Introduction
Welcome to the “Christ, Bread of Life Ministry.” The objective of this material is to form prayer groups in homes, with the desire to proclaim the “Good News of Salvation” and the love of God throughout the North Hollywood community and beyond, through a biblical and effective foundation, by means of the “Christ, Bread of Life” Ministry.
Ministry
In this Ministry, we have first: The primary concepts that are God’s purposes. Second: Ministry is to serve or guide others in sacrificial growth in or toward a better lifestyle, resulting in knowledge and fruitfulness of His Word, with the promise of entering His Kingdom.
Bread of life
Jesus said to him, “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Our motivation must be the same as our Lord’s love for reaching out to the sinner, in our case—to family members, friends, and neighbors.
Esencial
Something basic and essential is the founding principle that must be adopted in every project of this nature. This is to obtain a good start and a firm foundation for what is to be built, based, of course, on the principles adopted at the outset. For the Community: Our goal is for the Church to identify with its Community and gain a closer understanding of its idiosyncrasies and customs, and to alleviate some of the hardships they face through God’s Message, as well as to contribute in part to their essential needs in daily life. This has been a conflictive area, embroiled in gang activity and drug addiction.
How this ministry was born
The Pentecostal Church «JOHN 14:6» in its Eleven (11) years and Eleven (11) months of its Foundation, in addition to carrying the Message of the blessed Word of God through Preaching, has been serving the Community in different social areas, such as transforming drug addicts, gang members and alcoholics, offering them Eternal Salvation and their physical, material, moral and Spiritual recovery. As well as helping families and Marriages, which are being divided by the effects of sin. Today the Ministry «Christ Bread of Life», under the direction of the Pentecostal Church «JOHN 14:6» states: That when we are born of God, the Holy Spirit is the one who fills our lives with desires and the feeling to sow the seed of the Word of God and that one day we can abundantly reap that much desired and special fruit. Because only God puts «the will as the doing of his good will.» (Philippians 2:13). Our desire is to bring the Message of Salvation of Christ, Bread of Spiritual Life and Bread of material life.
01. Land
Examples of Land
The communion of love is the important basis for rapprochement. “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (1 John 1:7; Acts 2:42).
Regarding love, as the love that Christ gives us, the Bible says: “But He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. Being found in human form, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:7-8)
Key concept
The Word of God
The eternal Word of God expressed to people, especially in principles for the Ministry (His Word for our need.)
Missionary Church
Carrying and weeping with joy, the precious seed of the knowledge of Salvation to the world, for the forgiveness of their sins. (Luke 1:77) Psalm 126:6).
Biblical Reference
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Selecting the Land
With the above concepts, we can determine the land chosen to plant our plant or tree under the following principles.
Prayer
1st Chronicles 17:25
2nd Corinthians 1:11
Luke 18:1
Evangelism
Mark 16:15
Luke 4:43
Romans 1:16-17
Communion of Love
Galatians 2:9-10
Acts 2:42
1 John 1:3
2 Corinthians 13:14
Leadership
Ephesians 2:20
Acts 26:16
Discretion and Sanity
Proverbs 2:11
Proverbs 8:5
Romans 12:3
Wisdom
Psalm 111:10
James 3:13-18
Dynamic Growth
“If the firstfruits are holy, so is the lump; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.” (Rom. 11:16)
02. Roots
The peasant or farmer knows that every plant or tree planted on the face of the earth, if it is healthy, beautiful, and leafy, is because it has good roots. The root is the part of a plant that is within the earth, where the sap or nutrient substance is produced for its strength and good fruit. In the Ministry, our roots are the values on which the Gospel is based. These will establish the principles to follow.
Prayer Values
We believe…
That Prayer, Fasting and Searching His Word are very important for this Ministry
So we have…
To pray, fast, and read His Word at all times for the purposes of the Ministry “Christ, Bread of Life.”
We believe…
In the Father, the Son, and his Holy Spirit
Therefore we must…
Be constant, persevering, very active and responsible.
03. Stem
Dynamic Growth
The Trunk: The main part of a plant, tree, or vegetable that grows more and more each year.
The Trunk is the conduit to the life of every branch and fruit of the plant, tree, etc. It is where the nourishment called sap rises, giving it strength and making it beautiful.
The Trunk: It is the main link that encloses all the earth’s reserves and all the parts of its structure. It resists all growth and therefore must be very strong.
In the Ministry that is being founded, it is very important to identify our purposes. Which, in other words, would be «The Mission Statement.» That is, to identify the goal we are pursuing.
Identifying Our Mission
The Mission is to serve the needy and bring a message of Salvation to the Community.
Step No. 1
Prayer
Evangelism
Communion of Love
Order
Leadership
Discretion and Prudence Wisdom
Step No. 2
Save souls.
Meet needs.
Help.
Spread the message of salvation.
