Principles of Personal
Christian Witnessing
Lay Training Seminar
Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department
General Conference
PURPOSE OF STUDY
• Learn why witnessing is necessary.
• Learn when and how to share
personal spiritual insight.
• Learn how to lead others to decide
for Jesus.
Contents
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Motivating Personal Witnessing
Jesus’ Method of Witnessing
Knowing the Law of the Mind in Witnessing
Sharing Faith
Giving Personal Bible Study
Bringing People to Decision
Why is Lay Involvement
Needed?
Learn from the Apostles
Church Growth in
the New Testament
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
120 disciples
3000 new converts
5000 men
More and more
Increasing
Grew in numbers
Church planting
Many thousands
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Acts 1:15
Acts 2:41,42
Acts 4:4
Acts 5:14
Acts 6:1,7
Acts 9:31
Acts 16:5
Acts 21:20
Why Did the Work Progress
in the Time
of the New Testament?
We read in Acts 21:20 that there
were many thousands of Jews (the
Greek word means myriads,
multiples of ten thousand). Why
was the church growing so fast? It
was because everyone was involved
in witnessing.
Through the promises of God, the
Lord will bring a harvest of souls as
lay members become involved.
What Percent of Our Members
Are Involved in
Witnessing Activities?
80% 60%
50%
10%
1%
Why Are People
Not Involved?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lack of confidence
Problem of unknown potential
Have never been asked
Have no training
Limited understanding of role
No motivation
Lack of confidence
?
I’m afraid.
I don’t have power to do that.
I’m too old.
Problem of Unknown Potential
The History of Yates Pool
Have Never Been Asked
It is possible that some pastors like
to do everything themselves and are
very poor at delegating
responsibility to other people.
No Training
“Many would be willing to work if they
were taught how to begin.”
- Christian Service, p. 59
Limited Understanding of Roles
“The dissemination of the truth of
God is not confined to a few
ordained ministers.”
- Christian Service, p. 68
“The idea that the minister
must carry all the burdens and
do all the work is a great
mistake.”
- Christian Service, p. 68
LIMITED UNDERSTANDING
OF ROLES
• Evangelism is the role of pastors
• Membership’s role is to
support the pastor financially.
MISTAKEN DIVISION
CLERGY
LAITY
• Spiritually
Strong
• Spiritual Calling
• Special Rewards
• Spiritually Weak
• Secular Calling
• Ordinary
Rewards
Gratian
(Died 1160)
“Two kinds of Christians.”
Stephen of Tournai (Died 1203)
“Two kinds of people: one lower
and one higher.”
Martin Luther:
• God wants to accomplish His
work through the laity.
• Christ does not have two
bodies or two different kinds
of bodies.
Biblical Meaning of Laity
• Laos means - “A special people”
or God’s own people.
• Old Testament - Israel
God’s Remnant
• New Testament - Those who believe in
Christ and accept Him as their Lord and
Savior.
Understanding
the Roles of Laity
“The idea that the
minister must carry all
the burdens and do all
the work is a great
mistake.”
- Christian Service, p. 68.
The Gospel Commission
“Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost; teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you and lo, I am with
you always, even unto the end of the
world”
- Matthew 28:19, 20
The Priesthood of Believers
“But you are a chosen
generation, a royal
priesthood, a holy
nation, His own special
people, that you may
proclaim the praises of
Him who called you out
of darkness into His
marvelous light.”
- 1 Peter 2:9
The Body of Christ
“For
as the body is one
and has many
members, but all the
members of that body,
being many, are one
body, so also is Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:12
Spiritual Gifts
“There are diversities of gifts,
but the same Spirit. There are
differences of ministries, but
the same Lord.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:4,5.
The First Task of
the Pastor
• Within the church
• To equip, teach and strengthen
the laity to carry on its ministry
in the world
Christian Service, p. 69
“The minister should not feel
that it is his duty to do all the
talking and all the laboring
and all the praying; he should
educate helpers in every
church.”
Greatest Help
“Let the minister devote more of his
time to educating than to preaching.
Let him teach the people how to give
to others the knowledge they have
received.” - (7T 20)
“The greatest help that can be given
our people is to teach them to work
for God, and to depend on Him, not
on the ministers.” - (7T 19)
Too Many Sermons
“The people have had too much
sermonizing; but have they been
taught how to labor for those for
whom Christ died?”
- 6T 431
The Role of the Laity
Primarily Ministry To The World
– Proclamation
– Service
– Fellowship
Working Together
“Let ministers and lay
members go forth into the
ripening fields.”
- Christian Service, p. 67
“Every soul whom Christ
has rescued is called to work
in His name for the saving
of the lost.”
