1:34:26
The Ministry Of Visitation And Follow Up
Deeper Life Bible Church - New England, USA
Overview
This video explains the crucial ministry of visitation and follow-up within Christianity, building upon the Great Commission. It emphasizes that evangelism, while vital, is only the first step. True discipleship involves nurturing new believers through enlightenment, encouragement, integration, exemplification, edification, and engagement. The speaker draws heavily from biblical examples, including Jesus' interactions with his disciples and the missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas, to illustrate the purpose, practice, and profit of consistent spiritual care for new converts. The ultimate goal is to foster strong, steadfast, and enduring faith, preventing backsliding and ensuring the growth of the church.
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Chapters
- The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, comprises two main parts: evangelism (teaching all nations) and follow-up (teaching them to observe all that Christ commanded).
- The 'therefore' in 'go ye therefore' links the command to evangelize to Jesus' declaration of all authority given to Him.
- Evangelism is the initial act of preaching the gospel, while follow-up involves nurturing believers after their conversion.
- Mark 16:15-16 highlights the need to preach to all creatures and the subsequent salvation for believers who are baptized.
Understanding the Great Commission as a two-part mandate (evangelism and follow-up) is essential for effective discipleship and church growth.
Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20 to 'go ye therefore and teach All Nations' and then 'teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you'.
- Evangelize: Share the good news of Jesus Christ.
- Enlighten/Educate: Teach new believers the core tenets of the faith.
- Encourage to Endure: Prepare them for potential persecution and strengthen their resolve.
- Enroll/Unleash: Integrate them into the church community.
- Exemplify: Live out the Christian faith as a model for new believers.
- Edify: Build them up spiritually, focusing on their needs.
- Engage: Involve them in ministry and evangelism themselves.
These seven stages provide a comprehensive framework for nurturing new believers, ensuring their spiritual development and integration into the church.
The process of evangelizing, then enlightening, encouraging, enrolling, exemplifying, edifying, and engaging new converts.
- Paul and Barnabas revisited cities where they had preached to check on the spiritual well-being of new believers (Acts 15:36).
- Jesus Himself repeatedly appeared to His disciples after His resurrection to strengthen their faith and comfort them (John 20-21).
- Jesus' interaction with the man healed in John 5:14 shows His continued care and instruction for those He blessed.
- Ananias was specifically sent to follow up with Saul (Paul) after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:10-17).
Examining Jesus' and the apostles' actions demonstrates that follow-up is a divine mandate, not just a human initiative.
Jesus appearing to His disciples multiple times after His resurrection, including to Thomas who doubted, to strengthen their faith.
- Follow-up should be done in pairs or teams, reflecting biblical examples (e.g., Paul and Silas, Peter and John).
- It requires persistent prayer for both the follower-up and the new convert.
- Personal contact, purposeful correspondence (letters, calls, emails), and providing profitable Christian literature are key practices.
- Using persuasive representatives and being passionate, patient Christians are crucial for success.
The 'how' of follow-up involves specific, actionable practices that ensure new believers feel supported and guided.
Paul sending Timothy to visit the church in Philippi on his behalf when he was unable to go himself, demonstrating delegation and trust.
- Follow-up leads to strong, steadfast believers who are less prone to backsliding.
- It ensures steady spiritual growth and maturity in new converts.
- It fosters fervent commitment to evangelism within the local church.
- It strengthens the believer doing the follow-up through mutual faith and encouragement.
- Follow-up helps establish believers, providing them with spiritual gifts and comfort.
The positive results of dedicated follow-up are evident in the spiritual health and growth of individuals and the church as a whole.
New believers continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers after receiving the word (Acts 2:41-42).
Key takeaways
- Evangelism is the starting point, but discipleship through follow-up is essential for lasting spiritual growth.
- The Great Commission mandates both reaching people with the gospel and teaching them to live according to Christ's teachings.
- Consistent, patient, and prayerful follow-up is a core ministry for every Christian.
- New believers need instruction, encouragement, integration, and example to mature in their faith.
- Biblical figures like Jesus, Paul, and Barnabas provide models for effective visitation and care of converts.
- The practice of follow-up involves personal contact, communication, and providing resources for spiritual development.
- The benefits of follow-up extend to the new convert, the church, and the individual ministering.
Key terms
Great CommissionEvangelismFollow-upVisitationDiscipleshipNew ConvertEdificationIntegrationBackslidingSteadfast Believers
Test your understanding
- What are the two primary components of the Great Commission as described in the video?
- How does the video define the difference between evangelism and follow-up?
- What are at least three of the seven stages of follow-up mentioned in the video?
- Why is it important for believers to be 'enlightened' and 'encouraged to endure' after conversion?
- How did Jesus Himself model the practice of follow-up with His disciples?