Step No. 3
Bread of Life Ministry
Step No. 4
Does this statement identify and guide the area and the group? Yes.
This statement explains a need and how we might know or identify the need? By helping.
Does this statement motivate us to work? Yes. Does it stimulate and remind us? Yes. Is this feasible? Yes. Does this require trusting in God? Definitely.
Step No. 5
Now let’s create a mission statement, and remember that we can modify it:
Our Mission is: «To serve the needy and bring a message of salvation to the community.»
What can we do with our Mission Statement? Print it on tracts, advertisements, flyers, envelopes, Sunday bulletins, and much more!
04. Branches
What relationship can be given to the trunk, branches, leaves, and fruit of a tree with evangelism?
The trunk is the Gospel and discipleship; the branches carry the «Good News,» the leaves are lost souls, and the fruit is those who come to know the Good News of salvation.
The presentation of the Gospel and leadership are united in order to give rise, through the Good News of salvation, to a group of preachers who carry the breath of the Word of God. «And he came and preached peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near.» Ephesians (2:17).
Biblical Reference
“Her branches will spread out, and her splendor will be like the olive tree, and her fragrance will be like Lebanon.” (Hosea 14:6)
Presentation and Discipleship of the Gospel
Evangelism Branch
- Gospel presentation.
- Prayer group.
- Visitation group (maximum 20 min.).
- Discipleship.
- Group testimony.
- Tracts, cards.
- Teaching group.
- Bible studies.
- Membership.
Community Relations Branch
- Ads, flyers
- Conferences, campaigns
- Surveys to get to know her better.
Distribution Branch (the Church)
- Collect and transport food.
- Distribution and assistance.
- Necessary Equipment:
- Work plan.
- Stations.
- Registration: cards, contact information.
Leadership Branch
- Time Management Group.
- Planting,
- Training.
- Prayer Cells,
- Growth in Cells.
- Ministry Assignment.
05. Pruning and the Life of a Tree
Growth without fruit
Male Branch
These are those that grow strong and healthy at the base of the trunk, which take advantage of the best of the food but do not bear fruit. (In other words, parasites.)
Dead Branches
These are trees that were once large, but due to their condition and age, are no longer productive. They act like dead branches, as they prevent fruit from growing. They only produce parasites and diseases.
A sick tree will only serve to increase pests or diseases in the forest or orchard.
The above typifies what all this could mean for a ministry that wishes to expand within your community.
How important are people to your ministry?
The most important thing! They constitute the soil where we will sow God’s love for them.
06. Leaves
Every farmer or peasant knows that every plant undergoes growth and change. This change constitutes the need for a new leafy garment (change of leaves) that occurs from one season to the next, and therefore, for new, fresh fruit.
Goals, Objectives and Evaluation
Goal is: The end of a race.
Our goal is for the «Christ the Bread of Life» Ministry to grow over a given period of time, in order to bring more souls to Christ.
Objective is: What really exists.
Objective is the desire to create this Ministry as a link for souls to know the truth.
Evaluation:
The action of assessing our work.
It is the process of determining whether Goals and Objectives have been met.
Key Concept
Annual growth through goals, objectives and evaluations (God’s renewal in our Ministry.
Biblical Reference: (Psalm 1:3)
In the process of the tree’s creation, which typifies the Order in the Creation of our Ministry (the earth, the root, the trunk, the branches, the leaves, and the fruit) each have their specific function given by God.
Therefore, we must not confuse the functions performed by the branches, leaves, and fruit of that tree. For example:
Branch
Process to follow responsibly in visiting people and in the formation of Prayer Focuses.
Leaves
The goals proposed by the Ministry within a specific timeframe are set, for example:
If we aim to attract fifty (50) new members to the Church, we must develop a Work Plan that would consist of:
Preparing a series of flyers with an invitation to a special activity, and having a specific Society, Board of Directors, or Committee within the Church organize to go out and invite people.
Establishing a follow-up or program to visit homes to provide information about our Ministry and Church and how to become a member.
Fruit
For the Ministry “Christ Bread of Life” the Fruit constitutes more souls for Christ and therefore, more members for the Church.
The Five (5) Best Fruits of the Ministry
- Evangelizing Church.
- Responsibilities
- Spiritual Growth.
- Unity
- Meeting the community’s needs for spiritual and material assistance.
If we work based on our objectives and goals, it is logical that we will have satisfactory results.
07. Fruits
Before beginning work on their plantation, the farmer will determine what they want to plant to harvest—that is, the Fruit. But first, they will determine what is most necessary and urgent and can be sold quickly and at a good price.
This will help the farmer ensure that their work is directed toward the desired goal. Bearing fruit always means that the effort or struggle has not been in vain.
In this section, we aim to determine the ultimate results the Ministry desires.
Biblical Reference
“Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.” (Psalm 126:5)
Examples of Fruit
The “Christ the Bread of Life” Ministry: It is to bring the Good News of Salvation and alleviate, to a minimum, their basic needs, both materially and spiritually.