- Christian Service, p. 10
“To everyone work has been
allotted, and no one can be a
substitute for another.”
- Christian Service, p. 10
“Every true disciple is
born into the kingdom
of God as a missionary.
He who drinks of the
living water becomes a
fountain of life. The
receiver becomes a
giver.”
- Christian Service, p. 9.
“The work of God in this earth can
never be finished until the men and
women comprising our church
membership rally to the work, and
unite their efforts with those of
ministers and church officers…”
- Gospel Workers, p. 352
Church growth ratio:
1988 Statistical Report
Europe, Japan, North America, One pastor to
169 members, the growth rate is only 1.25%.
In South America, the pastor-member ratio is
1 to 628, the growth rate is 8.92%
1 to 169
1 to 628
1.25%
8.92%
Church Growth
12%
1
Church Growth
1000
East Africa, South Mexican, and the South
Philippine Unions: One pastor to 1,000
members: The growth rate is 12%.
No Motivation
What will motivate our members
to witness?
Witnessing is a Biblical Command
Matthew 28:19, 20: “Go ye therefore,
and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them
to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you, and lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world.”
“Arise, shine, for your light has
come, and the glory of the Lord
rises upon you.”- Isaiah 60:1
“For this is what the Lord has
commanded us: ‘I have made you a
light for the Gentiles that you may
bring salvation to the ends of the
earth.’”
- Acts 13:47
“But you will receive power
when the Holy Spirit comes on
you; and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in
all Judea and Samaria, and to
the ends of the earth.”
- Acts 1:8
“Return to your house and
describe what great things
the Lord has done for you.”
-Mark 5:19
The Lord calls each of
His followers to be:
Witnesses -Acts 1:8
Ambassadors -2 Corinthians 5:20
Participants in the ministry of
reconciliation -2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Co-laborers with God -1 Corinthians 3:9
The light and the salt of the earth
-Matthew 5:13, 14
Witnessing Is the Heart’s Response
to Love.
“The Love of Christ constrains us.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14
Witnessing Is a Biblical Command
Matthew 28:19, 20: “Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost, teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you, and lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end
of the world.”
“No sooner is one converted than
there is born within him 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.” - The Desire of Ages, p. 141
Witnessing Gives Joy to God’s Heart
Parables in Luke 15: The lost sheep
and the lost coin. Any time the lost
is found, there is joy in heaven.
Luke 15:7: “I tell you that in the
same way there will be more
rejoicing in heaven over one sinner
who repents than over ninety-nine
righteous persons who do not need to
repent.”
Luke 15:10: “In the same
way, I tell you, there is
rejoicing in the presence
of the angels of God
over one sinner who
repents.”
In the parable of the
lost son, Luke 15:32
says: “But we had to
celebrate and be glad
because this brother of
yours was dead and is
alive again. He was
lost and is found.”
Witnessing Contributes
to Spiritual life
There is a relationship between
witnessing and character development.
“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.” - The Desire of Ages, p. 142
“Strength to resist evil is
best gained by aggressive
service.”
-The Acts of the Apostles, p. 105
1 Peter 4:10: “As each one has
received a special gift, employ it in
serving one another, as good
stewards of the manifold grace of
God.”
We are all part of the Body of
Christ. Each part of the body is
important.
“Little in the hands of Jesus is much.”
For that reason we must “use
whatever we have in our hand.”
However simple, the Lord can use it.
Knowing that one can achieve
something for God’s
glory will motivate
people to
work for Him.
Witnessing Is Related to
the Coming of Jesus
Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of
the kingdom shall be preached in the
whole world as a testimony of all
nations, and then the end will come.”
“Time is short, and our forces
must be organized to do a larger
work.”
-Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 27
“We are now living in the closing scenes of
this world’s history. Let men tremble with
the sense of the responsibility of knowing the
truth. The ends of the world are come.
Proper consideration of these things will lead
all to make an entire consecration of all that
they have and are to their God.”
- Review and Herald, July 23, 1895
There is a relationship between
witnessing and the latter rain.
The essential latter rain cannot
come until the “largest portion of
the church are ... laborers together
with God” - Ellen G. White
- Review and Herald, July 21, 1896
Other Motivating Factors:
“We are to encourage souls, to attract them,
and thus win them to the Savior. If this is
not our interest, if we withhold from God
the service of heart and life, we are robbing
Him of influence, of time, of money and
effort. In failing to benefit our fellow
men, we rob God of the glory that should
flow to Him through the conversion of
souls.”
-Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 427
Jesus’ Method of Witnessing
It is important to learn from
the methods of Jesus how
He was successful in His
witnessing activities.
Christ’s method alone will
give success in reaching
the people.
