Ministry to the Fallen

OneAccord · #1 06-18-2008, 08:13 PM

Sunday, on the way to church, I stopped by to see a brother in the Lord that I haven't seen in many years. We use to attend church together and he was a man on fire for the Lord. However, I had heard through the grape vine that "George" had backslidden.

It must have been of the Lord for me to go see him because I only had a vague idea as to where he lived. As I turned off the highway onto the street he lived on, I noticed a car behind me. It turned into a drive way, so, I thought I'd turn around and go back and ask this man if he knew where "George" lived. Guess what? He WAS "George". I couldn't believe it. It actually was him.

We went into his house and within a few minutes, he was aking me if I minded if he took a "sip". I said, "No...go ahead", and kept on talking to him about the Lord. (Actually, he took more than a "sip", he took a "swig". Several "swigs".) Before the alcohol began to take it affect, "George" began crying and said he desperately wanted to make things right with the Lord. Before I left, I went to a nearby restaurant to get him some food, and made sure he ate it. By then, though talking to him was no use... I left him my phone number and promised to return in a few days.

I missed church. So, I came home, thinking about other people I knew that was backslid. Donnie... Tim... and others. I've even been thinking of Glen Summerford, the snake handler, who tried to kill his wife by forcing her hand into a rattlesanke cage. He's doing something like 99 years in prison here in Alabama- prison is filled with people who once knew the Lord. What a ministry it would be to reach out to these fallen brothers (and sisters).

So... my question...if you felt led to begin a ministry of trying to reclaim fallen brothers and sisters in the Lord, what would be your approach? How would you reach out to them? Condemnation? Shame? Love? Compassion? Would you have remained in the situation I mentioned a minute ago, or would you have told "George" that you didn't want him to drink (or smoke) while you were there?

I'm asking because I have a real desire to reach out to my fallen brothers... and I'm considering doing some writing about ministering to the backslidden. Already got the title..."Just beyond that wall". You input is appreciated.

#2 06-18-2008, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneAccord

Sunday, on the way to church, I stopped by to see a brother in the Lord that I haven't seen in many years. We use to attend church together and he was a man on fire for the Lord. However, I had heard through the grape vine that "George" had backslidden.

It must have been of the Lord for me to go see him because I only had a vague idea as to where he lived. As I turned off the highway onto the street he lived on, I noticed a car behind me. It turned into a drive way, so, I thought I'd turn around and go back and ask this man if he knew where "George" lived. Guess what? He WAS "George". I couldn't believe it. It actually was him.

We went into his house and within a few minutes, he was aking me if I minded if he took a "sip". I said, "No...go ahead", and kept on talking to him about the Lord. (Actually, he took more than a "sip", he took a "swig". Several "swigs".) Before the alcohol began to take it affect, "George" began crying and said he desperately wanted to make things right with the Lord. Before I left, I went to a nearby restaurant to get him some food, and made sure he ate it. By then, though talking to him was no use... I left him my phone number and promised to return in a few days.

I missed church. So, I came home, thinking about other people I knew that was backslid. Donnie... Tim... and others. I've even been thinking of Glen Summerford, the snake handler, who tried to kill his wife by forcing her hand into a rattlesanke cage. He's doing something like 99 years in prison here in Alabama- prison is filled with people who once knew the Lord. What a ministry it would be to reach out to these fallen brothers (and sisters).

So... my question...if you felt led to begin a ministry of trying to reclaim fallen brothers and sisters in the Lord, what would be your approach? How would you reach out to them? Condemnation? Shame? Love? Compassion? Would you have remained in the situation I mentioned a minute ago, or would you have told "George" that you didn't want him to drink (or smoke) while you were there?

I'm asking because I have a real desire to reach out to my fallen brothers... and I'm considering doing some writing about ministering to the backslidden. Already got the title..."Just beyond that wall". You input is appreciated.

Bro,

We may not agree on many things but this is so awesome and this is what more Apostolics should be doing. It shows that you have a heart for people and that may just bring him back, but also praying for him.

Don't give up on him and allow the Lord to use you in this area.

Scott Hutchinson · #3 06-18-2008, 10:36 PM

I would say reach out in love and grace,to those who have fallen,but by grace we could be in their shoes.

dizzyde · #4 06-19-2008, 12:37 AM

Brother OA, I think you should listen to your heart and follow Gods leading. This would be a perfect fit for you, you are a natural uplifter! (is that a word?) I think anyone hurting and wounded needs compassion and grace, not judging. I think you handled the situation with your friend perfectly!

Go for it!!

Sherri · #5 06-19-2008, 12:47 AM

One Accord--If all of us had hearts like you and Jan Alvear, it would be a much better world, and Christianity would be much more popular.

Cindy · #6 06-19-2008, 12:52 AM

You just go ahead and do it brother OA. You are so uplifting to me, I think you would be excellent in this kind of ministry. You have a loving and kind heart, just what they need.

Ron · #7 06-19-2008, 12:53 AM

Bro, I too am bothered by people who once knew the Lord but have backslid.
I always have an open door policy & if I am meeting with them somewhere and they chain smoke I don't mind.

I agree with others & would add this that an old prophet warned me about many years ago.

Don't mistake sympathy for compassion.

OneAccord · #8 06-21-2008, 01:24 PM

Thanks for the encouragement and I ask you to be praying for me. I recieved a phone call a few minutes ago from a brother (backslid preacher) who I have not had any contact with in over 20 years. He asked me to come see him.... said he really needed to see me. I have a letter in my possession (that I'm taking with me) that he wrote to me when he first started preaching (1989). I'm heading that way now. Don't know what prompted this (and have no idea how he got my number), but, just pray that I can be of help to him is some way. Thanks. Will report later. Gotta a ways to go.

Cindy · #9 06-21-2008, 01:28 PM

Will be lifting you up in prayer Brother and expecting a good report when you return.

Esther · #10 06-21-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneAccord

Thanks for the encouragement and I ask you to be praying for me. I recieved a phone call a few minutes ago from a brother (backslid preacher) who I have not had any contact with in over 20 years. He asked me to come see him.... said he really needed to see me. I have a letter in my possession (that I'm taking with me) that he wrote to me when he first started preaching (1989). I'm heading that way now. Don't know what prompted this (and have no idea how he got my number), but, just pray that I can be of help to him is some way. Thanks. Will report later. Gotta a ways to go.

Bro. Let the Lord use you. It is obvious He has called you to a ministry of restoration. This is a much needed ministry.

I am praying that God will give you the wisdom and anointing to break the yokes of bondage!