For no one can lay any foundation

other than the one already laid,

which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11

Go
Go and make disciples of all nations...
Matthew 28:19

FOUNDATIONS

September 2022
Version 2.0
foundationsglobal.com
Copyright 2022 Foundations Global.
May be copied or reproduced without permission for educational use only.
Not for sale or distribution
 Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Discover Your Mission in Life ................................................................................................. 3
Chapter 2. Our Response to the Great Commission ................................................................................ 8
Chapter 3. Foundations Discipleship Plan .............................................................................................. 12
Chapter 4. Multiply Disciples by Apprenticeship ..................................................................................... 16
Chapter 5. How to Lead a Foundations Meeting .................................................................................... 18
Chapter 6. How to Share Your Testimony .............................................................................................. 20
Chapter 7. How to Share the Good News .............................................................................................. 26
Chapter 8. Invest and Invite ................................................................................................................... 37
Chapter 9. Have World Vision ................................................................................................................ 41

Introduction
The purpose of the Foundations Discipleship Bible studies is to help you lay a foundation for life change
that will last for the rest of your life. Life change is about becoming more and more like Jesus.

Foundations follows the same process Jesus used to train His disciples:
1. Come. Come and get to know God. This is the starting point of life change where we learn who God
is and how to accept Jesus for eternal life.
2. Grow. Grow in your relationship with God. Learn how to grow spiritually through God’s Word, prayer,
and fellowship with other Christians.
3. Serve by giving and caring for others. Learn about your spiritual gifts and abilities and how to give to
and serve God and others.
4. Go and make disciples. Invest in the lives of others and invite them to accept Jesus when they are
ready. Then make disciples by helping others go through this process of Come→Grow→Serve→Go.

Pray and ask the Lord for understanding and to change your life to be more like Jesus as you study each
of the chapters.

Instructions for a Group Meeting

1. If there is not a leader, appoint one
2. You can rotate leadership if appropriate
3. The leader should study the Leader Notes and use the checklists before and after the meeting
4. The leader should not lecture or talk too much
5. Let people read each verse, bullet point, and other information in order around the circle.
6. The leader should ask the discussion questions.
7. The questions can be answered by anyone.
8. All discussion questions are preceded by this symbol:
9. The leader may ask does anyone else have anything to say

Instructions for Meeting One on One

1. Leaders should study the Leader Notes and use the checklists before and after the meeting
2. The leader should not lecture or talk too much
3. You can take turns reading the verses, bullet points, other information, and questions
4. The leader should ask the discussion questions.

2
 Chapter 1. Discover Your Mission in Life

Discover Your Mission

• I WAS CREATED TO ACCOMPLISH GOD’S MISSION.
The Lord has made everything for his own purpose. Proverbs 16:4.

• GOD PLANNED MY LIFE MISSION BEFORE I WAS BORN.

God is our Maker, and in our union with Christ, he has created us for a life of good works, which he
has already prepared for us to do. Ephesians 2:10.

• FULFILLING MY MISSION BRINGS GLORY TO GOD.

Jesus: "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." John 17:4.

• MY PRIMARY TASK IN LIFE IS TO FULFILL MY MISSION.

The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me--to
tell people the Good News about God's grace. Acts 20:24.

God’s Plan of Redemption

The theme of the whole Bible is about God creating us to love us and then redeeming us back to himself
after we sinned.

You can see that Multiplying is a recurring theme in God’s plan of redemption.
• Adam – Be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1:28.
• Noah and Sons – Be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 9:1.
• Abraham – I will multiply your seed. Genesis 22:17.
• Jacob – Be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 35:11.
• Jesus – Make multiplying disciples. Matthew 28:19-20.

➢ What did God want the chosen people in the Old Testament to do?

➢ Why did God want them to be fruitful and multiply?

God created us to love us just as we have children to love. But after we were separated from God
because of our sin, we need a second birth for forgiveness of sins in order to be God’s children.

Jesus: no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. John 3:3.

Jesus’ Plan: Make Multiplying Disciples

(A disciple is a disciplined follower of a master)

Jesus’ plan had two parts:

1. Die on the cross for our sins
2. Let people know the good news

But if Jesus had died for our sins and there was no plan to let people know about it,
none of us would have become God’s children.

3
Jesus preached to the crowds and healed many. But he trained 12 ordinary men for three years to be His
disciples. His disciples were to make other disciples who would multiply until everyone in the world had
an opportunity to have eternal life with God.

• A disciple is becoming like Jesus

Be conformed to the likeness of his Son. Romans 8:29.

• A disciple makes other disciples

Go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19.

• Discipleship happens up close, personal, and over time

➢ Why did Jesus train multiplying disciples?

Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19.

The Great Commission

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and 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.

• What we are to do:

o Make multiplying disciples: As defined by Jesus using Jesus’ process.
• Where we are to do it:
o All nations: All nationalities (No discrimination), the entire world.
• How we are to do it:
o Go: As you go through life, wherever you are
o Baptizing: Discipleship starts with Evangelism.
▪ Leading people to faith in Christ.
o Teaching obedience to all of Jesus’ commands: Discipleship.
▪ Maturing in all of the ingredients of a disciple.
o I am with you always: Make disciples through the power of the Holy Spirit

The vision of the Great Commission is discipleship.

• Evangelism is simply the first step in discipleship

The 5 Great Commissions of Jesus

1. Make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19-20.

2. You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Mark 16:15.

3. Take this message of repentance to all the nations. Luke 24:47.

4. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. John 20:21.

5. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8.

4
Whatever Jesus said after His death and resurrection with such repetition
must motivate us to obedience!

5
Jesus Our Model and Paul our Example

After His resurrection and during his ascension Jesus told his disciples:

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21.

• Jesus told His disciples to make multiplying disciples just as he did and reach all nations.

Paul to Timothy: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2

• Paul is an example of obeying the Great Commission as he trained Timothy to train faithful men
who would teach others also and reach the world for Christ.

Jesus Plan
“Make Multiplying Disciples”

Model Example
(John 20:21) (2 Timothy 2:2)

Jesus Paul
Multiply

12 Disciples Timothy

Obedient Christians Faithful Men

(Disciples) (Disciples)

All Others
Nations Also

6
 “Discover Your Mission in Life” Summary

• Discover Your Mission

• God’s Plan of Redemption
o Multiplying is a recurring theme in God’s plan of redemption
• Jesus’ Plan: Make Multiplying Disciples
o A disciple becomes like Jesus
o A disciple makes other disciples
o Discipleship happens up close, personal, and over time
• The Great Commission: Make Multiplying Disciples
o As defined by Jesus using Jesus’ process.
o As you go through life
o All nationalities (No discrimination)
o Baptizing (Leading people to faith in Christ)
o Teaching obedience to all of Jesus’ commands
o Through the power of the Holy Spirit
o Jesus gave the Great Commission five times
▪ after His death and resurrection
▪ and before His ascension into heaven
o Paul is an example of obeying the Great Commission
▪ as he trained Timothy
▪ to train faithful men
▪ who would teach others also
▪ and reach the world for Christ.

