Tips for Gospel Workers

When visiting someone in a jail or correctional facility remember to obtain church endorsement and contact the prison officials for proper authorization.
Don’t overdress. Be neat. Bring nothing into or out of the prison that is not approved by prison officials.
Be a good listener. Prisoners are told what to do 24 hours a day, so let them speak. But remember, prisoners are experts at “getting over” on someone -- that is, they will say what you want to hear, or what will benefit them. So be careful here. Let the Spirit lead you.
Keep the visit short, and always leave on a note of hope, and with a prayer. Present the gospel whenever you can and lead him or her in the prayer of F.A.T.E. if they don’t know Jesus!
Don’t try to impress the prisoner with sordid tales of your past. Talk about King Jesus! He will reach into the heart!
Use the church address rather than your home address when sending Bible studies or correspondence.
The following people are especially In need of visits from the church pastor or gospel workers. They would include those going through a divorce, the sick, the new member, the backslidden member, those who have lost a loved one, those making a hard decision, those who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused. In fact, all could use an encouraging visit!
Remember when a person reveals a hurt to you, it means they trust you. Never violate their confidence in you.
Always report to the pastor when you have evidence that physical or sexual abuse is present.
Don’t tell people “I know how you feel.” No one really knows how a person feels. Say, rather, “I can only imagine how you feel. But I do know that Jesus knows how you feel, and He is here to help!”
Don’t let the person become dependent upon you. The enemy would love to completely absorb all your missionary time with just one person. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves as the Bible says!
When making a visit to a teen in trouble always try to strengthen the communication between the teen and the parents. Never take the teen’s side, for the teen will use this against his parents. But you must take the child’s side if there is evidence of sexual or physical abuse.
Give the young person some options to choose from -- options that are in agreement with the Word of God.
Make a list of agencies in your town that could be really helpful to a teen in trouble. There are special ministries for this. Find out where they are. Take note if the young person talks of suicide or gives evidence he or she is thinking of that.
Assure the teen that Jesus loves him or her and that He will help. Nothing is too hard or impossible for God!
Never overreact. Be a cool hand Luke! Teens will try to say or do things to shock you. Stick to Jesus and His love!
Never write a young person off! God loves the teenagers!

Index	< Previous	Next >
	Never Give Up	What Jesus Said