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The last words of Christ before His departure from this world to those whom He had trained to carry on His work are of utmost importance to the church
today. Notice His exact words: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8 KJV)
This command was given not only to all those who heard Him speak, but also to all who would accept Him in the ages to come. They were to make known
to the world the story of the Father's love and salvation.
Revival and church renewal take place when members use their Bibles to witness for Christ. Ellen White has written of "a great reformatory movement
among God's people…Hundreds and thousands were…visiting families, and opening before them the word of God. Hearts were convicted by the
power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. One every side door were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world
seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God" (Ellen G. White, Testimonies
for the Church, Volume 9, page 126.)
Duties of the Lay Bible Minister
The work to which a person is called when he or she becomes a Lay Bible Minister can best be described as follows:
- Bible Studies. Most of the time that the Lay Bible Minister has available will be used to conduct personal Bible studies
with individuals and families who have expressed an interest in studying the Word of God. Each study will take one
or two hours a week. A regular routine of appointments are important in order to build relationships and help people
grow in discipleship.
- Inquirers Class. Lay Bible Ministers assist with the Pastor's Bible Class and bring their students to this class as they begin
to attend church. (Sometimes the special Sabbath School class for prospective members is called the Discovery Class or
Visitor's Class. It is often lead by an elder or a Lay Bible Minister because the pastor has two or more congregations to work
with each Sabbath and cannot attend Sabbath School.)
- Missing Member Visits. From time to time the pastor may assign the names of former or missing members to visit. This
will give you contacts with people with whom you will be able to study after you gain their friendship and confidence.
- An Undershepherd. The Lay Bible Minister will help the pastor seek and find the lost. He or she provides the pastoral caring
and attention which the pastor will not have the time to give to each prospective member. Often people turn to Christ and
begin to think of joining a church at times of crisis in their lives. This means that the Lay Bible Minister must help to meet
their emotional, economic and social needs as well as their spiritual needs and religious questions. Much time may be spent
just listening. Time will also be invested in helping prospective members to make friends among church members, attend
classes that are important to their growth, such as stop smoking programs or family life seminars, and make use of the aid
provided by Adventist Community Services and other social services.
- Finding Prospects. A Lay Bible Minister is constantly on the alert for people who may be ready to enter into Bible study. He
or she will be sensitive to possibilities among friends, relatives, work associates, visitors at church, newcomers in the
community, participants in outreach seminars and those who respond to Adventist Media Ministries and awareness activities.
And he or she will learn to invite prospects to being Bible studies.
Resource Materials
- A Simple and Easy Way to Study the Bible With Others by Don and Marjorie Gray (1985, Pacific Press) is the briefest and
most practical how-to book available.
- How to Find a Bible Study by Don Dronen is published by Hart Research Center. Full of faith-sharing ideas and resources.
Call 619-723-8082 to order.
- Persuasion by Mark Finley (1994, Ministerial Association) is a readable, practical book that focuses on the special skills
needed to help people make decisions. Call Seminars Unlimited at 1-800-982-3344.
- Ten Who Left by Fred Cornforth & Tim Lale (1995, Pacific Press Publishing Association) tells the story of people who
have left the Seventh-day Adventist Church and why. Available through AdventSource. Call 1-800-328-0525.
- Demographics. A tool to discover the outreach potential in your zip code. Constantly updated, this individually prepared
resource explains how to interpret and apply the information you'll receive. Available through AdventSource. Call 1-800-328-0525.
- How to Find and Reach Receptive People by James W. Zackrison (1992). Available through AdventSource. Call
1-800-328-0525.
- Does Your Church Need a Doctor? by James W. Zackrison (1990). Available through AdventSource. Call 1-800-328-0525.
- A Shared Vision for the Local Church (1992, NAD Church Ministries). Help your church develop a vision of it's ministry by
understanding the biblical foundation and seven essentials of local church ministry. Available through AdventSource. Call
1-800-328-0525.
- Nine Facets of the Effective Small-Group Leader by Carl George with Clarence Schilt (1994). Nine videos and workbook.
How to succeed with your adult ministries committee. Available through AdventSource. Call 1-800-328-0525.
- Adventist Witness is a new, quarterly magazine designed for local church leaders who focus on soul-winning and outreach. It
includes up-to-date information and creative ideas for evangelism and service in your community. Published by the Review &
Herald Publishing Association and available through your Adventist Book Center at (800) 765-6955.
- Information about additional resources and answers to your questions can be obtained through the denomination's "help
desk" by calling (800) SDA-PLUS. A number of helpful fact sheets can also be obtained on the Adventist Forum on
CompuServe or through the Fax Plus automated fax-back system. Dial (800) 474-4SDA.
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