Counsel #7 — Plan Follow-Up

Picture: Counsel #7 — Plan Follow-UpCCL 110.1

Churches invest time and resources in reaching and evangelizing new people. Yet some of the best opportunities often go unnoticed.^{[139]https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1992/08/guest-ministry} People often visit a church during certain times of life, such as during personal crises, transitions, or even major Christian holidays. Very little is usually done to follow up with visitors after they return home. What a loss when the Holy Spirit prompts someone to reach out to the church, only to find a building full of activity without genuine care for outsiders. In the Bible, Paul set an example by following up even with people far away. What can we do to support and encourage those within our reach?CCL 110.2

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established.” Romans 1:11CCL 110.3

“Much depends on the work done after a camp-meeting. During the meeting many convicted by the spirit may be filled with a desire to begin the Christian life; but unless there is constant watchfulness on the part of the workers who remain to follow up the interest, the good impressions made on the minds of the people will become indistinct. The enemy, full of subtle reasoning, will take advantage of every failure on the part of God's workers to watch for souls…” Ellen White in Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 16, Manuscript 186, 1901, par. 9CCL 110.4

Reflect: How can your church take welcoming visitors to the next level? Could a phone call, a visitor's gift, or some other follow-up method be used to show genuine care?CCL 110.5