7
 Chapter 2. Our Response to the Great Commission

Why Jesus’ Mission Matters to Me

• Jesus expects me to continue His mission
Jesus gave the Great Commission four times after His Crucifixion and Resurrection and one time during
His Ascension.

• If I want to be like Jesus, my Life Mission must be His Life Mission.

Jesus prayed to the Father: In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a
mission in the world.” John 17:18.

• Because people are hopeless without Christ

Jesus is the only one who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given
to save people. We must be saved through him. Acts 4:12.

• Because God wants everybody saved

God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4.

• I will be glad when I see people in heaven.

I tell you there is much joy in heaven when one sinner changes his heart. Luke 15:7.

I want to carry out the mission I received from the Lord Jesus. Acts 20:24.

➢ Knowing these things, why should I make multiplying disciples?

What Jesus said about what it means to be His disciple

Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:13 the goal of being a disciple of Jesus:
• The fullness of the maturity of Christ

1. Jesus said, “If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples. John 8:31.

2. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By
this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35.

➢ Who are the disciples to love?

➢ How are we to love other disciples?

➢ What will this let non-Christians know?

3. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8.

…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:11.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control. Galatians 5:22-23.

➢ Besides the fruit of disciples, what other kind of fruit are we to bear?

8
4. Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross
daily and follow me. Luke 9:23.

• Three things your Lord asked you to do

o Deny yourself: Choose to put Jesus in charge instead of yourself.
o Take up your cross daily: Die to yourself and come alive to Jesus every day.
o Follow Jesus: Obey His commands. Think, say, and do what Jesus would.

5. If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers
and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26.

This is explained in Matthew 10:37.

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or
daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

We need to love Jesus more than anyone. Jesus must be our number one priority.

6. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33.

➢ What does it mean to give up everything you have?

• Remember that God owns everything and we are just managers.

• We need to love Jesus more than we love things.
• Jesus must be the most important thing to us.

What Jesus said about what it means to be His disciple summary

In Luke 14:28 Jesus told us to “count the cost” of being His disciple. Here are the requirements Jesus
had for His original disciples, for us, and for the disciples we make.
1. Obeys everything Jesus commanded. John 8:31.
2. Loves other disciples the same way Jesus loves us (He gave His life for us) and thereby let
non-Christians know that we are Jesus’ disciples. John 13:34-35.
3. Bears the fruit of disciples, the fruit of righteousness, and the fruit of the Spirit. John 15:8,
Philippians 1:11, Galatians 5:22-23.
4. Denies your fleshly desires. Dies to self daily. Thinks, says, and does what Jesus would. Luke 9:23.
5. Loves Jesus more than anyone. Luke 14:26.
6. Loves Jesus more than anything. Luke 14:33.

• Converts are baby Christians regardless of how long they have been Christians
• Disciples are growing Christians

Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:13 the goal of being a disciple of Jesus:

• The fullness of the maturity of Christ

To be a disciple of Jesus requires

• our total commitment
• and the power of God in us.

9
Parable of the Sower
• Have you noticed that some people appear to be following Jesus and then stop,
o or attend church for a while and then leave
o or just sit in church and never get involved?
• Jesus tells us why some people choose not to follow Him as His disciple in the Parable of the
Sower (Matthew 13)

In this parable:
• The farmer is God
• The seed is the Word of God
• The different soils are the different types of people who hear the Word of God

1. Rocky soil
• Some hear and rejoice but fall away when trouble and persecution come

2. Thorny soil
• Some hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it out

3. Good soil
• Some hear the word, understand it, and bear the fruit of multiplying disciples

The Parable of the Sower teaches us that it is the nature of the Kingdom of God
• that some will be distracted from faithfully following Jesus as His disciples
• but some will faithfully follow Jesus as His disciples and bear much fruit.

We cannot become discouraged when people don’t faithfully follow Jesus despite our best efforts.
• It is their choice.
• God does not force us to accept Jesus for eternal life and He doesn’t force us to obey Him.
• Look for the faithful followers who will bear much fruit and train them to be multiplying disciples.

➢ Is there anything in your life that is distracting you from wholeheartedly following
Jesus? What?

➢ What are you going to do about it?

What Resources Has God Given Us to Accomplish His Mission?

Here are some of the resources God has given us:
• Every spiritual blessing in Christ • Help in temptation
• Eternal life • His provision
• Fellowship • His strength
• His Word • Prayer
• His peace • Grace
• His presence • His Spirit
• His faithfulness • Everything we need for life and godliness

➢ Which of these resources is most meaningful for you personally today?

10
When we do a cost – benefit analysis of being a disciple, we find that the benefits far outweigh the costs.

God gives us everything we need

• to grow as a disciple
• and to make disciples

What Do We Need to Do?

Jesus told His disciples: The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest,
therefore, to send out laborers into his harvest field. Matthew 9:37-38.
• Jesus was training His disciples to be laborers in the harvest
• The harvest is still plentiful today and the laborers are still few.
• Laborers (multiplying disciples) are needed to harvest (evangelize) the crop (the world).

Pastors and Christian leaders are often exhausted because they are doing ministry that others should be
trained to do.

The role of pastors and Christian leaders is given to us in Ephesians 4:11-13

• Use their spiritual gifts
• to train the believers to do the work of ministry
• which is to make multiplying disciples

• The Great Commission is the God given purpose of every church and every believer
• God gives us all of the resources we need
• Obey God and watch Him transform your community, city, country, and the world

“Our Response to the Great Commission” Summary

• Why Jesus’ Mission Matters to Me

• What Jesus said about what it means to be His disciple
o Does what He says
o Loves other disciples
o Bears the fruit of making disciples, the fruit of righteousness, and the fruit of the Spirit
o Denies their self, takes up their cross daily, and follows Him
o Loves Jesus more than anyone
o Loves Jesus more than anything
• Parable of the Sower
o Some people will be distracted from faithfully following Jesus as His disciples
o But some will faithfully follow Jesus as His disciples and make multiplying disciples
• What Resources Has God Given Us to Accomplish His Mission?
o God gives us everything we need
▪ to grow as a disciple
▪ and to make disciples
• What do we need to do?
o Use our spiritual gifts to make multiplying disciples

The Great Commission is the God given purpose of every church and every believer

11
 Chapter 3. Foundations Discipleship Plan

Our Mission
• Our mission is the same mission as Jesus’ mission: To make multiplying disciples.

