Just-in-time Task Launching
JIT TASK 3C 00
Work Within Existing Social Networks
Yes, fellow harvesters, we will reap in the field to which God has
led us, as Naomi told Ruth to do, and not let Satan dilute our focus
by jumping from one social venue to another.
Yes, Lord, we will let the Gospel flow freely among friends and
relatives of new believers, as Your apostles did. Grant us the
power and courage to serve where we are not in control, so that
seekers can meet Jesus in their homes and with closest friends.

Let new believers spread the gospel through normal social ties.
Networking was the apostles’ norm. Peter and his helpers from Joppa told gentiles about
Christ in Cornelius’ house, and the entire group responded (Acts 10). That meeting was
exclusive; no one invited the public. All were intimate friends and relatives of Cornelius.
Research shows conclusively that movements for Christ flow within social networks. The
only time to separate a new believer from a pal is when a false friend is providing
destructive drugs, leading the believer into crime, etc.

Work where you are not in control.
Few workers learn this, so pray for God’s help. To penetrate a social network, an outsider
stays under the authority of a person of peace. For example, Peter and his Jewish friends
could do only what their host, Cornelius, authorized them to do. They even had to eat
non-kosher food, for which believers in Jerusalem scolded them, until Peter explained
that God had used their visit to “bring repentance to the gentiles” (Acts 11). The Holy
Spirit works more powerfully when seekers are in control, such as when the jailer took
Paul and Silas into his home; his family believed and received baptism. Lydia also
invited the apostles into her home where her family received Jesus.
WATCH OUT! Common Traps
 Resisting cultural reality.
If we love people, we will respect their culture and avoid griping about it. Nitpickers compel
disciples to heed petty rules that violate culture. “Be all things to all people” as Paul was.
 Jerking converts from their circle of friends.
Such extraction kills a movement. Westerners with a worldview that considers people to be
isolated individuals build barriers between new believers and their family and friends. Let us
see a new believer as God does, as part of a social circle.
 Pulling inquirers and new believers into a group where they do not fit socially.
Start a new cell within a convert’s social circle, and help converts keep loving relationships
with friends.
 Failing to deal with a seeker’s family at once.
The only thing the apostles did before baptizing a repentant believer was go to the family.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, and your family.” (Acts 16:31).
 Bringing all seekers into an existing group.
If a new believer is a potential leader, build a new cell or church around that person. Help
converted heads of families start shepherding their families at once.
 Shoving camels through the needle’s eye.
Jesus warned that it is harder for an affluent person to enter His kingdom than for a camel to
fit through a needle’s eye; He qualified this by saying that “all things are possible with God,”
recognizing that God lets a few camels squeeze through. These occasionally become strong
leaders of a movement among the poorer population.
 Hesitating to “shake the dust.”
New church planters, unsure of their ability, often disobey our Lord’s order to leave people
who reject Him; they want to prove their capability. First, discern what people reject. If it is
your way of communicating or worshipping, then the remedy is simple: adapt. Most who
shake the dust need not change their residence, but go to poorer people.