Principles & Practice of Health Evangelism
Chapter 12
Conducting a Health Evangelism Program
Textbook pages 95-106
You have decided to conduct a health evangelism program. You have promoted it in the church, recruited volunteers, and organized everyone and everything. Now it is opening night. It is time to start your program.
The following program format has worked well for me. I have used it for cooking schools, weight control programs, smoking cessation programs and exercise programs. Your program should contain the following program elements.
The following program format has worked well for me. I have used it for cooking schools, weight control programs, smoking cessation programs and exercise programs. Your program should contain the following program elements.
Registration
On the first night of the program have all your staff at the church an hour early. This will allow for early completion of the set-up. It is important to be completely ready when the first participants show up. On the first night of any program, a few individuals will show up 30-45 minutes early.
On the first night, you should have greeters out in the parking area. This will assure the participants that they have come to the right place and your attendants can help with the parking. Attendants can point out the correct door to enter for registration. If the parking lot isn’t well-lit, the parking attendants should have flashlights to provide some light.
Greeters should be at the front door to warmly welcome people. They should use the name of the program repeatedly so participants will know they are at the right place. Signs or posters about the program should be placed in the lobby and at registration tables to provide additional reassurance that the participants are where they want to be.
Register people in the lobby. You will need a table where you hand out registration forms to be filled out. You will need one or two additional tables where people can sit to fill out the registration forms. Have pens at every table. It will take longer than you think for people to complete the paperwork.
If you are charging a registration fee for the program, there should be another table where people can pay, and you can make change for those who bring big bills. Some health evangelists never charge for the programs they conduct. I find no fault with this. On the other hand, paying something to attend a program helps establish its value and credibility with people.
At times, skeptical or wary participants will ask if they can attend your program for a session or two before they pay to see whether or not this program will benefit them. You should always agree to this. The object of the program is to help people -- not to make money.
It also works out well to have a group or family discount. This will encourage friends and family to come together. They will think they have a real bargain if two can get in for the price of one or three can get in for the price of two.
If anyone is hesitant to provide the information requested on your registration form, you can instruct them to leave blank the items they are uncomfortable disclosing. You can tell them that all participants are a part of a scientific study to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and the information collected will be kept confidential. The data collected are only used to tabulate trends and measure effectiveness. Identifying information is never disclosed to any outside party.
It avoids confusion later if small groups are formed at the time of registration. Have a separate sheet of lined paper for each small group. As participants turn in their completed registration forms, assign each participant to one of the small groups. Write each name on one of the group forms. Each participant should also be given the number of the group to which they are assigned. You can write a person’s group number on the workbook or in “Group Number” square on a Progress Card.
Husbands and wives may want to be assigned to the same group but in my experience couples do better if they are in separate groups. A group of friends may all want to be in the same group as well. With a glance at the group composition sheets you will be able to know how many are in each group. You can make adjustments to group size as the people register.
At registration, hand out the Participant’s Workbook. It will be empty except for the first night’s worksheets. Or you can just hand out an empty folder and tell the participants that they will receive the first night’s materials in their small group. Remember to record each person’s small group number somewhere on the workbook or Progress Card so each participant will know where to go when you break out into small groups.
Give everyone a name tag to wear. These tags will be particularly useful in small groups. Those conducting the program should wear name tags as well. Participants should wear name tags for three or four sessions. By then everyone will know each other, and name tags become less important. Church members who are helping in the program should also wear their name tags for at least the first four sessions.
Next, direct those who have registered to the room where the main lecture is to be held. You may hold a small program with few registrants in a Sabbath School classroom. For a larger group a fellowship hall is good. You may even use the sanctuary for your program if it is the best room for the size of crowd you have.
Some have objected to using the sanctuary for health evangelism activities supposing it should be reserved for worship services. The sanctuary has always been used for traditional evangelistic meetings when these services have been conducted at the church. Health evangelism is just as evangelistic as traditional evangelism except you are starting with a focus on physical behaviors rather than on the spiritual.
