1 -

LET THE REVOLUTION BEGIN ! Dear reader, welcome to the Save the World…Plant a House Church builder‘s guide. This

manual was written for those in the process of planting a house church network and those

wanting to grow in their abilities as HC leaders. Although there are some differences

between small (or cell) groups and house churches, this handbook aims to provide some tools

for those involved in building either. This introductory section introduces the vision,

strategies, and biblical foundations for such a spiritual revolution. Put simply, the goal of this

manual is to:

Train Leaders

to Multiply House Churches

that Reach the Nations for Christ

THE VISION: MULTIPLYING HOUSE CHURCHES

Let‘s first take a look at the broader vision of what we strongly believe God is calling us to

do. Picture if you will, spread out all over the city, mostly in homes, but also in offices,

coffee shops, meeting rooms on the local college or university campus, small group huddles

of 5 - 15 people (e.g. house churches, cell groups, etc.) committed to getting to know each

other and God. They gather weekly to ask questions and explore issues of faith, family, the

media, culture, suffering, relationships, career, and social action. They may be working on

tasks and projects, or looking at the Bible, praying, crying and playing. They have discovered

that the secret of life is to love God and others and to connect with and become more like

Christ. So powerful has their experience of relationship with each other and Jesus been, that

many neighbours, co-workers, family members, and friends, who may not even believe in

God and may be suspicious of ‗church‘, are chomping at the bit to get in on the action. These

groups are continually growing and becoming so big that they are forced to multiply

themselves.

These house churches are not led or hosted by traditional clergy but by average folks

who have a deepening love for Christ and other people. The few identifiable clergy and other

high profile leaders involved do not seek to exercise control or power over these groups, but

rather wish to empower them with training, resources and prayers, emphasizing a few

essentials rather than a long list of requirements. To network together, these house church

groups meet house-to-house, organize dynamic large group events for teaching and worship,

and/or have a select group of mobile teachers that travel from group to group regularly.

These folks simply want to rediscover the power and person of Jesus in community, as his

early followers did (Acts 2:42-47; 5:42; 20:20).

This local network of house churches, however, thinks big and beyond its own town. It

is intent on planting new communities of faith, hope and compassion in neighbouring cities.

As leaders emerge out of their midst who feel called by God to go and begin the process all

over again, their community offers financial, material, emotional and prayer support for them

on this new venture. As people are released to follow their calling to plant home-based

churches, without even knowing it, they are swept up into a movement, their movement,

God‘s movement, which will touch many generations to come. This is part of the emerging

- 2 -

second reformation in our generation, an underground revolution of faith that will transform

their city and blaze across their region, their nation and the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts

1:8). God is asking us to be a part of his restoration work, his divine revolution, in the world

today. Are you up for it?

THE MISSION: JESUS’ WORLD STRATEGY

Now that we have an idea, a picture in mind, of what a house church network looks like, let‘s

briefly explore how this small group strategy of focusing on a few was the primary method

employed by Jesus himself when he was on earth. Christ came to kick start the kingdom of

God and ignited a spiritual fire that has blazed across the globe for the past 2000 years. His

worldwide mandate came from his Father, who promised to make Jesus a light to all nations,

so that all might come to encounter and experience God‘s salvation, emotionally, physically

and spiritually (Isaiah 49:6; 61:1-4). Yet, even with his status as the God-Man (John 1:14),

Jesus knew he could not accomplish this monumental task alone. And so, his strategy was

simple: he invested and poured himself into the training of a select few followers who would

be able to carry on the work effectively after he was gone. His method for training his twelve

disciples has been aptly summarized:

The time which Jesus invested in these few disciples was so much more by comparison

to that given to others that it can only be regarded as a deliberate strategy. He actually

spent more time with his disciples than with everybody else in the world put together. He

ate with them, slept with them, and talked with them for the most part of his entire active

ministry. They walked together along the lonely roads; they visited together in the

crowded cities; they sailed and fished together on the Sea of Galilee; they prayed

together in the deserts and in the mountains; and they worshiped together in the

synagogues and in the Temple. 1

This approach of quantity and quality time spent with a small band of devotees, was based on

the fact that ―the great founder of the faith desired not only to have disciples, but to have

about him men whom he might train to make disciples of others.‖ 2 In effect, Jesus was

apprenticing his disciples (i.e. learners) to one day become apostles (i.e. sent ones), qualified

to carry on his work. In the words of scripture (Mark 3:13), the Lord chose twelve people

that they might first be ―with him‖ (i.e. trained) with the deliberate intention that Jesus would

later ―send them out‖(i.e. carry on his work). Not only was this Jesus‘ primary strategy but,

in fact, it was his only strategy; there was no backup plan in case things didn‘t work out. But,

fortunately, work out they did, so much so that it can be said that ―but for the twelve, the

doctrine, the works, and the image of Jesus might have perished from human remembrance,

nothing remaining but a vague mythical tradition, of no historical value, and of little practical

influence.‖ 3

The mission that we are entrusted with today is the same given by Christ to his first

followers: ―Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded

you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.‖ (Matthew 28:19-20).

Having the desire to follow Christ‘s directive and follow the New Testament pattern in

1 Robert Coleman (1994), The Master Plan of Evangelism, Revell, p.45.

2 AB Bruce (1988), The Training of the Twelve, Kregel, p.13.

3 AB Bruce (1988), p.13.

- 3 -

making disciples, we will gather people into home groups of 10-30 people for the purposes of

prayer, evangelism and discipleship (Acts 2:42-47; 5:42; 20:20). It is in the context of these

huddles and the relational networks of which they are a part, that people will come to know

Christ (WIN them), be encouraged to grow in their relationship with God, with others and

undergo healing and transformation in their own lives (BUILD them), and be trained as

ambassadors and workers for the kingdom (SEND them).

THE TASK: GROWING SPIRITUAL REDWOODS

California Redwoods are the world's tallest known trees, not only because their roots run

deep, but also because each Redwood's roots intermingle with those of neighbouring trees.

Each tree does not grow independently but, rather, as part of a network. They work together

closely. Young trees sprout from their parent's roots, making the most of the already

established root system. Similarly, as disciples of Christ we need to mature not only in our

one-on-one relationship with God, but also as part of a community. In a cell church or house

church network, the emphasis is on nurturing growth in such a "family" context. The key

people strategically are those who give leadership and shepherding to home groups. They are

the spiritual Redwoods. Thus, as they led the home groups, they need to be part of a deep

spiritual root system. This can be encouraged by gathering together as a team regularly to

sharpen their vision for what they are doing, to pray for and hear from each other on how

things are going, and to grow in some specific skill areas that will help them effectively lead.

Just two quick points here on leadership. First, it is urged that each active house church

have at least two leaders. These two may be equally sharing the role of caring and planning

for their group, or it may be that one person is a seasoned veteran in leading a home group

while the other is being trained in the process. Either way, it is important to have this in place

to avoid burnout, for the sake of accountability and encouragement, and for the leaders to be

thinking in terms of multiplying themselves by training an apprentice co-leader. In this way,

the multiplication of home groups won‘t stagnate due to a lack of leaders being trained on-

the-job.

Second, if it hasn‘t become apparent already in the core group, which is comprised of

your house church leaders, there will usually emerge quite naturally one or two primary

vision carriers, or coaches, who will lead the core team and be responsible for their care and

training. This ‗leader of the leaders‘ is not to function in a dictatorial fashion or feel they

need to take on other people‘s duties. Their role, rather, is to empower the others, continually

recast the vision, and give some concrete direction to the work; this is both a biblical pattern

and a practical necessity.

3D Training

It is strongly encouraged that at least once or twice monthly for 1.5 - 2 hours, house church

leaders meet together as a team for what may be called Dream-Drill-Discuss (3D) gatherings

for the purpose of leadership development. It is suggested that the actual order and duration

for each component be Dream (20 minute teaching + 10 minutes of questions/comments) +

Drill (20 minute teaching + 10 minutes of questions/comments) + Discuss (30 minutes) = 90

minutes. Discussion at the end is the most effective because people have had time to absorb

the material presented and are now ready to spend as much time together as needed to ask

questions, raise concerns, and pray. The 3D components may be described as follows:

- 4 -

Dream: What was true in Solomon‘s day is just as true today, ―Where there is no

vision, the people perish‖ (Proverbs 29:18). Leaders in a house church network

can become disheartened and lose sight of what they‘re doing and where they‘re

going, especially in times of crisis, indecision, or when other ‗good‘ ministry

distractions come their way. So, it‘s important to continually revisit the larger

vision or dream so that they keep on track and motivated.

Drill: A leader continually needs to grow in their capacity and ability to

effectively care for the people God has given them. Caring and leading involve a

number of things. Time will be spent on ‗drills‘, or workshops, to develop

specific practical skills necessary to be an effective leader (e.g. one-on-one

mentoring, home group evangelism, etc.) This will keep the core team sharp,

capable and growing, so that they can help people move forward in their journey

with Christ.

Discuss: To grow as a team, house church leaders will need to hear from each

other about what‘s going on in each of their groups. This is a time to celebrate

successes, encourage and problem solve on the challenges, and spend time

relating with and praying for each other.

