In these last days, there is so much grace available to do the work of God. Even though darkness and wickedness are on the rise all across the world, we have a mandate to take the Gospel to our communities, cities and beyond the borders of our nation. Satan is not more wicked than God is gracious. But it's not enough to just preach the Gospel. People who come to Jesus must feel the warmth of His love and that is demonstrated through His people as we genuinely love and care for them. The sheep need a shepherd. Souls won will not grow if they are not cared for by a shepherd.
The 1st Shepherds Intercession and Interaction Retreat which held on Saturday, 18th March, 2017 at the Phenomenal Faith Cathedral was a great blessing. Over 160 shepherds from across Ghana attended the capacity-building programme which consisted of sessions of earnest intercession, interaction with shepherds, Word ministrations and the impartation of the Spirit.
Immense impact was made in the realm of the Spirit as clergy present prayed fervidly in the Spirit, touching on very pertinent issues.
During the interaction session, satisfactory answers were given to questions that came from shepherds. Some shepherds also shared their testimonies of how they experienced growth in their Households of Faith.
The following are some of the solutions and contributions that came up:
# The study materials to be used in the HoF are still the one prepared by the Church of Pentecost. However, GLIC will release its own study material by next year. Thus, for now, shepherds are to lead their members in the discussions with the material they have. Both shepherds and members are supposed to obtain copies for their personal and group study.
# Numbers in the Household of Faith are not supposed to fluctuate. Retention is very important. That is why members must be followed up. Members who do not show up must be visited. We must pray for them. Shepherds must have a register of the names, numbers and places of residence of their members.
One dear woman of God shared her experience that she visits her members even before meetings and shows them love. One member's relative died and the whole cell went to visit them. This woman has a vision of starting 10 new cells.
# Another shepherd indicated that as a shepherd, your lifestyle is at the core of the work you have been called to. Be approachable. The purpose of the Household of Faith is soul winning. Help those in need.
# Yet another shepherd suggested that the main Church should publicly announce cell meetings and direct members to various Households of Faith.
# One shepherd also advised that visiting in pairs is very important.
# A shepherd from the Tema branch lamented that people attend cell meetings and are blessed but when they come to Church on Sunday and they realize that there is not microphone or musical instruments, they lose interest in worshipping with GLIC and go to another Church. He thus appealed for help to be extended to their branch.
# It was also suggested that our study guide should be tailored to suit our Church structure and programming for the year.
# It was observed that Prophet Essien visits and checks on every centre to know how they are faring. As well, he prepares the shepherds prior to meeting days.
Apostle Abeasi challenged shepherds to invite people to their meetings so as to be able to make altar calls. He noted that shepherds should not handle cell meetings like any other Church meeting. The main purpose of the Household of Faith is to bring in new people. Don't go to cell meetings alone.
He also quipped that as much as it is necessary to address the situations of members, shepherds are not to change their message based on what is happening around them. Shepherds need to find out personally about the sorrows of the sheep when they close or when they visit them.
Pastor Ophelia pointed out that the Household of Faith meeting is meant to be for interaction not preaching.
Prophet Essien also quipped that shepherds should set attainable targets for their cells. He noted that new converts' classes should be functional and vibrant. This will help take care of the new souls that come in. He also admonished shepherds not to be discouraged if they are unable to hit their targets. In Made, every cells must have at least two new souls each month.
After that engaging interaction, Apostle Abeasi received the microphone to teach on Soul winning. He said that soul winning is the main work of the believer. He read from Isaiah 66:19. He hinted that we have escaped from the devil to deliver other people from the devil's clutches.
He adumbrated 6 keys to help in our soul winning viz.:
1. You must not forget the purpose for which you were sent there: to bring in new people.
One of the characteristics of a thing that is alive is reproduction. It grows and multiplies. Bring in new souls all the time.
2. Soul winning is a divine command and must be obeyed. It is nonnegotiable. GLIC's vision is to plant Churches and this is realized through active and aggressive soul winning.
3. You must not waste the time that you have. The time you have now must be used to make an impact. If no new person is there, don't be happy.