-Ministry of Healing, p. 143
Five Steps That Jesus Followed
in His Witnessing Activities
He mingled with men as One
who desired their good.
He showed sympathy.
He ministered to their needs.
He earned their confidence.
He bade them, “Follow me.”
Mingling – means doing things
together. This may be visiting,
working, playing, or just talking
and sitting together. By
mingling we will discover
others’ needs.
Sympathy – an attitude of personal
concern. Sympathy does not wait
until the person asks for help, but it
is always expressed by some kind
of action that communicates an
honest, unselfish concern for
someone who has a need.
Minister to their needs – means
meeting the needs of people,
whether physical, mental, or
spiritual. This is done by serving,
waiting on, or attending to another.
Real needs are not always easily
recognized.
Win their confidence.
This will be the result of
meeting people’s needs.
“Follow me” – was the
appeal to follow Christ
in His future. The appeal
came after He met their
needs and won their
confidence.
Jesus Used Different Methods
“From Christ’s method of labor we may
learn valuable lessons. He did not follow
only one method; in various ways He
sought to gain the attention
of the multitude, that
He might proclaim
to them the truths
of the gospel.”
-Welfare Ministry, p. 59
Jesus Discovered a Felt
Need and Met It
•
•
•
•
•
Wedding feast
•
Nicodemus
•
Woman at the well •
Man at the pool •
Hungry multitude •
Social embarrassment
Genuine spirituality
Emotional security
Divine healing
Physical food
“What you need to understand is
the true force of the will. This is
the governing power in the nature
of man, the power of decision, or of
choice. Everything depends on the
right action of the will.”
- Steps to Christ, p. 47
The Law of the Human Mind
Includes Three Important Things
The law of human compassion
The law of receptivity
The law of divine providence
The Law of
Human Compassion
Lessons from the life of Jesus
To the scribe he said:
“You are not far
from the kingdom of God.”
To the Canaanite woman,
“Great is thy faith.”
To the Roman centurion, “I have never
found such great faith, not even in Israel.”
Effective Communication
Content - 7%
Tone - 38%,
Body language - 55%
Why Adventist Ministries
of Compassion?
Adventists’ work is to “first meet the
temporal needs,” and “then find an
open avenue to the heart” where they
can “plant good seeds of virtue and
religion.”
-Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 227
Community Service Work
Because many people are
touched through the ministry of
compassion, it is important to be
involved in various activities.
Community service
work is a great
umbrella under which
all our acts of helping
other are included.
Feed the hungry - Matthew 14:16
Clothe the naked - Luke 3:11
Welcome the stranger - Matthew 25:35
Visit the sick - Matthew 25:36
Visit the prisoner - Matthew 25:35
Visit the widows - James 1:27
Visit the orphan (fatherless) - James 1:27
Refresh the thirsty - Matthew 25:35
Comfort those in trouble,
the bereaved and dying - 2 Corinthians 1:4
Health education
Disaster relief
Nutrition classes
Friendship camps
“The term medical missionary work
as often employed by Mrs. White
stretched far beyond the bounds of
professional medical service to
embody all acts of mercy and
disinterested kindness.”
- Welfare Ministry, p. 36
“Any human being who
needs our sympathy
and our kind
offers is our neighbor.
The suffering and destitute
of all classes are our neighbors;
and when their wants are
brought to our knowledge,
it is our duty to relieve them
as far as possible.”
-Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 266
The Law of Receptivity
People have different levels of
receptivity. Some are very
receptive and some are not at
all interested.
Receptivity Differences
1
No
Spiritual
Interest
2
3
4
God May
Exist, Not
Personal
5
6
7
Regular Attendance
As Religious Duty
Occasional
Church Goers
8
9
10
Truth Seekers
Committed
Christians;
Spiritual
Openness
Adventist Church
Attender;
Unbaptized
The Keys to Discovering Receptivity
●
Personal crisis
●
World trauma
A personal crisis occurs when
someone has a family dilemma,
emotional crisis, financial crisis, or
health problems. People are more
receptive at these times.
The Need of a Bridge
THE BRIDGE
Physical,
Mental, &
Social
Concerns
People
Who Care
Spiritual
Concerns
The Receptivity Rating Scale
The highest receptivity rate is at:
Death of a spouse -100%
Divorce -73%
Marital separation - 65%
Jail term - 63%
Death of close family member - 63%
Personal injury or illness - 53%
Marriage - 50%
Fired from work - 47%
The Urgency of Meeting Various
Needs - Emotional, Physical,
Social, or Spiritual
Emotional –
If the individual is
experiencing grief or divorce,
there are grief recovery and
divorce recovery programs.