3D Modules

The starter modules contained in this manual will be beneficial during initial training of the

startup core group that is committed to the house church network plant. Materials are

included for both the Dream and Drill portions of the 3D training times. After the entire

manual has been completed by the core group (3 - 6 months), there are other tools listed in

the ‗Recommended Resources‘ section below that can be used for ongoing training,

including books, websites and on-line internet self-study courses. Also, it may be helpful to

include upcoming conferences and seminars, visits to successful cell group-based churches or

house church networks, or even practical homework assignments. However, as your core

group continues to grow in number, it may be beneficial to revisit all or some of the basic

lessons in this handbook for a season for the benefit of the rookies. The starter modules in

this manual are:

Module 1. The Great Work / Top 10 Reasons for Planting House Churches (Dream)

Module 2. House Church Model (Dream) House Church Styles and Formats (Drill)

Module 3. The Two-Winged Church (Dream) Role of a House Church Leader (Drill)

Module 4. Strategic Growth Circles (Dream) Leading Group Discussions (Drill)

Module 5. The Hand (Dream) House Church Evangelism (Drill)

Module 6. Multiplying House Churches (Dream) Personal Evangelism (Drill)

Module 7. New Wineskins for Today (Dream) One-to-One Spiritual Mentoring (Drill)

CONCLUSIONS

If you‘ve read this far and haven‘t run off, that‘s great ! It is hoped that you will not only find

the following pages interesting and stimulating, but that you will be challenged to grow in

your vision of what God can do through you to help change the world !

COPYRIGHTS AND CONTACT

The material contained in this manuscript may be reproduced or photocopied at will, in

whole or in part, without the permission of either Jason Johnston or Rad Zdero, provided

- 5 -

proper citation and credit is given. If you have questions about this manual, would like to

obtain an on-line version of it, or would simply like to dialogue further about the House

Church approach, feel free to contact Rad Zdero at [email protected] or browse our website

www.housechurch.ca for many other free resources.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jason Johnston, MDiv, earned his theological degree at Asbury Theological

Seminary (Kentucky), earned an undergraduate degree in music from Robert

Wesleyan College in Rochester (New York), has been on the pastoral staff at two

traditional local churches, working particularly in the areas of worship and cell

group ministry, and has been involved in planting several house churches. Jason

enjoys writing and recording music and has released two solo music CDs entitled

‗Open Wide‘ and ‗Willows Motel‘. www.JasonPaulJohnston.com

Rad Zdero, Ph.D., earned his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in

bio-mechanics and bio-materials. He is currently the director of a hospital-based

research group in Toronto. Rad has been involved in the house church and small

group movement since 1985. He is the author of The Global House Church Movement

(2004) and the allegorical novel Entopia: Revolution of the Ants (2008). He is also the

editor of Nexus: The World House Church Movement Reader (2007) and The Starfish

Files house church magazine. He lives in downtown Toronto, Canada. He can be

reached at [email protected] and www.housechurch.ca

- 6 -

Module 1 The Great Work (Dream)

Top 10 Reasons for

Planting House Churches (Dream)

Module 1 – The Great Work Rad Zdero

- 7 -

THE GREAT WORK

―Go and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son

and Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I

have taught you. And I will be with you always.‖ (Matthew 28:19-20)

Growing Disciples

Go Make Baptize Teach

Growing Trees

Till Plant Fertilize Water Prune

Module 1 – The Great Work Rad Zdero

- 8 -

JESUS’ STRATEGY

FOR THE GREAT WORK

―[Jesus] ate with [his 12 disciples], slept with them,

and talked with them for the most part of his entire

active ministry. They walked together along the lonely

roads; they visited together in the crowded cities; they

sailed and fished together on the Sea of Galilee; they

prayed together in the deserts and in the mountains;

and they worshiped together in the synagogues

and in the Temple.‖

(Robert Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism, 1999)

Module 1 – The Great Work Rad Zdero

- 9 -

HOUSE CHURCH STRATEGY

What ? plant a House Church Network based on New Testament

pattern (Acts 2:46, 5:42, 20:20)

How ? HC Groups - connect people in small group huddles of

5-15 people, preferably but not exclusively in homes

HC Leaders - train HC leaders to effectively lead and

care for people in their group

HC Network - networking House Churches together

through Large Group events, traveling 5-Fold Ministers

and/or house-to-house meeting patterns

Why ? Intimacy and Accountability (Relationships)

Healing and Transformation (Inner Life)

Growth (Discipleship)

Outreach (Evangelism)

Expanding circle of Jesus‘ followers (Growth)

Module 1 – The Great Work Rad Zdero

- 10 -

HOUSE CHURCH NETWORK

Network

HC

LeadersGroup

Birth

HC

HC

HC

New HC

HC

HC

Module 1 – Top Ten Reasons for Planting House Churches Jason Johnston

- 11 -

TOP TEN Reasons for Planting House Churches

1. BIBLICAL - New Testament pattern (Acts 2:46, 5:42, 20:20)

2. EXPONENTIAL - to reach a growing world, we need to

multiply, not just add

3. EFFECTIVE - world‘s 10 largest churches use small group

model

4. NATURAL - community and relationship connections

5. PEOPLE-FOCUSED - relationships, not programs or projects

6. EFFICIENT - mobile, flexible, adaptable

7. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY - all have opportunity to exercise gifts

8. UNBOUNDED - not limited by church building

9. INEXPENSIVE - less expensive than traditional church

10. IMMEDIATE - can start now

see Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 for strategies for planting HC Networks

- 12 -

Module 2 House Church Model (Dream)

House Church Styles and Formats (Drill)

Module 2 – House Church Model Rad Zdero

- 13 -

Traditional Church

In a Traditional church

basic unit is a program / project

small/cell groups are only one

among many programs

if cell groups don‘t happen, no big loss

FRUIT SALAD

Cell

Groups

Sunday

School

BoardCounseling

Sunday Service

(main event)

Youth

Group

Worship

Team

Outreach

Committee

Missions

Committee

Cell

Groups

Sunday

School

BoardCounseling

Sunday Service

(main event)

Youth

Group

Worship

Team

Outreach

Committee

Missions

Committee

Module 2 – House Church Model Rad Zdero

- 14 -

House Church Network

In a House Church Network basic unit or ‗mini community‘ is

the small home group

home groups are central

number of programs & projects kept to

bare minimum - they must directly feed

HC network, otherwise they

are discarded CLUSTER OF GRAPES

HC Groups - intimacy, accountability, mentoring, outreach

HC Leaders - 3D (Dream, Drill, Discuss) Training, prayer, encouragement

HC Network - network HCs for teaching, worship, resourcing, synergy

Network

HC

LeadersGroup

Birth

HC

HC

HC

New HC

HC

HC

Module 2 – House Church Model Rad Zdero

- 15 -

Ways of Networking

House Churches Types of HCs Single-Cell HCS

HC only has 1 Cell of 5-15 people

Format: Large Group = Small Group (1½ hrs)

Independent or Networked with other HCs

Multi-Cell HCs HC has several Cells

Format

o Large Group time - all Cells together (½ hr)

o Small Group time - break out into Cells in

various rooms in the house (1½ hrs)

Independent or Networked with other HCs

HC NETWORKS Hub Network (a.k.a. Cell Church)

Small Group - HCs meet weekly (at least) on their own

Large Group - frequent and regular gathering of all HCs in one place for teaching,

worship, etc.

Chain Network

Each HC relates closely only with its immediate HC neighbours in the chain, visiting from

house-to-house. Only occasional Large Group city-wide gathering of all HCs in one place.

5-Fold Network

HCs connected by traveling 5-fold ministers (apostle, prophet, evangelist, teacher, pastor)

and others that visit from house-to-house, like blood circulating through veins.

=

Module 2 – House Church Styles and Formats Jason Johnston

- 16 -

House Church Styles and Formats J ason Johns ton © 2001

TAKE HOME VALUE: That you, as leaders, will realize the flexibility allowed in forming your

own house church, understand how the ingredients will determine your results and use a practical

exercise to plan your meeting times.

IF YOU DO NOT LISTEN: You may end up forming a house church or cell group you don‘t

enjoy, trying to reach out to the wrong target group with either few results or results that you

didn‘t want or expect.

BREAKING FREE: The biblical word for ―church‖ (ekklesia) literally means ―the called out

ones.‖ It‘s not a building. It‘s not one person by themselves. It‘s a gathering of people ―called

out‖ to form a spiritual community. The Bible does not prescribe what exactly to ―do‖ together,

but focuses on who we must ―be‖ to one another and the rest of the world. Let‘s break free of

models of what the church must ―do‖ together and learn how to ―be‖ the church to one another.

MAIN SUBSTANCE OF THE CHURCH MUST BE: Relationship

MAIN CATEGORIES OF CHURCH LIFE:

SUPPORT

~ Love ~

DISCIPLESHIP

~ Learn ~

OUTREACH

~ Evangelize ~

MINISTRY ~ Serve ~

MAIN INGREDIENTS:

Open Sharing

Teaching

Creative Sharing

Evangelism

Social Service

Communion

Listening to Music

Prayer

Group Discussion

Worship

Hanging Out

Children‘s Activities

Vision Casting

Playing Games

Bible Study

Exercising Spiritual Gifts

Confessing Sins

Group Counseling

Food

Personal Testimonies

Watching a Movie

HOW TO PLAN:

Do what you want, but….

