What Is It?

A Lay Witness Mission is more than a program.  It is a weekend event in which a team of laypersons will be coming to our church to share their faith in Christ.

Who Are the Witnesses?

            They are ordinary people who have encountered the living Christ.  They are men, women, and youth.  They are not perfect people or saintly people, but people who have been awakened by God to the thrilling possibility of living all of life in Christ.  They have been changed in some important ways, but they are still being changed by the daily experience of the love and power of Christ.  They are growing Christians who are learning how to witness, how to pray, how to find ministry and meaning in small groups, and how to put their faith to work in the vital issues of life.  They are involved in the work of their own local churches.

Who Leads The Team?

            The leader of the mission is called a coordinator, a layperson who has been trained for this task.  The coordinator has recommended witnesses to be invited by our church, and works closely with the pastor and general chairman in preparation from the mission.  Our coordinator has a vital faith in Christ and has experience as a team member in lay witness missions.

What Happens During The Weekend?

            Laypersons share with laypersons through a variety of encounters, their personal experiences of trying to live the Christian life.  They share more than “success” stories; they tell honestly of struggles and heartaches as well as victories and joys.  They speak personally to many in one to one encounters.  They share in small groups, and they listen to others.  They come to receive as well as to give.  Some of the team members witness in the congregational meetings.

What Is The Schedule?

            The mission begins on Friday evening with a congregational dinner, followed by a general meeting and small group meetings.  Coffee groups are held Saturday morning in the homes, followed by luncheons for men and women.  Saturday evening another congregational meeting is held, concluding with small group meetings.  Sunday morning the team members speak in church school classes, and the coordinator shares his or her own witness in the worship service.  The witnesses return home Sunday afternoon, while the local people hold an evaluation session Sunday, which is the most meaningful session of the weekend.

Where Do They Stay?

            The visiting lay witnesses stay in homes as guests of our church members.  This provides opportunity for meaningful sharing and encounter on a personal basis.

What Attitudes May Be Expected?

            Visiting witnesses will come with an attitude of love and acceptance.  They will witness by listening as well as speaking.  They will not pressure anyone, but will seek to communicate love and understanding to everyone.  They do not come to give answers, but to share honestly what God has done, and is doing, in their lives.  The spirit of the witness is gracious and positive.

Who Is It For?

            Successful missions are being held in hundreds of churches of all sizes in all areas of the country, in other denominations, and in other countries around the world.  The mission is for every one who is part of our church and their friends.

What About The Results?

            Results vary, and no one can guarantee that a mission will produce amazing benefits.  Generally, the mission results in a number of people being awakened to a new and vital faith; many become interested in developing small groups; some make a new commitment to Christ and become faithful workers in their local church and community; many take new interest in becoming effective witnesses themselves in the home and on the job – and sometimes as team members in missions to other churches.  It is not unusual for several persons to experience the reality of Christ in making a serious first commitment to Christ as Lord of their lives.

What Preparation Is Necessary?

A large number of committee people have been doing a great deal of careful planning and praying for several months.  We ask that members of our church pray for the Lay Witness Mission individually.

What Materials Are Available?

A Literature Committee will be making available, during the Lay Witness Mission, books that provide spiritual guidance and inspiration.  These books may be purchased during the weekend from those managing the book table.

How May I Participate?

Your participation may begin already through your prayerful concern for the Lay Witness Mission weekend.  Many of you are being contacted to have guests stay in your homes, to be coffee hostesses, and to help with housing and transportation needs. You will also want to share in the congregational sessions and the small group opportunities. (Note weekend schedule.)

Every Friday @ noon.  The team (local and Lay Missioners) will be in prayer for everyone participating in the Lay Witness Mission weekend.

PRAYER VIGIL – Thursday, 3/12/09, 5:00 PM through Friday, 3/13/09, 5:00 PM. 

All members of our congregation are encouraged to attend every session.  However, if this is not possible, you will find attendance at any of the meetings most worthwhile.

LAY WITNESS MISSION SCHEDULE - (times subject to change)

FRIDAY -  March 13

6:30 pm   Dinner

7:30 pm   General Session (Adults and Youth)

Children’s Session

Nursery Available

8:00 pm   Small Group Meetings

9:00 pm   Report from Groups

SATURDAY - March 14

10:00 am Coffee Group in homes for Adults

                Youth, Children & Nursery at Church

12:00 pm Lunch followed by Women’s, Men’s, Youth

and Children’s Meetings at church

2:15 pm   Free Time

6:00 pm   Dinner at church

7:00 pm   General session (ALL), Nursery Available

Separate Program for Children

8:00 pm   Small Group Meetings

9:00 pm   “Sanctuary Time” for prayer

SUNDAY - March 15

8:15, 9:45 & 11:00am - Regular worship times

9:45 am   Sunday School

12:00 pm Farewell Luncheon at church

6:00 pm   Congregational Evaluation Session – Goal

Setting Time for shared ideas and

                suggested projects.