Congregational Prospect Follow-Up
One of the benefits of hosting an OAFC Outreach Weekend at your church is that it reminds congregations of the mission field right outside their doors. Members are reminded that there are always people who don't know or don't believe in Jesus as their Savior and the Church needs to be prepared to receive such prospective members to the Church when the Holy Spirit uses His Word to create faith. When OAFC members find Prospects during our Witness Survey, Ambassadors write a personal letter to each Prospect to continue the conversation. Congregations are then encouraged to follow up with these Prospects to integrate them into their local congregations. Below are some examples of how congregations can follow up with Prospects discovered during the OAFC Witness Survey.
1. Pastoral Visit
Many of our visits include conversations on deep, spiritual issues and the question, "Where do you believe you will go when you die?" often creates spiritual questions that are simply better answered by a Pastor. We do try to note these conversations in the Prospect Reports we submit to the congregations.
2. Evangelism Committee Visit
If your church already has a standard procedure for incorporating prospective members into the life of the Church, such as efforts by your Evangelism Committee, we encourage you to treat OAFC Prospects as you would any other Prospect.
3. Newsletter Mailing List
If your congregation sends out a periodic mailing, add these Prospects to that mailing list to integrate them into the life of your congregation.
4. Special Events Invitation
If you have a special event coming up, like Christmas, Easter, an Introduction to Christianity class, or some community gathering, use this as a one time invitation to your church - so that the Prospect can "try" your church without a large commitment.
5. Prayer Visitor
Maybe someone, your Pastor or a member, could make a visit to this Prospect with the intention of praying for and with them. Find out what needs, concerns, or thanksgivings a Prospect has and pray with them in the name of Jesus. Then ask if you can add their prayers to your congregational prayers and let them know you'll be praying for them.
6. Bring a Bible
During the Witness Survey, we ask if people have a Bible in their homes. For those who say "No," we ask if someone from the church can bring them a Bible. We encourage the congregation to not only bring the Bible, but include a short study when they come - either a pre-written study about the Gospel and/or the Church or someone who volunteers to spend time studying with the Prospect in their new Bible.
Many of our visits include conversations on deep, spiritual issues and the question, "Where do you believe you will go when you die?" often creates spiritual questions that are simply better answered by a Pastor. We do try to note these conversations in the Prospect Reports we submit to the congregations.
2. Evangelism Committee Visit
If your church already has a standard procedure for incorporating prospective members into the life of the Church, such as efforts by your Evangelism Committee, we encourage you to treat OAFC Prospects as you would any other Prospect.
3. Newsletter Mailing List
If your congregation sends out a periodic mailing, add these Prospects to that mailing list to integrate them into the life of your congregation.
4. Special Events Invitation
If you have a special event coming up, like Christmas, Easter, an Introduction to Christianity class, or some community gathering, use this as a one time invitation to your church - so that the Prospect can "try" your church without a large commitment.
5. Prayer Visitor
Maybe someone, your Pastor or a member, could make a visit to this Prospect with the intention of praying for and with them. Find out what needs, concerns, or thanksgivings a Prospect has and pray with them in the name of Jesus. Then ask if you can add their prayers to your congregational prayers and let them know you'll be praying for them.
6. Bring a Bible
During the Witness Survey, we ask if people have a Bible in their homes. For those who say "No," we ask if someone from the church can bring them a Bible. We encourage the congregation to not only bring the Bible, but include a short study when they come - either a pre-written study about the Gospel and/or the Church or someone who volunteers to spend time studying with the Prospect in their new Bible.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, by any means, but merely thought starters to encourage your congregation in following-up with Prospects.