1. Think about your CONTEXT

Who Are You? Who Will Be Involved? What are the needs around you?

2. Have an ASSISTANT LEADER

3. BE OPEN to grow and multiply

Module 2 – House Church Styles and Formats Jason Johnston

- 17 -

THE DO-IT-YOURSELF PAGE MAKE YOUR OWN HOUSE CHURCH IN 8 EASY STEPS

1. My Name:

2. My Strongest Gifts/Abilities:

3. Who I might have in my house church (types of people, or names):

4. Who I might have as an assistant leader:

5. The house church ingredient that I like best is:

6. The house church ingredient that I like least is:

7. How I would plan a house church meeting:

Ingredient Approx. Time

example: Ice Breaker 10 minutes

Prayer 15 minutes

Group Discussion around a Topic 20 minutes

Food/Fellowship 15 minutes

Ingredient Approx. Time

8. How I would rate the meeting I just created:

TEMPERATURE: - | | | 0 | | | +

Closed to Outsiders: very closed very open

Emotional Healing Factor: not so healing very healing

Relational Building Factor: not so building really building

Spiritual Depth Factor: shallow oceanic

Non-Christian Creep Factor: creepy not creepy

Evangelistic Effectiveness: not effective very effective

Overall Fun Factor: yawn oh boy! yeah!

Just don’t forget the main substance:

Relationship to each other, the people around you, and God.

- 18 -

Module 3 The Two-Winged Church (Dream)

Role of a House Church Leader (Drill)

Module 3 – The Two-Winged Church J. Johnston and R. Zdero

- 19 -

The Two-Winged Church

MICRO Ministry

Examples House Churches

Task groups

One-on-one mentoring

Projects / programs for

individual development

Personal / HC evangelism

MACRO Ministry

Examples

large groups events

(e.g. celebration service,

outreach events...)

select projects / programs for

masses that directly feed into

HC Network

Advantages personalized development

intimacy & accountability

drop-out reduction

highly relational

Advantages being part of something big

worship, teaching & action

connecting & networking

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house,

they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that

Jesus is the Christ. Acts 5:42

Module 3 – The Two-Winged Church Jason Johnston

- 20 -

The Two-Winged Church

The following story was adapted and modified by Jason Johnston based on material from

W.A. Beckham (1997), The Second Reformation, Touch Publications, pp.25-26.

The Creator once created a church with two wings: one wing was for large group gatherings and the

other for small group community. It was the perfect design. Well balanced, aerodynamic. With both

wings the church could fly into the heavens, entering into the Creator's presence and doing His will

all over the world.

After a few hundred years of flying all over the earth, the church began to question its design. It

began to wonder why it needed this "small group" wing. The large group wing was so much more

spectacular and impressive and, well, large. The jealous, wicked serpent, who had no wings,

applauded this idea: "Yeah, who needs TWO wings?...hisss". Over the years, the small group wing

got smaller and smaller from lack of attention until it basically was non-existent. The two-winged

church that had flown high into the heavens was now, for all practical purposes, one-winged and

grounded.

The Creator was very sad. It was painful watching the one-winged church try to lift off the ground.

Even if it was able to after much energy and effort, it was prone to fly in circles, lose direction or

crash and burn. Spending more and more time in the safety and comfort of its hangar, it grew

contented with an earth-bound existence.

From time to time, the church dreamed of flying into the presence of the Creator and doing His work

all over the earth. The pilots would check their own manuals and see how the church, in theory, could

do incredible maneuvers. Their imaginations were filled. The passengers would sometimes peer out

the windows into the sky and wonder if they could ever see God. But then the reality of the one large

wing would set in, and the dreams would go no further.

In compassion, the Creator finally stretched out His hands and began to reshape the church once

again. He sent his mechanics / prophets to instruct and guide. "You got to have two wings. That wing

is way too big. And ya gotta fix this small wing or else you can't fly!" The Creator gathered the

people and pilots to learn once again from the manual, for in order to complete His plans in the

world the Creator needed a church with two wings, a church that was able to soar into His presence

and do all His will all over the earth.

The End.

The strength and power of God's first church is being revived today. In the first century "day after

day, in the Temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the

good news that Jesus is the Messiah" (Acts 5:42). And, after hundreds of years, the church is

returning to the house and learning to move from house to house. You are part of a worldwide

movement returning the church to its original form and power. This vision is the seed of what has

been called the Second Reformation, which will change our city and world, one house at a time.

Module 3 – Role of a House Church Leader Rad Zdero

- 21 -

ROLE OF A HOUSE CHURCH LEADER

Shepherd (nurture, protect, “heart”)

set tone, boundaries, safety

stimulate relationships

resolve conflicts

pray for people

be aware of special needs

Strategist (vision, direction, “head”)

conduct, lead, and organize your HC

mentoring or peer mentoring with HC co-leader

one-on-one mentoring

identify emerging leaders

―open chair‖ – new people, evangelism

when to multiply your HC, plant a new HC, or end your HC

see commitment agreement for HC leaders in Appendix 3 – So, You Wanna be a House Church Leader?!

- 22 -

Module 4 Strategic Growth Circles (Dream)

Leading Group Discussions (Drill)

Module 4 – Strategic Growth Circles Rad Zdero

- 23 -

(see Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 for strategies for planting a HC Network)

Jesus

Peter, John, James(Luke 9:28)

12 Disciples(Luke 6:12-15)

70 Associates(Luke 10:1-3)

120 in “Upper Room”(Acts 1:14-15)

3000+ Believers Added(Acts 2:41-47)

Initiator / Innovator

Implementers

Core Group

CoreCommunity

Critical Mass

Exponential Growth& self-perpetuating

Multiplication

Coach

Inner LeadershipCircle

HC Prototype

(10-15 People)

HC Network Prototype

(5-10 HCs)

(10-15 HCs)

(15 or more HCs)

Strategic Growth Circles

Jesus’ World Strategy House Church Network Strategy

HC Network 1st Multiplication

HC Network 2nd Multiplication

Module 4 – Leading Group Discussions Rad Zdero

- 24 -

LEADING GROUP DISCUSSIONS

An important and frequent occurrence in House Churches or Cell groups is a time of

group conversation or discussion. As group leaders, one of our responsibilities is to

help facilitate this time in order to ensure that it is healthy and beneficial for all. The

following are some tips to keep in mind as we do this.

1. Start the Conversation

2. Create a Welcoming Tone

3. Be Vulnerable and Honest

4. Actively Listen

5. The Art of Asking Questions

6. Keep the Focus

7. Welcome Silence, Take Breaks

8. Recognize & Deal with Conflict, Anger, Boredom

9. Encourage Participation from all Members

10. Encourage Interaction between all Members

- 25 -

Module 5 The Hand: 5 Features of a

House Church Network (Dream)

House Church Evangelism (Drill)

Module 5 – The Hand Rad Zdero

- 26 -

Th e Hand

5 Features of a House Church Netw ork

P re -Chr is t ian s

• relational networks

among not-yet-Christians

• broad base of ministry

N ew C hr is tians

• decision as part of

the process

• encountering God

• assurance of

salvation

G ro w ing C hr is tians

• walk with God & people

• prayer, Bible, evangelism

and faith community

• discovering gifts

L ab o urers

• mature believers stepping into

the ‗gap‘ for others

• using spiritual gifts

• spiritual parents (e.g. 1-to-1 mentor,

counsellor, house church leader)

L ead ers

• labourers with wider

scope of responsibility

(e.g. house church

planter, 5-fold minister)

Module 5 – House Church Evangelism Rad Zdero

- 27 -

HOUSE CHURCH EVANGELISM Rad Zdero © March 2000

INTRODUCTION

The Christian community today recognizes and

utilizes the power of small groups—in the form

of cell groups and house churches—as vehicles

for spiritual nurture, accountability, intimacy,

and growth in a particular area of knowledge. In

many churches and faith communities there are a

number of such groups to plug into – prayer

groups, bible study groups, book study groups,

affinity groups, accountability groups, home

groups, and the list goes on. Often, however,

these huddles are geared toward the development

of the Christian (i.e. discipleship) as a very

specific outcome.

Let me state that I am not saying here that

evangelism should only be done one way or that

there is necessarily a best way – this is dictated

by context usually. What is given in this article,

however, is an examination of evangelism

specifically in the context of house churches and

cell groups.

TWO APPROACHES TO EVANGELISM

Now let‘s suppose that our spheres of influence

as Christians – such as the city we live in, our

immediate neighbourhood, our workplace, our

circle of friends, or maybe our school - is like a

flowing river (see diagram). The river represents

the various contexts that we have in which we

relate, in the daily ebb and flow of life, with the

lost.

Our non-Christian friends are like fish in the

river, some are big, some small, some are easier

to get along with than others. Some are very

open to engaging on faith issues, whereas others

are either indifferent or hostile. So, we see this

huge opportunity to ‗be Jesus‘ and ‗see Jesus‘

and to engage those around us with the good

news. So, now what do we do? There are two

choices as I see it, namely bridge fishing and

small boat fishing.

