Evangelism

Evangelism and Soul-Winning
The Highest Work

Lay Institute for Global Health Training
1
Table of Contents

PART 1 REBORN AND THE EVANGELISTIC CYCLE.....................................................................................................2
PART 2 PRAYER MINISTRY..................................................................................................................................................5
PART 3 AWAKENING SPIRITUAL INTERESTS ................................................................................................................7
PART 4 PEOPLE AND COMMUNICATION......................................................................................................................17

(L.I.G.H.T. extends special thanks to Amazing Facts, Mark and Ernestine Finley, and Annie Morgan for many of the
concepts taught in this course.)

The Awakening Spiritual Interest materials are provided as a summary from a class taught by Annie Kjaer-Morgan. For
more information and for updates on a book that will soon be published on the topic, you may reach Annie at the
following email address: anniemorgan@clearvoice.org.
The Highest Work

Property of Lay Institute for Global Health Training www.lightingtheworld.org
2
Part 1 REBORN and The Evangelistic Cycle

In the book of Acts we find that God has given us 6 eternal evangelistic principles that cross cultural and language
barriers all around the world. These 6 principles are easily remembered in the acronym REBORN

Revival (Acts 1:8; 4:20,31,33)

Steps to Christ, p. 78. No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to
others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus, the saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart.

1 Selected Messages, p. 121. A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs.
To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God
is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is
more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their
children.

3 Ways We Can Experience This Revival

1. Revival of Bible Study (2 Peter 1:2-4)

Ministry of Healing, p. 458. The whole Bible is a revelation of the glory of God in Christ. Received, believed,
obeyed, it is the great instrumentality in the transformation of character. It is the grand stimulus, the constraining
force, that quickens the physical, mental, and spiritual powers and directs the life into right channels.
The reason why the youth, and even those of mature years, are so easily led into temptation and sin is that they do
not study the Word of God and meditate upon it as they should. The lack of firm, decided willpower, which is
manifest in life and character, results from neglect of the sacred instruction of God's Word. They do not by earnest
effort direct the mind to that which would inspire pure, holy thought and divert it from that which is impure and
untrue.

2. Revival of Intercessory Prayer (Colossians 1:3,9; Philippians 1:3-5)

1 Selected Messages, p. 121. it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill
the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to
prayer.

4 Testimonies, p. 528. We must have a converted ministry. The efficiency and power attending a truly converted
minister would make the hypocrites in Zion tremble and sinners afraid. The standard of truth and holiness is trailing
in the dust. If those who sound the solemn notes of warning for this time could realize their accountability to God
they would see the necessity for fervent prayer
His (Jesus) nature was without the taint of sin. As the Son of man, He prayed to the Father, showing that human
nature requires all the divine support which man can obtain that he may be braced for duty and prepared for trial. As
the Prince of life He had power with God and prevailed for His people. This Saviour, who prayed for those that felt
no need of prayer, and wept for those that felt no need of tears, is now before the throne, to receive and present to His
Father the petitions of those for whom He prayed on earth. The example of Christ is for us to follow. Prayer is a
necessity in our labor for the salvation of souls. God alone can give the increase of the seed we sow.

3. Revival of Witnessing (1 John 1:1-3)

Christ's Object Lessons, p. 354. He who begins with a little knowledge, in a humble way, and tells what he knows,
while seeking diligently for further knowledge, will find the whole heavenly treasure awaiting his demand. The more
he seeks to impart light, the more light he will receive. The more one tries to explain the Word of God to others, with
The Highest Work

3
a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to himself. The more we use our knowledge and exercise our powers, the more
knowledge and power we shall have.

Equipping (Mark 1:17; 8:34; Ephesians 4:11-12)

Ministry of Healing, p. 148, 149. Every church member should be engaged in some line of service for the Master.
Some cannot do so much as others, but everyone should do his utmost to roll back the tide of disease and distress that
is sweeping over our world. Many would be willing to work if they were taught how to begin. They need to be
instructed and encouraged.
Every church should be a training school for Christian workers. Its members should be taught how to give Bible
readings, how to conduct and teach Sabbath school classes, how best to help the poor and to care for the sick, how to
work for the unconverted. There should be schools of health, cooking schools, and classes in various lines of
Christian help work. There should not only be teaching, but actual work under experienced instructors. Let the
teachers lead the way in working among the people and others, uniting with them, will learn from their example. One
example is worth more than many precepts.

Will trained workers be more effective in their service for Jesus?

Evangelism, p. 109. One worker who has been trained and educated for the work, who is controlled by the Spirit of
Christ, will accomplish far more than ten laborers who go out deficient in knowledge, and weak in the faith. One who
works in harmony with the counsel of God, and in unity with the brethren, will be more efficient to do good, than ten
will be who do not realize the necessity of depending upon God, and of acting in harmony with the general plan of the
work.--Review and Herald, May 29, 1888.

How should we begin?

Evangelism, p. 115. In our churches let companies be formed for service. In the Lord's work there are to be no
idlers. Let different ones unite in labor as fishers of men. Let them seek to gather souls from the corruption of the
world into the saving purity of Christ's love.
The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort is a plan that has been presented before me by One
who cannot err. If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not
only for the church members but for unbelievers also.

Bible Based (Psalm 18:30; Matthew 4:4)

1888 Materials, p. 897. Genuine religion is based upon a belief in the Scriptures. God's Word is to be believed
without question. No part of it is to be cut and carved to fit certain theories. Men are not to exalt human wisdom by
sitting in judgment upon God's Word.

Outreach (Matthew 4:23; Acts 3:6; Mark 16:15)

Ministry of Healing, p. 143. Christs method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior
mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and
won their confidence. Then He bade them, Follow Me.

Counsels on Health, p. 497. Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel, the door through which the
truth for this time is to find entrance to many homes. God's people are to be genuine medical missionaries, for they
are to learn to minister to the needs of both soul and body. The purest unselfishness is to be shown by our workers as,
with the knowledge and experience gained by practical work, they go out to give treatments to the sick. As they go
from house to house they will find access to many hearts. Many will be reached who otherwise never would have
heard the gospel message. A demonstration of the principles of health reform will do much toward removing
prejudice against our evangelical work. The Great Physician, the originator of medical missionary work, will bless all
who thus seek to impart the truth for this time.
The Highest Work

4
Reaping Event (Acts 4:31; 5:42; 8:4; 6:7)

Evangelism, p. 168. Most startling messages will be borne by men of Gods appointment, messages of a character to
warn the people, to arouse them we must also have, in our cities, consecrated evangelists through whom a message
is to be born so decidedly as to startle the hearers.

