Should New Believers Minister on the Sidewalk?

WEBVTT100:00:00.720 --> 00:00:05.919I Am Yours, I am yours, I am yours. S and me,200:00:06.280 --> 00:00:11.509Lord, I am yours, Iam yours. I'm welcome to the300:00:11.589 --> 00:00:17.469Gospel Center Pro Life Podcast, apodcast designed to equip, encourage and challenge400:00:17.510 --> 00:00:21.070you in pro life ministry, andalways with a focus on the Gospel.500:00:21.269 --> 00:00:32.179Stay tuned. I felt show passish, touch your heart. Use Me.600:00:33.100 --> 00:00:36.729Welcome back to the Gospel centered prolife podcast. We appreciate you, guys,700:00:36.770 --> 00:00:40.210joining us and, as always,would appreciate if you guys would share800:00:40.210 --> 00:00:44.170this podcast episode with others that youthink it would be a blessing too,900:00:44.810 --> 00:00:50.439and also leave us a review onwhatever podcast service that you use. We1000:00:50.560 --> 00:00:53.799want for others to see that thesepodcasts are a blessing, that they have1100:00:53.920 --> 00:00:57.640been a blessing to you, andif you leave a review, a positive1200:00:57.640 --> 00:01:03.359review of course, then others arelikely to listen to the podcast and receive1300:01:03.399 --> 00:01:07.430the blessings that you have. Nowwe do have a bunch of reviews,1400:01:07.629 --> 00:01:12.870especially on, I guess, ApplePodcast, and like eighteen hundred and something1500:01:12.950 --> 00:01:18.310reviews. Got More reviews and Ithink any prolife podcast that's out there.1600:01:19.019 --> 00:01:23.739Wow, yeah, yeah, theones that I'll see at least, however,1700:01:23.900 --> 00:01:27.980most perfect us are really, reallybad, bad reviews. Not because1800:01:29.019 --> 00:01:32.299this is a bad podcast, butbecause our pro abortion friends got a hold1900:01:32.340 --> 00:01:37.049of it and I guess let tickTock know that they should leave us a2000:01:37.090 --> 00:01:40.450review and they left us all onestar review. So if you want some2100:01:40.650 --> 00:01:44.129entertainment, we did an episode aboutthis a couple of months ago. We2200:01:44.290 --> 00:01:47.799read through some of the reviews andjust kind of laughed at some of the2300:01:47.959 --> 00:01:51.959the foolishness sits there, just toshow the ridiculousness of the people that oppose2400:01:52.040 --> 00:01:56.480what we're doing. But if youwant some entertainment, then go and read2500:01:56.560 --> 00:01:59.040those reviews. I mean, well, don't read them with your children.2600:01:59.120 --> 00:02:01.629Some of them are pretty nasty andRaunchy, but some of them are are2700:02:01.670 --> 00:02:09.030pretty comical. But to combat thatand to get us more than one point2800:02:09.030 --> 00:02:14.870two stars as far as a rating, leave us a five star review if2900:02:14.909 --> 00:02:19.340you would. If you hate whatwe're doing, then you don't leave us3000:02:19.379 --> 00:02:22.419in a review. Actually, thatwould be that would be great that there3100:02:22.419 --> 00:02:25.099are people that commented leaving a review. What One Star Review? The PRO3200:02:25.180 --> 00:02:30.569abortion people. They said, Iwish I could leave zero stars and you3300:02:30.650 --> 00:02:32.810know, I hate to point outthat actually you can by not leaving any3400:02:34.250 --> 00:02:38.650stars. By not leaving any review, that's that. The Equals Zero Stars.3500:02:38.729 --> 00:02:42.689But anyway, that's a little tooadvanced thinking for folks like that.3600:02:42.889 --> 00:02:46.639Sometimes. Yeah, I considered abadge of honor, honestly, that we3700:02:46.719 --> 00:02:51.400have all those negative reviews from thatposition. Yeah, it's pretty funny actually.3800:02:52.039 --> 00:02:53.520But all that said, leave usa review, guys. We do3900:02:53.680 --> 00:02:57.199want this to be a blessing toother people. We do want to,4000:02:58.400 --> 00:03:01.990you know, let people know whatwe're doing and we have some experiences in4100:03:02.030 --> 00:03:07.870the world of Sidewalk Ministry at abortioncenters. It's kind of a unique angle,4200:03:07.990 --> 00:03:12.030right, not, not very manypeople have an expertise, and maybe4300:03:12.150 --> 00:03:15.379expertise is too strong a word,but not many people have an expertise in4400:03:15.460 --> 00:03:21.460this area of ministry, Right.And so, basically, I think we've4500:03:21.500 --> 00:03:23.979said in the past is we've screwedup and we want you to learn from4600:03:23.979 --> 00:03:28.810our screw ups. We've made mistakesand we want you to learn from our4700:03:28.849 --> 00:03:34.610mistakes. So we hope this episodewill be in that same vein and just4800:03:34.770 --> 00:03:38.330talk more about like we past twoepisodes we've talked about boldness, or at4900:03:38.330 --> 00:03:43.520least you know. Last episode wehad Jenna on WHO's one of our missionaries5000:03:43.560 --> 00:03:47.840there in rowing O, Virginia,Young Lady who is bold and really well.5100:03:49.000 --> 00:03:52.199It's God through her and she knowsthat God working through her. And5200:03:52.280 --> 00:03:55.150then the episode before that we talkedabout boldness. This episode, I guess5300:03:55.189 --> 00:04:00.590it's going to be some similar thingsthat we're going to talk about, but5400:04:00.710 --> 00:04:05.430really we're going to talk about newbelievers, people that are brand new to5500:04:05.550 --> 00:04:13.340Jesus and kind of, I guess, answer the question. Ask The question5600:04:13.419 --> 00:04:17.339and maybe you guys can help answerit with us. How soon can a5700:04:17.459 --> 00:04:23.100new believer be out on the sidewalkright? You know this is if you5800:04:23.220 --> 00:04:26.410guys have been out there any lengthof time. You know, if you've5900:04:26.449 --> 00:04:30.170lifted listen to this podcast any lengthof time, you know this is an6000:04:30.250 --> 00:04:36.490intense ministry. You don't want tothrow someone who is unequipped out on the6100:04:36.610 --> 00:04:41.160front lines at an abortion center,kind of throwing them out to the wolves.6200:04:42.439 --> 00:04:45.959You want to make sure that thatpeople who are out there are equipped6300:04:45.959 --> 00:04:50.759and by that same notion, Gosh, we need people right. We need6400:04:50.839 --> 00:04:56.550people out there on the sidewalk.There's seven hundred abortion centers that we've figured6500:04:56.629 --> 00:05:00.389that a good number of those abortioncenters. Maybe two thirds don't have a6600:05:00.550 --> 00:05:04.629consistent Christian witness, and so weneed people. And Listen, I think6700:05:04.670 --> 00:05:09.420we'll get into some of this too. We've made promises to you guys.6800:05:09.420 --> 00:05:12.620If you go out to the abortioncenter, babies will be saved, whether6900:05:12.660 --> 00:05:15.500you find out about it or not, and you will grow spiritually in ways7000:05:15.500 --> 00:05:18.019you would not otherwise grow. Andso people that are new to the faith,7100:05:18.060 --> 00:05:21.170they need to grow and we're sayingthis is a means for people to7200:05:21.250 --> 00:05:25.889grow, and I believe that itis, and so we're going to talk7300:05:25.930 --> 00:05:29.250about that. We're going to talkabout is it appropriate for new believers to7400:05:29.329 --> 00:05:31.850be out there on the sidewalk?Gosh, what are some things to be7500:05:31.930 --> 