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.