Unconventional Evangelism: A Call to Strategic Missions

 

Summary

In 2004, a prophetic word was spoken over my life, declaring that my ministry would be unconventional, likened to a "sleeper cell" awaiting activation. This prophecy has been a guiding light, shaping my journey and prayer life. My daily routine involves fervent prayer for the salvation of all people, the leadership of our nation, my family, and the ministry God has entrusted to me. This routine is not just a ritual but a necessity, given the vision God has placed in my heart. Recently, I experienced an overwhelming burden for the lost, which led me to pray intensely for their salvation. This burden was accompanied by a revelation of the current religious landscape, where Islam is rapidly growing, and Christianity faces challenges. However, there is hope as Pentecostalism is on the rise, indicating a spiritual awakening among young people.

This revelation has birthed the "Strategic Missions Agenda," a call to reach the lost in the marketplace using unconventional methods. God has been preparing me for this mission, as evidenced by past experiences of evangelizing in clubs and sporting events. We are called to be "heavenly mercenaries," reaching the lost at all costs. Every vision we have must prioritize souls, as true prosperity and sustainability come from aligning with God's purpose. A recent encounter with a Muslim student who expressed a desire for her daughter to grow up as a Christian highlights the shifting spiritual landscape and the power of love in evangelism.

The decline in Christianity is partly due to a lack of effective evangelism. We must equip ourselves to make an impact, drawing inspiration from historical missionary efforts that used services like schools and hospitals to spread the gospel. The time has come for us to embrace strategic missions, thinking outside the box and sharing the truth of Christianity. Jesus' command to go into all the world is for every believer, and we must ask ourselves how we are fulfilling this mandate. Let us be proactive in sharing the gospel, seeking first the kingdom, and fulfilling our strategic missions agenda.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unconventional Ministry and Prophetic Activation: The prophecy of being a "sleeper cell" signifies a unique and unconventional ministry journey. This calling requires readiness for activation at God's appointed time, emphasizing the importance of being open to non-traditional methods of evangelism. [03:18]

2. Prayer as a Foundation for Ministry: A disciplined prayer life is crucial for spiritual sensitivity and effectiveness in ministry. Praying for all people, leaders, and personal responsibilities aligns us with God's heart and prepares us for the spiritual battles ahead. [05:56]

3. Strategic Missions Agenda: The rise of Islam and the decline of Christianity call for a strategic approach to evangelism. By using unconventional methods and reaching people in the marketplace, we can effectively share the gospel and fulfill our mission. [09:48]

4. Love as a Tool for Evangelism: Genuine love and relationship-building can break down barriers and open doors for the gospel. As demonstrated by the Muslim student's desire for her daughter to grow up as a Christian, love can lead to significant spiritual shifts. [11:36]

5. Embracing the Great Commission: Every believer is called to participate in the Great Commission, not just a select few. We must evaluate our lives and ensure that reaching the lost is a priority, fulfilling Jesus' command to go into all the world. [15:51]

Youtube Chapters:

[0:00] - Welcome
[03:18] - Prophetic Word and Unconventional Ministry
[05:56] - The Burden for the Lost
[09:48] - Strategic Missions Agenda
[11:36] - Love and Evangelism
[13:13] - Rethinking Evangelism Strategies
[14:27] - Historical Missionary Methods
[15:51] - Embracing the Great Commission
[16:30] - Call to Action and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
2. Matthew 9:37-38 - "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"
3. Deuteronomy 8:18 - "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today."

Observation Questions:
1. What was the prophetic word spoken over the pastor's life in 2004, and how has it influenced his ministry journey? [03:18]
2. According to the sermon, what is the pastor's daily prayer routine, and why is it significant for his ministry? [05:56]
3. How does the pastor describe the current religious landscape, and what statistics does he mention regarding the growth of Islam and Pentecostalism? [09:48]
4. What example does the pastor give to illustrate the power of love in evangelism, particularly in relation to a Muslim student? [11:36]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a "sleeper cell" relate to the idea of unconventional ministry, and what might this mean for believers today? [03:18]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that prayer is foundational for effective ministry, and how does this align with the biblical passages mentioned? [05:56]
3. What are the implications of the "Strategic Missions Agenda" for reaching the lost, and how does it challenge traditional methods of evangelism? [09:48]
4. How does the pastor's encounter with the Muslim student demonstrate the potential for spiritual shifts through love and relationship-building? [11:36]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of being a "sleeper cell" in your own life. Are there areas where you feel God is preparing you for an unconventional ministry? How can you be open to this calling? [03:18]
2. Consider your own prayer life. How can you incorporate a disciplined prayer routine that aligns with God's heart for all people, leaders, and your personal responsibilities? [05:56]
3. The pastor emphasizes the need for strategic missions in the marketplace. What unconventional methods can you think of to share the gospel in your own community or workplace? [09:48]
4. How can you use love and relationship-building as tools for evangelism in your interactions with people of different faiths or beliefs? [11:36]
5. Reflect on the Great Commission and your role in it. How can you prioritize reaching the lost in your daily life, and what steps can you take to fulfill this mandate? [15:51]
6. The pastor mentions historical missionary methods like schools and hospitals. What modern-day equivalents can you think of that could serve as effective tools for evangelism? [14:27]
7. Identify one person in your life who may be open to spiritual conversations. How can you engage them with love and understanding this week? [11:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Unconventional Ministry
The concept of an unconventional ministry is rooted in the idea of being a "sleeper cell" for God, ready to be activated at His appointed time. This means being open to non-traditional methods of evangelism and ministry, which may not fit the typical mold. It requires a readiness to step out of comfort zones and embrace unique opportunities to share the gospel. This approach is not about following a set formula but being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and being willing to go where others may not. The journey of an unconventional ministry is marked by a willingness to innovate and adapt, ensuring that the message of Christ reaches those who may not be reached through traditional means. [03:18]

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What unconventional method of sharing your faith can you explore this week, and how can you prepare yourself to be ready for God's activation in your life?