Bridge Fishing

Belonging to a tight knit group that has a

somewhat definable goal is, unfortunately, not

only a foreign experience to many followers of

Jesus, but also to much of larger society. And so,

when it comes to evangelism, the Christian

approach is often similar to someone who gets

their fishing pole, worms it, and positions

themselves at the most strategic spot they know

of on the bridge. This tactic ensures that we

never get wet or dirty or in any kind of real close

contact with dirty and smelly fish, until we catch

one and pull it up to where we are.

In actuality, this might mean that we invite a

friend to an ‗outreach‘ event that‘s coming to

town, or perhaps we invite someone to church or

a church related event, or we take part in a

missions week that our church or campus group

is sponsoring by going door-to-door in our

neighborhood handing out videos on Jesus, etc.

The advantages of this method are that it‘s

safer, cleaner, and less risky for the person doing

the evangelizing. There‘s not much of a chance

that we‘ll have to go to places and be with

people that may challenge our moral or

theological views. The main disadvantage,

though, is that we‘ll never truly be challenged

and forced to grow in what we believe by

thoughtful non-Christians. And we may never

really get to know any non-kingdom friends up

close and personally until they become

Christians.

So, bridge fishing is more of a ‗suck in‘ rather

than a ‗reach out‘, periodically going out on

evangelism raids rather than becoming an insider

in our non-Christian circles. I‗m not suggesting

that this strategy has no place at all, because that

is in fact how I became a Christian, by someone

handing out Bibles. But, I think there is a

complementary approach that may be ideally

suited for today's Christians, namely small boat

fishing.

Module 5 – House Church Evangelism Rad Zdero

- 28 -

The Context

Bridge FishingPros

lotsa space for fish

risk-free fishing

you will not get

wet, dirty, or smelly

Cons

far away from water &

the fish you want to catch

least mobile

Small Boat

Fishing FleetPros

a fleet of small boats

working together for

direction and support

very mobile

quieter and so can

get closer to more fish

Cons - risky since

close to water

Isolated

Small BoatsPros - most mobile

Cons - may eventually

sink due to lack of

support, direction and

space

Big & Loud BoatsPros - lots of room

Cons - may scare fish away, hard

to steer and make quick changes

EVANGELISM as FISHING

The Context

Bridge FishingPros

lotsa space for fish

risk-free fishing

you will not get

wet, dirty, or smelly

Cons

far away from water &

the fish you want to catch

least mobile

Small Boat

Fishing FleetPros

a fleet of small boats

working together for

direction and support

very mobile

quieter and so can

get closer to more fish

Cons - risky since

close to water

Isolated

Small BoatsPros - most mobile

Cons - may eventually

sink due to lack of

support, direction and

space

Big & Loud BoatsPros - lots of room

Cons - may scare fish away, hard

to steer and make quick changes

EVANGELISM as FISHING

Module 5 – House Church Evangelism Rad Zdero

- 29 -

Small Boat Fishing

Imagine a Small Boat that‘s part of a larger fleet

of similar boats whose main purpose is to catch

fish (see diagram). The crew of each small boat

eats together, hangs out, strategizes, encourages

every member of the team, and casts out the

fishing nets together. They are a unit. They do

everything together: move, stop, slow down,

speed up, change direction, pull up the nets, put

down the nets. They make decisions quickly in a

non-bureaucratic manner regarding issues like

when they need to buy new nets, fix the side of

the boat, and change directions. They also have

the accountability, support and direction that

comes from being part of a larger fleet of such

boats.

This method may look something like a small

group of five or six friends who have decided

that they want to intentionally reach out to their

friends together as a team. Their main thrust and

contribution to evangelism is in the context of

what this small team does. They meet together

once a week, pray for each other and their non-

Christian friends, learn from each other‘s

attempts at evangelism, brainstorm on

overcoming obstacles, invite their seeker friends

to social occasions or events, and get into each

other‘s social spheres. They are mobile, flexible,

non-bureaucratic, quick to implement decisions

and changes, and have support from each other

as part of a team. There is also the accountability

and intimacy that naturally evolves in being part

of a close knit team.

The main caution here is that, unless this small

boat is part of a larger network of small boats

doing the same thing, an independent and

Isolated Small Boat (see diagram) can potentially

sink or get shipwrecked due to questionable

doctrine, unhealthy practices, lack of direction

and not much space. The other danger is that

using an overly large group, i.e. Big and Loud

Boat, as an evangelistic tool that meets, say, in

someone‘s home, may possibly scare some

people away because it is large, loud and may

seem strange to some people who expect

religious meetings to meet in a church building.

We need to be aware of the potential obstacles

with any approach we take, however, making

sure to capitalize on the strengths of each as

well.

EXAMPLES OF SMALL BOAT FISHING

From my personal experience, the advantages of

small boat fishing far outweigh the potential

dangers involved. As such, this section explores

6 possible scenarios, based on personal

experience, of how this approach to evangelism

could work within the context of one small

fishing boat. One thing to keep in mind here is

the importance of being an ‗insider‘ and full

participant in our non-Christian networks.

Without such insider status, small boat fishing

can easily degenerate into ‗suck in‘ evangelism

rather than ‗reach out‘ evangelism.

Discussion Dinners

A discussion dinner is basically an event hosted

periodically (maybe monthly) by the

evangelistically oriented house church, in which

members invite a few non-Christian friends to an

evening meal. This is followed by people

gathering in the living room for a short 10-20

minute presentation that addresses some

important questions of life (e.g. does God exist?,

why so much suffering?, who is Jesus?, etc) to

launch the discussion. The material used to start

the evening‘s discussion is usually a

contemporary and mainstream music video,

movie, poem, song, newspaper article, painting,

etc. The key here is to make sure that all

opinions are valued and allowed to be fully

expressed and explored. A good discussion

facilitator is required. The non-Christian friend

should not feel pounced on or cornered or that

their opinion is somehow wrong. Remember, the

purpose for these dinners is to create discussion

and open up the doors for further dialogue down

the line. They are not meant to be high pressure

situations. Casual, comfortable and creative are

the main ingredients for a good discussion

dinner.

Evangelists Anonymous

This type of small group is sort of an evangelism

support group that meets together to pray for,

Module 5 – House Church Evangelism Rad Zdero

- 30 -

encourage, brainstorm, and keep each member

accountable in their personal one-on-one

evangelism efforts in their respective spheres of

influence, whether that be at the workplace, in

the school, or in the neighbourhood. As members

help and encourage each other in this endeavour,

all will become more motivated and skilled in

their own efforts. Suggestions for increasing

skills and growing in vision may be for the group

to be reading through some helpful books on

‗lifestyle‘ and ‗friendship‘ evangelism (Green,

1995; Petersen, 1989; Pippert, 1979), going

through a video learning series (Petersen, 1989),

studying biblical patterns of mission, going to

related seminars, reading through a book that

links prayer and evangelism, expanding our

knowledge of the world‘s religions (Smith,

1991), apologetics (Boyd & Boyd, 1994; Little,

1988), etc. If at all possible, opportunities to

enter into each other‘s social circles should be

encouraged.

The Partiers

This team of five or six folks focuses on giving

each other opportunities to connect with and

engage each other‘s friends with the good news

by merging their social circles together. These

people like to party and socialize. They‘re

always having dinners, movie nights, going out

bowling, playing hockey, and going away to the

cottage on weekends. Or perhaps this small team

loves to cook, play scrabble, watch movies, or

perhaps play cards. They are always including

their non-Christian friends so that their

friendship networks begin to overlap. In other

words, the focus here is on social cross-

pollination.

The potential here lies in the synergistic and

overlapping efforts and talents of each team

member with each other‘s non-kingdom friends.

The breakthrough that I‘ve been working on with

a friend may not come until they connect with

another member of the team who perhaps

understands them more and is able to connect at

a deeper level. What we have here really is the

emergence of a community made up of

overlapping social circles, with Christians and

non-Christians alike, that creates opportunities to

dialogue on life, faith, family, work, sports,

suffering, and Jesus.

Service Oriented Groups

This small team starts off, say, as a run-of-the-

mill Bible study meeting once a week on

Wednesday nights. But then one of them notices

that there is something wrong in town –

homeless people in the streets, food banks

running low on donations, soup kitchens needing

volunteers. This guy then rallies a few friends

from the Bible study, and they decide they

needed to make a difference, somehow.

They start praying, thinking, and doing some

research. They come up with the idea of opening

up an emergency last resort overnight shelter for

homeless people when all other existing shelters

and agencies are full up. They garner support and

advice from existing shelters in town, organize a

homeless walk to raise money for their shelter,

within a few months are up and running

successfully, and are supported greatly by their

home church and other agencies with supplies

and money. They are able to initially recruit

about two dozen volunteers, mostly from their

home church but also from the community at

large, some of whom are non-Christians.

Although the main goal of the project is to help

the homeless, the project not only strengthens the

bonds between the Christians involved but also

creates opportunities to share in word and deed

the good news of Jesus to those around them.

This, by the way, is a true story and only one

example of the possibilities for house churches.

