Encourager Guide
The purpose of this ministry is to encourage new and rededicating believers to grow in Christ by spending daily time in the Bible and prayer and by taking part in ministries where they can find fellowship with other believers. Encouragers can also provide a listening ear to the questions and concerns of counselees.
After a decision for Christ is made, the team coordinator, Nancy Hall, will contact you to let you know about the person you will be encouraging. Upon identifying that person, be in prayer for them.
After a decision for Christ is made, the team coordinator, Nancy Hall, will contact you to let you know about the person you will be encouraging. Upon identifying that person, be in prayer for them.
Encouragers Team Steps
- Follow-up phone call: As soon as possible call the person you are assigned.
- Introduce yourself as a member of the ALCF Encourager team
- Reinforce the significance of their decision for Christ
- Talk over any concerns or questions they may have
- Encourage them to take the essential step of deepening their one on one relationship with God by spending daily time in the Bible and prayer. Refer them to the “Helpful Hints for Developing a Meaningful Time of Prayer and Bible Reading” information in the "Welcome to God's Family" booklet they received when they came forward. You can also refer them to the beginning section of the “New Believer’s” Bible they received for more guidance.
- Encourage them to be baptized. Baptism is a meaningful ceremony that symbolizes the leaving behind of our old life apart from God and the beginning of our new life in Christ. Refer them to the “Water Baptism” information in the “Welcome to God's Family” booklet. Baptism ceremonies take place each month at ALCF.
- Encourage them to regularly attend one of ALCF’s weekly services on Saturdays at 4:30PM or Sundays at 8:30AM and 11AM
- Encourage them to attend an “Exploring Membership” orientation to consider the benefits of joining ALCF. The focus is not numerical growth, but helping each member become a fully devoted follower of Christ. The two hour orientation covers the history, mission, values, beliefs and ministries of the church. Afterward, there is an opportunity to join ALCF although there is no obligation to do so.
- Encourage them to join a Growth Group. Growth Groups are small gatherings that meet weekly or every other week in homes throughout the Bay Area. There one can get to know other believers, study the Bible together and receive encouragement and prayer. There is Growth Group information in the “Welcome to God's Family” booklet and information on the ALCF website under “ministries / growth groups”.
- Encourage them to sign up for the “Life in Christ” class, an eight week foundational class that answers such questions as “Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? What is the meaning of salvation?” and “How is a believer’s spiritual growth and maturity enhanced?” There is no charge for this class. If the person you call expresses a desire to be baptized, attend an “Exploring Membership” orientation, join a Growth Group and/ or sign up for the “Life in Christ” class, in order to make it as simple as possible for them, tell them you will have a staff member contact them with the details. Then advise Nancy of their desire(s) and she will coordinate the follow-up.
- If appropriate, go over the more need-specific ministries (Children’s, Youth, Recovery, etc.). The main tool to use for this purpose is “Ministries for New and Rededicating Believers” located at the end of the“Welcome to God's Family” booklet. You can also find this document with links on the ALCF website by entering “ministries” in the search box and then clicking on “ministries for new and rededicating believers” in the search results listing.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your conversations. Do not feel obligated to cover every single item on the above list when you reach someone! If you left a message with your assigned person and have not received a return call after two days, try one more time. If you still do not reach them in person, leave a brief message in which you congratulate them on their decision and encourage them to begin reading the Bible and praying. Also, refer them to the “Ministries for New and Rededicating Believers” document in their “Welcome to God's Family" booklet and leave them your phone number. Bear in mind, whether you talk with someone or just leave a message, your call in itself communicates the significance of their decision for Christ and His heart to welcome them into His family.
- Update the team leader: Once you have either made contact or left a message with your new/renewed believer, let Nancy know. This is important to maintaining the integrity of the ministry! You can reach her at 408/506-4418 or from.alcf@sbcglobal.net.