1 Testimonies, p. 321. In this fearful time, just before Christ is to come the second time, God's faithful preachers
will have to bear a still more pointed testimony than was borne by John the Baptist. A responsible, important work is
before them; and those who speak smooth things, God will not acknowledge as His shepherds. A fearful woe is upon
them.

Evangelism, p. 119. We should make efforts to call together large congregations to hear the words of the gospel
minister. And those who preach the Word of the Lord should speak the truth. They should bring their hearers, as it
were, to the foot of Sinai, to listen to the words spoken by God amid scenes of awful grandeur.

Nurture and Follow Up (Acts 2:42)

Evangelism, p. 435. When men and women accept the truth, we are not to go away and leave them and have no
further burden for them. They are to be looked after.

Evangelism, p. 351. After individuals have been converted to the truth, they need to be looked after. The zeal of
many ministers seems to fail as soon as a measure of success attends their efforts. They do not realize that these
newly converted ones need nursing,--watchful attention, help, and encouragement. These should not be left alone, a
prey to Satan's most powerful temptations; they need to be educated in regard to their duties, to be kindly dealt with,
to be led along, and to be visited and prayed with. These souls need the meat apportioned to every man in due season.

It is imperative that we understand that evangelism is a cycle and not a single event. Barns full of ripened grain come
from hard work in the field and a careful process of nurturing plants to full growth. And the barns are not the end of the
journey, for from that crop come new seeds ready to be replanted for the next harvest. Thus, the harvest is not simply an
event, but part of a cycle.

When we compare evangelism with the harvest cycle, we see that the cycle of evangelism consists of several specific
steps, each of which is important to an ongoing and successful harvest:

Personal Preparation (spiritual revival & training)
Preparing the Soil (prayer, friendship, sharing our personal testimonies)
Planting Seeds (literature, Bible studies, small groups)
Cultivating for Harvest (short bridge events, seminars)
Harvesting (usually public evangelistic events)
Preserving the Harvest (nurturing & discipling)
REPEATING THE CYCLE! (Remember, the seed is IN the harvest.)

An Evangelism Calendar

Success with the evangelism cycle demands a definite plan, a continuing cycle, and strong links between phases in the
cycle. In order to be most effective, there must be specific objectives for each phase as well as the entire cycle. Goals for
measurable results are amazingly inspirational.

To accomplish this, your church must implement an evangelistic calendar. This simple tool helps all church members to
easily follow the churchs progress and become aware of the cycle. Emphasize its importance and where you are on it
weekly. This will go far in motivating and uniting your church.

Below is a sample evangelistic calendar to get you thinking about your own churchs evangelistic cycle.
PHASE DATE EVENTS GOALS
The Highest Work

5
Phase 1: Personally
Prepare
January
(July)
Revival Series

Become Revived and passionate to share
Jesus
Phase 2: Prepare the Soil February
(July)
Sermon Series on Jesus, witnessing
and prayer
Create Ministries to reach people (MH 143)
Phase 3: Plant the Seed February - May
(July August)
Door-to-Door, Colporteurs
Radio Ads, Television Spots
Cooking schools, Health Talks
Reach everyone with an invitation to come
to Jesus
Phase 4: Cultivate the
Harvest
May
(Sept)
Short Seminars (ie. Prophecy
Seminars, Sanctuary, 2
nd
Coming,
family, Health Expos, Archeology)
Find those who are really interested in
Present Truth
Phase 5: Harvest

June
(October)
Evangelism Series Reaping from our pre-work interests
Phase 6: Preserve the
Harvest
July
(November)
Bible Marking Class
Bible Doctrines
Gospels Study
Grounding

By understanding that evangelism is a cycle we can see why public evangelism has often fallen short of its goals:
Reason #1 We plant few or no seeds in preparation.
Reason #2 We forget to keep the cycle going.

Many people take time to ripen for harvest. Most of us can remember a time when someone had to patiently sow seeds
and wait for us to sprout spiritually. This is part of why the cycle of evangelism must never ceaseat the end of almost
any evangelistic effort many promising prospects have not yet made their decisions. But many of these
disappointments will yet ripen if they are not left to wither and die. (Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-6) We must keep inviting
until the banquet hall is full (see Matthew 22:1-14).

Part 2 Prayer Ministry

(adapted from Light Your World for God by Mark Finley)

1 Selected Messages, p. 121. A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To
seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not
willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing
to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our
work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised
to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer.

ABCs for Receiving the Holy Spirit

Ask for the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:13)
Believe Gods promises. (Mark 11:24)
Claim the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 3:19)

Early Writings, p. 115. Ask, believe, and receive. There is too much mocking the Lord, too much praying that is no
praying and that wearies angels and displeases God, too many vain, unmeaning petitions. First we should feel needy, and
then ask God for the very things we need, believing that He gives them to us, even while we ask; and then our faith will
grow, all will be edified, the weak will be strengthened, and the discouraged and desponding made to look up and believe
that God is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek Him.

What will be the result of taking these first three steps? (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4)

Desire of Ages, p. 142. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to
develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls
redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption.
Power of the Holy Spirit, Prayer, and Witnessing
The Highest Work

6

6 Testimonies, p. 90. The Holy Spirit will come only to all who are begging for the bread of life to give to their
neighbors.

5 Reasons to Pray for Others

1. We are able to see the sins in our own lives and churches and our great need of Jesus (Psalm 51:10-13; Joshua 7:5-11).

2. Prayer deepens our desire to see the thing we are praying for (Genesis 32:24-261; Kings 18:41-46).

Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 203. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience testifies
to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith.

Prayer, p. 139. Important lessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah Had he given up in discouragement
at the sixth time, his prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered till the answer came. We have a God
whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and if we prove His word, He will honor our faith. He wants us to have all our
interests interwoven with His interests, and then He can safely bless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when the
blessing is ours, but shall render all the praise to God.