It seems to me that when a health program speaks of the power for change provided by our Lord, we speak of the power of prayer, and prescribe scripture reading that the sanctuary is an acceptable venue for conducting the program especially if it is the only suitable room in your church complex.
Any PA system or audio-visual equipment should be set-up well before the first participant comes into the auditorium to sit down. It is appropriate to have some classical or light music playing. It breaks the silence before the program begins and provides a cover for whispered conversations.
On the first night, you should have greeters out in the parking area. This will assure the participants that they have come to the right place and your attendants can help with the parking. Attendants can point out the correct door to enter for registration. If the parking lot isn’t well-lit, the parking attendants should have flashlights to provide some light.
Greeters should be at the front door to warmly welcome people. They should use the name of the program repeatedly so participants will know they are at the right place. Signs or posters about the program should be placed in the lobby and at registration tables to provide additional reassurance that the participants are where they want to be.
Register people in the lobby. You will need a table where you hand out registration forms to be filled out. You will need one or two additional tables where people can sit to fill out the registration forms. Have pens at every table. It will take longer than you think for people to complete the paperwork.
If you are charging a registration fee for the program, there should be another table where people can pay, and you can make change for those who bring big bills. Some health evangelists never charge for the programs they conduct. I find no fault with this. On the other hand, paying something to attend a program helps establish its value and credibility with people.
At times, skeptical or wary participants will ask if they can attend your program for a session or two before they pay to see whether or not this program will benefit them. You should always agree to this. The object of the program is to help people -- not to make money.
It also works out well to have a group or family discount. This will encourage friends and family to come together. They will think they have a real bargain if two can get in for the price of one or three can get in for the price of two.
If anyone is hesitant to provide the information requested on your registration form, you can instruct them to leave blank the items they are uncomfortable disclosing. You can tell them that all participants are a part of a scientific study to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and the information collected will be kept confidential. The data collected are only used to tabulate trends and measure effectiveness. Identifying information is never disclosed to any outside party.
It avoids confusion later if small groups are formed at the time of registration. Have a separate sheet of lined paper for each small group. As participants turn in their completed registration forms, assign each participant to one of the small groups. Write each name on one of the group forms. Each participant should also be given the number of the group to which they are assigned. You can write a person’s group number on the workbook or in “Group Number” square on a Progress Card.
Husbands and wives may want to be assigned to the same group but in my experience couples do better if they are in separate groups. A group of friends may all want to be in the same group as well. With a glance at the group composition sheets you will be able to know how many are in each group. You can make adjustments to group size as the people register.
At registration, hand out the Participant’s Workbook. It will be empty except for the first night’s worksheets. Or you can just hand out an empty folder and tell the participants that they will receive the first night’s materials in their small group. Remember to record each person’s small group number somewhere on the workbook or Progress Card so each participant will know where to go when you break out into small groups.
Give everyone a name tag to wear. These tags will be particularly useful in small groups. Those conducting the program should wear name tags as well. Participants should wear name tags for three or four sessions. By then everyone will know each other, and name tags become less important. Church members who are helping in the program should also wear their name tags for at least the first four sessions.
Next, direct those who have registered to the room where the main lecture is to be held. You may hold a small program with few registrants in a Sabbath School classroom. For a larger group a fellowship hall is good. You may even use the sanctuary for your program if it is the best room for the size of crowd you have.
Some have objected to using the sanctuary for health evangelism activities supposing it should be reserved for worship services. The sanctuary has always been used for traditional evangelistic meetings when these services have been conducted at the church. Health evangelism is just as evangelistic as traditional evangelism except you are starting with a focus on physical behaviors rather than on the spiritual.
It seems to me that when a health program speaks of the power for change provided by our Lord, we speak of the power of prayer, and prescribe scripture reading that the sanctuary is an acceptable venue for conducting the program especially if it is the only suitable room in your church complex.