Social Issues Discussion Groups

Many in our society are deeply concerned about

social issues and are willing to engage and

explore societal problems in conversation. A

house church may host a discussion group that

attempts to address and explore various societal

problems can be a way of building bridges

between Christians and non-Christians. Typical

meetings may simply involve discussing a book,

magazine article or newspaper clipping on a

certain topic. This provides an opportunity for

the believer to learn about issues the church does

not address frequently, to formulate and

Module 5 – House Church Evangelism Rad Zdero

- 31 -

articulate their perspective, and to learn from

non-Christians their views on the environment,

AIDS, crime, international relations, abortion,

euthanasia, genetic engineering, the media,

poverty, homelessness, as well as a host of local

concerns. It may be surprising to both believers

and non-believers that they share many

overlapping perspectives, something that can

create friendships and a springboard for dialogue

on faith issues.

Investigative Bible Studies

This basically involves a house church

organizing a weekly Bible study group geared

towards non-Christian friends. Out of some

friendships may emerge a few seeker friends

who are interested in a more thorough look at the

Bible and this guy named Jesus. It‘s just a matter

of inviting them.

A great approach is certainly one of the

gospels, in which we all agree to systematically

look through the life of Christ, one chapter at a

time on a weekly basis. Other possibilities may

be a topical or thematic introductory look at

questions like: Who was Jesus? What about

science and faith? Why suffering and evil? Is the

Bible Reliable? Does God Really Care? Helpful

books such as Know Why You Believe (Little,

1988) address a variety of questions that people

often ask. As well, introductory courses to the

Christian faith such as the ever-popular Alpha

Course (Gumbel, 1993), offer a practical and

refreshing look at some foundational issues. The

Alpha Course is oriented around a meal and

lively video presentation, followed by group

discussion on the issues addressed.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This article has attempted to touch on issues

related to house church and small group

evangelism and offer some practical tips. Be

creative, intentional, sensitive and, above all,

trust God to do something through you to touch

the lives of people around you.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The diagram ‗Evangelism as Fishing‘ was

adapted and modified based on material from my

friend Jeremy Horne who is the director of The

Navigators of Canada (Campus Mission).

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

ARNOLD, J (1992), The Big Book on Small Groups,

InterVarsity Press.

BOYD G.A. and E.K. BOYD (1994), Letters from a

Skeptic, Chariot Victor Publishing.

BRUCE, F.F. (1992), The New Testament Documents:

Are They Reliable?, InterVarsity Press.

COLEMAN, Robert (1963), The Master Plan of

Evangelism, Spire Books / Revell.

GREEN, M., and A. MCGRATH (1995), How Shall We

Reach Them? Thomas Nelson Pub.

GREEN, Michael (1995), One to One, Random House.

GUMBEL, Nicky (1993), Questions of Life, Alpha

Course, Cook Ministry Resources.

LITTLE, Paul (1988), Know Why You Believe,

InterVarsity Press.

MARTIN, Walter (1992), The Kingdom of the Cults,

Bethany House Publishers.

MCDOWELL, Josh (1977), More Than a Carpenter,

Living Books, Tyndale House Publishers.

MCDOWELL, Josh (1988), Evidence That Demands a

Verdict (Volume 1) - Historical Evidences for the

Christian Faith, Here's Life Publishers.

PETERSEN, Jim (1989), Living Proof - Sharing the

Gospel Naturally, NavPress, Colorado Springs, USA.

A video series is available based on the book.

PETERSEN, Jim (1992), Church without Walls,

NavPress.

PIPPERT, R.M. (1979), Out of the Salt Shaker and Into

the World, InterVarsity Press.

SCHUMACHER, E.F. (1973), Small is Beautiful:

Economics as if People Mattered, Harper & Row.

SHORROSH, Anis A. (1988), Islam Revealed - A

Christian Arab's View of Islam, Thomas Nelson

Publishers.

SMITH, Huston (1991), The World's Religions, Harper

SanFrancisco.

- 32 -

Module 6 Multiplying House Churches (Dream)

Personal Evangelism (Drill)

Module 6 – Multiplying House Churches Jason Johnston

- 33 -

MULTIPLYING HOUSE CHURCHES Jason Johnston © 2000

Human Population Grows by Multiplication

Human

Population

Years

Required

Year

First Billion 10,000 Plus 1830

Second Billion 100 1930

Third Billion 30 1960

Fourth Billion 15 1975

Fifth Billion 12 1987

Sixth Billion 12 1999

Plants Grow by Multiplication In ideal growing conditions you may get two fully matured ears of corn, not five or six as

sometimes is thought. Normally one fully matured ear is harvested and a second ear can be

seen, but is not well developed.

Each kernel of corn, when planted, will produce 300-1,000, or more, kernels. An ear of

corn when matured will normally have 10-18 rows of kernels with up to 50 kernels per row.

Good growing conditions in Ontario will mean ears with 600-800 kernels of corn. Average

yield in Ontario for corn is around 75%.

Corn Multiplication 1

ST Generation = 1 Plant

2ND

Generation = 525 new plants

3RD

Generation = 275,625 new plants

4TH

Generation = 75,969,140,625 new plants

Anything living grows by multiplication.

God Intends His Church to Grow by Automatic Multiplication In Mark 4:26-29, Jesus was saying ―The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon

the ground; and goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts up and grows --

how, he himself does not know. The earth produces crops by itself (automate); first the blade,

then the head, and then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he

immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.‖

Population Sources Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (Ron Sider) and The Second Reformation (William A. Beckham)

World Population: www.popin.org/pop1998/4.htm - see article entitled "World Population Growth

from year 0 to 2050"

Corn sources: www.ontariocorn.org and Government Canada at www.gov.on.ca/omafra

Jesus sources: the Bible

12

34

56

1825 1850 1875 1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 2025

Year

Hu

man

Po

pu

latio

n

(B

illi

on

s)

Module 6 – Personal Evangelism: Telling Stories Rad Zdero

- 34 -

PERSONAL EVANGELISM: TELLING STORIES Rad Zdero © 2000

One element of effectively being Christ‘s body on earth is to be able to engage friends,

family, coworkers, and neighbours, with the good news that Jesus can bring forgiveness,

hope and healing into our lives (John 3:1-21; John 4:1-42; Acts 8:26-40). The apostle Peter

encourages us to ―always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the

reason for the hope that you have; but do this with gentleness and respect‖ (1 Peter 3:15).

As limited and somewhat artificial as they are, the two exercises below may help us find

our own voice in talking about our faith story with others. Although just being ‗present‘ and

expressing love through practical deeds are important, words and conversation also have

their place and are a powerful tool in seeing people connect with each other and Christ.

Lastly, seven tips for personal evangelism are included for our consideration.

1. Exercise - 30 Second Faith Story (or “30 Seconds to Glory”) 1. Break off into pairs. Using the space below, take 5 minutes to prepare a 30 second

version of your faith journey which you will then share with your partner verbally. In

preparing it, you may want to consider the influence of the Bible in your faith, your

process to Christ, the difference Christ has made in your life, where you are now

spiritually, challenges you‘ve faced, why your friend may want to consider Christ, etc. If

your faith story was made into a movie or book, what would its title be?

2. Take turns sharing your 30 second story with your partner.

3. Did you learn anything? Was this exercise helpful? Why or why not?

Module 6 – Personal Evangelism: Telling Stories Rad Zdero

- 35 -

2. Exercise - Coffee Shop Connection 1. In the same pairs, you now enter the world of role playing. Consider if you will, a coffee

shop. Two friends sit across from each other; a Christian and a non-Christian.

The Christian: One of you will just be yourself as a Christian. Your goal may be to just

listen, ask questions to draw your friend out, and/or you may wish to be able to share a bit

of your faith story with your friend.

The non-Christian: One of you will take on the role of a non-Christian friend. Perhaps

you may just want to be yourself as you were before coming to Christ (if this applies), or

you may want to take on one of the following stereotypical roles:

The Intellectual - a thinker; needs proof and data; suspicious of ‗faith‘; questions the

Bible‘s reliability; not necessarily impressed with subjective experiences.

The Pragmatist - practical; wants to know if faith is useful; thinks it doesn‘t matter

what you believe as long as it ‗works‘ for you.

The Pluralist - very open to all faiths; believes all religions are same; Christ is just

one among many great teachers; advocates ‗tolerance‘ and ‗acceptance‘ and ‗love‘.

The Victim - bad experience of church; guilt complex; emotional baggage around

God; church people are hypocrites; fearful of being ―converted‖.

The „Religious‟ Christian – no relationship with Christ is evident or desired;

considers themselves a Christian since born into the church; into church activities;

being good and faithful to the church is important; they are more religious and duty

oriented rather than relational when it comes to God.

The Devout Muslim – Jesus is only a prophet and not Son of God; Koran is Word of

God; the Bible has errors; there is only one God and Muhammad is his prophet; Islam

is a lifestyle and not just a set of beliefs; you try to share your faith with your

Christian friend.

2. When you are both ready, spend 5 minutes just talking and connecting in your respective roles.

3. How did the conversation go? What did you learn about - your own way of communicating? other

people‘s perspectives?

4. Read through John 4:1-42, which relates how Jesus connected with a Samaritan woman about

faith. What things impress you about Jesus‘ way of communicating? What lesson can you apply

to your own life?

Module 6 – Personal Evangelism: Telling Stories Rad Zdero

- 36 -

3. Seven Tips for Personal Evangelism One of the key factors in establishing and sustaining ministry is to develop relational

networks among non-Christian friends. This provides the broad base of our ministry, from

which will emerge new and growing followers of Christ and, in time, labourers and leaders

for the kingdom. A key factor in this endeavour is our own personal evangelism efforts.