3. Prayer puts us in touch with Gods wisdom (James 1:5).

4. Prayer enables God to work more powerfully than if we did not pray (Daniel 10:12).

Letter 201, 1899. By this we see that heavenly agencies have to contend with hindrances before the purpose of God is
fulfilled in its time. The king of Persia was controlled by the highest of all evil angels. He refused, as did Pharaoh, to
obey the word of the Lord. Gabriel declared, He withstood me twenty-one days by his representations against the Jews.
But Michael came to his help, and then he remained with the kings of Persia, holding the powers in check, giving right
counsel against evil counsel. Good and evil angels are taking a part in the planning of God in His earthly kingdom. It is
God's purpose to carry forward His work in correct lines, in ways that will advance His glory. But Satan is ever trying to
counterwork God's purpose. Only by humbling themselves before God can God's servants advance His work. Never are
they to depend on their own efforts or on outward display for success.

Great Controversy, p. 525. It is a part of God's plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would
not bestow did we not thus ask.

5. Prayer makes us more earnest in our efforts to win souls. (Philippians 1:3-4)

Christs Object Lessons, p. 354. As we seek to win others to Christ, bearing the burden of souls in our prayers, our own
hearts will throb with the quickening influence of Gods grace; our own affections will glow with more divine fervor; our
whole Christian life will be more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful.

6 Testimonies, p. 80. We should hold convocations for prayer, asking the Lord to open the way for the truth to enter the
strongholds where Satan has set up his throne, and dispel the shadow he has cast athwart the pathway of those who he is
seeking to deceive and destroy.
This Day With God, p. 171. Oh, that the earnest prayer of faith may arise everywhere, Give me souls buried now in the
rubbish of error, or I die! Bring them to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus.

Prayer, p. 116. A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should
be our first work... But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions
upon which God has promised to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer.

The Highest Work

7
Part 3 Awakening Spiritual Interests

God Wants the Heart

(Deuteronomy 5:29 and Proverbs 23:26)

Find Your Way to the Heart

Gospel Workers, p. 193. To all who are working with Christ I would say, Wherever you can gain access to the people
by the fireside, improve your opportunity. Take your Bible, and open before them its great truths. Your success will not
depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your ability to find your way to the heart. By being
social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able
discourse. The presentation of Christ in the family, by the fireside, and in small gatherings in private houses, is often
more successful in winning souls to Jesus than are sermons delivered in the open air, to the moving throng, or even in
halls or churches.

Evangelism, p. 513.1-3. Nothing will open doors for the truth like evangelistic medical missionary work. This will find
access to hearts and minds, and will be a means of converting many to the truth. The evangelist who is prepared to
minister to a diseased body is given the grandest opportunity of ministering to the sinsick soul. Such an evangelist should
be empowered to administer baptism to those who are converted and desire baptism.... Medical missionary work is the
right, helping hand of the gospel, to open doors for the proclamation of the message. . . . Doors that have been closed to
him who merely preaches the gospel will be opened to the intelligent medical missionary. God reaches hearts through the
relief of physical suffering.

Conquer the Heart

Signs of the Times, October 21, 1897. In self-love, self-exaltation, and pride, there is great weakness; but in humility
there is great strength. Pride and self-importance, when compared with humility and lowliness, are indeed weakness. It
was our Saviour's gentleness, his plain, unassuming manners, that made him a conqueror of hearts. But in our separation
from God, in our pride and darkness, we are constantly seeking to elevate ourselves, forgetting that lowliness of mind is
power.

The Aim of the Soul Winner

Evangelism, p. 436. Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your
ability to find your way to the heart. By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their
thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse.

Review & Herald, September 29, 1891. Christ's work was to draw minds into sympathy with his own divine mind. He
gave his whole self as a sacrifice. We need to regard the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour. When we do this, we shall,
by the grace of Christ, make simple, tender, earnest personal appeals to those who are not Christians. The trouble with
many in the church is, they will do anything but the thing which is of the most importance, that which God wants them to
do. They feel that they cannot approach men and women in simplicity, and try in the name and strength of Jesus to come
close to their hearts. This heart-to-heart work is strangely neglected. If those who profess to be Christians, believing the
truth for these last days, would consider the result of their inaction, their wicked indifference to the welfare of the souls
for whom Christ has paid the price of his own life, there would be a decided change for the better in our world.

Notice how Jesus sees people:

The Desire of Ages, p. 151. Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom. He reached the
hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good.
Awakening Spiritual Interests
The Highest Work

8
(1 Samuel 16:7)

Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 129. But the Saviour never passed by one soul, however sunken in sin, who
was willing to receive the precious truths of heaven. To publicans and harlots His words were the beginning of a new
life. Mary Magdalene, out of whom He cast seven devils, was the last at the Saviour's tomb and the first whom He
greeted in the morning of His resurrection. It was Saul of Tarsus, one of the most determined enemies of the gospel, who
became Paul the devoted minister of Christ. Beneath an appearance of hatred and contempt, even beneath crime and
degradation, may be hidden a soul that the grace of Christ will rescue to shine as a jewel in the Redeemer's crown.

Conflict and Courage, p. 283. The Pharisees had judged Matthew according to his employment, but Jesus saw in this
man a heart open for the reception of truth. Matthew had listened to the Saviour's teaching. As the convicting Spirit of
God revealed his sinfulness, he longed to seek help from Christ; but he was accustomed to the exclusiveness of the
rabbis, and had not thought that this Great Teacher would notice him.

Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 73. In all true teaching the personal element is essential. Christ in His teaching
dealt with men individually. It was by personal contact and association that He trained the twelve. It was in private, often
to but one listener, that He gave His most precious instruction. To the honored rabbi at the night conference on the Mount
of Olives, to the despised woman at the well of Sychar, He opened His richest treasures; for in these hearers He discerned
the impressible heart, the open mind, the receptive spirit. Even the crowd that so often thronged His steps was not to
Christ an indiscriminate mass of human beings. He spoke directly to every mind and appealed to every heart. He watched
the faces of His hearers, marked the lighting up of the countenance, the quick, responsive glance, which told that truth
had reached the soul; and there vibrated in His heart the answering chord of sympathetic joy.

