You probably know that few things are more crucial to your ministry than volunteers, but do you realize how important it is to get them on board with the Gospel Advancing strategy? Itās actually one of the 7 key steps weāve identified that make a Gospel Advancing ministry successful.
But honestly, my experience is that adult leaders are more difficult to convince than your teenagers! When you do get buy-in, though, the results in your group will be far more effective.
So how do you get them tracking with you? Have no fear, the solution is here!
1. Pray for them.
Wait, donāt gloss over this one! How much time do you spend actively praying for each of your volunteers by name? Pray specifically that theyāll be moved and motivated to do whatever it takes to share the Gospel personally and mobilize students to do the same.
2. Master the G.O.S.P.E.L. with them.
Teach them what each of the letters stands for and then, just as we recommend for students, play games to help them memorize it. Make it clear that this common language is important for each of them to commit to memory, not only so they can help guide students but also to become more skilled at sharing the Gospel themselves. Tip: If possible, share a story about how itās helped you share the Good News.
3. Teach the Life in 6 Words app to them.
This video is a great way to do that:
Encourage leaders to join a group you create on the app for adult leaders or just invite them to the one you create for the youth ministry.
4. Watch this 5-minute evangelism crash course with them.
After watching the video, demonstrate by role-playing with one of the leaders up front, and then have them pair up to role-play the various steps outlined in the video.
5. Inspire them.
Pray about and write a devotional you can present that will help your leaders grasp the importance and biblical mandate of the Gospel Advancing model. This passage could be a great one to start with:
āThen Jesus came to them and said, āAll authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.ā Matthew 28:18-20
6. āTake 5 for the Causeā with them.
Take 5 minutes during each volunteer gathering to tell stories good and bad about your experiences of sharing the Gospel with your adult friends and encourage them to talk about their experiences as well.
7. Read Gospelize Your Youth Ministry with them.
Ask your team to download the free e-book (or purchase a physical copy for them as a gift), and have them read a chapter between each meeting. When you gather, go through the questions at the end of the chapter that everyone just read.
Do some of these steps feel redundant? I hope so! It will take repetitive, consistent leadership in Gospel Advancing to really make it stick. Some leaders will embrace it quicker than others, so remember step 1 and be patient as you lovingly lead your team.