00:05:38.279thinking about, to be considering ifyou're a leader on the sidewalk and you've7600:05:38.319 --> 00:05:40.800got some of this brand new tothe faith that wants to come out there7700:05:40.839 --> 00:05:43.800and serve? What are some thingsto be aware of? What are some7800:05:44.000 --> 00:05:46.639things to be careful of? Andso we're going to talk through all of7900:05:46.839 --> 00:05:53.230that. It's a unique subject,but a subject that we've faced and I8000:05:53.430 --> 00:05:57.189think there's some biblical principles, butI'll just tell you this. There's no8100:05:57.350 --> 00:06:01.670perfect answer to you know how longdoes someone need to be a believer before8200:06:01.709 --> 00:06:05.939they can be out on the sidewalkand serve? Bible doesn't tell US exactly.8300:06:06.300 --> 00:06:11.379Doesn't tell us a time frame forcertain things, and that's why I8400:06:11.459 --> 00:06:14.259think, more than anything, willencourage you guys to just look at some8500:06:14.339 --> 00:06:17.019of the principles, some of thescriptures that we share, seek the Lord8600:06:17.139 --> 00:06:21.649for wisdom and if you're leader inGod, US put you in leadership.8700:06:23.970 --> 00:06:28.730You know you have a charge totrust in the Lord, to seek his8800:06:28.930 --> 00:06:31.959face and to proceed as you feellike the Lord is leading you. So8900:06:32.800 --> 00:06:38.560that's a little bit of just beginningto this subject for us. Yeah,9000:06:38.639 --> 00:06:41.839and and a corollary that we don'tmention in the article that we're going to9100:06:41.879 --> 00:06:46.560put out but that I think allof you out on a sidewalk will face9200:06:46.759 --> 00:06:50.350this are the moms who choose life. oftentimes they will come to the Lord9300:06:51.550 --> 00:06:58.310when they choose life for their baby, but sometimes they claim they were already9400:06:58.350 --> 00:07:02.420a believer and had just been temptedto because of their fear or whatever,9500:07:02.980 --> 00:07:06.579and many times they do want tocome out on the sidewalk and speak and9600:07:06.980 --> 00:07:12.100steer other moms not to do this, and I will say, I think9700:07:12.139 --> 00:07:15.769there's a danger in that at thesame time of you know, you don't9800:07:15.810 --> 00:07:19.649want to say no to request likethat either. So I think this will9900:07:19.649 --> 00:07:26.529be a valuable podcast in in knowingwhat kind of there are safeguards that bit10000:07:26.769 --> 00:07:30.560biblical safeguards you can you can beaware of and put out there when you've10100:07:30.600 --> 00:07:33.839got new believers out there or maybea mom who is. Maybe she's not10200:07:33.879 --> 00:07:39.160a brand new believer, maybe sheis, but she certainly is being thrown10300:07:39.199 --> 00:07:43.199into the lines denn going and infront of an abortion center, especially since10400:07:43.279 --> 00:07:46.029she was so recently there herself.Yeah, yeah, so, I mean,10500:07:46.069 --> 00:07:49.910I think just to said the stage, what is our main concern with10600:07:50.310 --> 00:07:55.350with any of this stuff? Right, what does our main concerns? Money,10700:07:55.350 --> 00:07:57.509might ask. Well, they're anew believer and they want to serve.10800:07:58.620 --> 00:08:01.019Why do we even have any reservations? Right, like, we want10900:08:01.060 --> 00:08:03.819them to serve. We need people. They're people that we need. Their11000:08:03.899 --> 00:08:09.259brand new they're excited, they havezeal. So why wouldn't we want them11100:08:09.300 --> 00:08:11.930on the sidewalk? Well, right, I'll tell you this. The main11200:08:13.129 --> 00:08:16.610concern, above all concerns, iswe want to honor the Lord. We11300:08:16.730 --> 00:08:22.889want our presence to be honorable toJesus and, you know, simply put11400:08:22.970 --> 00:08:26.839people that are brand new to thefaith that maybe they're in the process of11500:08:26.920 --> 00:08:33.559sanctification, but maybe their tongue hasnot yet been sanctified, their mind is11600:08:33.679 --> 00:08:39.759not yet been renewed in the waythat would be helpful to really to really11700:08:39.000 --> 00:08:43.190influence other people in a positive way. You know, I'll say thing.11800:08:43.870 --> 00:08:46.309For example, brand new people,people that are brand new to the faith,11900:08:46.309 --> 00:08:54.710might experience some opposition from a proabortion person right and cuss them out.12000:08:54.629 --> 00:09:00.460I think about that. Here's someonein a love life Tshirt, hope,12100:09:00.580 --> 00:09:05.940is here cussing out a pro abortionperson on Ticktock, viewed millions of12200:09:05.059 --> 00:09:09.649times over. Does that honor theLord? No, that doesn't honor the12300:09:09.690 --> 00:09:13.490Lord. But I think we haveto recognize to that there can be a12400:09:13.529 --> 00:09:18.970tipping point in which someone who's seasonedin the Lord, in seasoned even in12500:09:18.049 --> 00:09:22.090this ministry, that their buttons canbe pushed in such a way where they12600:09:22.169 --> 00:09:26.440could do that same things as certaincertainly we recognize it. Anyone can get12700:09:26.480 --> 00:09:31.360in the flesh. But I willsay just right away a new believer is12800:09:31.679 --> 00:09:37.600more inclined to that. A lessinclined to be seeking the Lord in a12900:09:37.720 --> 00:09:41.190way that you know would bridle theirtongue. Yeah, well, if you13000:09:41.269 --> 00:09:43.990think about it as a new believerslike a baby, you know, there13100:09:43.070 --> 00:09:48.230are definitely situations an adult or aan older child can handle that that you13200:09:48.309 --> 00:09:52.710would never subject a baby too.And these are new believers, are babies13300:09:52.830 --> 00:09:56.500in the Lord. Yep, sothere's zeal. Often Times, I know13400:09:56.659 --> 00:09:58.539this was true of me. Ithink it's true of all of them.13500:09:58.620 --> 00:10:05.059Are Zeal and excitement over this newbirth in the Lord certainly exceeds our knowledge13600:10:05.340 --> 00:10:11.169and our discern meant and our understanding. And so there is a danger where13700:10:11.529 --> 00:10:16.649truth must be spoken, because truthis the you know, that's one of13800:10:16.730 --> 00:10:22.080the the spirit virtual armor that weput on when we go into battle.13900:10:22.600 --> 00:10:26.360Truth is the you know, theButler that goes downd our waste. Yeah,14000:10:26.759 --> 00:10:31.519and if we don't have that becausewe're new, we have some truth14100:10:31.600 --> 00:10:39.429as new believers, for sure,but our our knowledge is is not well14200:10:39.549 --> 00:10:45.870developed yet. We are a babyin the Lord and if mistruth or flat14300:10:45.990 --> 00:10:52.139out falsehood is spoken unwittingly by anew believer, it can do damage.14400:10:52.299 --> 00:10:58.299This is life or death. It'shappening out there on the sidewalk. So14500:10:58.500 --> 00:11:05.450so we want to be really carefulthat the people that are associated with us14600:11:05.490 --> 00:11:11.769or that are in a position toinfluence very vulnerable people who have a life14700:11:11.769 --> 00:11:18.679or decision before before them, arehonestly speaking as the Lord would have them14800:11:18.679 --> 00:11:22.639speak, not only from a notcorrupt speech or an angry speech, but14900:11:22.960 --> 00:11:28.039from the position, a position oftruth. Yeah, yeah, also,15000:11:28.159 --> 00:11:31.600I would say, for the sakeof new believers. This is why,15100:11:31.759 --> 00:11:35.549again, we need to be careful, because for their own sake is they're15200:11:35.590 --> 00:11:39.870growing in the Lord. Like youmentioned a baby. Right. I'm not15300:11:39.990 --> 00:11:43.870going to put a sword in ababy's hand and tell him to go out15400:11:43.909 --> 00:11:48.460into battle, right, not justbecause they're not going to be very effect15500:11:48.659 --> 00:11:52.500of, but also they're going toget pummeled, they're going to get destroyed.15600:11:52.580 --> 00:11:56.059Yeah, and I can tell youand now, I think different scenarios15700:11:56.460 --> 00:12:03.250can lend themselves to different considerations.So, for example, in Charlotte,15800:12:03.850 --> 00:12:07.169and it's gotten a little better fromwhat I gather. Hadn't been there in15900:12:07.409 --> 00:12:11.049a couple of months, but itseems like even as right before I left,16000:12:11.049 --> 00:12:13.970it got a little better where thepro abortion opposition wasn't so so intense16100:12:15.450 --> 00:12:18.519I mean there was a time inwhich we were out there on a Monday,16200:12:18.679 --> 00:12:22.559Tuesday, during the week. Really, Saturdays are terrible, but during16300:12:22.600 --> 00:12:26.200the week it was getting where thesepro abortion people are following us around with16400:12:26.279 --> 00:12:28.360cow bells, ringing them in ourears as we're trying to call out to16500:12:28.480 --> 00:12:31.909the MOMS. They'd be yelling justobscenities and just terrible things. They were16600:12:31.990 --> 00:12:37.029top of us and you know.So that scenario, I would say if16700:12:37.029 --> 00:12:41.269you're a new believer, Nah,don't need to be out there unless year16800:12:41.830 --> 00:12:46.980really really you've got some leadership.Myself for you or one of our team16900:12:48.019 --> 00:12:52.460leads can really stay in really closeto you really to protect you from what17000:12:52.620 --> 00:12:54.500those pro abortion people want to do. is they want to they want to17100:12:54.539 --> 00:12:58.450get you in the flesh, theywant to get you kind of off the17200:12:58.529 --> 00:13:01.970rails right, and so just kindof going back to my original point with17300:13:03.090 --> 00:13:07.090this, for us as leaders we'vegot to consider of course we want to17400:13:07.129 --> 00:13:11.049glorify Jesus. That's the main consideration. We want to make sure that you17500:13:11.169 --> 00:13:16.480know we're not saying anything, orthe people that are under our umbrella are17600:13:16.480 --> 00:13:22.120not saying things that might be kindof latched on to by an abortion minded17700:13:22.240 --> 00:13:26.399mom as a justification for abortion right. And then, thirdly, we want17800:13:26.440 --> 00:13:28.870to make sure, for the sakeof this new believer that wants to serve,17900:13:30.549 --> 00:13:33.350that we're not putting them out assheep among wolves right, right now.18000:13:33.470 --> 00:13:35.909At the end of the day,we've got to trust the Lord and18100:13:37.070 --> 00:13:41.980we can never know everything perfectly andyou know, I'll just say one of18200:13:41.059 --> 00:13:45.740our experiences has been, and Ithink I've shared this on the podcast before,18300:13:46.299 --> 00:13:48.659that we had a counselor who cameout. This is the only time18400:13:48.740 --> 00:13:52.659that I know that this has happened, but it maybe it has. Has18500:13:52.740 --> 00:13:56.570Happened a couple of times. I'mnot sure, but accounsel that came out18600:13:56.769 --> 00:14:03.929with her sister initially, and shecame out almost in self righteousness. She18700:14:03.090 --> 00:14:07.409was raised in a in a cultpretty much, and came out with her18800:14:07.450 --> 00:14:11.879sister, who was a believer whogot converted, truly became a believer in18900:14:11.960 --> 00:14:16.279Jesus, just came out with her, but really out of self righteousness that19000:14:16.519 --> 00:14:20.440like I'm going to do something goodfor these babies or for these MOMS and19100:14:20.679 --> 00:14:22.600realize in the progression of things inwhich I didn't know. I mean,19200:14:22.679 --> 00:14:26.190she's she talked the talk and alot of ways right. She carried herself19300:14:26.350 --> 00:14:30.830well and, you know, didn'tcause a lot of problems, her any19400:14:30.870 --> 00:14:33.429problems. Really, she was realblessing. But as things progressed to three19500:14:33.509 --> 00:14:37.190months into serving out there on thesidewalk, she realized that she wasn't even19600:14:37.230 --> 00:14:41.779a Christian herself, that she neverreally came to a saving knowledge of Jesus.19700:14:43.460 --> 00:14:46.019And it's because of exposure to themen history on the sidewalk and the19800:14:46.100 --> 00:14:50.700Gospel, the True Gospel that shewas not raised under, and other people19900:14:50.940 --> 00:14:56.529discipling her. Ultimately she came tofaith in Jesus right, and so that's20000:14:56.570 --> 00:15:01.850kind of a weird scenario. Andshe didn't as soon as she realized she20100:15:01.929 --> 00:15:05.409wasn't a Christian and finally did reallycome to faith in Jesus, she didn't20200:15:05.409 --> 00:15:09.240stop coming out to the sidewalk becausein a lot of ways she was already20300:15:09.279 --> 00:15:13.919seasoned, even had not been converted, already seasoned in the ministry and and20400:15:15.639 --> 00:15:18.799really had, even though she wasraising a cult, I believe, a20500:15:18.840 --> 00:15:22.549lot of biblical truths and foundation sewninto her. She just was not a20600:15:22.950 --> 00:15:26.070believer in Jesus. Yeah, sothat's kind of a weird scenario. There's20700:15:26.070 --> 00:15:28.470going to be things like that.We have to leave allowance for God to20800:15:28.549 --> 00:15:31.029do whatever he wants to do.And and but as leaders, I'll go20900:15:31.110 --> 00:15:35.429back to this, we want tomake sure that we guard the integrity of21000:15:35.470 --> 00:15:39.299the ministry for the sake of thename of Jesus and that those who are21100:15:39.340 --> 00:15:43.259under us that we're doing right bythem and not putting them out as sheep21200:15:43.299 --> 00:15:46.659among wolves. Yeah, so that'sit. That's kind of a good background21300:15:46.700 --> 00:15:50.490on kind of the the positives andthe negatives. Clearly we don't want to21400:15:50.570 --> 00:15:54.210circumvent what God has planned, ashe did with that young counselor where he21500:15:54.330 --> 00:16:00.129ye, he really turned her lifeto him through sidewalk ministry. But let's21600:16:00.129 --> 00:16:04.080look at at some of the versesmaybe that that do guide us. And21700:16:04.279 --> 00:16:07.720there's a lot in Timothy, becauseTimothy was young, he was a new21800:16:07.840 --> 00:16:15.960believer. Yeah, and and thethe Bible guides us in the first verse21900:16:15.080 --> 00:16:19.990that I looked at was in FirstTimothy Twelve. So I'll read that one22000:16:21.110 --> 00:16:26.629to you that in general it's guiding. The Bible's guiding us that young new22100:16:26.710 --> 00:16:33.179believers should not be intimidated in ministryjust because they are young or you.22200:16:33.860 --> 00:16:37.379So it