"10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible" Studies THIS FALL

Continued from: Chicago blog

2. Based on the responses from these people, proceed with one of the following options:

a. Hold a study in my home, and:
1) Invite any other people I know who have not attended a "10 Keys" study before.
2) Re-invite any people who were not able to attend the last study but may be able and interested in a fall study.
3) Encourage those who attended the last study to "reach out" to their friends and invite them to attend with them in Sept.-Nov. (I‚ve found that some people really like to do the study again and, at the same time, bring one or more friends with them, at least to the first session.)

b. Lead a study in someone else's home, and:
1) Encourage the host to "reach out" to their friends and invite them to attend in Sept.-Nov. Suggest they make a list of people they initially would like to invite, but to be open to other names that may come to their mind or attention.

3. Use the following ideas when inviting people, and encourage a person who is hosting a study (not necessarily leading it) to use any of these ideas as well:

a. Send or drop off a letter or postcard (see sample below) to any people who may be interested˜either because they are a good friend, or they may know only a little bit about the Bible, or because they are seeking this very thing. (They may be interested just because the fellowship aspect of the study appeals to them!)

b. Follow up in a week or so by telephone, asking if the individual wishes to know more about the study, or would like to attend the first session and then decide whether to continue.

4. Be in prayer during all of these contacts! Ask the Lord to lead you to people whom He has appointed to be invited. Ask for courage and His wisdom when speaking with people about the "10 Keys" study. Ask for sensitivity to individual's circumstances.

I hope this has stirred up some excitement in your heart about what can happen when you step out in faith and just start inviting people! If the Lord wants you to do it, you‚ll know it! Ask Him, won‚t you?

Serving the Lord together with you to further His Kingdom,
Lenore Scherrer, Growth & Outreach Committee member
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To get you started, here is a sample of a letter similar to one I have used (typed on decorative computer stationary). I gave them to anyone I thought might be interested, including ringing neighbors' doorbells and explaining it in person as well. Believe it or not, quite a few of these neighbors came to the study faithfully and we are now good friends! Praise God!!

(Date)
Dear ____________,
I may have already told you a little about the „10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible‰ study I will be having at my home this fall. I really hope you will be able to come! This is an exciting study consisting of a video presentation, followed by a time of discussion. In 10 sessions, we will experience a wonderful overview of the entire Bible, and there is no homework involved!
We are planning to meet on Monday evenings, from 7:30-9:00 pm, beginning September 19, and ending November 21 (before Thanksgiving). We will have a light supper before the session on September 19 and will begin at 6:30 that evening. After that, we will probably have a dessert before or after the study. (Your refreshment arrangements will no doubt vary.)

I hope that you will at least be able to join us on the 19th to see what it‚s all about. Then you can decide whether or not you wish to continue.

Will you check your schedule to see if most of the above dates are free, and let me know if you can make it on September 19? Feel free to invite anyone else who may be interested. I‚'ll call you sometime next week to see what you think and answer any questions you may have.