Gospel Workers pg 261-262. The world's Redeemer went about doing good. When before the people, speaking to them
the words of eternal truth, with what earnestness he watched the changing countenances of his hearers. The faces that
expressed deep interest and pleasure as they listened to his words, gave him great satisfaction. But when the truth, plainly
uttered, touched some cherished sin or idol, he marked the change of countenance, the cold, stern, forbidding look, which
told that the truth was unwelcome. Jesus knew that the plain reproof of sin was the very thing his hearers needed; and the
light he shed into the darkened chambers of their minds would have been the greatest blessing to them, had they accepted
it. His work was to lay down in simple lines, yet so as to be clearly understood, truths that if obeyed would bring peace
and happiness to the soul. He could look beneath the surface, and he saw the cherished sins that were ruining the life and
character, that were shutting souls away from God. He pointed out these sins, that all might see them in the true light, and
put them away. In some who presented the most hardened exterior, he discerned hopeful subjects. He knew that they
would respond to the light, and that they would become his true followers. How grateful we should be to God that he can
read every heart as an open book. Human wisdom casts aside many souls that might be saved; for man can judge only by
appearance, but God knoweth the heart.
As the arrows of truth pierced the hearts of Christ's hearers, breaking through the barriers of selfishness, and
working humiliation, contrition, and finally gratitude, the Saviour's heart was made glad; for it was just such cases that he
came to seek and to save. When his eyes swept over the throng of listeners about him, and he recognized among them the
same faces that he had seen on former occasions, joy was expressed in his countenance, that they were hopeful subjects
of his kingdom.
The messengers of Christ, those whom he sends in his stead, will have the same feelings, the same earnest interest.
And those who are tempted to think that their labor is not appreciated, and are inclined to be discouraged, should
remember that Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, had just as hard hearts to deal with, and he had a more trying experience
than we have had or ever can have. He taught the people with patient love, and his deep, searching wisdom knew the
wants of every soul among his listeners. And when he saw them refuse the message of peace and love he came to give
them, his heart felt anguish to the very depths.

Gospel Workers, p. 317. He silenced the voice of the caviling priests by penetrating beneath the surface and reaching
the heart, flashing light into the mind and awakening the conscience.

What Does Jesus See When He Sees Into the Heart?

The Highest Work

9
Review & Herald, February 28, 1882. All the blessings which the world can give fail to satisfy the wants of the soul.
There is a nameless longing for something which they have not, a peace and rest that is not born of earth.Christ alone
can satisfy that sense of want in the human soul.

Review & Herald, November 8, 1892. God has endowed humanity with attributes whereby we may appreciate God; and
though man has revolted from God, and has endeavored to supply the place of God with other objects of worship, the
true God alone can fill the wants of the soul.

Review & Herald, November 17, 1885. Outwardly all is joy; but the eye of Jesus, beholding the throng with the
tenderest compassion, sees the soul, parched, and thirsting for the waters of life.

The Upward Look, p. 333. God understands that you need Him.

There is a spiritual need for God on the inside, even below the surface of crusty indifference or hostility.

Jesus Understood These Needs - What Was His Method in Reaching Souls?

Ministry of Healing, p. 143. Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled
with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their
confidence. Then He bade them, Follow Me.

What did Jesus do?
1. Mingled with men
2. Desired their good
3. Showed sympathy
4. Ministered to their needs
5. Won their confidence
6. Invited them to follow.

What needs did Jesus minister to?
1. physical for healing and comfort
2. emotional for sympathy and understanding
3. mental for truth & knowledge
4. spiritual for a close connection with God

Are We Following Christs Method? Are we meeting all peoples needs?

Sometimes, even in soul winning, we minister to people, but leave them empty:

Matthew 12:43-45. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and
findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it
empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and
they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this
wicked generation.

The Upward Look, p. 333. God recognizes the wants of the soul. But our people, who have the great treasure of the
Word of God opened before them, do not realize this. Self-esteem, self-sufficiency, so corrodes the soul with the slime
and selfishness of earthliness, that the excellence of the things of eternal interest makes scarce a ripple upon the human
heart. . . . There needs to be a reaching out after God, not . . . now and then, but a continual earnest, heartbreaking
confessing and humbling of the soul before God. God's people must come into the audience chamber of the Most High. .
. . God understands that you need Him, and if you ask, you will receive help when tempted and tried. Your petitions,
made known only to God who searcheth the heart, He will hear and answer.

The Highest Work

10
Evangelism, p. 514.1,2. Do medical missionary work. Thus you will gain access to the hearts of the people. The way
will be prepared for more decided proclamation of the truth. You will find that relieving their physical suffering gives an
opportunity to minister to their spiritual needs. . . . The union of Christlike work for the body and Christlike work for the
soul is the true interpretation of the gospel.

The World Is Crying For Real Heart Ministry

Evangelism, p. 555. Thousands of wealthy men have gone to their graves unwarned, because they have been judged by
appearance, and passed by as hopeless subjects. But, indifferent as they may appear, I have been shown that most of this
class are soul burdened. There are thousands of rich men who are starving for spiritual food. Many in official life feel
their need of something which they have not. Few among them go to church; for they feel that they receive no benefit.
The teaching they hear does not touch the soul. Shall we make no personal effort in their behalf?

Lift Him Up, p. 308. The Lord has His representatives in all the churches. These persons have not had the special
testing truths for these last days presented to them under circumstances that brought conviction to heart and mind;
therefore they have not, by rejecting light, severed their connection with God. Many there are who have faithfully walked
in the light that has shone upon their pathway. They hunger to know more of the ways and works of God. All over the
world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for
light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the very verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.