Consider the following ideas as you embark on this daring adventure.

1. Identify your Main Sphere of Influence

In what arena are most of my contacts with non-Christian friends?

Become an ―insider‖ at school, work, neighbourhood, club, etc.

2. Ask Yourself Key Questions

Do I have any non-Christian friends? If not, why not?

Who should I hang around? Be specific and focus.

What is God doing already in this person‘s life?

What are the barriers keeping them from Christ?

(emotional, intellectual, personal history…)

What is ‗good news‘ to this person?

How can I effectively share my story with my friends?

3. Be Proactive

Don‘t just wait for opportunities, rather create them…take initiative with people

Be creative, practice hospitality, be practical, keep an eye out for useful resources

4. Quantity Time and Quality Time

Both of these are keys to friendship building and connecting

5. Communication is a 2-Way Street

Listen to people, the art of asking questions, draw people out, create a safe space

Learn about the other person, don‘t just use the friendship to ―tell‖ people stuff

6. Christian Community

The power of community - connecting your friend into your Christian network

Large group, small group, special events, social gatherings, informal settings, etc

Don‘t leave non-Christian friends stranded with you as their sole connection

7. Exploring the Bible

At some point your friends may be interested in looking at the scriptures (e.g. one-on-

one with you, keep an eye open for a house church or investigative Bible study and

go with them, or better yet start one with your friend, etc)

Recommended Reading

Green, M (1995), One to One: How to Share your faith with a Friend, Random House.

Green, M and A McGrath (1995), How Shall We Reach Them?, Thomas Nelson.

Petersen, J (1989), Living Proof: Sharing the Gospel Naturally, NavPress.

Pippert, RM (1979), Out of the Saltshaker and Into the World, InterVarsity Press.

- 37 -

Module 7 New Wineskins for Today (Dream)

One-to-One Spiritual Mentoring (Drill)

Module 7 – New Wineskins for Today Jason Johnston

- 38 -

New Wineskins for Today Jason Johnston © 2000

Jesus said, ―And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst

the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into

new wineskins.‖ Mark 2:22 NIV

Three Pharisee criticisms of Jesus 1. Eating with sinners (2:13-17)

2. Not ―religious‖ enough through fasting (2:18-22)

3. Not observing the Sabbath (2:23-3:6)

Old and New Wine Old Wine (Old Covenant) New Wine (New Covenant)

Sacrifice Individuals to give up animals to

sacrifice for their sins

Jesus became the complete, perfect and

final sacrifice when he died on the cross

(Heb 10:10)

Priesthood A certain few come before God

for the masses

Believers are given direct access to God

through Jesus (Heb 4:16) and are each

expected to use their gifts to build up the

church (1 Cor 12-14, esp. 1 Cor 14:12)

Tabernacle or

Temple

Worship is centralized into one

building where God manifests

his presence

The temple is destroyed and is no longer

necessary (Mark 14:58) and the church as

people becomes the dwelling place of

God (Eph 2:22)

Old and New Wineskins The problem is not ―old‖ and ―new‖ – ―new is better‖ is not a Jesus motto – the problem is

that the Gospel is ALWAYS new; it cannot be contained in the inflexible.

House Church comes with a New Wineskin flexibility for Today Puts due importance on Jesus and our relationships

Encourages every person as potential leader

Gives room for God-given gifts to be used

Takes the focus from the church as building or program to the church as people

The church was born in a house (Acts 2:2) and rapidly spread from house to house (Acts

5:42, Acts 8:3, Acts 10:22, Acts 20:20, Rom. 16:5, 1 Cor. 16:19, Col. 4:15) and we believe

this is one, but not the only, new wineskin God will use to bring renewal to His church today.

“Every age tastes the temptation to forget that the gospel is ever new. We try to contain the new wine

of the gospel in old wineskins – outmoded traditions, obsolete philosophies, creaking institutions, old

habits. But with time the old wineskins begin to bind the gospel. Then they must burst, and the power

of the gospel pours fourth once more.” (Howard A. Snyder, Radical Renewal)

Module 7 – One-to-One Spiritual Mentoring Rad Zdero

- 39 -

One-to-One Mentoring Worksheet

Definition intentionally connecting with one person

for the purpose of spiritual growth

Descriptors mentoring

coaching

“Marketplace” Mentoring Scenarios athlete that has a personal trainer

Biblical Examples Elijah Elisha

People Needing a Mentor on threshold of commitment to Christ

Ask Yourself

Is there one person I would like to

mentor ?

Is there one person I would like to

have mentor me ?

My Spiritual Family Tree

Module 7 – One-to-One Spiritual Mentoring Rad Zdero

- 40 -

THE FAMILY TREE: Thoughts on One-to-One Spiritual Mentoring

Rad Zdero © November 2000

THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL MENTORS

As we look around us and absorb the entire

spiritual landscape of this crazy planet, we‘ll

notice that Jesus is on the move through his

people. The church is growing numerically in

leaps and bounds worldwide. There is some

good stuff going on and much to be thankful

for.

If we take a closer look, however, there is

something missing, something

that there is a lack of and yet a

desperate need for; there is a

cry in the body of Christ for

spiritual mothers and fathers,

also called mentors or

coaches, who take deliberate

personal interest in individuals

and help them grow.

If we turn to the world of

sports, many accomplished

athletes have personal trainers, whether they

compete in individual or team sports. In the

academic realm, those pursuing Master‘s or

Doctoral degrees each have their own

supervisor who encourages and guides them in

their research. Even families of one or two

parents give personal attention and care to their

few children, until these kids grow to adulthood

and are then able to become parents themselves.

Yet, in the Christian community, we have

somehow contented ourselves to huddle in large

groups, perhaps even in small groups, but have

lost the power of one-on-one, feeling perhaps

that it‘s unnecessary at worst or necessary but

impractical at best.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

How did we get here? I think the answer is that

we‘ve forgotten the basic Biblical examples of

those who went before us. There are numerous

examples from scripture of personalized

spiritual training, but let's briefly look at two,

that of Paul and Peter.

For instance, Paul the

great travelling apostle

founded numerous

Christian communities

in the Mediterranean

world of the first

century, and his

personal letters to

churches comprise

about half the New

Testament. But, he

didn't start off to be a spiritual "superstar". In

the early days after his awakening to Christ, he

was befriended and mentored by Barnabas, a

fellow who had been around the block a few

times spiritually (Acts 9:22-27 and 11:22-26).

Paul was quick to catch on, though, and soon

was investing in the lives of other individuals

like Timothy, Titus and Silas, in the context of

the daily ebb and flow of life and ministry (1

Cor 4:14-17; 1 Thes 1:1; Titus 1:4). Notice that

Paul was always thinking two or three

generations down the line, well aware of the

impact he could make not only on Timothy, but

Module 7 – One-to-One Spiritual Mentoring Rad Zdero

- 41 -

on those whom Timothy had a chance to

apprentice (2 Tim 2:2).

Similarly Peter, the big fisherman from

Galilee with a loud mouth and bad temper, was

coached by Jesus himself. They fished and

prayed together, walked the desert roads side by

side, worshiped in the Temple, ate and drank,

and slept and talked, together. After several

years of investment by Jesus, Peter would be

ready to take on the mantle of leadership for the

fledgling Christian community (John 21:15-17),

which would soon burst out of Jerusalem under

the power of God‘s lead.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

―Well‖, you might be thinking, ―that was then,

this is now. That‘s all about that ancient stuff.

Sounds good though, but what does this have to

do with me? Does that kind of stuff actually go

on today?‖ As far as I've got the exact story

straight, back in the 1940s Dawson Trotman,

founder of the Christian organization called The

Navigators, discipled Waldron Scott, who in

turn did the same for Leroy Eims, who then

mentored a businessman named Bob. Bob then

spiritually coached Tom, who mentored Don,

the Navigator staff at the university I attended.

Dawson Trotman, however, also used to get

together on Saturdays with Bill Bright, the

founder of the well-known Campus Crusade for

Christ (CCC), in order to pass onto him the

basics of how to disciple someone.

Now, this is where the rubber hits the road for

me personally because a fellow named Dave,

whom I met in the first week of my first year of

university, was staff with CCC. From that point

on for the next 2 years, he and I would get

together regularly and frequently to pray, talk,

play video games, eat lunch, and study the Bible

in the context of campus life and my

involvement with the CCC student group.

Then after CCC pulled off the campus, Dave

encouraged me to throw in my lot with the

Navigator student group. Well, I did. And for

the next 4 years, the Nav staff there named Don

(mentioned earlier) took a personal interest in

me the same way Dave had earlier. Eventually, I

came on as associate campus staff with the Navs

and had the opportunity and privilege to

spiritually coach a few students one-on-one

myself. One of these students in particular is

carrying on the process by mentoring some

highschool kids one-on-one and seeing change

take place in their lives.

I didn‘t know Dawson Trotman and he didn‘t

know me, but because of his willingness 50

years ago to be available to God and to invest

his energy into a few individuals, my life has

been significantly touched by my personal

spiritual mentors, Dave and Don. To them and

to the God who worked through them, I‘m very

grateful.

