The answer is yes. Many of them do want spiritual encouragement. Your
neighbors are seeking spiritual encouragement when they attend church,
Sunday school, or read an inspirational book. They are also looking for
spiritual community and encouragement from their friends and neighbors.
That’s you.
Your friends from church and your neighbors need your spiritual
encouragement. Many of them will respond to a friendly offer of
encouragement, especially if you go out of you way to offer something
specific. Specific offers like inspirational books, church retreats, and
concerts, are interesting and attractive offers for many people. Millions
of people are asking for, and participate in, these types of activities
every year.
The small things we do, say a lot about who we are. Loaning someone a
book we have enjoyed, inviting them to lunch, or providing a few dollars
in matching funds for a church retreat, are examples of how we can go out
or our way to honor others. In the small things that you do to honor
others, the key element is you and your concern. It says a lot about
who you are, and it encourages the other person.
In your neighborhood there are people who need and want encouragement.
You may ask your pastor, and he will give you a list of people who are
asking for spiritual encouragement, or just look around you.
Why would I need help to encourage people?
The Holy Spirit works differently within a group than he does with
individuals. He creates in groups a special kind of power. When we work
together to serve the Spirit, his power is demonstrated among us. That
power of harmony changes lives.
When we share our love of God, we have the power to change lives. In
the book of Genesis we learn that people were created to be the friends of
God. It is man’s nature to find fulfillment in that fellowship. This is
a spiritual reward for you and for your neighbors.
The group can offer many elements that strengthen you and your
ministry.
SPIRITUAL
- Training and growth for you, through working with others who have
more experience.
- Encouragement form your co-workers, and new friendships.
- Prayer support from members in other neighborhoods.
- Development of your ministry vision and ministry materials.
ORGANIZATIONAL
- Formal set aside of ministry time, and ministry funds.
- Financial support from others and matching funds from the mission
agency.
- Organizational support and encouragement for your co-sponsors, who
are assisting you in your ministry.
- Budget management training.
- Mission agency review of co-worker’s receipts and expenses.
Assurance of organizational oversight and creditability for you and
your co-sponsors.
GROUP MEETINGS
- Live Bible studies with your
friends and neighbors on the internet Sunday mornings.
WEB SITE COMMUNICATION – to encourage and honor your
neighbors and co-workers
- Posting prayers.
- Posting photos.
- Posting ministry descriptions and updates.
- Web site contact and involvement with the neighbors you are
encouraging.
The primary goal of NeighborVision is to strengthen the faithful
relationship between individuals. We provide a general program to
encourage and assist our members to be leaders in ministry, especially in
the ministry of service and encouragement.
What do you mean by "spiritual encouragement"?
The gift of encouragement begins with the knowledge that man is
primarily spirit, and he passes through stages of spiritual development.
- Indifference
- Doubt
- Questions
- Interest
- Knowledge
- Faith
- Joy
- Power
- Rewards
Spiritual encouragement is the action that leads the pilgrim form one
stage to the next.
Here are two examples of how God begins to encourages us.
He says,