.. together, training and equipping for evangelism...
Vista Grande Baptist Church began using Evangelism Explosion III International training material in the fall of 1990 as a witness training program. The program is designed to prepare a person for witnessing through the use of lectures, discussions, memorization of Bible verses, homework assignments plus on-the-job training. All classes and OJT will be on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the church. Child care is available each week.
Teams of three men and women work together through 13 weeks of training and fellowship. The training is open to both adults and high school youth and is a building process. A commitment to attend all training sessions (classes and OJT) unless providentially hindered is necessary. Involvement in the ministry means becoming equipped to share the gospel of Christ in a concise, easy to understand way; becoming trained to prepare others to share the gospel; strengthening involvement in the various ministries of our church; and joining together with an international network of churches reaching the world for Christ.
Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 are available each semester. Those who have completed Level 1 are encouraged to enroll for Level 2. Homework assignments generally take an individual two and a half hours per week or 30 minutes per day to comfortably complete all assignments. Materials need to be ordered in advance, so please pray about your participation and contact Henry Tippie, Bobby Holt or Todd Belmear to express interest or for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Evangelism Explosion III?
A: Evangelism Explosion III has been part of the evangelism ministry of Vista Grande Baptist Church since 1990. It is a training ministry with two main purposes: a) to train members as a soul-winner, and b) to equip members as a trainer of other soul winners.
Q: When does "EE" take place?
A: All classes will be on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:00 PM. Training should be over around 8:30 PM each evening.
Q: How does it work?
A: With the exception of the first week, each evening will include classroom time where homework is checked, a demonstration of new material is given and the past week's material is reviewed, plus On-the-Job training where three-person visitation teams will be lead by a trainer into situations where the Gospel will be presented to lost people. You will never be asked to do anything that you are not equipped and capable of doing. Your trainer will be with you, ready to assist if any circumstances arise that you are not able to handle.
Q: How much time outside of Tuesday nights will it take?
A: Homework assignments include reading, memorization and additional personal preparation. Generally it takes an individual 2 1/2 hours per week (30 minutes per day) to comfortably complete all assignments.
Q: What materials will I need?
A: You will need to provide a pocket bible and a pen for the training. All other materials are provided.
Q: Why teams of three?
A: Each team consists of a trainer and two trainees. It is best to have a team that consists of both a male and a female for witnessing purposes and that the team not consist of a husband and wife. Therefore, to protect the visible witness of each team member, three should always go out together.
Q: What are the costs involved?
A: Vista Grande Baptist Church has budgeted for all materials used to execute the ministry. The church does ask that each trainee purchase his or her own training manual for $40. Scholarships are available for the manual.
Q: Do I need to attend every Tuesday night?
A: The training is a building process. A commitment to attend all training sessions (classes and OJT) unless providentially hindered is necessary. In this ministry, the only way to fail is to quit. You will receive all the personal attention you need.
Q: What is certification?
A: At the end of the training, you will be eligible upon completion of the final written and oral examination to be certified as a trainer. Certification will allow you to serve as a trainer on a team of three in your local church and to participate in the international leadership clinics.
Q: What type of clothing should I wear?
A: Each EE team member should be modest, clean and neat. Several will be coming directly from work and will be wearing suits while others may be wearing nice casual clothing. Please do not dress too relaxed. Remember, in most cases, a visit will be the first time you are meeting the individual and family.
Q: When are appointments made for visitation?
A: When team acceptance at the door is critical, for example, locked apartments, guards, etc. or when there is a long distance to travel. Otherwise, it is best to 'repay the church visit' unannounced. If it is not a convenient time, an appointment for a visit at a later time or date can be made in person.
top of page