Definition of a Disciple
• A person who is becoming like Jesus. Romans 8:29, Ephesians 4:13
o Discipleship only happens up close, personal, and over time
o Discipleship is relational
o Jesus trained 12 ordinary men for three years to be His disciples and to train other disciples

➢ How has your experience with the Foundations Discipleship Study helped you to
become like Jesus?

➢ Describe the ways you have personally experienced discipleship up close, personal,
and over time.

Ingredients of a Disciple
• We become like Jesus by maturing in all of the ingredients of a disciple.

Biblical basis of the ingredients of a disciple of Jesus:

The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39)
• Love God
• Love all people

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)

• Make disciples
• Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you

These ingredients provide a summary of all of Jesus’ commands.

• Know God: Love God
• God’s Word: Obey all of Jesus’ commands
• Prayer: Love God
• Fellowship: Love all people
• Service: Love all people
• Outreach: Make disciples

• The Bible is not a menu that we use to choose what areas we want to obey.
• A disciple needs to grow spiritually in all these areas

➢ Which of the ingredients from the above have you experienced the most growth in
through this process?

➢ In which of the ingredients would you like to see more growth in your life?

12
Jesus’ Discipleship Process
• Jesus: “I am the Way…Follow me” (John 14:6, Matthew 4:19)
• The “Way” to mature in all of the ingredients of a disciple is to “Follow” Jesus. This means that we
are to follow the model of Jesus’ life and follow the model of His ministry as He made multiplying
disciples.
• We must rely on God’s resources and the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus’ process to make multiplying disciples was to ask twelve ordinary men to come and see who
He was and what he was doing. Then He spent three years with them training them to grow,
serve, and then go and repeat the cycle until the Great Commission was finished.

Foundations Discipleship Process

You have been on a discipleship journey for some time. In chapter 1 of this section we talked about the
importance of multiplication. Throughout your time in the Foundations Discipleship Material someone has
invested time into your life spiritually. Throughout the remainder of this chapter as well as the rest of this
study we will begin to turn our attention to what it can look like for you to multiply other disciples.

• Jesus used four distinct training phases to make His disciples and we do the same thing.
• The Foundations material can be used for one-on-one discipleship or with 2-10 other people
• Foundations is a series of topical Discipleship studies:
1. Come. Come and get to know God. This is the starting point of life change where we learn who God is
and how to accept Jesus for eternal life.
2. Grow. Grow in your relationship with God. Learn how to grow spiritually through God’s Word, prayer,
and fellowship with other Christians.
3. Serve by giving and caring for others. Learn about your spiritual gifts and abilities and how to give to
and serve God and others.
4. Go and make disciples. Invest in the lives of others and invite them to accept Jesus when they are
ready. Then make disciples by helping them go through this process of Come→Grow→Serve→Go.

All of the ingredients of a disciple are included in the Foundations Discipleship Process in the order that
helps us mature the best. The figure below also includes the approximate amount of time that should be
spent on each section.

13
• Unless we use the same ingredients and the same process Jesus used, we won’t make the kind of
disciples Jesus wants us to make.
• Foundations members stay with the same people and the same leader through the Foundations study
• This way they maintain the relationships they started with.
• This is the same way Jesus trained His disciples.
• Discipleship is a relational process not a program

Distinctives of the “Come” Section

• Evangelism
o Help people find out who the God of the Bible is and to give them enough information so that they
can make an informed decision to receive Christ for eternal life.
• We are developing relationships and trust rather than engaging them in training.
• We emphasize encouragement and not accountability.
• Having fun together is very important
• It is best to meet in someone’s home or another neutral location.

Believers should go through the “Come” section in Foundations for their own spiritual growth and to see
how to help an unbeliever get to know who God is and how to help them receive Christ for eternal life.

Distinctives of the “Grow, Serve, and Go” Sections

• Discipleship: Growing to be a spiritually mature follower of Jesus.
• Increasing commitment, discipline, and accountability
• Focus on Christian habits like prayer and Bible study
o The focus changes from basic beliefs to basic habits.
• Deeper Relationships
o We are developing authentic Christian relationships where people can share their hurts and
experience real life change.
o Continue to have fun together
• Ministry: Learn about serving, giving, and outreach
• You can meet in homes, neutral locations, or in the church.

Who can you invite to be in Foundations with you?

1. Immediate family
2. Relatives
3. Friends
4. Neighbors and work associates
5. Acquaintances
6. Church members

Write down the names of people that you can begin discipling

14
 “Foundations Discipleship Plan” Summary

• Our Mission
• Our mission is the same mission as Jesus’ mission: To make multiplying disciples.
• Definition of a Disciple
o A person who is becoming like Jesus.
• Ingredients of a Disciple
o We become like Jesus by maturing in all of the ingredients of a disciple.
o The ingredients of a disciple are based on the Great Commandment and the Great
Commission
o The ingredients of a disciple are a summary of all of Jesus’ commands
• Jesus’ Discipleship Process
o We are to follow the model of Jesus’ life and follow the model of His ministry as He made
multiplying disciples.
o Jesus’ process to make multiplying disciples was to ask 12 ordinary men to come and follow
Him and then to spend 3 years with Him to train them to grow, serve, and then go and repeat
the cycle until the Great Commission was finished.
• The Foundations Discipleship Process includes all of the ingredients of a disciple in the order that
helps us mature the best.

15
 Chapter 4. Multiply Disciples by Apprenticeship

In this section we have begun using the word “multiply”. Many will go through this material and serve as
a growing disciple. Some will go through this material who have the gifts and abilities to become disciple
makers. The goal of this chapter is to show the process one will go through to become a disciple maker.

Apprenticeship Process with a Foundations Group or One-on-One

1. Model how to lead Foundations meetings
2. Choose the right people as an apprentice
a. Only a few people have the gifts, abilities, and calling to be Foundations leaders.
b. They understand this is about life change and not just learning information
c. They are: Faithful, Available, Teachable
d. It may be apparent early on or it may take a while to know if the person is capable of being a
Foundations leader
3. Ask the potential apprentice to observe you lead
4. Initial Leader Training using the “Foundations Leader Training Guide”
5. Observe and Coach them leading several sections of Foundations
a. Go through the Pre-Meeting Reminders with them before the meeting
b. Observe them as they lead
c. Coach them afterward using the Post-Meeting Evaluation
• Use mostly encouragement.
• Make needed suggestions in a positive way
6. Ask them to be a co-leader
a. Allow them to lead on a regular basis
b. Observe and coach them as above using the Foundations Meeting Checklist.
c. Do this until you think they are ready to lead
7. Ask them to be the leader of Foundations with a group or one-on-one
8. Ongoing training with other Foundations leaders

16
The Power of Multiplication
• The Great Commission can be finished in one generation by just one disciple
o if each disciple makes one multiplying disciple every year
• Growth starts slowly: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.
• But growth reaches the entire population of the world in only 34 years
• This is exponential growth

➢ As you look at the above graph, what excites you about the power of multiplication?

