Evangelism to Opens
Open people are beginning to feel a pull toward faith but often repress it. This session covers how to encourage them and give them spiritual things to do.
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The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.
Classroom Instructions
Lesson
Discussion: 1.) What are some of the reasons why an Open person might repress their feelings about faith? What can you do to encourage them in this season? 2.) One of the key strategies is to give them spiritual things to do. Brainstorm some good resources that will help an Open person begin to become active in their growing faith. 3.) Describe the volleyball analogy in your own words. What are some ways you can introduce a spiritual topic to see how the person responds? 4.) Activity - Case Studies
Read over the three case studies below, then answer these questions: 1.) Where would you put each person on the spiritual spectrum? 2.) What practical things would you do to help each person come closer to Christ? JIM About one year ago, a new neighbor named Jim moved next door. You learned that he is a mechanic, and over the last couple of weeks, he's been giving you a hand with some car problems. In the time you've spent together, you've mentioned that you are a Christian and go to church. Jim doesn't seem overly interested in what you have to say, but he's at least willing to listen and admits that he used to go to church when he was a teenager. Jim seems like a nice guy, but you've heard him argue with his wife many times and see him come home late quite often. RICK You have a coworker named Rick. He is an outgoing and engaging man who most people seem to like. He’s quick-witted and often makes sarcastic comments to people around the office. Three weeks ago, you were discussing something that happened at church with a friend, and Rick overheard you. “What?!” Rick exclaimed in front of a few other people, “You actually go to church? You really believe that stuff?” From that point forward, Rick made every attempt to
tease and joke about your faith in front of others. While irritated, you feel a responsibility to be a part of Rick's life. SUSAN You met Susan at a birthday party. She’s the mother of another child in your kid’s class, and has come to be a reliable source of conversation during the long and awkward experiences of recitals, parties, and meetings that every parent must endure. During your time together, you’ve brought up a number of spiritual topics, and while Susan engages with them, she doesn't seem overly interested. One day, you ask her if she’s ever gone to church before, and she says that she did when she was a young girl. “But I don’t think I could ever go back,” she said. “When they found out that my mom had been married in the past to another man, they said her current marriage was a sin and that we wouldn’t be welcomed there anymore. I didn’t understand it at all at the time, but I think it really hurt my mom. She had started to make friends there and felt like she was a part of something. But what did they want her to do? Divorce again?” 6.) Pray: Describe someone you may know who would fit the category of Open. Spend some time praying that you would have opportunities to help nurture their passive faith into an active pursuit of Jesus.
Evangelism to Opens Instructions
Lesson
Discussion: 1.) What are some of the reasons why an Open person might repress their feelings about faith? What can you do to encourage them in this season? 2.) One of the key strategies is to give them spiritual things to do. Brainstorm some good resources that will help an Open person begin to become active in their growing faith. 3.) Describe the volleyball analogy in your own words. What are some ways you can introduce a spiritual topic to see how the person responds? 4.) Activity - Case Studies
Read over the three case studies below, then answer these questions: 1.) Where would you put each person on the spiritual spectrum? 2.) What practical things would you do to help each person come closer to Christ? JIM About one year ago, a new neighbor named Jim moved next door. You learned that he is a mechanic, and over the last couple of weeks, he's been giving you a hand with some car problems. In the time you've spent together, you've mentioned that you are a Christian and go to church. Jim doesn't seem overly interested in what you have to say, but he's at least willing to listen and admits that he used to go to church when he was a teenager. Jim seems like a nice guy, but you've heard him argue with his wife many times and see him come home late quite often. RICK You have a coworker named Rick. He is an outgoing and engaging man who most people seem to like. He’s quick-witted and often makes sarcastic comments to people around the office. Three weeks ago, you were discussing something that happened at church with a friend, and Rick overheard you. “What?!” Rick exclaimed in front of a few other people, “You actually go to church? You really believe that stuff?” From that point forward, Rick made every attempt to
tease and joke about your faith in front of others. While irritated, you feel a responsibility to be a part of Rick's life. SUSAN You met Susan at a birthday party. She’s the mother of another child in your kid’s class, and has come to be a reliable source of conversation during the long and awkward experiences of recitals, parties, and meetings that every parent must endure. During your time together, you’ve brought up a number of spiritual topics, and while Susan engages with them, she doesn't seem overly interested. One day, you ask her if she’s ever gone to church before, and she says that she did when she was a young girl. “But I don’t think I could ever go back,” she said. “When they found out that my mom had been married in the past to another man, they said her current marriage was a sin and that we wouldn’t be welcomed there anymore. I didn’t understand it at all at the time, but I think it really hurt my mom. She had started to make friends there and felt like she was a part of something. But what did they want her to do? Divorce again?” 6.) Pray: Describe someone you may know who would fit the category of Open. Spend some time praying that you would have opportunities to help nurture their passive faith into an active pursuit of Jesus.