Any PA system or audio-visual equipment should be set-up well before the first participant comes into the auditorium to sit down. It is appropriate to have some classical or light music playing. It breaks the silence before the program begins and provides a cover for whispered conversations.
Welcome
Start your program on time. This honors those who planned ahead and came on time. You can make an exception to this rule at your first session. Registration always takes longer than expected and there are some who come late.
When it is time to begin, the master of ceremonies (host) should stride purposefully to the podium and stand there until he or she has everyone’s attention. In a strong voice, welcome everyone to the program. The master of ceremonies should repeat the name of the program several times during his remarks. This will reassure everyone that they are in the right place.
I like to have one of the church members be the master of ceremonies. A church member usually works out better than a minister or the health professional. A church member can also talk up the program without appearing to boast.
During the welcoming remarks, outline what is going to take place during the first session and give an overview of the entire program. Remind the audience how long the program will last in terms of weeks and the time you expect to dismiss each night. On the first night, point out the location of restrooms.
Now it is time for the introductions. Introduce the health professionals who are there and mention the part they have in the program. Introduce the pastor. Introduce the small group concept and point out the tables or rooms where the small groups will meet. Have the helpers and small group leaders stand so the participants can see the dedicated staff that is bringing this program to them.
Acknowledge the help of all who have a part in conducting the program. In this way the audience will see that this isn’t a commercial program put on by one or two individuals for the purpose of financial gain, but a voluntary effort of a substantial number of church members. This program is a service of love for the community.
It would be good to reassure those who paid a registration fee that the funds raised do not go to support the local church. Church members are volunteers. The funds raised support community programming at various levels and to purchase materials necessary to conduct the program. It should be stressed that no one is being compensated in any way for participating in the program. All are volunteers. This will raise the credibility of what you are doing in the eyes of the audience.
When it is time to begin, the master of ceremonies (host) should stride purposefully to the podium and stand there until he or she has everyone’s attention. In a strong voice, welcome everyone to the program. The master of ceremonies should repeat the name of the program several times during his remarks. This will reassure everyone that they are in the right place.
I like to have one of the church members be the master of ceremonies. A church member usually works out better than a minister or the health professional. A church member can also talk up the program without appearing to boast.
During the welcoming remarks, outline what is going to take place during the first session and give an overview of the entire program. Remind the audience how long the program will last in terms of weeks and the time you expect to dismiss each night. On the first night, point out the location of restrooms.
Now it is time for the introductions. Introduce the health professionals who are there and mention the part they have in the program. Introduce the pastor. Introduce the small group concept and point out the tables or rooms where the small groups will meet. Have the helpers and small group leaders stand so the participants can see the dedicated staff that is bringing this program to them.
Acknowledge the help of all who have a part in conducting the program. In this way the audience will see that this isn’t a commercial program put on by one or two individuals for the purpose of financial gain, but a voluntary effort of a substantial number of church members. This program is a service of love for the community.
It would be good to reassure those who paid a registration fee that the funds raised do not go to support the local church. Church members are volunteers. The funds raised support community programming at various levels and to purchase materials necessary to conduct the program. It should be stressed that no one is being compensated in any way for participating in the program. All are volunteers. This will raise the credibility of what you are doing in the eyes of the audience.
The Health Lecture
Introduce the first speaker and get started. Although, we do not want to boast or conduct programs in our own strength it is important for the public to know that your health evangelism program is credible and is conducted by qualified individuals. At each introduction, take time to briefly state the professional qualifications of your speakers and their experience.
The first speaker should present the medical or scientific portion of your program. It might be a medical doctor speaking about lung disease, cancer, or heart disease at a smoking cessation program. It might be a dietician at a weight control program or cooking school. As far as possible, use help available in your own congregation.
If there are no health professionals in your church, the presentations can be done by lay persons who have studied the topic and can speak with some confidence. For one or more sessions you might invite a health professional who is not a member of your church to speak. This should be someone who has respect in the community and one whom you know is sympathetic to the objectives of your program.