says, let no onelook down on your youthfulness. This is22300:16:37.740 --> 00:16:41.100Paul, I think, talking toTimothy, Yep, that no one look22400:16:41.179 --> 00:16:45.580down on your youthfulness, but rather, in speech, conduct, love,22500:16:47.059 --> 00:16:52.250faith and purity, show yourself anexample for those who believe. So I22600:16:52.289 --> 00:16:55.970think there's kind of a couple ofthings going on in that verse. In22700:16:56.129 --> 00:17:00.769one Paul is encouraging Timothy. Hey, don't let someone look down on you,22800:17:00.809 --> 00:17:04.799don't be intimidated. But then he'salso giving this list, not and22900:17:04.839 --> 00:17:11.559I'm sure not by accident, thatthere are things that can kind of guide23000:17:11.599 --> 00:17:18.710us in whether a new believer isfar enough maybe in the faith, that23100:17:18.910 --> 00:17:25.670their conduct would indicate maybe they areready for some sort of ministry, and23200:17:25.789 --> 00:17:30.900that that list again their speech,their conduct, their love, their faith23300:17:32.299 --> 00:17:38.619and their purity. So my take, calm, maybe you have a different23400:17:38.740 --> 00:17:45.490thought, Daniel, was that weshould not automatically disqualify someone based on their23500:17:45.609 --> 00:17:55.329youth or their newness in in thetheir walk with the Lord, but that23600:17:56.930 --> 00:18:00.160they can actually even be a god, the example to others. But know23700:18:00.480 --> 00:18:07.440that list and as you're kind ofvetting those, those young believers or these23800:18:07.559 --> 00:18:14.150new believers see how they stack upas best as you can. Yeah,23900:18:14.549 --> 00:18:18.029yeah, and again we've got totrust the Lord and we can't know everything24000:18:18.069 --> 00:18:22.750perfectly in our discernment is not perfect, right, but if you, if24100:18:22.750 --> 00:18:25.950you've been walking with the Lord forlong enough, you can kind of discern24200:18:26.069 --> 00:18:30.579pretty quickly as you've been around someone, what their demeanor is through their speech24300:18:30.619 --> 00:18:34.859and their conduct or right, andthis is one of the reasons, not24400:18:36.059 --> 00:18:38.660just for new believers but for justpeople interested in the ministry in general,24500:18:40.259 --> 00:18:44.410that we do what we call shadowing. So someone wants to volunteer with us,24600:18:44.569 --> 00:18:48.529we don't just train them and saycome out right, but we actually24700:18:48.529 --> 00:18:52.769have them shadow a team, aseasoned team that's been out there or seasoned24800:18:52.849 --> 00:18:56.960counselors that have been out there andreally that first time they come out in24900:18:56.079 --> 00:19:00.160shadow it's just to prey and observe. We won't them to really to see25000:19:00.920 --> 00:19:04.880the scenario, to see the ministry, to ask questions, and you can25100:19:06.000 --> 00:19:08.480tell pretty quickly as you're talking tosomeone. So normally how it works is,25200:19:10.230 --> 00:19:12.710at least in Charlotte, will havea team that's functioning, US say25300:19:12.710 --> 00:19:17.549our Monday team. Somebody wants toshadow, so Vicky will kind of take25400:19:17.630 --> 00:19:22.390that person that shadowing and be rightbeside them basically the whole time, the25500:19:22.470 --> 00:19:26.500whole two three hours they're out there, and be training them or just kind25600:19:26.539 --> 00:19:30.700of giving them some general guidelines.Here's where you can stand, here's where25700:19:30.740 --> 00:19:33.660you can't go. You can't walkacross over there. That's the clinic property.25800:19:34.220 --> 00:19:37.339Here's why that person is saying this, here's why that person is there25900:19:37.420 --> 00:19:41.650handing out literature to just kind ofexplaining the lay of the land and then26000:19:42.650 --> 00:19:48.289answering questions. So the question willbe, do you have any questions,26100:19:48.329 --> 00:19:51.410any concerns, anything that you seeout here that you don't quite understand?26200:19:51.450 --> 00:19:56.599And you can tell pretty quickly bythe questions that people ask where they're at26300:19:56.839 --> 00:20:00.720in some things right, if they'remature enough in their thinking and in their26400:20:00.759 --> 00:20:04.880walk with the Lord to really handlethe ministry and to be, you know,26500:20:06.519 --> 00:20:11.029helpful to the team that's out there. Yeah, and so based on26600:20:11.430 --> 00:20:18.309that interaction and shadowing, and sowe typically have them shadow two three times26700:20:18.349 --> 00:20:21.500actually, just to kind of seewhere they're at, to get a feel26800:20:21.700 --> 00:20:25.660for, you know, are theyare they really somebody? That would be26900:20:25.700 --> 00:20:29.700a blessing through the team out herealso to give them an opportunity to see,27000:20:29.700 --> 00:20:32.460hey, is this for me ormaybe I'm not ready for this.27100:20:33.420 --> 00:20:37.529And we've had people that have shadowedthat have circled back around and said,27200:20:37.529 --> 00:20:40.529I thought this was for me,but I don't think I'm ready for this.27300:20:40.609 --> 00:20:44.609Yeah, and, and you knowthat's why we shadows. So that's27400:20:44.650 --> 00:20:49.920good. We don't want to makethe mistake of disqualifying someone that maybe really27500:20:51.119 --> 00:20:55.960is ready. They're not as readyas they will always be. Who of27600:20:56.039 --> 00:20:59.839us are. But but you know, a great example is we use this27700:21:00.079 --> 00:21:10.390so much David and as he's facingGoliath's taunts. Yeah, and and even27800:21:11.349 --> 00:21:15.990the the army is saying, waita minute, we're not sure if David27900:21:17.150 --> 00:21:23.579is ready. And but the Philistineslook that that verse and for Samuel Seventeen28000:21:23.819 --> 00:21:27.059Forty, forty two is where itstarts, and there's several, several verses.28100:21:27.099 --> 00:21:33.650But when the Philistines looked and sawDavid, he disdained him. Okay,28200:21:33.650 --> 00:21:37.089so they're talking about the Philistine Goliath. He disdained him for he was28300:21:37.289 --> 00:21:42.609but a youth. And all ofus can have that danger of just disqualifying28400:21:42.730 --> 00:21:47.359someone just because they're young or becausethey're a new believer when indeed they are28500:21:47.480 --> 00:21:52.359exactly who God has chosen to fightwhatever that enemy or that battle, that28600:21:52.559 --> 00:21:57.920battle is. Yeah, so,so anyway. So that's just a caution28700:21:59.200 --> 00:22:04.309that youth can be definitely called byGod. New Believers can be indeed called28800:22:04.390 --> 00:22:10.269by God, and we want tobe open to that possibility. Body sometimes28900:22:10.630 --> 00:22:14.710they themselves don't recognize it. Ididn't. No, I wasn't a new29000:22:14.990 --> 00:22:19.660believer, but I definitely did notfeel I was up to what the people29100:22:19.660 --> 00:22:23.460on the sidewalk we're telling me Ishould be doing. When I was brand29200:22:23.539 --> 00:22:26.900new, they appointed me a teamlead and I said, wait a minute,29300:22:26.900 --> 00:22:30.089I have no idea what I'm doingout here. Whether that was good29400:22:30.089 --> 00:22:33.450or bad, I don't know,but I kind of disqualified