Determining Our Fruit
When determining the fruit to be sown, after giving thanks to God through prayer, you must work hard on what the Ministry has set out to do.
Ministry Team: Human Resources.
Our Church: The temple the Lord has provided.
Our Community: North Hollywood.
Defining Your Fruit
As a farmer or peasant who knows what a particular seed produces, we have complete knowledge of the fruit we will produce and never make a mistake. The more we understand this, the better our skills and ability to organize and achieve it will be.
As a team, we must all be on the same page to know what others think when determining the fruit.
Desired Fruit
Total evangelization, thus fulfilling the quote from Matthew 28:19.
Helping those in need.
Converted and well-fed (no hunger in the church). Good relations with the community. e. More members for the Church.
08. Relationships
The «Christ the Bread of Life» Ministry and Stewardship of Resources is the means to develop Relationships.
The «Christ the Bread of Life» Ministry will require a wise distribution of the resources given to it in order to establish a balanced and well-developed relationship.
What will happen when you are faced with people in need?
The following evaluation will be considered:
If this is the first time we are helping them, we will speak to them briefly about the love of Christ and His Plan of Salvation (Titus 2:11). In addition, a social study will be conducted to determine how long we can help them materially and with the encouragement of the Word of God.
If there is a second time, it is because their situation has been considered and studied, and it must be for a specific period of time. What they should be least lacking is paternalism or familialism.
We must always be on the lookout, so as not to be surprised by good arguments in people’s complaints.
In the sociological studies undertaken, steps will be established for our relationship, which will determine their basic material needs. Since spiritual needs will be our task, by speaking the Word of God and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can understand and come to know «their situation» in order to solve their problems.
09. Contact Method
When the Ministry’s resources are limited and the need is great, its administration must be special and effective to achieve our goals and objectives.
Therefore, every time you contact someone through the Ministry, it should have a spiritual impact on their lives. Through the Contact Method, the person(s) will receive very personal attention. For example:
Registration
Obtain accurate information that will help us understand her personal and family needs. This will help us attract her to our Ministry.
Membership Card
This gives us basic information, which will help us assess whether you still qualify for further assistance. It also establishes oversight of the product and allows us to monitor the progress of an individual or family within the Ministry.
Presentation of the Gospel
It is emphasized here that this is the primary objective of the creation of this Ministry: to have the opportunity to present the Good News of Salvation to every creature. Among the methods to be followed are:
First, converse with each person or all of them together during the distribution, as well as leave all kinds of literature (tracts, etc.) within the food.
Hold a prayer or service before the distribution.
Hold Bible studies and give some personal testimonies.
Home Visits
Through these visits, many families have come to the Lord’s attention. This is where the physical and spiritual needs of the family are revealed, and where the areas where we can work most beneficially for all of them are defined, such as bringing them to Church, especially those who are reluctant to visit.
It is the Church where we can share intimately about the problems of their lives and pray with greater confidence, as well as teach them how to live with others by visiting homes.
This will help us form small groups for prayer centers and, consequently, contribute to the numerical and spiritual growth of the Church.
Bible Study
Holding a Bible study in a home is very important. There, you can discuss the needs of the people who come for help, as well as teach them how to read the Bible so they can easily understand it. By reading and understanding the blessed Word of God, we will have good results in their personal lives.
Our Testimony
Through our testimony, many souls are edified, as they motivate others in physical and spiritual need. Therefore, we must be prepared to testify of all the wonders the Lord has done in our lives and to give, fulfilling what His Word says in Daniel 4:2.
The Prayer
Prayer is the first commandment of responsibility in every activity that the «Christ the Bread of Life» Ministry must fulfill.
Prayer is a tool that teaches us to trust in God. Through it, we cry out to the Father for the needs of others and for our personal lives. (James 5:16)
Training Others for Ministry
It is important to train others in the work that the Ministry will perform. Upon entering the Church, they must be trained by teaching them how to relate to others and incorporate them into the effective work.
Informing them of the purpose of the Ministry and how they can help us train others effectively.
Assessment
In every long- or short-term activity, an evaluation is conducted at the end, which helps us know if our goals and objectives are being met.
An evaluation may include the following:
Are these people benefiting from our help?
What is their response to the Gospel?
Are these people dependent on or dependent on the Ministry?
Do they attend Church Bible Studies, or attend them when they are interested?
10. Four Months of Contact
The four months of contact, 10, constitute the standardized support period for each person or family. For example:
First Month
- 1st Person Registration
- Membership Card
- Gospel Presentation
- Food Giving
Second Month
- Membership Card
- Gospel Presentation
- Giving Food
- Building Relationships
Third Month
- Membership Card
- Gospel Presentation
- Giving Food and Aid
- Building Relationships
Fourth Month
- Delivering food
- Bearing witness
- Membership card
- Praying