SOME PRACTICAL TIPS

As we proceed in discipling someone or being

discipled by someone a bit further along, there

are a couple of helpful tools or tips to keep

handy.

First off, choosing who we should invest in is an

important decision. Spiritual coaches are needed

for:

those on the threshold of faith who need

help working through final barriers, whether

they be intellectual or emotional

new Christians who need to be grounded in

the basics of prayer, scripture, lifestyle

choices and trusting God

Module 7 – One-to-One Spiritual Mentoring Rad Zdero

- 42 -

growing Christians to be matured and

challenged to discover their gifts and start

applying them to help the body of Christ

believers who are actively trying to share

their faith or are in the process of mentoring

a younger believer

those in pain or crisis who need support,

whether that means just being there to

listen, pray, comfort, etc.

emerging leaders to develop in their ability,

confidence, and vision to lead

Second, the goals and expectations of the

process will vary depending

on the people involved and

the understanding set out by

the mentor and mentoree. It

may just be about growth in

one area, such as Bible study

or a ministry skill. For

instance, a friend and I used to

meet weekly over a period of

a year and a half. We focused

specifically on keeping each other accountable

for evangelism among our friends. We would

pray for specific people and talk about how it

was going with these friends one week. On

alternate weeks we would be reading through

some helpful articles and looking at related

scriptures. In most cases, though, the friendship

may naturally develop a more holistic tone in

which marriage, finances, family, sexuality,

culture, career, academics, etc, are addressed.

We should not be afraid to share our own

struggles and victories in these areas. This will

keep it real.

Third, how often and for how long you get

together needs to be clear so that the two

extremes of burnout and losing touch be

avoided. I like to make a weekly time with

someone one-on-one for at least an hour or two.

In a previous coaching role, I got together with

a friend, who was a new believer, every Friday

night for dinner, a movie, talk time, and some

prayer, over a 9 month period. This usually was

an entire evening out. It was both relaxing and

invigorating for both of us.

Fourth, know that we will reproduce after our

own kind, whether we like it or not. It is

important to model things as much as it is to

teach because, as someone once said, "more is

caught than is formally

taught". This is about life-

on-life ministry. If we are

weak in prayer, then it

may not come as a

surprise that the person

we're helping along will

develop the same habits.

If we are strong in one

area, such as evangelism,

then it's likely they will

develop the same spiritual muscles. I am not

implying here that the person we are coaching

has no mind or personality of their own and that

they will simply mimic what they see in us. This

may not be the case for growing or mature

believers, but it is likely with new Christians.

Fifth, the duration of the mentoring

relationship is not necessarily meant to be a

lifetime commitment. It may be intense with

frequent contact only for a season, such as a

school year or two in connecting with students

in a campus setting. Because the purpose of this

process is to nurture and release the person into

ministry and life, rather than control and keep,

circumstances such as graduation or a

geographic move mean that contact will become

Module 7 – One-to-One Spiritual Mentoring Rad Zdero

- 43 -

occasional. Recognize that the relationship

needs to change as circumstances do. This is

normal and healthy. It may be appropriate at

times that the spiritual "coach" and "athlete"

discuss the boundaries and expectations of the

relationship to ensure it stays healthy.

Lastly, only same-gender mentoring is

recommended, unless unusual circumstances

exist or there are extremely clear boundaries and

safeguards, because of the potential danger of a

mentoring bond developing into an

inappropriate romantic one.

THE CHALLENGE

This all sounds pretty intimidating to be sure.

Where do we start if we want to get involved in

this kind of process? Don‘t we need

qualifications or training or experience? Don‘t

we all need mentors ourselves before we can

even presume to help someone else along? Yes,

all these things are good and helpful, no doubt,

and should be strongly encouraged. But, it

doesn‘t take a spiritual guru to touch the life of

just one person. If we know how to be a good

friend, then that‘s a great starting point. It only

takes regular folk like you and me to grow in

our passion for Christ and make ourselves

available to God and one other person.

This isn‘t to be a mechanical or technocratic

exercise. People are not projects. Rather, let us

take the apostle Paul‘s example who said to his

spiritual children: ―We were gentle among you,

like a mother caring for her little children. We

loved you so much that we delighted to share

with you not only the gospel of God but our

lives as well, because you had become so dear

to us.‖ (I Thes 2:7-8).

In the end, if we take to heart the Biblical

mandate for spiritual mentoring, the example of

those who went before us, and what Dawson

Trotman once asked, ―Where is your man?

Where is your woman?‖, then let‘s be prepared

to watch our spiritual offspring grow into a

family tree beyond our wildest dreams.

SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Coleman, Robert, et al. (1994). Disciple

Making: Training Leaders to Make Disciples,

online self-study course at

www.wheaton.edu/bgc/ioe/fud/fudtitle.html.

Eims, Leroy (1978). The Lost Art of

Disciplemaking, Zondervan,.

Gumbel, Nicky (1993). Questions of Life: A

Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith,

Cook Ministry Resources.

Henrichsen, W. (1988). Disciples are Made-Not

Born, Chariot Victor Books.

Hull, B. (1984). Jesus Christ Disciple-Maker,

NavPress.

Kreider, Larry (2000). The Cry for Spiritual

Fathers and Mothers, House to House

Publications.

Petersen, Jim (1993). Lifestyle Discipleship,

NavPress.

Sanny, Lorne. Making the Investment of Your

Life, (4 audio cassettes), NavPress.

Stanley PD and JR Clinton. (1992). Connecting:

The Mentoring Relationships You Need to

Succeed, NavPress.

- 44 -

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Christian Leadership & Spirituality

Bridges J. The Practice of Godliness, NavPress, 1983.

Covey S, et al. First Things First, Simon and Schuster, 1994.

Crabb, Larry. Connecting: Healing for Ourselves and Our Relationships, Word Books, 1997.

DeWitt, D, The Mature Man: Becoming a Man of Impact, Vision House, 1994.

Nouwen H. In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, Crossroad, 1989.

Nouwen H. Reaching Out: The three Movements of the Spiritual Life, Doubleday, 1975.

Sanders O. Spiritual Leadership, Moody Press, 1967, 1989.

Skinner BL. Daws: A Man who trusted God, NavPress, 1994.

Taylor and Taylor. Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor, Whitaker House, 1996.

Wellman S. Billy Graham: The Great Evangelist, Barbour, 1996.

Wellman S. John Wesley: The Horseback Preacher, Barbour, 2000.

Whitney DS. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, NavPress, 1991.

Willard D. The Spirit of the Disciplines, Harper and Row, 1988.

Wilkes CG. Jesus on Leadership, Tyndale House, 1998.

Mentoring & Training Others

Albom M. Tuesdays with Morrie, Doubleday, 1997.

Bruce AB. The Training of the Twelve, Kregel Publications, 1871, 1988.

Coleman R. The Master Plan of Evangelism, Spire, 1963, 1993.

Coleman R, et al. Disciple Making: Training Leaders to Make Disciples, online self-study course at

www.wheaton.edu/bgc/ioe/fud/fudtitle.html, 1994.

Donahue B (ed.). Coaches Handbook, Willow Creek Community Church, 1995.

Eims L. The Lost Art of Disciplemaking, Zondervan, 1978.

Gumbel N. Questions of Life: A Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith, Cook Ministry

Resources, 1993.

Henrichsen W. Disciples are Made-Not Born, Chariot Victor Books, 1988.

Hull B. Jesus Christ Disciple-Maker, NavPress, 1984.

Kreider L. The Cry for Spiritual Fathers and Mothers, House to House Publications, 2000.

Petersen J. Lifestyle Discipleship, NavPress, 1993.

Sanny L. Making the Investment of Your Life, (4 audio cassettes), NavPress.

Stanley PD & JR Clinton. Connecting: The Mentoring Relationships You Need to Succeed, NavPress,

1992.

Evangelism & Apologetics

Barnett PB. Is the New Testament Reliable? InterVarsity Press, 1986.

Bruce FF. The New Testament Documents: Are they Reliable? InterVarsity Press, 1992.

Green M, and A McGrath. How Shall We Reach Them? Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.

Green M. One to One: How to Share your faith with a Friend, Moorings, 1995.

Hunter GG. The Celtic Way of Evangelism. Abingdon Press, 2000.

- 45 -

Jacks B, et al. Your Home a Lighthouse: Hosting an Evangelistic Bible Study, NavPress, 1987.

Little P. Know Why You Believe, InterVarsity Press, 1989.

Petersen J. Living Proof: Sharing the Gospel Naturally, NavPress, 1989.

Pippert RM. Out of the Saltshaker and into the World, InterVarsity Press, 1979, 1999.

Sjogren S. The Conspiracy of Kindness: A Refreshing New Approach of Sharing the Love of Jesus

with Others, Vine Books, 1993.

Strobel L. The Case for Christ, Zondervan, 1998.

Strobel L. The Case for Faith, Zondervan, 2000.

House Churches and Cell Groups

Arnold J. The Big Book on Small Groups, InterVarsity Press, 1992.

Ascough R. What are they saying about the formation of Pauline Churches? Paulist Press, 1998.

Beckham WA. The Second Reformation, Touch Publications, 1997.

Cho P-Y. Successful Home Cell Groups, Logos International, 1981.

Comiskey J. Groups of Twelve, Touch Publications, 1999.