myself, even29500:22:33.490 --> 00:22:38.650though others who knew what it takesto be a sidewalk counselor we're saying no,29600:22:38.769 --> 00:22:44.640you can do this. And Ithink a verse that talks about that29700:22:44.680 --> 00:22:51.960a little bit is in Jeremiah,the book of Jeremiah, when he challenges29800:22:52.200 --> 00:22:57.990God, presumably when because he's youngand God is appointing him to go and29900:22:59.589 --> 00:23:06.910speak to to turn a very disobedient, wicked nation back back to God,30000:23:07.390 --> 00:23:11.630and as God is speaking to Jeremiah, the Lord said to me, do30100:23:11.869 --> 00:23:17.019not say I am only a youth, for to all to whom I send30200:23:17.059 --> 00:23:22.579you, you shall go, andwhatever I command you you shall speak.30300:23:22.299 --> 00:23:26.890So again here is Jeremiah saying,but wait, I'm too young, and30400:23:27.250 --> 00:23:32.170God is saying, no, you'renot. If I'm commanding you, if30500:23:32.210 --> 00:23:37.250I'm sending you, then you go. Yep. So that's a guide for30600:23:38.170 --> 00:23:44.799how now can maybe you've experience thiswhere again, in all the zealous excitement30700:23:44.839 --> 00:23:48.920of a new believer, they'll sayI know God has sent me here to30800:23:48.960 --> 00:23:52.799do this, when indeed sometimes Iwill think I'm not. I'm not sure30900:23:52.839 --> 00:23:57.990if that's really what God has indeedsent you to do. Yeah, yeah,31000:23:57.990 --> 00:24:03.990I mean I think there's some waysfor us as leaders to help discern31100:24:03.190 --> 00:24:07.309that, and I think shadowing isone of those ways, getting someone who31200:24:07.309 --> 00:24:11.220feels excited about getting involved or whateverto come out and shadow, to see31300:24:11.220 --> 00:24:18.099what this thing is all about,and then being intentional on our part to31400:24:18.299 --> 00:24:21.180guide them through and to help themto see. ME, one of the31500:24:21.539 --> 00:24:25.849strong warnings that we give to anybodyis that this is intense spiritual warfare.31600:24:26.009 --> 00:24:29.130Be Ready. For it we go. We don't want to scare people off31700:24:29.289 --> 00:24:33.089with that, but we certainly dowant people to understand the totality what they're31800:24:33.089 --> 00:24:37.009getting involved in, that being outon the sidewalk is not just being out31900:24:37.089 --> 00:24:41.960on the sidewalk right. You're goingto carry the spiritual warfare in the battle32000:24:42.160 --> 00:24:45.880back into your home, back intoyour family because, like we've said,32100:24:45.960 --> 00:24:49.400this is the devil's pride and joy. You're coming directly in opposition to the32200:24:49.480 --> 00:24:53.349Kingdom of darkness and you need tobe ready for that now. I think32300:24:53.349 --> 00:24:57.630we do say that in stress thatagain, not with the purpose of scaring32400:24:57.670 --> 00:25:02.670people off, but hoping that peoplewill take that at consideration and if they're32500:25:02.670 --> 00:25:07.779not spiritually prepared that they'll get scaredall in, at least seek the Lord32600:25:07.779 --> 00:25:11.059a little more and come back around. I mean, we've had people who've32700:25:11.099 --> 00:25:12.740wanted to volunteer. They came out, they understood, okay, this is32800:25:12.940 --> 00:25:17.380too intense for me, they backedaway for a while and then they came32900:25:17.420 --> 00:25:19.660back around and said, I thinkI'm ready for this as they got into33000:25:19.700 --> 00:25:25.369the word more, got more ofthe word into them and they were spiritually33100:25:25.490 --> 00:25:29.250prepared for it. So I thinkit's more than anything about spiritual preparation and33200:25:29.970 --> 00:25:33.930about applying wisdom to the situation,for the person who's going to be involved,33300:25:34.170 --> 00:25:38.359the new believer or, you know, not seasoned believer, and for33400:25:38.400 --> 00:25:44.759the leaders too. So we haveto be intentional about as people are coming33500:25:45.000 --> 00:25:48.119to us saying hey, I wantto be trained, I want to be33600:25:48.200 --> 00:25:51.549out here, to really see ifthose folks are people that are going to33700:25:51.589 --> 00:25:53.029be a blessing to the ministry andthat the ministry is going to be a33800:25:53.069 --> 00:25:56.630blessing to them, in light ofhow intense it is. Yeah, and33900:25:56.710 --> 00:26:00.349I think so. I think kindof to summarize what you're saying is we34000:26:02.069 --> 00:26:06.380should be cautious, very cautious withwith new believers, because we understand the34100:26:06.460 --> 00:26:11.259enemy, having been out there ina fierce battle ourselves for so many years.34200:26:11.420 --> 00:26:15.740We Tru we know the the powerof the enemy. There's a perfect34300:26:15.819 --> 00:26:22.849verse that that discusses that again inFirst Peter, and that's first Peter Five,34400:26:22.210 --> 00:26:26.329five to nine. So it's afew verses but really talks, I34500:26:26.410 --> 00:26:32.329think, very directly to what youhave just said. So well, likewise,34600:26:32.410 --> 00:26:37.839you who are younger, be subjectto the elders clothe yourselves all of34700:26:37.960 --> 00:26:41.559you with humility toward one another,for God to poses the proud and gives34800:26:41.599 --> 00:26:45.960rot grace to the humble. Humbleyourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of34900:26:45.039 --> 00:26:48.789God, so that that at theproper time, he makes aught you,35000:26:48.950 --> 00:26:52.150casting all your anxieties on him,because he cares for you. Be Sober35100:26:52.230 --> 00:26:57.710minded, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a35200:26:57.869 --> 00:27:03.019roaring lion seeking someone to devour.Resist him, firm in your faith,35300:27:03.140 --> 00:27:08.019knowing that the same kinds of sufferingyour experience by Your Brotherhood throughout the world,35400:27:08.819 --> 00:27:17.130so that that versus is warning these, these young believers, you need35500:27:17.250 --> 00:27:22.410to be under the counsel of elders, of those who are firm and steadfast35600:27:22.490 --> 00:27:26.849in the faith. And then goeson to explain why, exactly what you35700:27:26.970 --> 00:27:32.119said. Your enemy is powerful.Yeah, and and you need to know35800:27:32.599 --> 00:27:37.119how to fight him. Yeah,and I'll say the point here's probably one35900:27:37.160 --> 00:27:41.279of the most important points, asyou're discerning. Let's say you've got a36000:27:41.759 --> 00:27:45.869person who is a new believer andthey're outshadowing you. Yeah, if you36100:27:45.990 --> 00:27:52.309can discern that person's level of humilityand submission to leadership, those two things36200:27:52.349 --> 00:27:56.869are the most important. I wouldsay, yeah, of what, whether36300:27:56.869 --> 00:28:00.619or not that person is going tobe a blessing or hindrance to the ministry.36400:28:00.660 --> 00:28:03.220Yeah, that's one of the thingsthat the Lord when you become a36500:28:03.339 --> 00:28:07.220believer in Jesus, that's one ofthe things the Lord works on right away,36600:28:07.700 --> 00:28:12.890is your pride. Pride is thedownfall of so many right and pride36700:28:14.410 --> 00:28:17.930for even new believers, and letwill tell you, new believers, I36800:28:18.049 --> 00:28:22.130know