Physical –
Some people are heavy smokers.
They need Breathe Free classes.
Some of these programs can be
introduced through the church
Members who have particular
talents or spiritual gifts can help
according to the needs of the
people.
The Law of Divine Providence
The Lord will help us to meet
people who need the Savior.
Jesus said to them,
“My father is always at
His work to this very
day, and I, too, am
working.”
- John 5:17
Consider the divine providence
in the biblical examples of the
conversion of Paul, Cornelius,
and an Ethiopian eunuch.
God the Father, Jesus, and the
Holy Spirit are working with
us, and because everyone is
working, the Lord will bring
us to meet people who need
the Savior so that we can share
the goodness of salvation with
them.
Sharing Faith
Tell to all:
“Christ died for all.”
We Are Not Righteous
None of us deserve salvation.
God gives the gift to all who come to
Him. The rich
The church member
The poor
The degraded
The dejected
The sick
The dirty
The drunken
The homeless
The abused child
The FORT Principle
A simple way of witnessing is to use the
FORT principle.
Family
Occupation
Religion
Testimony
•We speak of family first because
people are usually interested in
talking about their family.
•Then we can ask about their
occupation or work, followed by what
church they may attend.
•And finally, share a
personal testimony.
Three Essential Elements
of a Testimony
My life before accepting Christ
How I became a Christian
My life since I became a Christian
The Need of a Forceful Testimony
The Christian can be an effective witness
for Christ if he has a forceful testimony.
A consistent life as a Christian is a
tremendous witness.
Make Your Testimony Brief
If you should be invited to witness by your
testimony, and you feel frightened and
inadequate, write out your testimony. Use
the three points suggested above as your
main points to discuss. Make your
testimony brief (from three to five minutes)
and to the point.
Simplicity of
Salvation
It consists of
. What is the most important
word in the first place?
.
is the beginning of everything-the beginning of creation (Genesis 1:1)
and the beginning of salvation (Psalm
3:8; 68:20).
God loves you. This is a positive,
effective way to begin your
presentation.
God has a special plan for your
life. This is a message the people
need to hear.
Man
This brings us
to the sin problem.
Sin brings separation and death.
(Isaiah 59:2; Romans 6:23). And
since all have sinned (Romans 3:23)
all are separated from God.
Jesus is God’s answer to man’s
problem of sin and separation.
Christ came to be the solution
to the problem.
Christ came for us, lived for us, died for
us, ascended for us, pleads for us.
– Hebrews 7:25
Jesus says, “I am the way.”
To know about God’s and man’s
problem of separation because of
sin, and that Christ is God’s
answer to man’s problem will not
be enough unless we receive
Christ as our salvation.
The Simplicity of
Salvation According to
the Spirit of Prophecy
“Present the gospel
in its simplicity.
Follow Christ’s
example, and you
will have the reward
of seeing your
students won to
Him.”
-Counsels to Teachers, p. 255
“Even the great men are
more easily drawn by the
simplicity of the gospel than
by any effort made in human
power.” - Evangelism, p. 443
“What you need is a living
experience in the things of God
and simplicity in presenting the
love of Christ to the lost.”
- Sons and Daughters of God, p. 266
Giving Personal Bible Study
Finding Interests
The OIKOS Principle
The Greek word oikos means
house, but in the Bible it is
often used in the broader
sense of the household, or
extended family.
Biblical Examples of
the Oikos Principle
From the life of Abraham,
Joseph in Egypt, until the time
of the New Testament - how
people come to the Lord from
every family.
“This was the way the Christian church
was established.
Christ first selected a few persons and
bade them follow Him. They then went in
search of their relatives and
acquaintances, and brought them to
Christ. This is the way we are to labor. A
few souls brought out and fully
established on the truth will, like the first
disciples, be laborers for others.”
- Welfare Ministry, p. 60
How Do People Join the
Christian Church?
According to some studies, the
results show that the majority of
people who have joined the church
because of friends or relatives is
between 75-90%. This indicates
that the oikos system is still
valid at the present time.
Oikos identification worksheet
Put your name in the center circle,
and then put the Oikos members
(from 1-5), friends and relatives
with whom you have some
influence.
Circle of Influence
Another way we can find our Oikos system is by using a
circle of influence:
Interested Individuals Who
Visit the Church
Now and Then
Visitors who attend Sabbath School and
any other programs
●
Individuals who have completed any of our
Bible correspondence programs
●
Parents of children who attend Vacation
Bible School
●
●
Friends from the Ingathering Program
Non-SDA students
studying in our Adventist
schools and their parents
●
Regular customers of our literature
evangelists
●
Those who have attended our
evangelistic meetings who have not
made their decisions for Jesus
●
Network Bible Study
A simple method is needed
It has proven very successful around the
world.
