Most ministry interruptions are unwelcomed, but this one is different. Although initiating CPM (Church Planting Movement) is my priority and passion, a new opportunity has presented itself that, I believe, is worthy of the month long interruption it will require.
One of our local, major universities in Iloilo City is Central Philippine University, affiliated with the American Baptist denomination in the U.S. It’s one of the largest Christian Universities in the country, with about 12,000 students. Last year I participated in their annual Christian Emphasis Week as one of their speakers. I also volunteered to lead one of the follow-up groups (see my Aug. 27 blog entry from last year).
This year, the school was late in requesting the help of a Southern Baptist church in Knoxville, TN, and their missions director asked me to assist. One conversation led to another, and the university chaplain has requested my help to be a speaker and, more importantly, to help create a new, more effective follow-up strategy.
So, this year, those who come forward during the invitations (last year there were over 1,000 who came forward) will be placed in small groups, led by student chaplains and leaders of campus para-church organizations, who will be calling and texting their group members prior to their first meeting. These leaders will take personal responsibility to contact each group member and encourage their participation. Previous years’ follow-up has never had this level of personal contact or student-led groups.
Each group will go through 4 lessons, written by yours truly, that are evangelistic and emphasize developing a personal relationship with God. This has come from the realization that nearly all of those who come forward do not yet have an understanding of salvation. At the end of Lesson 4, we plan a baptismal celebration for those who choose to publicaly declare their faith in Jesus Christ. Also, continuing opportunities for spiritual growth will be presented to each student.
Please pray for this event! If it goes well, this will shape the school’s future follow-up strategy for years to come and may serve as a model for other Christian Universities who have Christian Emphasis Week. Pray especially for the university’s new chaplains who are in charge, for their courage to try something new, and for their willingness to be sure each student respondent has a firm understanding of the gospel message.
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2 comments:
Wow Mark, that sounds like a great opportunity to help spread the gospel and actually lead the people into a real realtionship with Christ. Will be praying God's will be done and his name be glorified through you.
God Bless
This comment came a bit too late. Just wanted you to know it is a blessing to hear that more initiatives have been taken by CPU to do follow-up this year. I pray those who accepted Him at CEW have been given the opportunity and wisdom to know how to go from accepting Him to living Him.
The discipleship materials P. Mark previously distributed at NLCF have ministered in many ways to me while I was still in Iloilo. Thank you P. Mark for receiving the opportunity to take part of the follow-up team at this year's CEW.
Warmest regards to Johnny and Martha. God bless you.
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