The first speaker should present the medical or scientific portion of your program. It might be a medical doctor speaking about lung disease, cancer, or heart disease at a smoking cessation program. It might be a dietician at a weight control program or cooking school. As far as possible, use help available in your own congregation.
If there are no health professionals in your church, the presentations can be done by lay persons who have studied the topic and can speak with some confidence. For one or more sessions you might invite a health professional who is not a member of your church to speak. This should be someone who has respect in the community and one whom you know is sympathetic to the objectives of your program.
The Pastor’s Part
Introduce the pastor. Mention the pastor’s qualifications and the pastoral services available at the church. It is appropriate to indicate when he preaches. Invite any who want to, to come to regular church services.
The pastor should speak about how to obtain God’s help with behavior change. I have been to health evangelism programs where the pastor spoke and managed to squeeze into his remarks three or four of the distinctive doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist church. I believe this is wrong. Your health evangelism program is about the behavior changes needed to improve health, not distinctive doctrines. Health evangelism is problem specific evangelism not broad-spectrum evangelism. The pastor should stick to behavior change from a Christian/Biblical perspective.
There are many books on psychology describing the steps involved in behavior change. The principles in these books correctly describe the mental and behavior steps one goes through in changing behavior, but these books do not have the ability to impart the power to accomplish behavior change. Behavior change books are a map showing where you need to go, but they don’t give you a car to get there.
Lasting behavior change comes from God. The pastor knows God and should speak to how God helps people bring about lasting change in their lives.
Will people be offended by this? Some will, but most will not. If the pastor focuses on how God helps with the specific problem at hand, no one will leave the program. Most of your participants have tried to change their behavior many times, in the past, and have failed. They are at a place where they are willing to listen to any angle (including God’s help) if there is even a remote chance that it will work for them now.
If participants object to the spiritual material in the program, offer to refund their registration fee and wish them well. In most communities there are many godless self-help programs. If a participant at your weight control program is offended that you suggest that God will help them lose weight, let them go to Weight Watchers, TOPS, Overeaters Anonymous, Jenny Craig or a dozen other secular weight control programs where God is never mentioned.
If a participant at your smoking cessation program is offended that you point to God as the One who can help them overcome the addiction to smoking, refer them to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, The American Lung Association, local hospital, or health insurance company where they can receive help in quitting smoking the godless way.
Where is the addict to learn that God will help them? They should be able to learn this at a Seventh-day Adventist church. We hate to see anyone turn away from the church to seek help elsewhere, but there are hundreds of Godless, self-help programs for these people to go to and enroll in. Where are the programs that point to God as the Help for human helplessness? Health evangelism programs that introduce people to God as the helper for every problem should be found in every Seventh-day Adventist church in the world.
If the pastor is supportive of your health evangelism program but unable or unwilling to speak on behavior change, others can be chosen to do this part. This behavior change through God’s help is the evangelistic key to success in your program. It should not be omitted under any circumstances. This spiritual emphasis is equally as effective coming from the pastor, a health professional, or any layperson who has experienced God’s help in overcoming some habit.
The pastor should speak about how to obtain God’s help with behavior change. I have been to health evangelism programs where the pastor spoke and managed to squeeze into his remarks three or four of the distinctive doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist church. I believe this is wrong. Your health evangelism program is about the behavior changes needed to improve health, not distinctive doctrines. Health evangelism is problem specific evangelism not broad-spectrum evangelism. The pastor should stick to behavior change from a Christian/Biblical perspective.
There are many books on psychology describing the steps involved in behavior change. The principles in these books correctly describe the mental and behavior steps one goes through in changing behavior, but these books do not have the ability to impart the power to accomplish behavior change. Behavior change books are a map showing where you need to go, but they don’t give you a car to get there.