Anyone can master it very quickly.
The student learns better and faster.
The student is soon trained and
equipped with completed
study guides to
study the Bible
God’s Instruction
“Our work has been marked
out for us by our heavenly
Father. We are to take our
Bibles and go forth
to warn the world.”
- 9 Testimonies, p. 150.
Ellen G. White’s Prophecy
“Hundreds and thousands were seen
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. On every
side doors were thrown open to the
proclamation of the truth. The world
seemed to be lightened with the
heavenly influence.”
- 9 Testimonies, p. 126.
Preparation Needed
Heart Preparation
The Example of Jesus
Before every major event in
His ministry, Jesus prayed
for guidance and help.
- Mark 1:35; Luke 9:18, 28, 29
Pray for the guidance of the Holy
Spirit. - John 16:13
God wants us to pray for wisdom.
- James 1:5; Hebrews 4:16
“My son, give me thine heart,
and let thine eyes observe my
ways.”
- Proverbs 23:26
“But ye shall receive power,
after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you; and ye shall
be witnesses unto me...unto
the uttermost part of the
earth” - Acts 1:8.
“Submit yourselves therefore
to God. Resist the devil and
he will flee from you. Draw
nigh to God, and he will
draw nigh to you.”
-James 4:7, 8
“The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes
His own fortress, which He holds in a
revolted world, and He intends that no
authority shall be known in it but His
own. A soul thus kept in possession by
heavenly agencies is impregnable to the
assaults of Satan. But unless we
do yield ourselves to the control of
Christ, we shall be dominated by
the wicked one. ”
- The Desire of Ages, p. 324
Preparation of Materials
The Basic Tools
Bible - preferably one with a
concordance
Bible Study Guide
Pictorial aid for Bible study or
other devices
Mental Preparation
“Study to show thyself
approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth.”
- 2 Timothy 2:15
Building Interest
for Bible Studies
Home Visitation
“How can the great work of the
third angel’s message be
accomplished? It must largely be
accomplished by persevering,
individual effort, by visiting the
people in their homes.”
-Welfare Ministry, p. 97
“There are families who will
never be reached by the
truth of God’s word unless
His servants enter their
home.”
- Evangelism, pp. 435,436
New Testament Method
of Creating and Building Interest
“The more closely the New
Testament plan is followed in
missionary labor, the more
successful will be the efforts put
forth.”
- 3T , p. 210
Christ’s Method
Our Savior went from
house to house:
healing the sick,
comforting the mourners,
soothing the afflicted,
speaking peace to the
disconsolate,
blessing children,
speaking words of hope and
comfort to the weary mothers.
- Christian Service, p. 114
The Method of the
Early Christian Church
“And daily in the temple, and in every
house, they ceased not to teach and preach
Jesus Christ.”- Acts 5:42
They grew -Acts 2:47
The whole city was evangelized -Acts 17:6
More baptisms -Acts 2:41, 4:4; 5:14
Penetrating unentered areas -Acts 8:4
Paul: “taught publicly and from house to
house.” -Acts 20:20
Making Friends with People
Jesus’ Example
Jesus loved people and never
failed to help them
- Mark 1:41; 6:34, Matthew 4:14
Jesus was able to be friendly
to all kinds of people
-Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15
Jesus showed interest in
every one he met and tried
to give them spiritual help.
-John 3:1,2, John 4:7
GIVING PERSONAL
BIBLE STUDY
Be Friendly to All People
If we want to win people to Jesus, we
must be friendly to them.
-Proverbs 18:24
When we meet someone: on the road, in
a bus, at the market, in the village or at a
store, always be friendly: smile, talk to
people, inquire about family, give help
if needed.
Make Use of Every Opportunity
to Help Others
There are many opportunities for us
to offer help and friendship:
Sickness
Family death
New neighbors
People in prison
Widows
Elderly people
Building/farming
Prospects for Bible Study
Children of church members
Close relatives of church members
Graduates of the Bible
Correspondence School
Interests of Colporteurs
Interests of hospital or medical
outreach
Branch Sabbath School Interests
Sabbath School members who are not
yet church members
Tips on Finding Bible Studies
Distribute a series of tracts or a single tract.
Place enrollment cards in the doors.
Mass mail enrollment cards to postal areas.
Encourage all church members to carry
enrollment cards at all times.
Give, or better, lend books.
Share a video or audio-cassette.
Use a Religious Interest Survey.
Use a Community Service survey.
