When Jesus was on the earth, He ministered as He went along His way. In examining the way that Jesus built relationships, we notice patterns. As followers of Jesus, we build these patterns into the DNA of our meetings. The patterns are the essential elements that fuel multiplying movements of Jesus followers.
The 4 W’s: Welcome, Worship, Word, and Witness.
Welcome
Always warmly welcome everyone as they gather. Remind them we are God’s children in Christ and that He accepts and loves all who come to Him. Use food and refreshments and help new people navigate their way by offering a preferred seat, etc.
Worship
Worship is about celebration. We celebrate God and His presence and work in our world, praise Him and express our desire for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done in us and globally. Worship can include music and testimony, praise, and thanksgiving for what God has done since the last meeting.
Word
This is a time to use creative ways to share the word of God. The method can be adapted to the overall purpose of the meeting. Ways to share the word include reading a short Scripture passage and asking the first three Learn Questions (below), a DDM Bible Study, or Scripture readings during an extended worship time.
Witness
At the end of every meeting, share a short SOM testimony.
- Announce upcoming events to represent SOM International and to inspire others to serve the global Persecuted Church.
- Ask: “Who is the Lord putting on your heart to be a witness to this week?” “How is the Holy Spirit leading you to love them?”
- “Who is the Lord putting on your heart to share the Persecuted Church with?”
Encourage people to help each other in outreach. Look for opportunities to connect those having similar vision. Let people share and encourage everyone in immediate application and obedience to God’s Word. When possible, people can join in outreach and pray for each other.
A connector, or networker, is naturally a catalyst for pulling people together from their sphere of influence and helping others find a team, but anyone can plan an event using the 4 W’s.
GETTING STARTED – Start Simple and Build
When you first meet, you may have different types of leaders and skills represented. Ideally, all 4 W’s—Welcome, Worship, Word, and Witness—should be present. The gifts of the people holding the meeting will determine your emphasis.
The Learn Questions
