Question

What approach might we use when we find interested ones in our ministry? (1 Corinthians 9:26)

Answer 1

1 Corinthians 9:26 (“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…”) calls us to be purposeful and disciplined in ministry. When someone shows interest, don’t leave it to chance — move with intention but with grace.

A practical, purposeful approach

- Pray first. Ask God for guidance, wisdom and sensitivity to the person’s needs.
- Clarify their interest. Ask gentle, open questions: What drew you here? What are you curious about? Have you had any previous church or spiritual experience?
- Listen and build relationship. Spend time hearing their story before preaching. Trust is the foundation for transformation.
- Offer a clear next step. Don’t leave them with vague invitations. Suggest one specific, low-barrier option (attend a service, join a short intro class, come to a newcomers’ lunch, meet for a cup of coffee).
- Provide simple teaching and resources. Give a short, accessible overview of the gospel and a Bible-reading or prayer starter appropriate to where they are.
- Connect them into a community. Invite to a small group, mentoring relationship, or discipleship pair so they can grow in relationship and faith.
- Follow up regularly and lovingly. Check in, answer questions, pray with them, celebrate steps of faith.
- Disciple with goals and patience. Set short-term goals (learn the Lord’s Prayer, attend a class) and longer-term goals (baptism, serving), but move at their pace.
- Empower and release. Train them for service as they mature; make ministry reproducible so they can reach others.

Sample brief flow for the first month
- First contact: listen, pray with/for them, invite to next Sunday or a newcomers event.
- Week 1: attend service + meet a host/mentor.
- Week 2: short Bible overview or newcomers class; give a basic reading plan.
- Week 3: join a small group or meet weekly with a mentor.
- Month 1: discuss baptism/commitment if they’re ready, or set ongoing growth goals.

Keep the tone Paul models: intentional and disciplined, but flexible (“become all things to all people,” 1 Cor. 9:22) — adapt methods to the person while keeping the aim clear: to point them to Christ and disciple them into a growing, serving community.