myself as a new believer whenI came to faith in Jesus. I'm36900:28:22.210 --> 00:28:25.690on fire, right, I wanteverybody to know about Jesus. Yeah,37000:28:26.730 --> 00:28:30.359my pride often times, though,was a barrier for people knowing Jesus because37100:28:30.359 --> 00:28:33.799I thought like, in one sense, like I'm the only person in the37200:28:33.839 --> 00:28:38.839world that really knows Jesus because hesaved me and he's doing that really that37300:28:40.000 --> 00:28:41.829warning, and I talked to youabout this before we started the podcast,37400:28:42.509 --> 00:28:48.230that Timothy, that that Paul givesthe Timothy and First Timothy, chapter three.37500:28:48.869 --> 00:28:51.750This is right before. That's thatscripture that you're at before in verse37600:28:51.829 --> 00:28:56.859six. The application is not adirect application. Paul's talking about overseers or37700:28:57.500 --> 00:29:02.539elders in the church, but Ithink the principle is the same here,37800:29:03.019 --> 00:29:07.019or at least is applicable, andit's talking about overseer. Must Manages on37900:29:07.099 --> 00:29:14.490household well, keep his children undercontrol with complete dignity. For someone who38000:29:14.529 --> 00:29:17.289does not hold know how to managehis household, how can he care for38100:29:17.369 --> 00:29:21.369the Church of God? So init's kin that's talking about elders in the38200:29:21.450 --> 00:29:25.599church. But I think this pointin verse six is actually an important point.38300:29:26.400 --> 00:29:30.119It says he must not be.This is the person who's being considered38400:29:30.160 --> 00:29:33.960as an elder or considered for thatposition, must not be a recent convert.38500:29:34.240 --> 00:29:37.950Some versions say must not be aNovast, but must not be a38600:29:37.990 --> 00:29:42.869recent convert, or he may becomesconceited and fall under the same condemnation as38700:29:44.069 --> 00:29:48.869the devil. And so this warningis about putting people in leadership. And38800:29:48.950 --> 00:29:52.099so I'll say in particular, guys, as you're leading in your city or38900:29:52.140 --> 00:29:57.019leading a sidewalk ministry people that youwe always encourage our teams to put someone39000:29:57.099 --> 00:30:00.700in charge as a team lead,and so we have a team lead for39100:30:00.779 --> 00:30:03.099a Monday team. We've kind ofwent through that with you guys. You39200:30:03.180 --> 00:30:08.450guys know someone that leads that particularteam for that particular time block, and39300:30:10.130 --> 00:30:14.089I think this principle is very importantthere that when we put someone as a39400:30:14.210 --> 00:30:17.529team lead, we need to makesure that person is not a recent convert.39500:30:17.569 --> 00:30:19.250I would not put a recent convert, somebody's brand new to the faith,39600:30:19.289 --> 00:30:23.640as a team lead. I wouldcertainly consider having them on the sidewalk,39700:30:23.680 --> 00:30:29.000as long as they're humble and theylisten and there they follow directions well,39800:30:29.200 --> 00:30:32.400they can be developed and they cancrew really, really quickly and really39900:30:32.519 --> 00:30:37.910helpfully out there. But as faras putting them in a position of leadership,40000:30:37.349 --> 00:30:41.069I want to make sure that youknow they're not a recent convert.40100:30:41.069 --> 00:30:45.470I want to make sure that theyhave let the Lord deal with their pride,40200:30:45.630 --> 00:30:51.380they're humble and that you know,listen. The best leaders are people40300:30:51.460 --> 00:30:53.380that know how to be led.Right, yes, a matter of fact,40400:30:53.420 --> 00:30:57.539you can't be a leader unless youknow how to be led. Yeah,40500:30:57.740 --> 00:31:02.140and so your ability to listen toothers and to be led by others40600:31:02.339 --> 00:31:04.009really con dictate whether or not youryou yourself, will be a leader.40700:31:06.490 --> 00:31:08.930But it says here if they're anew believer, they might be become conceited40800:31:10.009 --> 00:31:12.529and fall into the same condemnation ofas the devil. What's The concern here?40900:31:12.930 --> 00:31:17.890Well, if you put someone incharge who's a new believer, they're41000:31:17.930 --> 00:31:21.920going to start thinking it's because there'ssomething special about them. Oh, there41100:31:21.960 --> 00:31:25.799must be something special about me thatputs me above and beyond anyone else because41200:31:25.799 --> 00:31:29.279I just came to faith in Jesusand yet here I am in a leadership41300:31:29.279 --> 00:31:32.910position. And so they start tothink, like the devil, that they41400:31:33.109 --> 00:31:37.309deserve to be exalted above others.Right, and it's not because of the41500:31:37.390 --> 00:31:40.710grace of God, it's not becauseof the mercy of God, it's because41600:31:40.750 --> 00:31:44.750of them. And that is thetrap and that is how they become conceited41700:31:44.789 --> 00:31:51.940in their head swells and and andthey will not be good leaders. It'll41800:31:51.940 --> 00:31:55.619be destructive for them and for thepeople that they're supposedly leading. Yeah,41900:31:55.700 --> 00:31:57.900so that's a big caution for us. And and as you were talking,42000:31:59.019 --> 00:32:02.250I was thinking about we have teamleads, but there are other positions of42100:32:02.369 --> 00:32:08.289responsibility that are not necessarily a leaderbut are very helpful for the team.42200:32:08.529 --> 00:32:12.450Someone who maybe is going to setup for us, set up the sound42300:32:12.490 --> 00:32:16.759system, things like that, andthat that might be positions that a new42400:32:17.240 --> 00:32:22.680person, a new believer, couldcould take, because the advantage of being42500:32:23.400 --> 00:32:29.519given responsibility as it tends to increaseyour commitment out there are so it can42600:32:29.559 --> 00:32:35.910damage you if you become prideful,but it can also help you in that42700:32:36.190 --> 00:32:40.349you've become you have become a reallyimportant part of the team. All of42800:32:40.470 --> 00:32:45.460the team members are important, butif you're doing a really necessary job that,42900:32:45.700 --> 00:32:47.779frankly, most people don't love todo, it makes you, you43000:32:47.900 --> 00:32:53.259know, really valuable. Yeah,and it's also a way to test someone's43100:32:54.019 --> 00:32:58.339someone's ability to lead. Listen again, if you can't be led, then43200:32:58.380 --> 00:33:02.130you can't lead. Yeah, andleaders are called to be servants anyway.43300:33:02.450 --> 00:33:06.410And so if you can't serve insome of these basic ways, and you43400:33:06.529 --> 00:33:09.369guys can get creative as you're buildingteams and as you're having people out there,43500:33:09.410 --> 00:33:13.920there's things. I mean you canhave someone we put stickers on the43600:33:13.960 --> 00:33:16.480back of our literature. We havea sticker that has all of the different43700:33:17.119 --> 00:33:22.680pregnancy centers in the area on thatsticker, and a way that someone new43800:33:22.880 --> 00:33:28.069can serve as slap stickers on theback of pamphlets. Right, set up43900:33:28.190 --> 00:33:30.589signage, set up the sound system. Like you said, you can get44000:33:30.589 --> 00:33:36.549creative and give them some responsibility andsee