➢ What are the obstacles that keep this from being accomplished?

17
 Chapter 5. How to Lead a Foundations Meeting

1. You can lead Foundations with one person or with two to ten people
2. Study the Foundations material before you lead a meeting with it
3. Pray as you prepare each study that God would teach you and change your life and show you how to
guide others
• Pray before and after each meeting.
o Pray yourself during the first few meetings and ask others when you think they are ready.
• Pray every week for each person by name.
4. Use the Foundations Meeting Checklist before and after each meeting.
5. Don’t lecture or talk too much
• God is the teacher in Foundations.
• Foundations includes discussion questions that help people participate.
6. Make sure everyone participates
• Let people read each verse, bullet point, other information, or question in order around the circle.
• The leader should ask the discussion questions.
• Anyone can answer the questions
• The leader may ask does anyone else have anything to say
• You may need to direct specific, non-threatening questions to those who aren’t participating.
7. If someone is talking too much, direct a question to someone else, or ask “What does someone else
think?”
8. Help everyone feel valued
• Give some positive response to every answer to every question.
o Even if someone gives a wrong answer, you can say “Thank you for sharing”
o Then you can ask, “What does someone else think?”
• This will help people participate more actively.
9. Keep it simple for unbelievers and new believers.
• You will have time to help them grow in all of the ingredients of a disciple
10. When people ask a question that is answered in a future section, say “That’s a good question. We
will talk about that in the future.” This happens a lot. Don’t answer the question. It is better that they
see the answer for themselves from the Bible later on.
11. Relationships are important and take time to develop.
• Having fun together is very important.
• You must open up and share about your own hurts and struggles.
• People gradually need to open up and share about their lives.
12. Don’t feel that you must cover a certain amount of material at each meeting.
• Foundations is about life change and life change takes time.
• Jesus took three years to make His disciples.
13. Start and end on time
• It’s good to stay afterward and talk with those who want to.
14. During the first meeting:
• Explain the importance of confidentiality

18
 Foundations Checklists
(Use before and after each meeting for yourself and your apprentice)

Pre-Meeting Reminders
1. Don’t talk too much
2. Remember that God is the teacher
3. Ask questions and listen
• Help people self-discover
4. Keep it simple for unbelievers and new believers
5. Make sure everyone participates
6. Give positive feedback to every answer
7. Look for potential apprentices
8. Pray for the meeting

Post-Meeting Evaluation
1. What were some positive experiences?
2. Did everyone participate?
3. Did I give positive feedback to every answer?
4. Did I talk too much?
5. Did someone else talk too much?
6. Did we deviate from the topic?
7. Did I keep it simple for unbelievers and new believers?
8. Other observations?
9. Do I need to follow up with someone who was absent?
10. Pray for the people

Foundations Essentials

1. Jesus’ Goal: Finish the Great Commission

2. Jesus’ Method: Multiply disciples
3. Jesus Model: Train leaders by apprenticeship
• Initial training with the Foundations Leader Training Guide
• Apprenticeship
• Ongoing training in the Foundations Leader Team
4. Material (All material is free at foundationsglobal.com)
• Foundations Discipleship Material
o Follows Jesus’ process of sequential learning
Come, Grow, Serve, Go
o Includes all of the ingredients of a disciple
(“obey everything I have commanded you”)
Know God, God’s Word, Prayer, Fellowship, Service, Outreach
• Foundations Leader Training Guide
5. God is the teacher
• We facilitate discussion by asking questions, we don’t lecture.
• We help people self-discover and apply God’s Word to their lives

19
 Chapter 6. How to Share Your Testimony

Sharing the Message

You are the ones chosen by God… God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell
others of the night-and-day difference he made for you. 1 Peter 2:9.

He has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. Therefore, we are Christ's
representatives. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20.

TWO PARTS OF YOUR LIFE MESSAGE

The Unique Part
Part 1: Your Testimony – Your story of how you began a relationship with Jesus.

The Universal Part

Part 2: The Good News – Explaining how to accept Christ.

Sharing Your Testimony

A personal testimony is the most persuasive form of communication.

The Bible is Full of Testimonies

DAVID: Come and listen, and I will tell you what God has done for me. Psalms 66:16.

THE WOMAN AT THE WELL: Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the
woman's testimony. John 4:39.

THE MAN BORN BLIND: I don't know whether he is good or bad, but I know this: I was blind, and now I
see! John 9:25

PETER AND JOHN: We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:20.

PAUL: On six different occasions Paul used his personal testimony to share the Good News with
unbelievers. (Acts 22-26)

JESUS: Listen carefully. I'm speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I
give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay.
John 3:11.

THE VALUE OF YOUR TESTIMONY

• It is unique! There are no others just like it.
• It is personal and easy to understand.
• You are the authority on it. It’s difficult to argue with.
• People love to hear personal stories and they remember them.
• People can relate to it. It builds a relational bridge.
• In our postmodern world, it may be your most effective witness.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
have. 1 Peter 3:15.

20
 THE PARTS TO YOUR TESTIMONY

IF YOU BECAME A CHRISTIAN AS AN ADULT

1. What my life was like before I met Christ.
• What common circumstances would an unbeliever identify with?
• What were your attitudes that an unbeliever would identify with?
• What was most important to you?
• What substitute for God did you use to find meaning in your life? (sports/fitness, success at work,
marriage, sex, making money, drugs/alcohol, having fun, entertainment, popularity, hobbies)

2. How I committed my life to Christ.

• What specifically did you do? Where did it happen?
• What did you say in your prayer? Be specific.

3. The difference it has made in my life.

• What benefits have you experienced or felt?
• What problems have been resolved?
• How has Jesus helped you change for the better?
• How has it helped your relationships? Give a current example.

IF YOU BECAME A CHRISTIAN AS A CHILD BUT WALKED AWAY OR NEVER GREW UNTIL A
DEEPER RECOMMITMENT AS AN ADULT.
1. What was my life like before my recommitment?
2. How I recommitted my life to Christ.
3. The difference it has made in my life.