4. Soul winning is for everyone irrespective of their level. Let even new people who come in know that they should come along with friends the following time they come. Attach urgency to your soul winning.
5. Somebody's salvation depends on you and you cannot afford to take it for granted or overlook it. (study Luke 16:29-31).
God is depending so much on you so much that he wouldn't allow angels or the dead to do our work for us.
6. Always look out for more souls because Jesus wants his house to be full. If there is no new person coming in, there is a problem. Reach out to the communities. Don't get satisfied with any number.
Apostle Abeasi further elucidated on how to engage in soul winning viz.:
1. In a forceful and compelling manner. Overcome people's excuses. Give people another way (study Luke 14)
2. Do it forcefully (study Deuteronomy 2:24)
God has qualified you to do the work. Pray, bind and GO OUT!
3. Be prepared to be shameless in your soul winning. Go ahead and talk to the person. Be shameless. Put shame and shyness aside. Be prepared to be mocked and ridiculed.
4. Learn to use Bible stories in your witnessing.
You can use any of these:
# Lot and his wife (see Genesis 19)
# Noah and the ark (see Genesis 6-8; 1 Peter 3:20-22)
# The Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:11-32)
# The rich man and Lazarus (see Luke 16)
# The Good Samaritan (see Luke 10:30-37)
# The man who built his house on sand (see Luke 6:47-49)
# The Samaritan woman (see John 4:1-30)
# Jesus and Nicodemus (see John 3:1-21)
# Jesus and Zacchaeus (see Luke 19:1-10)
Moving on from such am enlightening exposé on soul winning, Apostle Nana Yiadom-Boakye shared from his innermost being.
He asserted that the calling we have received is from God. You have been called from heaven.
"This should be your first and foremost priority. Your pastor did not call you," he enunciated.
Understand that as a minister you've been called to 'trouble'.
The man of God assured shepherds present that Bishop backs each of us.
He said, "Wherever you are, you are the Bishop Matthew Addae-Mensah there. See yourself as the Bishop where you've been called to run the household of faith and do it diligently."
If you want to achieve much, you must pray. Every shepherd must see himself/herself as a prater warrior first.
If you are a lazy person, there is no way you can achieve greatness in the Kingdom of God. Those who burn candles in the night are the ones who win. We conquer on our knees. Be loyal to praying for the Church. The Church needs 24 hours of prayer.
Referencing from Acts 6:4 and Luke 18:1-8, the man of God taught that we must give ourselves to prayer and the Word.
If you're a lazy Christian, you can't reach far. It takes loyal and dedicated people to pray for the Church (see Luke 2:36-27).
The best that you want to happen in GLIC can happen in prayer.
The light must be constantly on. The impartation you receive is for prayer and for the work. Your prayer must thrust the growth of the Church. Be dedicated to fasting and prayer. Any opportunity should be seized to pray. Pray according to the Word.
# Prayer will kill murmuring and complaining in the Church.
Ask the Holy Spirit to take control.
# Prayer is the fertilizer for Church Growth. Serve as a pipe to supply to somebody and you yourself will be supplied.
# Prayer protects the Church and the members from satanic attack. Every good father sees to the good welfare of their children. Be passionate. Think about your Church and the growth of your Church (see Nehemiah 4:1-9).
# Prayer brings the favour of God on the Church.
Own the Church; GLIC is your Church and you must protect it.
# Prayer brings financial grace on the Church (see Isaiah 45:1-3).
What you don't desire for, you won't get. Whatever you have passion for, you will get. What you say is what you get.
He challenged the founder ones present saying, "You are the future leaders of this Church."
It takes prayer and dedication to grow the work. The Church of God is built upon the spirit realm.
A non-growing Church is a sign of laziness in prayer. Take away laziness and you will see growth.
# Prayer brings God's outstretched arm to work signs and wonders among us. He declared, "Just one miracle will cause your Church to grow."
He admonished shepherds present to revive themselves in prayer again.
An awesome time of prayer and impartation took place and Apostle Nana Yiadom-Boakye prophesied profusely upon the congregation.
Apostle Dodoo-Amoo also released prophetic utterances that set shepherds present on a course of fruitfulness and maximized productivity.
What a day it was!
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