Notes: Begin with People
Begin With People - Building A Local Free Ministry Training Movement
Henry Reyenga
Are You Called To Promote Christian Leaders?
The local Mission Multiplier's impact happens through people telling others about what is happening. It is people talking to others about the training and mobilizing of local Christian leaders. Maybe start a local multiplying mentor center Soul Center.
The 400-Person Rule
Most people know more than 400 people. This is an incredible blessing for you as a local ambassador. Your connections will be your most helpful opportunity to launch mentor centers and stimulate local interest in promoting CL.
Put Your Connections On Paper
The first step is to put your connections on paper. This is only the first step in the process of connecting to people. As time goes by, you will add new names – referrals, new contacts, and just-remembered old acquaintances.
Put an "M" for Ministry
Put an "O" for Offerings
Make Your Lists
You will first want to develop a list of 100 names. The first 10 should be Christian leaders, mission inclined, entrepreneurial, passionate for Christ, with a good reputation, and possibly even better at leadership than you. The next 10 will comprise the easiest for you to contact: friends and family. The next 80 should be anyone you know and could include individuals from many categories.
Names for Your List
Community clubs
Neighbors
Former school friends
Military buddies
Holiday card list
School groups
People you do business with
Network marketers
Connections of your spouse
General networking through handing out your card
Facebook connections
Do Not Prejudge Anyone
Don't try to figure out if they would be interested in the local ministry training movement yet. Some on your list may not be interested; however, they may know and refer you to another set of people interested in local ministry training. Think about the importance of leveraging your connections and getting to know their connections. What a tremendous opportunity! Remember NOT to PREJUDGE anyone!!!
Think About People With These Characteristics
Ambitious: This person cares deeply about pleasing God and wants to do something about it in the community or the world! He/she has a strong desire to make a difference and usually has an entrepreneurial spirit.
Called: God is preparing those you are going to recruit to help. These people may be spiritually restless right now, waiting for an opportunity. Sometimes they are frustrated by the state of things and the need for more local Christian leaders.
Connected: The local leaders you seek to recruit have connections and are willing to network for the cause of local ministry training.
Credible: You are looking for trustworthy people who have high credibility.
Advanced Networking
Begin your networking selections by making a list with names, numbers, and email addresses. Then, use a database or index cards.
Set up a control room for meeting people. Dedicate a whiteboard with the names written down. Pray about those names, update them, and add new ones.
When you recruit interested people, sit down with them and show them your list. This usually prompts them to make a smaller similar list. They must see that you are doing this step. They will not do what you do not do.
Memory Jogger Exercise
Write down the names of everyone you know.
Use your phone book, your cell phone's stored calls, your email database, your holiday card list, the business cards you've held on to, the Yellow Pages, and even your high school yearbook! It's okay not to contact someone, but include them on your list, as they may trigger the memory of someone else you want to contact.
Memory Jogger Exercise
Look at each name and ask yourself, "Who do I know who knows this person? And who does this person know that I know?" Ask this question, and your list will grow by at least 20%.
Who do you know that fits one or more of the following descriptions? Have a friend run through each one with you. See how many names pop up that you haven't thought of in a while. Remember that some will be interested in spiritual things, and some will not but might know someone interested.
Who do you know?
Your family members
Your friends
Your friends' friends
Your parents' friends
Your friends' parents
Your children's friends' parents
People you went to school with
People who work with your children
Who do you know?
People who like to help people
College students
Your fellow church members
Retirees
People who call you at home
Your boss
Your doctor
Your barber
Who do you know?
Your co-workers
Your dentist
Your banker
Your tax-preparer
Your mailperson
Repairmen
Salesmen
People you look up to
Who do you know?
People who look up to you
Successful people
Self-employed people
High-energy people
People who love people
People with good work habits
People who are great speakers
People who read self-help books
Who do you know?
Dissatisfied people
Athletic people
Health-conscious people
Your neighbors
Coaches
People you met at a party
Sports fans
Social workers
People who have recently lost a loved one
Who do you know?
People who attended your wedding
People who are looking for something to do
People who like to talk on the phone
People you have helped
People who own their own businesses
Self-motivated people
Outgoing people
Persistent people
People who like sharing
People who like to have fun
STAGE ONE – SHARE YOUR VISION AND INCREASE YOUR LIST
Sharing a free ministry training vision for your area is your calling. So get your "elevator speech" ready.
Phone call sample: "Hi, this is Henry. I am connecting with you today to make an appointment to discuss free ministry training in our area. I want to know how you think this will be received in our area."
The First Meeting Is Important
Let them know that you see them as knowledgeable to help promote the movement of free local ministry training. Some people may be called to help by giving to the movement or referring others to you. They may desire to be prayer warriors for the local ministry multiplication ministry movement.
Sample questions to ask at the meeting:
What type of ministry training is needed in the area?
What are the spiritual needs in our community?
Is there interest in the bachelor's degree program?
Do you know of any possible students who might be interested in free ministry training?
Will you take some cards and hand them out to people willing to meet with me so I can get their input?
After the meeting, send a mail follow-up note. A paper mail follow-up is usually more effective than an email.
STAGE TWO – SET UP ANOTHER MEETING
Follow up with a subsequent meeting if the possibility leads to this. Set up breakfast meetings and invite leaders to join in, even if the leaders have not committed to participate in the local ministry training movement. I find it very effective to get together with leaders who care deeply about their community, spiritually speaking. Often these meetings build your credibility as a leader, and these leaders will spread the word for you and give you third-party endorsements.
STAGE THREE – COMMITMENT to get Involved.
As you meet people, some are going to be interested in joining the local ministry training project. Some will want to enroll at CLI (Mentor Center). Others will want to learn more about CLI and how they can support this giving opportunity.
Some might be interested in joining your team in promoting Christian Leaders. Enroll them.
STAGE FOUR – A Movement
You will be identifying leaders by now and discerning their gifts and interests in helping spread free local ministry training. Make this a launching stage, not about definite long-term commitments. Long-term commitments to local ministry training will come from some local leaders. You want to ensure there is a good fit for everyone concerned. Some initially interested leaders may not be with you long-term or in any specific role. Do not fight this reality. You want them to be able to plug in and plug out. Some leaders need to float around. Some leaders will help you and move on to use their ministry training or may become involved as a Mission Multiplier on their own. Be positive and not be threatened by these realities.
STAGE FIVE – Track And Organize Your Mission Inclined And Mentor Center Contacts for Long-term Follow-up.
By now, you should have many leaders assembled to either join mentor centers or who are interested in supporting the movement of ministry training locally or globally. You will continue to follow up to keep this movement before your local movement leaders.