Day 2: The Power of Prayer in Ministry
A disciplined prayer life is essential for anyone involved in ministry. It serves as the foundation for spiritual sensitivity and effectiveness. Through prayer, individuals align themselves with God's heart, interceding for the salvation of all people, the leadership of nations, and personal responsibilities. This alignment prepares believers for the spiritual battles they will face and ensures that their ministry efforts are rooted in God's will. Prayer is not just a ritual but a necessity, providing the strength and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of ministry. It is through prayer that believers can experience the burden for the lost and receive revelations about the spiritual landscape, equipping them to respond effectively. [05:56]

Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a more disciplined prayer routine into your daily life, specifically focusing on interceding for those who do not yet know Christ?


Day 3: Strategic Missions in a Changing World
The rise of Islam and the decline of Christianity highlight the need for a strategic approach to evangelism. This involves using unconventional methods to reach people in the marketplace and other non-traditional settings. By thinking outside the box, believers can effectively share the gospel and fulfill their mission. The "Strategic Missions Agenda" calls for believers to be "heavenly mercenaries," reaching the lost at all costs. This approach requires creativity and a willingness to engage with people where they are, using innovative methods to communicate the truth of Christianity. It is a call to action for believers to be proactive in their evangelistic efforts, ensuring that every vision prioritizes souls. [09:48]

Acts 17:22-23 (ESV): "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'"

Reflection: What is one unconventional method you can use to share the gospel in your workplace or community this week?


Day 4: Love as the Foundation of Evangelism
Genuine love and relationship-building are powerful tools for evangelism. They can break down barriers and open doors for the gospel, as demonstrated by the story of a Muslim student who desired for her daughter to grow up as a Christian. This highlights the shifting spiritual landscape and the power of love in leading to significant spiritual shifts. Love is not just an emotion but an action that can transform lives and create opportunities for sharing the gospel. By building authentic relationships and demonstrating Christ's love, believers can effectively communicate the message of salvation and inspire others to seek a relationship with Jesus. [11:36]

1 John 4:19-21 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the love of Christ through you, and what specific action can you take this week to demonstrate that love?


Day 5: Fulfilling the Great Commission
Every believer is called to participate in the Great Commission, not just a select few. This involves evaluating one's life to ensure that reaching the lost is a priority. Jesus' command to go into all the world is a mandate for every Christian, requiring intentionality and commitment. Believers must ask themselves how they are fulfilling this command and what steps they can take to be more effective in their evangelistic efforts. It is a call to action to be proactive in sharing the gospel, seeking first the kingdom, and fulfilling the strategic missions agenda. By embracing this calling, believers can make a significant impact on the world and advance God's kingdom. [15:51]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to actively participate in the Great Commission, and how can you prioritize reaching the lost in your daily life?

Quotes

1. "I believe that is why the burden was there more young people are getting radicalized they're being drawn into Islam I looked at the wave of pro Palestine rallies across the Western world what you know and conversions into Islam I'm going to imagine this a few years ago so what's going on and the Lord spoke to me the time for that prophecy activation has come the sleeper cells need to be activated and that's what has led to what I call the strategic missions agenda the strategic missions agenda is designed to reach the lost in the marketplace using unconventional methods" [07:38] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "Because predominantly, most of us here are marketplace people, you know, we see ourselves, quote unquote, like mercenaries, like heavenly mercenaries with an agenda to reach the lost at all costs. It's our mission. And every vision we have, I've been talking about vision, must have a component of reaching the lost at the center." [09:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "so any vision you have must you want it to be sustainable you want it to explode it must have souls at the center I deliberately posted a video I toyed with I deliberately posted a video of one of my students one of what you saw that video I posted it yesterday and I wanted people to see I I deliberately she represents so many young Muslims who are so set in their ways so in it with the Islamic doctrine but let me tell you I'm talking of strategic missions do you know" [10:24] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "You know, many people don't know how to lead people to Christ today. And that's why Christianity is on the decline. Many people, their definition of Christianity is just come to church me myself and I we are being equipped so that we can make impact we can reach the world when I look at the impact of what is happening in the Middle East I look at the impact you know on the growth of Islam globally you know when I lived in America I saw something that was very very interesting the Christians were going into the prisons with Bibles with Farrakhan and his guys were waiting and once the guy came out of prison they welcomed him with a job" [12:01] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "Now, that gives you an idea of the way I believe God wants us to begin to think. The old conventional methods, you know, cannot be relied on. We have to think outside the box. And so this is the first of a series that I'm going to be doing on the strategic mission agenda. And I'll be posting, you know. And through these sessions, we'll equip you with the tools to become an effective kingdom ambassador." [13:34] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "Friends, the time has come for us all to wake up to the fact that the truth of Christianity has to be shared for Jesus to come. We have a job to do. And so, I want to... I encourage you, share this. We're going to be coming up with this." [15:34] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "once a week on the strategic mission agenda all right and one thing I want you to think about as we leave as I wrap it up today is this when Jesus said go into all the world he was not talking to a select group he was talking to every Christian that will ever live and that includes you and me it was a command so we are all in sales somebody hearing me we are all in sales so ask yourself how many times in your Christian life have you obeyed this commandment how many times in your Christian life how many people have you led to the Lord how many people are you reaching up is reaching out to people in your consciousness is it in your psyche" [15:59] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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