how they respond to that responsibility and44100:33:36.670 --> 00:33:40.700then maybe they will be ready forsome kind of leadership position or to be44200:33:40.779 --> 00:33:45.619kind of put on a team,maybe not leading, but at least put44300:33:45.700 --> 00:33:50.500on the team to co lead withsomeone. We've done that before as well.44400:33:50.980 --> 00:33:54.930Yeah, there's no within this particularscripture. Again, I don't believe44500:33:54.930 --> 00:33:59.970there's direct application to this, becausewhat Timothy are what Paul is talking to44600:34:00.009 --> 00:34:04.009Timothy about, is establishing leaders withinthe church. So there's a lot of44700:34:04.170 --> 00:34:07.409differences as far as leaders in thechurch, then there would be as far44800:34:07.449 --> 00:34:10.599as leaders on the sidewalk, right. Yeah, but there's some similarities as44900:34:10.639 --> 00:34:15.800well. And it doesn't give usa time restraint. It doesn't say they45000:34:15.800 --> 00:34:20.239shouldn't be a new convert, theyhave to be saved more than six months45100:34:20.400 --> 00:34:23.039or six years or, you know, a decade. It doesn't say that.45200:34:23.159 --> 00:34:27.909It doesn't give us a time restraint. It doesn't give us a this45300:34:28.110 --> 00:34:32.309person is ready after so many monthsor whatever. And to really I think45400:34:34.070 --> 00:34:39.500it's really on us as leaders toseek the Lord, to apply Biblical wisdom45500:34:39.659 --> 00:34:44.739in the Biblical criterias here and reallyI think again those two things are very45600:34:44.780 --> 00:34:50.260important. The person's humility, willingnessto receive correction and things like that and45700:34:50.420 --> 00:34:53.250their ability to be led. Oneof the ways you can help discern that45800:34:53.289 --> 00:34:59.010as well is if they're part ofa local church. And listen, we45900:34:59.090 --> 00:35:01.130don't let people volunteer under love lifethat that are not a part of a46000:35:01.210 --> 00:35:07.280local church. So that's that's onehelpful thing there. But being part of46100:35:07.320 --> 00:35:10.960a local church, you could actuallyreach out to their church, reach out46200:35:12.000 --> 00:35:16.800to their pastor ministry leader. Maybethere Sunday school teacher, whatever, whatever46300:35:16.840 --> 00:35:21.829leadership. You can get ahold oftheir people that know them in that congregation46400:35:22.269 --> 00:35:24.989and just ask Hey, is thisperson been faithful? Have they been of46500:35:25.070 --> 00:35:29.750blessing your congregation? Can you tellme a little bit about them? And46600:35:29.909 --> 00:35:34.429so you know, that's helpful aswell. Yeah, in another verse,46700:35:34.550 --> 00:35:38.139in in Second Timothy, or threeverses, and second Timothy I think gives46800:35:38.179 --> 00:35:44.980us some guidance about what to lookfor on the negative side of like you've46900:35:44.980 --> 00:35:47.860been talking about. What are somethings that that really would help you to47000:35:49.019 --> 00:35:54.929know that they're really ready for atleast some roll out on the sidewalk.47100:35:55.010 --> 00:36:00.889But so second Timothy, Chapter Two, versus twenty two to twenty five and47200:36:00.929 --> 00:36:04.960I think that gives us some warningsome of the things of youth that are47300:36:05.000 --> 00:36:10.119very common aspects of youth, ofand by youth I mean children, but47400:36:10.159 --> 00:36:15.639also I'm thinking of believers as youth. They're young and in the faith,47500:36:15.119 --> 00:36:22.750so so that those verses say soflee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith,47600:36:22.869 --> 00:36:25.909love and peace, along with thosewho call on the Lord from a47700:36:27.030 --> 00:36:32.820pure heart. have nothing to dowith foolish, ignorant controversies. You know47800:36:34.019 --> 00:36:37.940that they breed quarrels, and theLord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind47900:36:38.019 --> 00:36:44.219to everyone, able to teach patiently, enduring evil, correcting his opponents with48000:36:44.380 --> 00:36:47.769gentleness. God May hurt, perhapsgrant them repentance leading to a knowledge of48100:36:47.769 --> 00:36:52.929the truth. So youthful passions,you know, youth are known for being48200:36:52.929 --> 00:36:57.449very passion at very emotional, whichis great. We love it, we48300:36:57.650 --> 00:37:01.800love that zeal and excitement, butit can be dangerous, those youthful passions,48400:37:01.920 --> 00:37:08.679because and then they go on tosay foolish, ignorant controversies and that48500:37:08.880 --> 00:37:14.719breach corals. So that's the flipside, bad side of of that passionate48600:37:14.880 --> 00:37:21.630nature is it can quickly flip intobeing quarrelsome or fighting for what you believe48700:37:21.710 --> 00:37:25.389in in a way that is notwhensome and is actually damna chain, as48800:37:25.469 --> 00:37:30.500she as she kind of stated earlyon when we started, when we started48900:37:30.619 --> 00:37:32.940this. Yeah, I mean,simply put, it can manifest itself and49000:37:34.099 --> 00:37:37.820just being out on the sidewalk andarguing with a pro board or arguing with49100:37:37.940 --> 00:37:42.900the dad that's going into the abortioncenter. And you know, that shows49200:37:43.380 --> 00:37:45.809some real immaturity if we will goback and forth like that. Yeah,49300:37:45.849 --> 00:37:49.489and it list that it can happento anyone. Again, anyone can get49400:37:49.530 --> 00:37:53.369in the flesh. It's really howsomeone reacts when they're because we're going to49500:37:53.489 --> 00:37:57.289address that right. If that happens, if we see someone, it's a49600:37:57.369 --> 00:38:00.360new person or a seasoned person,going back and forth and yelling back and49700:38:00.400 --> 00:38:05.199forth with a pro bord or with, you know, someone at the abortion49800:38:05.280 --> 00:38:07.599center, we're going to address itright. We're going to walk up to49900:38:07.639 --> 00:38:10.199them and say, hey, how'snot good, you might need to step,50000:38:10.480 --> 00:38:13.869you know, across the street alittle bit and pray or something like50100:38:13.949 --> 00:38:17.030that. How they receive that reallydetermines whether or not this person can,50200:38:17.349 --> 00:38:20.869you know, are they going tobe able to move forward, or they50300:38:20.989 --> 00:38:23.829just really out here or because whatit balls down to you, or they50400:38:23.869 --> 00:38:30.139out here for selfish means right,they out here with impure motives, or50500:38:30.139 --> 00:38:32.300they out here just for themselves andmake themselves feel good, or whatever it50600:38:32.380 --> 00:38:36.099might be. And one of thethings that I see right away if I50700:38:36.139 --> 00:38:39.460go to correct someone, I dotry to do it privately and I'm as50800:38:39.539 --> 00:38:44.969gently and kindly as I possibly can. If I see a lot of self50900:38:45.050 --> 00:38:50.090defense, if I see a lotof justifying, rationalizing or just trying to51000:38:50.809 --> 00:38:55.760just selfdefense, a defensive posture,that worries me because again, that's not51100:38:55.880 --> 00:39:00.960a humble accepting that they're truly couldbe an issue that they that they need51200:39:01.119 --> 00:39:07.079to address. So