Bible Study Outline
Introduction
To awaken the interest of the hearers, let
your introduction statement make a
lasting impression. It can be:
● A short story
● Important world events
● An arresting text that introduce the
topic
● An appetizer that will make people
crave the main dish
The Body
The body is the main dish
The body should satisfy the craving which is
created by the introduction.
● It must be solid and in logical sequence from
beginning to end.
● Present the subjection with conviction and leave
room for the Holy Spirit.
● Pick up verses that are simpler and have a
direct connection to your next verse.
● Be brief and direct to the point.
● End your study before interest fades.
● Ten to 15 texts in each will be sufficient.
●
Appeal or Conclusion
Summarizing
Clinching
Appealing
Forecasting the next topic
What to Do at the Study
Be Punctual
● Be enthusiastic, cheerful, relaxed and
friendly
● Sit at the right place (with a group, it is
best to sit in a circle)
● Short introduction (make sure everyone
is introduced and comfortable)
● Be understanding
● Speak wisely
●
How to Present the Bible Study
1. Begin with prayer.
An opening prayer is brief but sincere.
Establish a friendly spirit before beginning
the Bible study.
2. Give the introduction or review its high
points; Speak slowly clearly and with
conviction.
3. The best method: question and answer.
◘ You
will want to ask each question:
How, When, Where, Which, What, Who, Why
◘ Bible
◘ Ask
Study is not a sermon, don’t preach
them to read Bible texts
4. Compliment good answers.
5. After participants read their answers, you
might say, “Does anyone have a different
answer?
6. Always listen and ask questions.
◘ Encourage
each one to participate in the
study.
◘ Encourage
discussion.
10. If question deals with a future,
controversial lesson
◘ Do
not hurry through a Bible study;
make each point clear before you move
to a next topic
7. Make brief and relevant comments as you
go along;
◘ Stick
to the subject
8. Never introduce ideas for which the
Bible student does not have sufficient
background.
9. Read each Bible text clearly; you
have God’s Word in your hands
The Use of Illustrations
An illustration drives home the point.
It creates a deeper and more lasting
impression in the heart and mind.
It’s like the window that brings in fresh air.
It must be short.
Avoid comical illustrations.
Refrain from using cheap
jokes.
Tips for Success
◘ Be understanding
◘ Listen
◘ Get a firm decision for Christ before you
introduce testing truths.
◘ Know how to meet opposition
◘ Be tactful and refined
◘ Don’t argue
◘ Be sincerely interested in the person
◘ Offer compliments
◘ Agree on every point possible
◘ Don’t be embarrassed about questions you
can’t answer.
Dangers to Avoid in Giving
a Bible Study
Do not give too much
information in one Bible study
Keep to the topic you are presenting
Length of Bible Study: 30-40 minutes
After the Bible study, don’t stay too long.
Number of Questions: 10-15 texts
Do not preach, lecture, shout at your listener.
Never argue with your listener
become angry
criticize or speak disrespectfully
about other people
Arranging Topics
Choose the topic to meet the needs of
the hearers.
Make the topic Christ-centered.
Learning about Jesus and His will for
our lives is the object of all Bible
study.
Follow a correct order of topics.
The Wrong Way
Baptism
Foods
Tithe
Sabbath
Second Coming
The Right Way
Jesus first
Then the doctrines
Suggested Order of Topics
The Bible as God’s Word
The Second Coming of Jesus
The Signs of the Second coming of Jesus
Heaven and the New Earth
The Plan of Redemption
How to Be Saved
God’s Holy Law
God’s Holy Sabbath
etc...
Secret Bible
Concordance
The Key to Successful
Bible Studies
Bringing People
to a Decision
The Purpose of Bible Study –
to Help the Student Make
a Decision for Christ
The Lesson: Christ centered
When does the decision take place?
At the first Bible studyBegin with a smaller decision; this
prepares for bigger decisions
The Need for the Right Words
“The Lord God hath given me the tongue
of the learner, that I should know how
(method) to speak a word (what is said) in
season (when it is to be said) to him that is
weary; he wakeneth morning by morning,
he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the
learned. The Lord God hath opened mine
ear, and I was not rebellious, neither
turned away back (the kind of person
Jesus was).” - Isaiah 50:4, 5.
ABCs of Obtaining Decisions
Acceptance
Belief
Confidence
Steps in Making Decisions
Information
Conviction
Desire
Action
How the Mind Works
Information: Accumulate facts about
the decision to be made.
Adequate information is necessary,
but there are two problems:
1. Information Overload
2. Programmed Non-response
“What you need to understand is
the true force of the will. This is the
governing power in the nature of
man, the power of decision, or of
choice. Everything depends on the
right action of the will.”
- Steps to Christ, p. 47
Overcoming Information Overload
Present testing truths gradually. If
possible do not present three or four
new truths back to back in the same
week.