Lasting behavior change comes from God. The pastor knows God and should speak to how God helps people bring about lasting change in their lives.
Will people be offended by this? Some will, but most will not. If the pastor focuses on how God helps with the specific problem at hand, no one will leave the program. Most of your participants have tried to change their behavior many times, in the past, and have failed. They are at a place where they are willing to listen to any angle (including God’s help) if there is even a remote chance that it will work for them now.
If participants object to the spiritual material in the program, offer to refund their registration fee and wish them well. In most communities there are many godless self-help programs. If a participant at your weight control program is offended that you suggest that God will help them lose weight, let them go to Weight Watchers, TOPS, Overeaters Anonymous, Jenny Craig or a dozen other secular weight control programs where God is never mentioned.
If a participant at your smoking cessation program is offended that you point to God as the One who can help them overcome the addiction to smoking, refer them to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, The American Lung Association, local hospital, or health insurance company where they can receive help in quitting smoking the godless way.
Where is the addict to learn that God will help them? They should be able to learn this at a Seventh-day Adventist church. We hate to see anyone turn away from the church to seek help elsewhere, but there are hundreds of Godless, self-help programs for these people to go to and enroll in. Where are the programs that point to God as the Help for human helplessness? Health evangelism programs that introduce people to God as the helper for every problem should be found in every Seventh-day Adventist church in the world.
If the pastor is supportive of your health evangelism program but unable or unwilling to speak on behavior change, others can be chosen to do this part. This behavior change through God’s help is the evangelistic key to success in your program. It should not be omitted under any circumstances. This spiritual emphasis is equally as effective coming from the pastor, a health professional, or any layperson who has experienced God’s help in overcoming some habit.
Demonstrations
If your health evangelism program has demonstrations of some type put them on just before you dismiss to small groups. Food demonstrations are useful in weight management programs and in cooking schools. Smoking Sam is a useful demonstration at smoking cessation programs. Showing the correct type of clothing and shoes for an exercise class are appropriate.
Small Groups
The small group activity is most effective at the end of the program. Between 1/2 and 1/3 of program time should be spent in small groups. At the first session, when it is time for small groups, it is best to have the small group leaders stand and hold up the number for the group they are going to facilitate. If the tables are in the same room as the lecture, they can be clearly labeled so there is no confusion about where each group is to meet.
If you are utilizing rooms elsewhere in your church for small groups, those rooms should be clearly marked, and maps should be distributed so it will be easy for everyone to find their way to their assigned group. Small group leaders should be dismissed first so they can lead the way to their locations and be there to welcome group members as they come in.
At the first session, each group leader should have a copy of the small group composition forms (list of names) that were developed during registration. This will tell the small group leaders how many to expect in their group and their names. There may be some shifting of group composition on the first night. People who come meet others they know and want to change groups to be with acquaintances. All this shifting is acceptable. Group composition lists will need to be changed to reflect the adjustments that were made; it is important to have accurate records.
Everyone in each small group should have name tags. The first order of business is introductions all around. Exchange names, background, interests, and hobbies. The object is to make the group feel comfortable, to break the ice, and to give a feeling of informality.
Goals are good to discuss. What does each person want to get out of this program? What have they tried before? How far did they get in previous tries? Be as specific as possible. In a weight control program, ask how much weight each participant wants to lose during the 10 weeks of the program? These goals are written down in the participant’s workbook.
The main discussion in each small group should center on the behavior changes recommended by the health professional in the evening’s lecture. For instance, if the health professional suggested eating less sugar, small group members would discuss where the most sugar is in their diet. Once the source of excess sugar is identified, small group members should be encouraged to make specific commitments to reduce their sugar intake during the coming week. These commitments to behavior change should be recorded in the workbook.
One participant might decide to eliminate drinking sweetened soft drinks. Another might decide to switch to diet sodas. For another, it might be eating fewer deserts -- perhaps limiting deserts to just one serving a week. In small groups you individualize the prescription that was given in a general way in the health lecture.
