Reaching the Lost: Strategies For Success

Studies have shown that if a new convert can be connected to four families, the percentage of retention is greatly improved. Mentors need to be hand-selected by the eldership and trained. Mentors need to be able to become all things to all men so that some might be saved. Compassion, love, kindness, and empathy will be needed as new converts adjust to their new life in Christ. Here are a few suggestions for mentors.

• Mentors should be selected based on maturity first and foremost. Some issues new converts deal with require a deeper understanding of Christianity.
• Mentors should understand the importance of their role and treat it accordingly.
• Mentors should coordinate with one another and compare notes. It’s just as damaging to overwhelm as to ignore.
• Connecting with new converts should be personal and can also include social media.
• Social engagements are encouraged. These engagements should build stronger relationships and allow for more intimate discussions.
• Day trips, shopping, fishing, hunting, and ball games are examples of activities that create strong bonds and lead to healthy discussions.
• Mentors should include spiritual development in their weekly contact.
• Make use of websites like www.housetohouse.com, www.apologeticspress.org, www.gbn.org, and www.wvbs.org to help new Christians grow.
• Send articles and videos and ask questions about the material.
• Sit with new converts during worship.
• Attend the new convert class with them.

Evangelism takes time, and it does not stop once they become Christians. Dropping them off at the front door and hoping they remain faithful is a strategy for failure. Mentors play an important role in evangelism. They are just as important as the Bringers and the Teachers. Use this training sheet to help create your team and complete the evangelism model.