What Is The True Christian Experience, The True Aim Of The Soul Winner?

a. Christs Object Lessons p. 151. The religion of the Pharisee does not touch the soul. He is not seeking Godlikeness
of character, a heart filled with love and mercy. He is satisfied with a religion that has to do only with outward life.
His righteousness is his own--the fruit of his own works--and judged by a human standard.

b. Christs Object Lessons, p. 97. As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within outward, so it is by
the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform the life. NO MERE EXTERNAL CHANGE IS
SUFFICIENT TO BRING US INTO HARMONY WITH GOD. There are many who try to reform by correcting this
or that bad habit, and they hope in this way to become Christians, but they are beginning in the wrong place. Our first
work is with the heart.

c. Christs Object Lessons, p. 97. A profession of faith and the possession of truth in the soul are two different things.
The mere knowledge of truth is not enough. We may possess this, but the tenor of our thoughts may not be changed.
The heart must be converted and sanctified. The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense
of obligation merely--because he is required to do so--will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey.
When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that
the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of
righteousness, the love of the law of god. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our redeemer. This will lead us
to do right because it is right--because right doing is pleasing to god.

d. Desire of Ages, p. 668. All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent,
He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will,
that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its
highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of
continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will
become hateful to us.

e. Education, p. 41. "True education is not the forcing of instruction on an unready and unreceptive mind. The mental
powers must be awakened, the interest aroused. For this, God's method of teaching provided."

f. Christian Education, p. 51. Education balanced by a solid religious experience, fits the child of God to do his
appointed work steadily, firmly, understandingly. If one is learning of Jesus, the greatest educator the world ever
The Highest Work

11
knew, he will not only have a symmetrical Christian character, but a mind trained to effectual labor. Minds that are
quick to discern will go deep beneath the surface.

It is when we reach the heart that the promise of John 12:32 will be fulfilled.

Words Of Encouragement

Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 175. With divine enlightenment you can work as Christ worked; for His light may
shine through you upon the pathway of every impenitent transgressor with whom you are associated. Are you indeed an
instructor in the ways of God? If you are a converted teacher, you will be able to win, not drive, to attract, not repulse,
the souls for whom Christ has died. You will guard and care for the sheep and lambs of Christ's fold. If they stray, you
will not leave them to perish, but will go forth to seek and to save that which is lost. All heaven will be ready to aid you
in this good work. The angels will aid you in your effort to find the key to the heart of the most incorrigible and unruly.
You will receive special grace and strength through Christ, who is able to supply you from His immeasurable fullness.
You will then be qualified to be a laborer together with God, one with Christ in your effort to save the lost, and the result
of your labor of love will be seen not only in time, but through all eternity.

Awaken Need, Awaken Desire

1. There must be a sense of need for God before there will be a desire for God and spiritual things.

Review & Herald, December 22, 1885. But the wants of the soul are not to be supplied unless we feel our need, and
ask for the things we lack. Christ has more than human acquaintance with our needs.

Signs of the Times, August 1, 1895 par. 13. What great privileges are within the reach of those who feel the poverty
of their soul and submit to the will of God! The remedy for soul-poverty is found alone in Christ. When the heart is
sanctified by grace, when the Christian has the mind of Christ, he has the love of Christ, which is spiritual riches,
more precious than the gold of Ophir. But before there can be an intense desire for the wealth contained in Christ,
which is available to all who feel their poverty, there must be a sense of need. When the heart is full of self-
sufficiency, and preoccupied with the superficial things of earth, the Lord Jesus rebukes and chastens in order that
men may awake to a realization of their true condition.

2. Many feel a need for something, but they dont know it is a need for God.

Review & Herald, February 28, 1882. The great mass of mankind are engrossed in the things of this life, and divine
truth can find no abiding-place in their hearts. And yet all the blessings which the world can give fail to satisfy the
wants of the soul. There is a nameless longing for something which they have not, a peace and rest that is not born of
earth.

3. God is seeking to bring people to a place where they recognize their need for God so they will seek Him.

Steps to Christ, p. 28. The same divine mind that is working upon the things of nature is speaking to the hearts of
men and creating an inexpressible craving for something they have not. The things of the world cannot satisfy their
longing. The Spirit of God is pleading with them to seek for those things that alone can give peace and rest--the grace
of Christ, the joy of holiness. Through influences seen and unseen, our Saviour is constantly at work to attract the
minds of men from the unsatisfying pleasures of sin to the infinite blessings that may be theirs in Him. To all these
souls, who are vainly seeking to drink from the broken cisterns of this world, the divine message is addressed, Let
him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17. You who in
heart long for something better than this world can give, recognize this longing as the voice of God to your soul.

Christ Object Lessons, p. 56. The Spirit of God is ever seeking to break the spell of infatuation that holds men
absorbed in worldly things, and to awaken a desire for the imperishable treasure. It is by resisting the Spirit that men
become inattentive to or neglectful of God's word. They are themselves responsible for the hardness of heart that
prevents the good seed from taking root, and for the evil growths that check its development.
The Highest Work

12
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 19. If you have a sense of need in your soul, if you hunger and thirst after
righteousness, this is an evidence that Christ has wrought upon your heart, in order that He may be sought unto to do
for you, through the endowment of the Holy Spirit, those things which it is impossible for you to do for yourself.

4. The Holy Spirit is working through soul winners to awaken both need and desire for spiritual things.

Gospel Workers, p. 185. Seek to awaken their interest in the great things of eternal life. Their hearts may be as hard
as the beaten highway, and apparently it may be a useless effort to present the Saviour to them; but while logic may
fail to move, and argument be powerless to convince, the love of Christ, revealed in personal ministry, may soften the
stony heart, so that the seed of truth can take root.

Counsels on Health, p. 535. I can see in the Lord's providence that the medical missionary work is to be a great
entering wedge, whereby the diseased soul may be reached.

Christs Object Lessons, p. 57. The sowers of the seed have a work to do in preparing hearts to receive the gospel.
In the ministry of the word there is too much sermonizing, and too little of real heart-to-heart work. There is need of
personal labor for the souls of the lost. In Christlike sympathy we should come close to men individually, and seek to
awaken their interest in the great things of eternal life. Their hearts may be as hard as the beaten highway, and
apparently it may be a useless effort to present the Saviour to them; but while logic may fail to move, and argument
be powerless to convince, the love of Christ, revealed in personal ministry, may soften the stony heart, so that the
seed of truth can take root.

Evangelism pg 434. Light, light from the Word of God,--this is what the people need. If the teachers of the Word
are willing, the Lord will lead them into close relation with the people. He will guide them to the homes of those who
need and desire the truth; and as the servants of God engage in the work of seeking for the lost sheep, their spiritual
faculties are awakened and energized. Knowing that they are in harmony with God, they feel joyous and happy.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they obtain an experience that is invaluable to them. Their intellectual and
moral powers attain their highest development; for grace is given in answer to the demand.

How can we cooperate with gods spirit to awaken the need, and thus the desire, for spiritual things?