You can be creative and develop additional handouts on the subject of that session. This material can be distributed in small groups for participants to study at home. Occasionally there can be a quiz over the evening’s topic. Once everyone has completed the quiz, the helpers can provide the answers. This can be the focal point for additional group discussion.
Helpers should offer their availability to help the participants with any problems that might come up during the time between sessions. They should distribute their day and evening contact information and indicate the best times and methods of contact. In the current era, texting is frequently easier than calling. Participants should be encouraged to contact their small group leaders if they are having problems of any kind. It is also appropriate for helpers to contact their small group members at least once during the week just to keep in contact with them and to encourage them to come back to the next session.
Helpers will sometimes have occasion for further socialization with group members outside of small group time at the church. All this extra, unofficial, contact is encouraged. Church members have gone shopping with group members. Others have met after work and gone to a restaurant together. The options for socialization are unlimited. Lasting friendships are formed from these informal contacts.
This is the interface the church needs with its community; church members becoming friends with non-church members. This will often prove to be more evangelistic than preaching. Most people join the church because they have friends in the church. Small groups are where these friendships are formed.
Ideally the health professional and pastor should remain at church during the small group sessions. They may want to join a different small group from week to week. They may want to circulate from group to group. They should be available to clarify points and answer specific questions that may be beyond the knowledge of the small group leader. Knowing this additional help is available will encourage many church members to volunteer as small group leaders. They will never be caught in a situation where they will not be able to get an answer. Someone will always be available to help them should the need arise.
Small group leaders do not need to be experts. Their role is to facilitate discussion. The topic is the evening’s lectures. There are handouts that cover the topic in detail. Quizzes and workbook activities will facilitate group discussion. Be sure the helpers have the answers to any quizzes you use, along with an explanation of the answers.
Dismiss the program for the night from the small groups. Groups will break up at slightly different times and the evening’s program will gradually dissolve away.
If you are utilizing rooms elsewhere in your church for small groups, those rooms should be clearly marked, and maps should be distributed so it will be easy for everyone to find their way to their assigned group. Small group leaders should be dismissed first so they can lead the way to their locations and be there to welcome group members as they come in.
At the first session, each group leader should have a copy of the small group composition forms (list of names) that were developed during registration. This will tell the small group leaders how many to expect in their group and their names. There may be some shifting of group composition on the first night. People who come meet others they know and want to change groups to be with acquaintances. All this shifting is acceptable. Group composition lists will need to be changed to reflect the adjustments that were made; it is important to have accurate records.
Everyone in each small group should have name tags. The first order of business is introductions all around. Exchange names, background, interests, and hobbies. The object is to make the group feel comfortable, to break the ice, and to give a feeling of informality.
Goals are good to discuss. What does each person want to get out of this program? What have they tried before? How far did they get in previous tries? Be as specific as possible. In a weight control program, ask how much weight each participant wants to lose during the 10 weeks of the program? These goals are written down in the participant’s workbook.
The main discussion in each small group should center on the behavior changes recommended by the health professional in the evening’s lecture. For instance, if the health professional suggested eating less sugar, small group members would discuss where the most sugar is in their diet. Once the source of excess sugar is identified, small group members should be encouraged to make specific commitments to reduce their sugar intake during the coming week. These commitments to behavior change should be recorded in the workbook.
One participant might decide to eliminate drinking sweetened soft drinks. Another might decide to switch to diet sodas. For another, it might be eating fewer deserts -- perhaps limiting deserts to just one serving a week. In small groups you individualize the prescription that was given in a general way in the health lecture.
You can be creative and develop additional handouts on the subject of that session. This material can be distributed in small groups for participants to study at home. Occasionally there can be a quiz over the evening’s topic. Once everyone has completed the quiz, the helpers can provide the answers. This can be the focal point for additional group discussion.