IF YOU BECAME A CHRISTIAN AT AN EARLY AGE AND NEVER STRAYED.

1. How I committed my life to Christ.
2. The difference it has made in my life.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARING YOUR TESTIMONY

• Pray and ask God to give you the right words.
• Write it out on paper. God honors preparation.
• Keep it short and to the point. Don’t lose sight of your goal.
• Be succinct. Avoid excessive, unnecessary details.
• Keep your testimony below 3 minutes.
• Refer to experiences most people have in common.
• Share a slice of your life (a story) that they will identify with.
• Be honest about your continuing struggles. Your life is not perfect.
• Don’t imply that all of your problems ended at conversion.
• Spend the most time on the difference Christ has made in your life.
• Emphasize WHY you received Christ (the benefits of doing it).
• Mention the benefit of being certain of your destiny when you die.
• Don’t exaggerate about pre-conversion sins.
• Don’t make negative remarks about other religions or people.
• Don’t mention any denomination.
• Don’t quote a lot of Scripture. (A maximum of one verse)
• Don’t answer questions they haven’t asked.
21
 • Give concrete examples of the changes in your life.
• The more specific you are, the more dynamic it will be.
• Avoid using dates, names, and ages. It doesn’t matter to them.
• Be prepared. Practice it until it feels and sounds natural.
• Read it aloud and edit it to make it conversational.
• Let a friend read it and make suggestions.
• Speak casually and informally, in a matter-of-fact tone.
• Don’t dramatize or embellish your story.
• Don’t share mystical experiences. Share on their level, not yours.
• Don’t talk down to people. Don’t sound “preachy.”
• Use “I, me, and my” not “You”. It’s about you – not them.
• Use humor- it reduces tension and relaxes people. Smile!
• Choose a central theme. (See list)

POSSIBLE TESTIMONY THEMES

Before trusting Jesus versus after trusting Jesus:

• Worries/Anxiety - Inner Peace
• Guilt/Shame - Forgiveness and a fresh start
• Anger/Temper - Patience and love
• Emptiness/Lack of Purpose - Purpose in life and meaning
• Grief - Comfort and Joy
• Stress/Burnout - New energy and power for living
• Low self-esteem - Significance (I am valuable to God)
• Poor health - Strength to go on
• Disappointment - Trust in his good plans
• Insecurity - Confidence and sense of security
• Regrets - A second chance at life
• Discontent/Frantic activity - Contentment and peace
• Fears - Faith to face my fears
• Loneliness - Assurance He’s always with me
• Lack of emotional support - A church family that supports me.
• Addictions/Habits - Power to change. Freedom
• Self-centeredness - Love for other people
• Despair/Depression - Hope
• Cheap thrills - Real, lasting happiness
• Boredom with my life - Adventure with God
• Fear of Death - Assurance of heaven
• “Something was missing” - A sense of fulfillment
• Bitterness & resentment - The ability to be free from my past
• Pain of rejection - God’s unconditional love
• Marriage Problems - Positive changes in my marriage
• Financial Problems - Positive changes in my finances
• Business Problems - Positive changes in my business

God allows experiences in my life so I can relate to others who need Christ!

22
 COMMON CIRCUMSTANCES

POSITIVE
Adoption, breaking a bad habit, financial gain, raising kids, marriage strengthened or restored, new baby,
new business, new friends, new home, new marriage, new job, success, renewed love, restored
relationships

MAJOR CRISES
Abuse, accident, addiction, abortion, bankruptcy, broken dream, eating disorder, death, depression,
disease, discrimination, divorce, empty nest, financial problems, infertility, incest, jail, rape, surgery

Realize you have more than one testimony!

• Different situations will require different testimonies!
• Choose the testimony that best matches your listener.
• Realize you can tell about how others’ lives have been changed too.

Don’t use religious terms or clichés or broad generalities.

Ask: “If I were an unbeliever, would this make sense to me?”

TRANSLATING CHRISTIAN WORDS

• “Blessed” - “Happy”
• “I was Born Again” - “I was given a fresh, new start”
• “I was Saved” - “My life changed at that moment”
• “Jesus is my Lord” - “I put Jesus in control of my life.”
• “I repented” - “I changed my mind” (a mental U-turn)
• “I had sinned” - “I knew I’d blown it”
• “All are sinners” - “Nobody’s perfect. No one bats 1000”
• “I felt convicted” - “I realized that...”
• “The Holy Ghost” - “God’s Spirit”

PHRASES TO AVOID IN A TESTIMONY TO UNBELIEVERS

• “I just Praise the Lord for...”
• “Hallelujah!”
• “It was glorious”
• “The Lord laid on my heart”
• “Now I am so blessed”
• “Amen”
• “I was convicted”

23
 HOW TO LEAD INTO YOUR TESTIMONY
1. Listen for problems or needs that Jesus has helped you with.
“You know, that used to be a big issue in my life too (or my marriage, etc). In fact, I felt pretty
(hopeless, frustrated, etc.) But then I discovered something that made a major difference in my life.”

2. Refer to something in the news or on TV that deals with a common need or problem.
“Did you read about... I can sure identify with how those people feel. It wasn’t that long ago that I
struggled with that too. But then something happened that changed everything for me...”

Start with a statement they’d agree with or situation they relate to.
“It seems like life is getting faster and faster.”
“Sometimes life just gets so complicated.”
“Life doesn’t always turn out the way you planned it.”

Each day tell someone that he saves. Psalm 96:2.

Write Ideas for Your testimony

• What my life was like before I met Christ.
• How I committed my life to Christ.
• The difference it has made in my life.

Write Your Testimony

• Write out your testimony
• Your testimony should be 3 minutes or less
• Practice sharing your testimony now with someone who is already a Christian
• This will give you confidence when you share it with non-Christians

Share Your Testimony

• Begin praying for God to bring people into your life that you could share your testimony with in a
natural, casual way.
• Share your testimony with people God brings into your life

24
 “How to Share Your Testimony” Summary
• Sharing the Message
o Two parts to your life message
▪ Your testimony
▪ The Good News
• The Value of Your Testimony
• The Parts to your Testimony
• Suggestions for Preparing Your Testimony
• Possible Testimony Themes
• Common Circumstances
• Translating Christian Words
• Phrases to Avoid in a Testimony to Unbelievers
• How to Lead into Your Testimony
• Write ideas for Your Testimony
o What my life was like before I met Christ.
o How I committed my life to Christ.
o The difference it has made in my life.
• Write Your Testimony
o Write out your testimony
o Your testimony should be 3 minutes or less
o Practice sharing your testimony now with someone who is already a Christian
o This will give you confidence when you share it with non-Christians
• Share Your Testimony
o Begin praying for God to bring people into your life that you could share your testimony with in a
natural, casual way.
o Share your testimony with people God brings into your life

25
 Chapter 7. How to Share the Good News

Sharing the Good News

The universal part of your Life Message is the Gospel, the Good News of how we can be saved,
forgiven, and begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The moment you trust in Christ, you are
called and commissioned to be a messenger of the Good News to people who haven’t heard or
responded to it.