1. The WORD of God.

a. God must speak through us, because it is the voice of God that awakens a sense of need
b. It was the voice of God that caused Adam and Eve to know their utter need
c. I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid myself. Genesis 3:10

2. The LOVE of God

a. When God came to Adam in the garden, He came with self-sacrificing love.

i. God made coats of skin to hide Adam and Eves shame and nakedness. These coats represented His sacrifice
for them. Genesis 3:21
ii. Jesus is The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8

b. The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance. Romans 2:4
c. There is only one safe place to face the vulnerability of shame and need, and that is in a place of love and hope.

i. We are saved by hope. Romans 8:24
ii. In every human being He (Jesus) discerned infinite possibilities.He saw men as they might be, transfigured
by His graceLooking upon them with hope, He inspired hope. Meeting them with confidence, He inspired
trust. Revealing in Himself man's true ideal, He awakened, for its attainment, both desire and faith. In His
presence souls despised and fallen realized that they still were men, and they longed to prove themselves
The Highest Work

13
worthy of His regard. In many a heart that seemed dead to all things holy, were awakened new impulses. To
many a despairing one there opened the possibility of a new life. Education, p. 80.

3. Remember Christs method the only method that will give true success in reaching the people:

Ministry of Healing, p. 143. Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour

Mingle + Sympathy + Ministry = Won Confidence

Medical Ministry, p. 259. The principles of health reform are found in the Word of God. The gospel of health is to
be firmly linked with the ministry of the Word. It is the Lord's design that the restoring influence of health reform
shall be a part of the last great effort to proclaim the gospel message.

Be a friend in order to win confidence & Share Gods Word

Practical Application

1. Pray for wisdom to see below the surface and for God to work in the lives of those who do not know Him.

2. Work With God in harmony with what God is doing to awaken spiritual interest.

1 Mind Character and Personality, p. 347. God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them into positions
which are calculated to reveal the motives of the heart.

Review and Herald, Aug. 3, 1905. Many have lost the sense of eternal realities, lost the similitude of God, and they
hardly know whether they have souls to be saved or not. They have neither faith in God nor confidence in man. As
they see one with no inducement of earthly praise or compensation come into their wretched homes, ministering to
the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and tenderly pointing all to Him of whose love and pity the human
worker is but the messenger--as they see this, their hearts are touched. Gratitude springs up. Faith is kindled. They see
that God cares for them, and they are prepared to listen as His Word is opened.
As God's children devote themselves to this work, many will lay hold of the hand stretched out to save them. They
are constrained to turn from their evil ways. Some of the rescued ones may, through faith in Christ, rise to high places
of service, and be entrusted with responsibilities in the work of saving souls. They know by experience the necessities
of those for whom they labor; and they know how to help them; they know what means can best be used to recover
the perishing. They are filled with gratitude to God for the blessings they have received; their hearts are quickened by
love, and their energies are strengthened to lift up others who can never rise without help.

Evangelism, p. 517.1,2 The world must have an antidote for sin. As the medical missionary works intelligently to
relieve suffering and save life, hearts are softened. Those who are helped are filled with gratitude.

As the medical missionary works upon the body, God works upon the heart. The comforting words that are spoken
are a soothing balm, bringing assurance and trust. Often the skilful operator will have an opportunity to tell of the
work Christ did while He was upon this earth. Tell the suffering one the story of God's love.

Signs of the Times, August 1, 1895 par. 13. But before there can be an intense desire for the wealth contained in
Christ, which is available to all who feel their poverty, there must be a sense of need. When the heart is full of self-
sufficiency, and preoccupied with the superficial things of earth, the Lord Jesus rebukes and chastens in order that
men may awake to a realization of their true condition.

a. God chastens, allows crisis, to bring men and women to a sense of need

b. There are two types of crisis that awaken spiritual needs
The Highest Work

14
i. Losing it all forces the question now what?

1. Some will not look up until they are flat on their back
2. In a place of aloneness and disappointment, the eye will search for something greater than self, something
more than this world.
3. It is in an experience of helplessness that people will accept a helping hand and thus test the strength of
God to know that He is both loving and powerful.

Gods Amazing Grace, p. 212. When one is fully emptied of self, when every false god is cast out of the soul,
the vacuum is filled by the inflowing of the Spirit of Christ.

That I May Know Him, p. 165. The work of sanctification begins in the heart, and we must come into such a
relation with God that Jesus can put His divine mold upon us. We must be emptied of self in order to give
room to Jesus, but how many have their hearts so filled with idols that they have no room for the Redeemer of
the world. The world holds the hearts of men in captivity. They center their thoughts and affections upon their
business, their position, their family. They hold to their opinions and ways, and cherish them as idols in the
soul. . . . We must be emptied of self. But this is not all that is required, for when we have renounced our idols,
the vacuum must be supplied. . .
As you empty the heart of self you must accept the righteousness of Christ. Lay hold of it by faith. . . . If
you open the door of the heart, Jesus will supply the vacuum by the gift of His Spirit, and then you can be a
living preacher in your home, in the church, and in the world. You can diffuse light, because the bright beams
of the Sun of Righteousness are shining upon you. Your humble life, your holy conversation, your uprightness
and integrity, will tell to all around that you are a child of God, an heir of heaven, that you are not making the
world your dwelling place, but that you are a pilgrim and a stranger here, looking for a better country, even an
heavenly. . . .

ii. Getting it all now what?

1. Think of Solomon. It was when he had tested pleasure and achieved all that he THOUGHT his heart
desired that he realized His need for God.

2. Many will not turn to God until theyve conquered the last possible mountain in order to find success and
happiness on their own. It is when they climb the highest mountain that they look up.

3. Turn the Conversation to Spiritual Topics looking for ways to link what they are saying with a related spiritual
topic, weaving spirituality through what you are saying, especially topics related to our need for God.

Evangelism, p. 436. By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more
readily than by the most able discourse.