Visit people in their homes
immediately after presentation of
testing truths to answer any major
questions.
Two Ways to Avoid Programmed
Non-Response
Make regular systematic
appeals including hand-raising,
kneeling, standing, and altar
calls.
● Use response cards often.
●
Implanting Conviction
Clear information - Is this clear to you?
? ?
?
?
?
?
?
?
Important Points for
Obtaining Decisions
Ask, “Is it clear that . . .?”
 Help student to make a decision in every
lesson
Show the benefits of the right action
Always stress the blessing over the
requirements of God
Show the consequences of wrong action
Show the expectation of the God who loves
us
Lead students into a relationship with God

Reasons for Asking
for Prompt Decisions
Truth is most clear when it is fresh in
the memory.
 Satan is working to lead the thoughts
away.
 Conviction may completely disappear if
one is not bought to decision at the
earliest period possible.
 A decision may be turned in
another direction or toward another
church.
 Relatives or members of other
churches may confuse the issues or
the truth in the mind.
 Circumstances may place the
student beyond your reach in a
very short time.
Fanning the Flame of Desire
Inner peace as opposed to inner
turmoil -John 14:27; Psalms 119:165
Receiving the Holy Spirit -Acts 5:32
True happiness -John 13:17
Heavenly home -Hebrews 11:24
Forgiveness of sins and freedom from
guilt -Acts 2:37-39
Importance of Prayer
in Bringing People
to a Decision for Christ
“Prayer and faith will do what no power
on earth can accomplish.”
- Ministry of Healing, p. 509
“It is a part of God’s plan to grant us,
in answer to the prayer of faith, that
which He would bestow did we not
thus ask.”
- The Great Controversy, p. 525).
Prayer does four things:
Prayer puts us in touch with
divine wisdom. - James 1:5
Prayer enables God to work
more powerfully than
if we did not pray. - Daniel 10
Prayer enables God to speak to us about sins
in our lives which hinder successful soul
winning
Prayer deepens our desire concerning
the thing for which we are praying
The Need for Prayer
“God forbid that I should sin against the Lord
in ceasing to pray for you.” - 1 Samuel 12:23
Prayer in Groups
“Why do not two or three meet together and
plead with God for the salvation of some
special one, and then still another.”
-7 Testimonies, p. 21
Meeting Objections
With Bible Verses
“I can’t leave my church.”
Rev. 18:4; John 10:26, 27; 12:42, 43;
Matt. 7:22, 23
“I can’t make a living if I keep the
Sabbath.”
Matt. 6:33; Ps. 37:3; Isa. 65:13,14.
“You require too much of people in your
church.”
2 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 13:45, 46; Luke 14:33.
“I will lose my job if I keep the
Sabbath.”
Matt. 16:25, 26; I Tim. 4:8
Know How to Respond
to Objections
Use the FFF Technique
I understand exactly how you feel.
Many others in your present situation
have felt the same way.
But they have found . . .
“I can’t find a job with Sabbath off.”
Matt. 6:30-33; Ps. 37:3, 25; Isa. 65:13, 14;
58:13, 14; 1:19, 20.
“It is inconvenient to keep the seventh
day and follow this doctrine.”
Matt. 16:24; 10:38
“I am too great a sinner.”
1 Tim. 1:15; Heb. 7:25; Isa. 1:18
“I am afraid I can’t hold out.”
Jude 24
“I can’t live up to the truth.”
1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 12:8, 9; John 1:12
“I am not good enough.”
2 Cor. 8:12
“People would talk about me.”
John 17:14; Luke 6:22, 23, 26; Prov. 29:25
“I agree with all you teach except for
one thing.” Matt. 19:16-22
“I am in business and Saturday is my best
day. I will ruin my business if I close on
Saturdays.”
Matt. 16:26; Ps. 37:16; Prov. 16:8; Mark 8:35;
John 6:27; Isa. 56:2-5; Luke 12:19, 20
“My friends would ridicule me.”
John 15:19; Mark 8:34; James 4:4.
“My husband, wife, father, mother,
brothers, and sisters will oppose me.”
Matt. 10:36, 37; Luke 14:26, 27; Ps. 27:10;
Isa. 41:10; Mark 10:29, 30.
“There are so few who keep Saturday.
This way is so different from what the
majority believe and do.”
Deut. 7:7; Ex. 23:2; Matt. 7:13, 14.
“My parents were good________.
What was good enough for them
is good enough for me and besides, I have
been greatly blessed in my present
church.”
Rev. 18:4; John 10:26, 27; 12:42, 43; Acts 4:19;
John 1:35-40.