Comiskey J. Home Cell Group Explosion, Touch Publications, 1999.

Comiskey J. Reap the Harvest: How a Small Group System can Grow your Church, Touch Pub.,

1999.

Donahue B. Leading Life-Changing Small Groups, Zondervan, 1996.

Easum W. Dancing with Dinosaurs, Abingdon, 1993.

George CF. Prepare your Church for the Future, Revell Publishing, 1992.

Henderson DM. John Wesley‟s Class Meeting: A Model for Making Disciples. Evangel Publishing

House, 1997.

Kreider L. House to House, House to House Publications, 1995.

Neighbour R. Where do we go from here? Touch Publications, 1990.

Petersen J. Church without Walls, NavPress, 1992.

Sauder B, Kreider L. Helping you build Cell Churches, House to House Publications, 1998.

Simson W. Houses that Change the World. Paternoster Publishing, 2001.

Snyder H. The Radical Wesley and Patterns for Church Renewal. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 1996.

Stockstill L. The Cell Church, Regal Books, 1998.

Viola F. Rethinking the Wineskin: The Practice of the New Testament Church, Present Testimony

Ministry, 1998.

Zdero R, The Global House Church Movement, 2004, 155 pages, www.missionbooks.org

Zdero R, Nexus: The World House Church Movement Reader, 2007, 528 pages,

www.missionbooks.org

Websites

Save the World...Plant a House Church Training Manual, www.housechurch.ca

Dove Christian Fellowship International, www.dcfi.org

Touch Publications, www.touchusa.org

World Team Resources, www.world-team.org

- 46 -

APPENDIX 1 – RELATIONAL STRATEGY

FOR PLANTING A HOUSE CHURCH NETWORK Rad Zdero © March 2001, www.housechurch.ca

Phase 1. “Gather the 12" (House Church Prototype)

―Inner Circle‖ (Primary Vision Carriers) and Core group go over planting strategy

'body life'; no specific training yet, just learning to develop community

―Inner Circle‖ must model and encourage the common life

[4 months]

Phase 2. “Go to the Synagogues” (Advertise and Network)

go to Christian media, radio, etc. for Christians looking for something different

invite to Recruitment / Info night (like Paul going to the synagogues)

commitment of Core Group to network and invite Christian friends to Phase 3

approx. 1 month of advertising prior to Phase 3; networking started in Phase 1

Phase 3. “Call Many” (Recruitment Night)

for potential house church leaders and those interested in house church

give Power Point presentation, video, brochures on house church

see how many bite and invite to Training Boot Camp/Retreat Weekend

this is Filter #1 – some will drop out, others will commit

Phase 4. “Choose a Few” (Training Boot Camp)

soon after Phase 3, hold a weekend retreat

use materials that forge a vision for house church networks and/or cell churches

this is Filter #2 – some more will drop out after this, others will commit even more

Phase 5. “Gather the 70" (Enlarged House Church Prototype)

this is expanded and solidified Core Group + Others = Enlarged HC Prototype

organize into several HCs if there are enough people; no fewer than 8 per HC

HC ‗common‘ life continues and house-to-house pattern begins

start HC Leadership training (2/month)

some may drop out, some new ones will be added by word of mouth

[4 months]

Phase 6. “Send the 70” (Initial Evangelistic Thrust)

each HC is largely made up of committed Christians at this point

HCs begin using Alpha or similar material; we each invite friends; advertise Alpha in various media

some will become Christians, others won‘t but will stick around, others will leave after Alpha is

done, more may be added by word of mouth

HC leaders will clearly emerge; Alpha will help potential HC leaders learn group

discussions/dynamics

[4 months]

Phase 7. “120 in Upper Room” (HC Network Prototype)

real body life begins – apostles teachings, prayers, common life; ongoing HC Leadership Training

some HC may want to do Alpha again with newer friends; this is a tool but no longer becomes the

focus; personal outreach encouraged and modeled; advertise; strategize evangelism fishing pools

this is a House Church Network waiting to multiply automatically and explode all over “Jerusalem”

[This will take about 12 months]

- 47 -

APPENDIX 2 - COLD CONTACT STRATEGY

FOR PLANTING A HOUSE CHURCH NETWORK

Rad Zdero © July 2001, www.housechurch.ca

THE VISION It is desired to plant a viable House Church among not-yet-Christians in various Zones of a city that will be

linked together in a network. We want to start from scratch and reach out to those who don‘t yet know

Christ. This can be done through a group of family or friends who want to reach out to their immediate

community and friends (Appendix 1) or through the cold contact strategy proposed here.

THE PLAN

1. Zone out 8 weeks before your House Church starts

divide your city or town into geographic, demographic, or postal/zip code Zones

pray for each of these Zones individually based on what you know about them

2. Zoom in 8 weeks before your House Church starts

choose a Zone to focus on

go to that Zone for a prayer walk several times and pray for the people

greet and meet some people if possible and engage in chit-chat

3. Door-to-Door Visits 6 weeks before your House Church starts

choose one neighbourhood in the chosen Zone to go door-to-door with:

Spiritual Survey/Questionnaire – e.g. Who is Jesus? What do you think about the

Church? What are the most important things in your life? (see next page)

Gift: The Jesus video produced by Campus Crusade for Christ

Gift: New Testament or Bible

identify ―man or woman of peace‖ that is interested in a home Bible study or Alpha

group or perhaps would be even willing to host a small group for an 8 or 10 week period

in their neighbourhood

the more people on your team willing to do this the better—it is recommended that 100

homes are contacted in total since a 5 % response is likely which will make up a 5

person small group + at least 2 team members = 7-9 people

4. Mail and Advertize 3 weeks before your House Church starts

send out a mailing to those people who were interested in the home Bible study or Alpha

course, and put up posters in that neighbourhood

5. Phone Calls 1 week before your House Church starts

make a reminder phone call to those who said they would be interested

6. House Church begins run your 8-10 week Alpha course or Christianity 101 course

expect some people to drop out and others to stay and bring others along

this is the start of a House Church in that Zone; plant in a second Zone

- 48 -

SPIRITUAL SURVEY (Instructions - Circle Only One Answer)

The Most Important Thing in My Life is:

A) Family and Friends

B) Work and Financial Stability

C) Religion, Spirituality, and God

D) Making a Positive Contribution to the World

E) Other_______________

I can get to Heaven by:

A) being a Good Person

B) believing in God

C) having a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ

D) going to Church, Synagogue, Mosque, Temple, etc.

E) Other_______________

The Christian Church is:

A) Boring

B) Dangerous

C) Useless

D) Confusing

E) Other_______________

Jesus Christ is:

A) a Prophet

B) a Myth

C) just a Good Man

D) the Son of God

E) Other_______________

Would you be interested in a Home Bible Study?

Name: _________________________

Phone: _________________________

Email: _________________________

Address: _________________________

SPIRITUAL SURVEY (Instructions - Circle Only One Answer)

The Most Important Thing in My Life is:

A) Family and Friends

B) Work and Financial Stability

C) Religion, Spirituality, and God

D) Making a Positive Contribution to the World

E) Other_______________

I can get to Heaven by:

A) being a Good Person

B) believing in God

C) having a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ

D) going to Church, Synagogue, Mosque, Temple, etc.

E) Other_______________

The Christian Church is:

A) Boring

B) Dangerous

C) Useless

D) Confusing

E) Other_______________

Jesus Christ is:

A) a Prophet

B) a Myth

C) just a Good Man

D) the Son of God

E) Other_______________

Would you be interested in a Home Bible Study?

Name: _________________________

Phone: _________________________

Email: _________________________

Address: _________________________

- 49 -

APPENDIX 3 – SO, YOU WANNA BE A

HOUSE CHURCH LEADER?!

When gardeners head out to plant, they know that it‘s gonna take time to till the ground, bury or scatter

seed, add nutrients to the soil, prune the fledgling plant, and make sure it has enough sunlight and rain

to reach its full potential as a plant. It takes time, commitment, and energy from the gardener. So it is

when a house church planting team begins the process of building a healthy, thriving, and vibrant

Christ-community based on the house church or cell church model. The same kind of sweat is needed.

Because you‘re reading this, you‘ve probably been scouted as a potential HC leader and are

wondering what‘s involved or you want to be one and are ready to sign on the dotted line. You‘re a

key person in this whole thing. The proverbial bar is being raised, and you‘re being asked to rise to the

challenge and commit yourself to this crazy God-commissioned tree-planting thing called house

church. If you‘re up for it, then we‘re in business. Here‘s an offer you can‘t refuse -

Time

A minimum commitment of 1 year to lead your house church, be part of the HC

leaders team, and help build Jesus‘ kingdom through the spiritual virus of

multiplying house churches.

HC Groups

Lead and care for people in your house church as a strategist and shepherd as

outlined in Module 3 – The Role of a House Church Leader.

HC Leaders

Be a key part of the HC leadership team by responding to 3D Training, 1-on-1

coaching, other training gigs (e.g. seminars, retreats, homework), and by helping

out and praying for other team players. Secret handshakes will be an important

part…or so our Great Leader tells us.

HC Network

Commit to your local HC network with your $$$ (small bills only), prayers, and

getting up-close-and-personal with people, whether you like ‘em or not.