Evangelism, p. 139. Jesus found access to minds by the pathway of their most familiar associations. He disturbed as
little as possible their accustomed train of thought, by abrupt actions or prescribed rules. He honored man with His
confidence, and thus placed him on his honor. He introduced old truths in a new and precious light. Thus, when only
twelve years old, He astonished the doctors of the law by His questions in the temple.

a. Begin with the familiar, then move to the spiritual

b. Transition the conversation from casual needs (physical comforts) to critical needs (relationships) to crucial
needs (the spiritual)
i. Move from water to water of life (John 4)
ii. Empty marriage to empty walk with God
iii. Desire for family to desire for fellowship with God
iv. Empty career to emptiness of this life
v. Physical disease and cure to disease of sin and cure (Matthew 9)
The Highest Work

15
4. Look Deeper for ways to steer the conversation to a more spiritual level.

a. Think of where most of your conversations focus:
i. Cliches
ii. Facts
iii. Opinions
iv. Feelings
v. Needs

b. Go deeper. Ask questions even when you fear the answers!

Evangelism, p. 436. Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon
your ability to find your way to the heart.

Remember, everyone you meet: 1. Fears something, 2. Has lost something, and 3. Loves something. Ask questions
about peoples pain, losses, fears, & dreams. Talk with them about their opinions, feelings, and needs. Listen with
acceptance. Listen for clues of spiritual need.

INVESTIGATE. Ask questions! Listen!

5. Use A 3rd Party when you begin to see a spiritual need, be ever so careful about exposing it or making the person
feel vulnerable. Share an experience of your own, someone else, or a Bible story that will bring out the needs and
feelings you suspect someone is feeling. In this way, they can open up without feeling exposed prematurely.

a. Consider the example of Nathan the prophet when speaking with king David
i. 2 Samuel 12:1-9
ii. Psalm 51

b. Consider the example of Jesus
i. When he taught in parables.
ii. When he worked with Judas.
Desire of Ages pg 645. The disciples knew nothing of the purpose of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret.
Yet He did not expose him. Jesus hungered for his soul. He felt for him such a burden as for Jerusalem when
He wept over the doomed city. His heart was crying, How can I give thee up?

STIMULATE, gently!

6. Pressure-Release-More Pressure

Christs Object Lessons, p. 235.3 The Saviour says, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My
voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. Rev. 3:20. He is not repulsed
by scorn or turned aside by threatening, but continually seeks the lost ones, saying, How shall I give thee up? Hosea
11:8. Although His love is driven back by the stubborn heart, He returns to plead with greater force, Behold, I stand
at the door, and knock. The winning power of His love compels souls to come in. And to Christ they say, Thy
gentleness hath made me great. Ps. 18:35.
Christ will impart to His messengers the same yearning love that He Himself has in seeking for the lost. We are
not merely to say, Come. There are those who hear the call, but their ears are too dull to take in its meaning. Their
eyes are too blind to see anything good in store for them. Many realize their great degradation. They say, I am not fit
to be helped; leave me alone. But the workers must not desist. In tender, pitying love, lay hold of the discouraged and
helpless ones. Give them your courage, your hope, your strength. By kindness compel them to come. Of some have
compassion, making a difference; and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. Jude 22, 23.

7. Follow Up With Bible Studies related to the spiritual needs of the personal youre working with

The Highest Work

16
a. Books & literature
b. Videos or audios
c. In-home Bible studies

Ministry of Healing, p. 143. Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour

Understanding Our Spiritual Needs

1. To Know God
To find settled security in knowing that Someone very powerful is on the throne of the Universe; He will never
change or come to an end; there is no limit to His power; He will take care of things. To recognize and trust this
power to include everything in our own lives.

2. To Feel My Faith
To experience something that is so real, true, relevant, and connected to my experience that it never changes.

3. To Find A Reason In Suffering
To understand a reason that God allows the heart-wrenching experience of suffering. To be certain that God is good,
fair, and loving in all situations, including our own.

4. To Freedom From A Guilty Conscience
To find freedom from the pain of separation from God and the shame of hurting our Creator. To experience Gods
forgiveness and acceptance, finding relief from the fear of condemnation and the need to hide. To allow God to
surround us in the completeness of His love and to replace our sense of failure, unworthiness, and hopelessness with
His willingness to forgive and completely cleanse.

5. To Find Freedom In Pleasure
To experience happiness, release of tension, thrill, unrestricted joy, and the engagement of emotion & pleasurable
sensations without a bitter aftertaste of guilt, pain, bitterness, or loss of relationship with God and others.

6. To Find Freedom From A Lonely Heart
To live in worshipful awe and profound appreciation at the mystery of being created by a loving God, to feel part of
Him, to be totally known by Him yet never disowned, and then to give oneself unselfishly to others.

7. To Know Gods Desire For Me
To be drawn by a love that is greater than my own. To experience of the power of grace. To know that I am
irreplaceably valuable to God; that He loves me more than I love Him; that He chose me before I chose Him; that He
desires me and accepts me not because of my service to Him, but just because of His love.

The Highest Work

17
Part 4 People and Communication

1. All that perplexes
2. All that troubles
3. All that hinders a person from walking in the light of truth
4. The objections that exist in their minds
5. The nature of the difficulties in their minds

The sacred responsibility rests upon the minister to watch for souls as one that must give account. He must interest
himself in the souls for whom he labors, finding out all that perplexes and troubles them, and hinders them from
walking in the light of the truth. RH 8/30/1892

Many a laborer fails in his work because he does not come close to those who most need his help. With the Bible in
hand, he should seek in a courteous manner to learn the objections which exist in the minds of those who are
beginning to inquire, What is truth? Carefully and tenderly should he lead and educate them, as pupils in a school.
Gospel Workers 190

The minister must know the nature of the difficulties in the minds of the people that he may know how to give every
man his portion in due season. Manuscript 4, 1893

Listen Actively and Attentively

2 Spirit of Prophecy, p. 333. As Jesus approached the scene he inquired the cause of the trouble; the afflicted father
replied: Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever he taketh him, he
teareth him; and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away; and I spake to thy disciples that they
should cast him out, and they could not. Jesus listened attentively to this narration, and then met the failure of his
disciples, the doubts of the people, and the boasting of the scribes, with these words: O faithless generation! how
long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me.

Education, p. 231. In all true teaching the personal element is essential. Christ in His teaching dealt with men
individually. It was by personal contact and association that He trained the Twelve. It was in private, often to but one
listener, that He gave His most precious instruction. To the honored rabbi at the night conference on the Mount of
Olives, to the despised woman at the well of Sychar, He opened His richest treasures; for in these hearers He
discerned the impressible heart, the open mind, the receptive spirit. Even the crowd that so often thronged His steps
was not to Christ an indiscriminate mass of human beings. He spoke directly to every mind and appealed to every
heart. He watched the faces of His hearers, marked the lighting up of the countenance, the quick, responsive glance,
which told that truth had reached the soul; and there vibrated in His heart the answering chord of sympathetic joy.