One Verse Illustration of the Good News

Draw the figure one segment at a time.

1. Write Romans 6:23 and underline the key words:

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

26
2. Draw the lines representing cliffs with a chasm in between.

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. Write “Wages” in the figure

• God gives us a choice to follow Him or go our own way.
• When we choose to go our own way, there are some consequences or “Wages”.

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

Wages

27
4. Write “Sin”
• Choosing to go our own way instead of God’s way is called “Sin”.
• Sin is when we think, say, and do things we should not.

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

Wages

Sin

5. Write “Death”
• Death here is spiritual death and means separation from God
• This is caused by choosing to go our own way instead of God’s way

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

Wages

Sin

Death

28
6. Draw the person and “God”
• The chasm represents our separation from God

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

God
Wages

Sin

Death

7. Write “But”
• This word means that there is a contrast to what is next.
• What we have just looked at is bad news but what follows is good news.

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

God
Wages

Sin

Death

But

29
8. Write “Free Gift”
• In contrast to a wage which is earned, a gift is free.

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

God
Wages Free Gift

Sin

Death

But

9. Write “Of God”

• Only God can give this free gift.
• There is nothing we can do to earn it.

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

God
Wages Free Gift

Sin of God

Death

But

30
10. Write “Eternal Life”
• We can have eternal life with God instead of eternal separation from God

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

God
Wages Free Gift

Sin of God

Death Eternal Life

But

11. Write “Jesus” in a cross bridging the separation

• People try many ways to overcome their separation from God such as being spiritual or by religion.
• But Jesus is the only way to receive the free gift of eternal life.
• Jesus paid for the consequences of our sins to bring us to God.

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

God
Jesus
Wages Free Gift
Sin of God
Death Eternal Life

But

31
12. Draw the arrow and write “Believe”
• Since this is a free gift, all you have to do is believe and ask Jesus to give you the gift.
• Would you like to receive the gift of eternal life?
• (If the answer is “yes”) Pray this prayer in your heart as I say the words of a simple prayer.
Jesus,
I am sorry for my sins.
I believe that you died on the cross for my sins.
Please come into my life, forgive me, and give me eternal life with you.
Amen

For the wages of sin is death

but the free gift of God is eternal life
ln Christ Jesus our Lord.

Believe

God
Jesus
Wages Free Gift

Sin of God

Death Eternal Life

But

32
 You Can Know that You Have Eternal Life

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son
has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe
in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:11-13.

• Who gives eternal life?

God

• Where is eternal life found?

Jesus the Son of God

• Who has eternal live?

He who has Jesus

• Can you know that you have eternal life?

Yes, you can know

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life
and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24.

• What 3 things are the result of hearing and believing?

1. Eternal life
2. Will not be condemned
3. Crossed over from death to life

➢ If you were to die and go to heaven and God asked you,

“Why should I allow you into heaven?” what would you say to Him?

➢ How do you know that you have eternal life?

Memorize 1 John 5:11-12 to help you remember that you have eternal life based on God’s Word.

Assurance of Salvation
1 John 5:11-12
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son
has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

33
Next Steps for Sharing the Good News
• Practice sharing the One Verse Bridge Illustration by yourself and with another Christian
• Begin praying for God to bring people into your life that you could share your testimony and the Good
News with in a natural, casual way.
• Share your testimony and the Good News with people God brings into your life
• Study the next chapter about how to invest in relationships with people and invite them to receive
Christ when they are ready.

How to Share Effectively

1. THINK THROUGH WHAT YOU MIGHT SAY
Everything you say should be kind and well thought out so that you know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6.

Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive. Proverbs 16:23.

2. ASK GOD FOR HELP IN CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORDS

Pray for me that when I speak, God will give me words so that I can tell the secret of the Good News
without fear. Ephesians 6:19.

3. SHOW LOVE
If I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or clanging bell. 1 Corinthians 13:1.

People don’t care how much we know, until they know how much we care!

4. BE POSITIVE AND PLEASANT

A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more
persuasive he is. Proverbs 16:21.

Be tactful with those who are not Christians. Colossians 4:5.

A word of encouragement does wonders! Proverbs 12:25.

5. NEVER USE ANY PUT-DOWNS

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put
them down, not cut them out. Colossians 4:6.

Don’t expect unbelievers to act like believers

6. TELL STORIES - GIVE EXAMPLES - People always relate to a story better.

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never
spoke to them without using such parables. Matthew 13:34.

34
7. DON’T BE SO SERIOUS – The gospel is Good News
I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance. John 10:10

8. BE YOURSELF. BE NATURAL. DON’T TRY TO SOUND “SPIRITUAL”

When I came to you, it was not with any show of oratory or philosophy but simply to tell you what
God has guaranteed. 1 Corinthians 2:1.

Your speech should be unaffected and logical so that your opponents may feel ashamed at finding
nothing in which to pick holes. Titus 2:8.

9. BE VULNERABLE AND AUTHENTIC

Because we loved you, we were happy to share not only God's Good News with you, but even our
own lives. 1 Thessalonians 2:8.

We’ve spoken frankly to you, we’ve opened our hearts wide. 2 Corinthians 6:11.

Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ. Philippians 1:27.

10. KEEP IT SIMPLE

I fear (Satan) will corrupt you from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3.

11. REMEMBER, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS USING YOUR WORDS

You are not trying to convince anyone on your own.

For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy
Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. 1 Thessalonians 1:5.

12. DON’T ARGUE OR DEBATE

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law,
because these are unprofitable and useless. Titus 3:9.

Jesus called out, ‘Come follow me and I will show you how to fish for the souls of men.
Matthew 4:19.