Helpers should offer their availability to help the participants with any problems that might come up during the time between sessions. They should distribute their day and evening contact information and indicate the best times and methods of contact. In the current era, texting is frequently easier than calling. Participants should be encouraged to contact their small group leaders if they are having problems of any kind. It is also appropriate for helpers to contact their small group members at least once during the week just to keep in contact with them and to encourage them to come back to the next session.
Helpers will sometimes have occasion for further socialization with group members outside of small group time at the church. All this extra, unofficial, contact is encouraged. Church members have gone shopping with group members. Others have met after work and gone to a restaurant together. The options for socialization are unlimited. Lasting friendships are formed from these informal contacts.
This is the interface the church needs with its community; church members becoming friends with non-church members. This will often prove to be more evangelistic than preaching. Most people join the church because they have friends in the church. Small groups are where these friendships are formed.
Ideally the health professional and pastor should remain at church during the small group sessions. They may want to join a different small group from week to week. They may want to circulate from group to group. They should be available to clarify points and answer specific questions that may be beyond the knowledge of the small group leader. Knowing this additional help is available will encourage many church members to volunteer as small group leaders. They will never be caught in a situation where they will not be able to get an answer. Someone will always be available to help them should the need arise.
Small group leaders do not need to be experts. Their role is to facilitate discussion. The topic is the evening’s lectures. There are handouts that cover the topic in detail. Quizzes and workbook activities will facilitate group discussion. Be sure the helpers have the answers to any quizzes you use, along with an explanation of the answers.
Dismiss the program for the night from the small groups. Groups will break up at slightly different times and the evening’s program will gradually dissolve away.
Post Program Assessment (After Glow)
Immediately after the last small group has been dismissed, call the helpers and small group leaders together for an assessment of the evening’s program. There are several tasks to take care of.
Review activities that occurred in small groups. There will be stories of victory and overcoming which will cheer the hearts of all. Success needs to be shared. There will be special problems that certain participants are having. These difficulties should be recognized, and special efforts made to help those participants who are struggling.
There should be a season of prayer. Thank God for the successes that have occurred. Ask for God’s special blessing on those who are having difficulty.
There should be an accounting of those participants who did not attend the evening’s meeting. Some will be known to have valid reasons for not attending, while others will just not be accounted for. Small group leaders should take the responsibility of contacting individuals from their small group who did not attend. Find out if there was a problem.
If absent participants are not planning on coming back, they should be let go without too much fuss. It will be useful to see if they want to be notified of future programs; if so, retain them on your contact list. If they are not interested in any further contact with your church, it is the courteous thing to do to remove their names from your contact list.
This entire “after glow” process should be limited to about 15 minutes. Helpers will be anxious to get home and prolonging this session will discourage future participation by church members if it is carried on too long.
It takes time and effort to organize and conduct a health evangelism program in this way. This design maximizes the evangelistic potential of a health program.
Review activities that occurred in small groups. There will be stories of victory and overcoming which will cheer the hearts of all. Success needs to be shared. There will be special problems that certain participants are having. These difficulties should be recognized, and special efforts made to help those participants who are struggling.
There should be a season of prayer. Thank God for the successes that have occurred. Ask for God’s special blessing on those who are having difficulty.
There should be an accounting of those participants who did not attend the evening’s meeting. Some will be known to have valid reasons for not attending, while others will just not be accounted for. Small group leaders should take the responsibility of contacting individuals from their small group who did not attend. Find out if there was a problem.
If absent participants are not planning on coming back, they should be let go without too much fuss. It will be useful to see if they want to be notified of future programs; if so, retain them on your contact list. If they are not interested in any further contact with your church, it is the courteous thing to do to remove their names from your contact list.
This entire “after glow” process should be limited to about 15 minutes. Helpers will be anxious to get home and prolonging this session will discourage future participation by church members if it is carried on too long.
It takes time and effort to organize and conduct a health evangelism program in this way. This design maximizes the evangelistic potential of a health program.