Ask Questions

Desire of Ages, p. 608. The Pharisees had gathered close about Jesus as He answered the question of the scribe.
Now turning He put a question to them: What think ye of Christ? whose son is He? This question was designed to
test their belief concerning the Messiah,--to show whether they regarded Him simply as a man or as the Son of God.

The Upward Look. When this question was asked by the lawyer, Christ knew that the suggestion came from His
bitterest enemies, who were setting a trap to catch Him in His words. The Lord Jesus responded to the question by
placing the burden upon the lawyer to answer his own question before that crowd. What is written in the law? how
readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered
right: this do, and thou shalt live (Luke 10:26-28). Obedience to the commandments of God is the price of eternal
life.
Seek to Understand:
The Highest Work

18
Empathize

PH 123, Testimony to the Church at Battle Creek, pp. 11,12. The church in Battle Creek could not flourish in
carrying out this precise system. Brn. Waggoner and Andrews failed in some respects in their management in church
matters at Battle Creek. They moved too much in their own spirit, and did not make God their whole dependence.
They did not, as they should, lead the church to God, the fountain of living waters, at which they could supply their
want, and satisfy their soul-hunger. The renewing, sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, to give peace and hope to
the troubled conscience, and restore health and happiness to the soul, was not made of the highest importance. The
good object they had in view was not attained. These brethren had too much of a spirit of cold criticism in the
examination of individuals who presented themselves to be received into the church. The spirit of weeping with those
who weep, and rejoicing with those who rejoice, was not in the hearts of these ministering brethren as it should have
been.
Christ identified himself with the necessities of his people. Their needs and their sufferings were his. He says, "I
was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was sick, and ye visited me; a stranger,
and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me." God's servants should have
hearts of tender affection and sincere love for the followers of Christ. They should manifest that deep interest that
Christ brings to view in the care of the shepherd for the lost sheep; all tenderness, and compassion, and gentleness,
and love, as Christ has in his life given us an example, that we should exercise the same tender, pitying love he has
exercised toward us.
The great moral powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love.

Levels of Communication
1. Clichs
2. Facts
3. Opinions
4. Feelings
5. Needs

Jesus ministered to people on the deepest level of their opinions (he often asked what think ye), feelings, and needs:

Ministry of Healing, p. 143. Christs method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour
mingled with men as one who desired their good (taking an interest in their family associations and work: facts,
opinions). He showed His sympathy for them (feelings), ministered to their needs (needs), and won their confidence.
Then He bade them, Follow Me.

Active Listening
Passive listening conveys, I hear you but active listening says, Im interested.

Expressions of Interest
Attention (posture and eye contact)
Response (verbal affirmation)

American Century Dictionary. Listen. 1. Make an effort to hear. 2. Take notice of, heed.

1. Quantity time. Slow down! Ministry is slowing down enough to help someone else.
2. Quality time
3. Show interest
4. Ask friendly questions relative to the topic
5. Encourage them to share more
a. Tell me more
b. What happened next?
c. How did it happen? When? Where? Why.?
d. Im not sure I understand. Can you share more?
The Highest Work

19
6. Affirm what they say with positive comments
a. That must have hurt. I can see why you would feel that way.
b. That must have taken courage.
c. You handled it well.
d. You were very diligent.
e. That was a painful, wasnt it.
f. God is really important to you, isnt He.
g. You set high goals for yourself.
7. Clarify by rephrasing what they say
a. Are you saying that?
b. Did you feel?
c. Were you afraid at the time?
d. That must have taken a lot of courage; did it?
e. Do you mean that .?
8. Stay open. Be vulnerable. Conflict, anger, painall can touch hot spots in our own lives. If you shut off
yourself, you will inadvertently shut off the person that youre trying to understand. Your own discomfort will
reflect on them.
9. Careful with the clichs!
a. I understand! (when you dont)
b. I know just how it feels (when you dont)
10. Respond
a. How can I help?
b. What I can do?
c. Would it help if?
d. Take notesfollow up later, too.
11. Gently offer the positive, after youve listened.
a. Share encouragements
b. Share an experience from your own life
c. Share a story from Scripture
d. Pray together

Mistakes to avoid

1. Talking (especially about yourself!)
2. Interrupting
3. Better than you attitudes
4. Generalizations. You never. You always.
5. Lack of interest (wandering attention, nervous body language, fidgeting, wandering eyes)
6. Impatience, hurried manner (looking at watch, thinking of other things)
7. Negative reactions (shock, surprise, disapproval, disappointment)
8. Offering solutions too quickly, especially before you really understand
9. Stereotyping/Judging. (Oh, youre one of those Ive got you figured out Youre just afraid Youre just
too sensitive)
10. Being defensive. All I did was ask you a question. How can you say that about me? Have you forgotten all
Ive done for you? What do you expect me to do about it?
11. Direct/Indirect insensitive comments. Some people cant see the big picture Youre just feeling sorry for
yourself. You sound just like a woman. I should have known thats what youd say like all the other men
out there. Is that what got you so upset?
12. Breaking confidence.

The Highest Work

20
Ask Questions

Reasons to ask questions

1. To form friendship
a. FORT: Family, Occupation, Religion, Testimony
b. TOPICS: Today, Occupation, Place/Partner/Parents, Interests, Church, Share (personal testimony)
2. To know someone, especially:
a. Their fears
b. Their love, hopes, dreams, goals
c. Their loss
d. All that perplexes and troubles them, and hinders them from following Christ.
3. To check accuracy of your perceptions regarding someone or a situation. Assume nothing.
4. To help others think for themselves.
5. To help people understand the truth clearly and set it in their minds.
6. To help people make decisions.

Remember Jesus

Isaiah 53:3-6. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were
[our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he
was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

INVESTIGATE ! STIMULATE ! RELATE

Do it! Practice makes perfect!

Summary

Gospel Workers, p. 193. Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon
your ability to find your way to the heart.
Application

Evangelism

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Исходное описание:

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Evangelism

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Evangelism and Soul-Winning

The Highest Work

Вам также может понравиться