35
 “How to Share the Good News” Summary
Sharing the Good News
• One Verse Illustration of the Good News
Next Steps for Sharing the Good News
• Practice sharing the Good News
• Pray for God to bring people into your life that you could share your testimony and the Good News
with
• Share your testimony and the Good News with people God brings into your life
• Study the next chapter about how to invest in relationships with people and invite them to receive
Christ when they are ready.
How to Share Effectively
1. THINK THROUGH WHAT YOU MIGHT SAY
2. ASK GOD FOR HELP IN CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORDS
3. SHOW LOVE
4. BE POSITIVE AND PLEASANT
5. NEVER USE ANY PUT-DOWNS
6. TELL STORIES - GIVE EXAMPLES
7. LIGHTEN UP!
8. BE YOURSELF. BE NATURAL. DON’T TRY TO SOUND “SPIRITUAL”
9. BE VULNERABLE AND AUTHENTIC
10. KEEP IT SIMPLE
11. REMEMBER, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS USING YOUR WORDS
12. DON’T ARGUE OR DEBATE

36
 Chapter 8. Invest and Invite

1. IDENTIFY YOUR CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE

Where do I start first? Those closest to me!
Go home to your family and friends. Tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had
mercy on you. Mark 5:19.

Write in names of people you have a relationship with that you want to see come closer to the Lord. This
is your circle of influence.
• Immediate family

• Relatives

• Close Friends

• Neighbors and Work Associates

• Acquaintances

2. LEARN ABOUT THE KINDS OF PEOPLE IN YOUR CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE.

To the Jews I became like a Jew to win the Jews…to those who are without the law I became like a
person who is without the law… to those who are weak I became weak so I could win the weak. I have
become all things to all people so I could save some of them in any way possible. I do all this because of
the Good News and so I can share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:20-23.

Every prudent man acts out of knowledge. Proverbs 13:16.

The more you know about a person, THE EASIER IT IS TO REACH THEM.

WHAT ARE THEIR EXPERIENCES, INTERESTS, NEEDS, HURTS

What gets our attention:

1. Things we VALUE
2. Things that THREATEN US
3. Things that are UNIQUE

What are unbelievers in our area like today?

WHAT DO I SHARE IN COMMON WITH THEM?

Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about
Christ and let Christ save him. I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I myself
receive when I see them come to Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23.

The fundamental secret of telling others about Christ.

With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience
and maturity. Mark 4:33.
• Before you can share the Good News, you must first find COMMON GROUND
• Before you can reach them, you must be able to RELATE to them.
37
3. REMEMBER THAT PEOPLE ARE RECEPTIVE AT DIFFERENT TIMES
Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers. Colossians 4:5.

How OPEN are they to the Good News?

It is important to realize that people go through a process in coming to faith in Christ and they must be
approached differently depending on where they are.

Practical Steps to Invest and Invite

The process we use to help our friends find Jesus

Most people decide to follow Jesus because of a relationship with a friend, neighbor, work associate, or
family member. Good friendships are usually intentional, rather than accidental. Developing friendships
often requires going the second mile, taking some risks, and moving outside our comfort zone. And with
our busy lifestyles, it takes planning. If we don’t plan to cultivate friendships, we’ll find that we never
have the time to do so.

We should make our plans - counting on God to direct us. Proverbs 16:9.

STEP #1: BEGINNING - Beginning entails the initiation or continuation of a friendship with someone you
would like to see meet Jesus personally. The most important thing you can do is to ask people how you
can pray for them and then follow up to see how God has answered your prayers.
• Make a list of them by name.
• Realize that they are your responsibility.
• Assess where each person is in this four step process.
• Discover and write down what their interests and needs are.
• Look for areas of common ground that you can build on.
• Initiate activities that are natural for you to spend time together.
• Invite them into your home.

STEP #2: BUILDING - People invest time building relationships through mutual participation in a variety
of life events and activities. Sharing our faith grows out of the context of living and enjoying life together
and discussing life’s challenges and meaning.
• Invite your friends to social events.
• Use your list to pray weekly for your friends.
• Pray that God will draw them to himself. John 6:44
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will make their heart receptive. John 16:8-13
• Pray that God will give you wisdom in what to say. James 1:5
• Pray the Holy Spirit will use the words you say. 1 Thessalonians 1:5
• Be a genuine friend. Help them in practical ways.
• Be a good listener. It is a great way to show love.

38
STEP #3: DEEPENING – This step of deepening friendships involves inviting your friends to
participate in some spiritual activities and be around other Christians.
• Invite them to attend social events with other Christians
• Invite them to attend a Worship Service or some other church event
• Treat everyone with respect as people, not as “prospects”.
• Make service your aim, not recruitment.
• Consciously focus your concern on meeting their needs.
• Go out of your way to love them until they ask you why.
• Accept people as they are without being judgmental.
• Identify yourself as a positive, joyful follower of Christ.

STEP #4: CHOOSING – This is the step where people are given an opportunity to make a decision to
become a follower of Christ when you sense they are ready.
• Share your testimony when the occasion naturally arises. It will. Follow the leading of the Holy
Spirit.
• Never force the Good News. Be patient. God is working!
• Use crisis situations to show why we all need God.
• Ask questions that lead to spiritual discussions.
• Concentrate on the essentials. Don’t get sidetracked by hang-ups.
• Invite them to an outreach event at church (such as Christmas and Easter Services)
• Invite them to attend Foundations Come
• Share the Good News and lead them in a prayer of commitment.

You can become the first of many generations of God’s children as you lead someone to Christ; they
lead someone to Christ, etc.

Examples of levels of spiritual receptivity

Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness. Isaiah 46:12.

(Jesus with an unbeliever) Realizing this man's understanding, Jesus said to him, “You are not far
from the Kingdom of God." Mark 12:34.

He has brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were very far away from him, and to us
Jews who were near. Ephesians 2:17.

Now you belong to Christ Jesus. Though you once were far away from God, now you have been
brought near to him because of the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13.

Facts
• Some people are close to making a commitment to Christ, while others have a long way to go!
• Effective evangelism relies on assessing how receptive a person is and then helping them take the
next step.

39
At what STEP (1-4)would a person say…
“I think religion is a crutch for weak people.” (1)
“Please show me how I can become a Christian.” (4)
“I’m really fed up with the stress I’m under. (2)
“I think everyone will go to heaven.” (1 or 2)
“I’ve been reading a New Age book on spirituality.” (1 or 2)

INSIGHTS
• Evangelism is a PROCESS of people moving toward Jesus in steps!
• Remember: Evangelism is the first part of discipleship
• People move though these steps at different speeds.
• People often require multiple exposures at each step before moving on.
• A person can get stuck at any step. The #1 reason is FEAR
• Every step requires a DIFFERENT RESPONSE by me!
My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos' work was to water it, but it was God,
not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts. 1 Corinthians 3:6.

