The"RIGHT" Way To Fish ?

By Rev Alvin Tan

S o, what's the matter?" asked one woman of her friend over coffee.
"I thought you just got back from a nice relaxing fishing trip with your husband."
"Oh, everything went wrong," the second woman answered. "First, he said I talked so loud I would scare the fish. Then he said I was using the wrong bait; and then that I was reeling in too soon. All that might have been all right; but then, to make matters worse, I ended up catching the most fish!"

That reminds me of the fellow who complained about the method
a brother was using to reach lost souls. The wise brother said, "I'm not satisfied with the approach I use either. Could you tell me how you do it?" After some hemming and hawing, the fellow said, "I don't really do it much at all." The brother then said, "Then I like the way I do it better than the way you don't do it."
There are a variety of methods of "fishing for men," and some are more effective than others. So often, though, our problem is that we are not using any method at all to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ to a lost world. We are afraid we won't be able to answer all the questions that come up. We are afraid we will embarrass ourselves. So we do not "go fishing," and we are disappointed to find that we are not catching any "fish."
Go fishing for men. Speak a good word for Christ. Even if you are not doing it the way others think is the "best way," the gospel has the power to touch the hearts of men as long as you'll share it.
"Then He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.' They immediately left their nets and followed Him."
(Matt. 4:19-20). An interesting thought provoking article sent to me. What can we do?

Here are some steps we can put into action as a church to be a witness .

DO THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR A CARING CONGREGATION This suggestion is important if our efforts in evangelism are going to be fruitful in the long run. First, because it will help to confirm our claim to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. Correct doctrine, programs, organization, worship, are certainly important; but it is our love for one another that the Lord intended to convince the world that we are truly the disciples of Christ! ( Jn 13:35 )

So the first thing to do is make sure that as a church we provide the right kind of loving and caring spiritual environment. The simplest step that all of us can take is

U Make it a point to get to know ALL the members and regular visitors by name

U Practice "hospitality" towards the members and regular visitors ( 1 Pe 4:8-9 )

U Invite them into your home, or out to eat (set a goal of one new family or member per month)

U Visit other Christians each week ( the sick, shut-ins, new members, absent members)

MAKE A LIST OF SOULS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE TAUGHT THE GOSPEL

Making a "list" may not seem important, but it is! It helps to focus our attention upon those we hope to reach for the Lord, and not neglect them. Start with those who are close to you and work outwardly: *Family ,Friends ,Co-workers, and others.

Give priority to those who are the "unchurched". Keep the list in a place you can see.

PRAY FOR THESE SOULS ON YOUR LIST DAILY Remember, it is GOD who gives the increase when it comes to evangelism. We are but servants whom God can use in His providential workings. So though we may work as though it all depends upon us, let us pray as though it all depends upon God!

DO THINGS WHICH DEMONSTRATE YOUR LOVE FOR THEM

"People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care!" A demonstration of love will make a person more likely to be receptive to the gospel of love when it is shared ( 1 Pe 2:12 ). In other words, our love and good works will help prepare the "soil" to be as receptive as possible when the "seed" is finally sown.

INVITE THOSE ON YOUR LIST TO ATTEND SERVICES

They will have an opportunity to see a caring congregation in action

Combined with your own demonstration of love as an individual... and

..the demonstration of love by others should make a lasting impression!

They will more likely have an opportunity to be presented with the gospel of Christ

If they are attending regularly before conversion to Christ, they will more likely continue to attend after their conversion

DEMONSTRATE HOSPITALITY TOWARDS THOSE VISITORS WHO DO ATTEND

This would apply to all visitors, whether they were invited by you, someone else, or are simply "walk-ins." Some "action steps" might include:

Greeting them, letting them know they are welcome. Talk to them.

Inviting them home or out for a lunch, dinner or snack

SEE THAT THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR THE GOSPEL

Ideally, this will come after witnessing a demonstration of the gospel in our lives and by our love shown, both as individuals and as a congregation ©

Partner with Jesus!

Lord, Build Your Church !!