“Keeping the seventh day was only for the
Jews.” Mark 2:27; Gen. 2:3.
“I am afraid of new doctrines.”
Gen. 2:1-3.
“We are living under the New Testament.
Keeping the seventh day passed away
with the old covenant at the cross.”
Heb. 8:20; 4:4-9; Acts 13: 14, 25.
“The law of the land has settled that
Sunday is the day to keep.
Acts 4:18-20; 5:28, 29.
“We can’t be sure that the seventh day
which God has commanded is identical
with the day now called Saturday.”
Luke 23:56; The testimony of history,
astronomy, the calendar, and the witness of the
Jews.
“Sunday seems right to me.”
Prov. 16:25
“My minister and my friends
advise me against this.”
1 Kings 13:1-26; Acts 4:19; 5:29.
“It doesn’t make any difference what day
I keep; just so I keep a day.”
Exodus 20:8-11; Rom. 6:16; Leviticus 10:1, 2;
Deut. 4:2.
“It will cause trouble and division in my
home if I take my stand for this teaching.”
Luke 12:49-53; 1 Kings 18:17, 18.
“No, not now.”
Prov. 27:1; 2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:13; Isa. 55:6;
Gen. 6:3.
“I am waiting for my husband (or wife, or
friend) so we can accept it together.”
Eze. 14:20; 18:20; Rom. 14:12.
“There is one thing (movies, jewelry,
tobacco, pork, caffeine, etc.) that I cannot
give up.”
Matt. 19:16-22; 6:24; Luke 14:33; Matt. 13:45,
46; 1 John 5:4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Phil. 4:13.
“Too late, I have waited too long.”
Eze. 33:19; John 6:37; Rom. 10:13
“I will wait until I have the right kind of
feeling.”
Isa. 48:18; 1 John 2:3
“I tried once, I’m afraid to try again.”
Dan. 3:17; Rom. 4:21; 2 Tim. 1:12; Jude 24
“How can I know that my sins are
forgiven?”
1 John 1:9; Prov. 28:13
“Some things are not yet clear.”
John 13:7; Acts 1:7
“I’m not so bad.”
John 3:18; Rom. 3:23
“The world couldn’t manage its affairs if
everybody kept Saturday.”
John 2:22
“Why don’t the other great ministers or
learned and influential people accept and
keep the seventh day Sabbath if it is
right?”
1 Cor. 11:1; 1:26-29; Matt. 11:25
“Sunday seems right to me.”
Prov. 16:25
“God is love, He will save me anyway.”
Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 2:4.
“I will lose many of my friends, my social
standing and people will class me as a
fanatic.”
Ps. 119:165; 111:10; Gal. 1:10; John 15:14;
Luke 6:22, 23, 26; James 4:4; Prov. 29:25; Phil.
3:8; Matt. 10:37; John 15:19.
“There are too many hypocrites
in the church.” Matt. 7:1; Rom. 14:12.
“The step will cost me too much.”
Luke 18:29, 30; 1 Peter 2:24
“My job may be at stake.”
Isa. 51:7; Job 13:14, 15; Ps. 119:72, 127
“God will not condemn me if I live a good
life in every way except to keep the
seventh day.” James 2:10; 1 Chron. 15:13;
Matt. 7:21-23; Luke 6:46
“I can’t leave my friends and relatives.”
Ex. 23:3; Prov. 13:20
“I’m too old to change my way of life.”
Gen. 6:3
“If I take Saturday for the Sabbath, I
won’t be able to support my family.”
Matt. 6:30-33; Ps. 37:3, 25; Isa. 65:13, 14;
58:13, 14; 1:19, 20. (Also the narration of actual
experiences of how God has helped others who
stepped out in faith to keep the Sabbath.)
“I believe it is not necessary to unite with
a church.” Acts 2:47
“I will wait until the Spirit of God
convinces me.” Matt. 25:1-13
“I can’t afford to lose one day’s pay each
week. This will interfere with my plans
for getting ahead in the world.”
Matt. 16:26; Ps. 37:16; Prov. 16:8; Mark 8:35;
John 6:27; Isa. 56:2-5; Luke 12:19, 20.
“I have a railroad job.
That work has to go on every day.”
Ex. 34:21.
“God will not condemn me if I live a good
life in every way except to keep the
seventh day.”
James 2:10; 1 Chron. 15:13; Matt. 7:21-23;
Luke 6:46.
“I will be in better shape to do it a little
later; I need more time to arrange my
affairs.”
Prov. 27:1; 2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 4:7; 3:13; Isa. 55:6;
Gen. 6:3; Ps. 18:44; 119:60; Matt. 25:1-13
Behold, I come quickly.