Outreach Plan
How to reach out to people in your circle of influence. Write down:
• Name from your circle of influence
• What step they are at in their relationship with you (1-4)
• Their interests, needs, and hurts
• What you share in common with them
• What you are going to do next at the step they are at to continue to build a bridge of friendship.
• Pray regularly for these people

“Invest and Invite” Summary

• Identify Your Circle of Influence
o Immediate family
o Relatives
o Close Friends
o Neighbors and Work Associates
o Acquaintances
• Practical Steps to Invest and Invite
o Step 1: Beginning – Begin or continue a friendship
o Step 2: Building – Build relationships through participating in activities together
o Step 3: Deepening – Deepen friendships by inviting your friends to attend spiritual events
o Step 4: Choosing – Give you friends an opportunity to make a decision to become a follower of
Christ
• Outreach Plan
o Name from your circle of influence
o What step they are at in your relationship with them (1-4)
o Their interests, needs, and hurts
o What you share in common with them
o What you are going to do next at the step they are at
o Pray regularly for these people

40
 Chapter 9. Have World Vision

God’s Global Plan

God has always been interested in the entire world.
Jesus said, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15.

And the Good News must first be made known in every nation before the end-time finally comes.
Mark 10:13.

Many Christians mistakenly assume that the responsibility for taking the Good News to all parts of the
world belongs only to missionaries and pastors. But the Bible clearly points out that it is every believer’s
responsibility to reach the world for Christ. Every member is a messenger!

Now, with the Internet, digital communication technologies, and air transportation available to practically
every corner of the planet, our responsibility has increased - but the task has also gotten much easier!
Our world is shrinking. When you can fly long distances in a few hours, the opportunity to be a part of
God’s Global Mission around the world is now available to all of us!

The Status of Christianity in the World

Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something
in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it. Habakuk 1:5.

The church is far bigger than you may think

• There are over 2 billion Christians in the world
• The Church is growing explosively outside of Western countries.
• The availability of the Bible in other languages has increased dramatically.
1800 – 67 languages
1900 – 537 languages
2000 – 2800 languages
• The Jesus Film has been seen by over 2 billion people and over 100 million have prayed to receive
Christ!
• The number of mission agencies is increasing
In 1900 – 600 mission agencies
In 1998 – 4,650 mission agencies
In 2025 – 8,500 estimated mission agencies
• Many missionaries are from developing nations
• The Church is cooperating in world mission partnerships as never before.

The World Situation Today

• With over 7 billion people in the world, over 4 billion people are lost without Christ!
• There are still over 7,000 unreached people groups in the world.
• The U.S. is one of the world’s four largest unchurched nations.

The four words that best describe the unreached people in our world are:
• Asian
• Islamic
• Urban
• Under 20

41
Urbanization will increase dramatically during the next two decades
• For the first time in history, more people live in cities than rural.
• By 2025, over 25% of the world’s population will live in squatter settlements connected to these
huge cities.
• There are more than 100 million street children in mega-cities; they live and sleep on the street.

Youth under 20 continue to increase

2000 – 2.383 billion under 20
2005 – 2.404 billion an increase of 21 million in 5 years
2010 – 2.436 billion an increase of 32 million in 5 years

The problem is not the harvest, it’s the lack of HARVESTERS.

Jesus said to his followers, “There are many people to harvest but only a few workers to help harvest
them.” Matthew 9:37.

Anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved. But before people can ask the Lord for help, they must
believe in him; and before they can believe in him, they must hear about him; and for them to hear about
the Lord, someone must tell them; and before someone can go and tell them, that person must be
sent. Romans 10:13-15.

Ideas for Developing World Vision

1. Create a plan for inviting your neighbors to bridge events at the church (Christmas & Easter services,
outreach sermon series, etc.).
2. Host an “Open House” to get to know your neighbors. (Hand deliver the invitations so that you make
face-to-face contact).
3. See the schools as a mission field. Volunteer as a chaperone for field trips, dances, graduation night,
or parent associations.
4. Establish a guestroom in your house to take in missionaries & pastors.
5. Invite a friend to go to a movie with you, and then, over coffee, utilize the movie to discuss their
outlook on life.
6. Memorize Luke 19:10 and create a list of the potential “lost” people you’d like to reach in your area.
Use the Outreach Plan.
7. Invite some people from other cultures into a discussion on the question, “What do you think a
Christian is?”
8. Make a list of various ethnic and cultural groups you come across.
9. Memorize I John 3:16-18.
10. Attend a local cultural or ethnically distinctive event in an effort to understand the cultures around
your area.
11. Read Matthew 25 and try to identify one project per month that you can do for the types of people
Jesus lists.
12. Pray for the country on the label of your clothes.
13. Get an up-to-date map of the world and prominently post it to provoke prayer.
14. Pray for a week for the Muslim countries in North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Indonesia.
15. Start an email or pen pal connection to international missionaries.

42
How to Get in on What God Is Doing
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:17.
• Use the Outreach Plan to reach out to your friends and family.
• Pray for missionaries and missions.
• Go on a short-term mission trip.
• Use some of the “Ideas for Developing World Vision”.

Life Mission Commitment

In response to God’s great love for me, I commit by the power of the Holy Spirit to:
• Love God and love all people
• Continue growing as a disciple of Jesus through God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other like-
minded believers
• Serve God and people using my spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences
• Learn how to share my testimony and the gospel
• Invest in relationships and share my testimony and the gospel as the Holy Spirit guides me
• Help make multiplying disciples through Jesus’ process of Come → Grow → Serve → Go.
• Minister where God calls me
o In my community
o In my country
o In the world

43
 “Have World Vision” Summary
• God’s Global Plan
o It is every believer’s responsibility to reach the world for Christ
• The Status of Christianity in the World
o There are over 2 billion Christians in the world
o The Church is growing explosively outside of Western countries.
o The availability of the Bible in other languages has increased dramatically.
o The Jesus Film has been seen by over 2 billion people
o Many missionaries are from developing nations
o The Church is cooperating in world mission partnerships as never before.
• The World Situation Today
o Over 4 billion people are lost without Christ
o There are still over 7,000 unreached people groups in the world.
o The U.S. is one of the world’s four largest unchurched nations.
o Most unreached people are Asian, Islamic, Urban and under 20
o The problem is not the harvest, it’s the lack of harvesters.
• Ideas for Developing World Vision
• How to Get in on What God is Doing
o Use the Outreach Plan to reach out to your friends and family.
o Pray for missionaries and missions.
o Go on a short-term mission trip.
o Use some of the “Ideas for Developing World Vision”.
• Life Mission Commitment
o Love God and love all people
o Continue growing as a disciple of Jesus
o Serve God and people
o Learn how to share my testimony and the gospel
o Invest in relationships and share my testimony and the gospel as the Holy Spirit guides me
o Help make multiplying disciples
o Minister where God calls me

44