so we've talkedabout a few verses we mentioned, as51300:39:07.159 --> 00:39:08.519we often have. So we don't, I don't think, need to go51400:39:08.880 --> 00:39:14.590further into the David and Goliath thing. But but in especially in that passage51500:39:14.630 --> 00:39:19.269and in these other passages, wecame up with some things that we think51600:39:19.630 --> 00:39:24.659are dangers to be aware of inMinistry with new believers and some qualities to51700:39:24.739 --> 00:39:28.900look for a new believers. Wehave this on the article that we're going51800:39:28.900 --> 00:39:34.420to put out and I bullet pointedthem. We and I think we may51900:39:34.420 --> 00:39:37.300have mentioned all of them to somedegree or another, but maybe I'll just52000:39:37.460 --> 00:39:44.170summarize what what those are, startingwith what the dangers are if you're if52100:39:44.250 --> 00:39:47.170you're in a ministry as a newbeliever. These are the dangers that you52200:39:47.289 --> 00:39:52.559need to watch out for. Theycan be easily influenced if not well grounded52300:39:52.639 --> 00:39:57.719in the faith. And and whatI mean by that is the pro apoorts52400:39:57.760 --> 00:40:01.039can be very convincing. Yeah,and for someone who's not well grounded,52500:40:02.360 --> 00:40:07.750they could sway someone from a newfaith to thinking maybe I'm wrong, that52600:40:07.949 --> 00:40:14.750it can actually harm that new believersfaith. Yeah, they can become prideful.52700:40:14.789 --> 00:40:19.670We talked about that. They canunder estimate the lure of evil.52800:40:20.269 --> 00:40:27.019I think that is a common dangerof youth. Youth feel invincible, right,52900:40:27.059 --> 00:40:29.820I know you probably did. Iknow I did. Oh, I53000:40:29.980 --> 00:40:32.019can drive anyway I want. I'mnot going to do all the stupid things53100:40:32.059 --> 00:40:39.130everyone else on earth does in acar. So the the enemy is very53200:40:39.250 --> 00:40:45.010powerful and if you're a new believer, you you can under mess underestimate his53300:40:45.170 --> 00:40:51.760power and therefore put yourself in danger. Yeah, improper understanding of the handling53400:40:51.840 --> 00:40:54.960of the word of God, thatGod tells us that we are to be53500:40:55.159 --> 00:41:00.480careful right in handling the word ofGod. And if you don't, you've53600:41:00.519 --> 00:41:02.840never done it, you haven't doneit much. You can do it improperly53700:41:02.920 --> 00:41:08.230and actually damage Yep, the testimony. Twisting scripture, yeah, is a53800:41:08.309 --> 00:41:14.949way. Just not being well groundedin the scriptures could twist some scriptures in53900:41:15.030 --> 00:41:17.550certain ways that are not helpful toyou or the people that you're trying to54000:41:17.579 --> 00:41:22.820minister to. Right. Yeah,emotions again, we've touched on that many54100:41:22.860 --> 00:41:29.260times. The emotions of youth areare often not really quite under full control54200:41:30.139 --> 00:41:34.289and that can be dangerous out there. You can get yourself hurt and and54300:41:34.489 --> 00:41:42.809your team members hurt if you antagonizethe the and already really volatile situation and54400:41:43.369 --> 00:41:49.400zeal that's not tempered with wisdom isis another hallmark of youth. Not through54500:41:49.440 --> 00:41:53.119their fault. Wisdom really truly doesusually come through age. You're at least54600:41:53.239 --> 00:41:57.719walking the you know, the fearof the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,54700:41:58.199 --> 00:42:00.670but that's only the beginning of wisdom. I think walking with the Lord54800:42:00.909 --> 00:42:07.429is how wisdom is is developed,and they just haven't had that experience yet.54900:42:07.469 --> 00:42:10.510Yeah, is there anything else youcan add in terms of dangers?55000:42:12.269 --> 00:42:14.949No, I think those are allgreat. I think those are all biblical55100:42:15.309 --> 00:42:19.699and considerations that we need to haveas leaders. Okay, people that would55200:42:19.739 --> 00:42:22.340be new believers coming along. Yeah, so some of the key qualities to55300:42:22.460 --> 00:42:24.900look for. Again, we've touchedon many of these. Involved in a55400:42:24.980 --> 00:42:28.300local church. You mentioned that,Daniel. We have found that to be55500:42:28.380 --> 00:42:32.170so incredibly important. Regular Study ofthe Bible. If you meet someone who55600:42:32.170 --> 00:42:37.250doesn't new believer, who is notenthralled with the Bible, there's probably something55700:42:37.289 --> 00:42:43.170wrong, because I know I vouredthe Bible more than even now when I55800:42:43.289 --> 00:42:45.599was a brand new believer. Icould not get enough of it. Yeah,55900:42:46.519 --> 00:42:52.199submissive to parent are rents. Ithink that is an important thing that56000:42:52.320 --> 00:42:58.039we didn't really outright discuss, butbut I do think that submissive quality not56100:42:58.079 --> 00:43:00.590only to the church, you mentionedthat, and to the people who are56200:43:00.630 --> 00:43:06.389in charge, but to your ownparents. If you've got a youth who56300:43:06.550 --> 00:43:10.829is coralsome and fighting his parents andrebelling against his parents and then claiming that56400:43:12.070 --> 00:43:15.539he loves the Lord and is youknow, he knows clearly that God is56500:43:15.579 --> 00:43:21.219directing him to do this, Iwould question. I would honestly have to56600:43:21.260 --> 00:43:24.460conist. Absolutely. Yeah, yeah, after all, if you can't honor56700:43:24.619 --> 00:43:28.130your parents, who you can see, how can you honor God a you56800:43:28.210 --> 00:43:30.369can't see? Yeah, that's kindof the principle in the fifth command on56900:43:30.610 --> 00:43:35.530your father and your mother. Nowthere are situations. This is just kind57000:43:35.570 --> 00:43:38.969of covey out here. There aresituations that I've seen with new believers whose57100:43:39.010 --> 00:43:44.480parents are not believers and there's obviouslysome contention there. But how they handle57200:43:44.559 --> 00:43:47.719that contention? Do they do theyhandle that in a respectful way, or57300:43:47.840 --> 00:43:54.989they just like almost spiritually rebellious,right? And are they handling the contention57400:43:55.030 --> 00:43:58.869they have with their parents who arenot believers in a way that honors the57500:43:58.989 --> 00:44:01.789Lord? is their desire just towrite their parents off or actually to bring57600:44:01.829 --> 00:44:07.710them to the knowledge of the Lordthrough humility and Godly submission to their parents?57700:44:07.750 --> 00:44:10.739Yeah, yeah, so humble andteachable. We mentioned that a few57800:44:10.780 --> 00:44:17.099times. Responding to correction eagerly,without defensiveness. Eager is to explore the57900:44:17.340 --> 00:44:22.739the Bible, a reliance and understandingof the work of the Holy Spirit,58000:44:22.860 --> 00:44:28.969and I think that that does comemore with experience, as you as you58100:44:29.090 --> 00:44:34.250walk with God. Yeah, butif you think you're out there doing this58200:44:34.289 --> 00:44:38.039all on your own power and notrelying on on the Holy Spirit to guide58300:44:38.079 --> 00:44:43.880you, then again that you won'tlast very long and that can be really58400:44:43.880 --> 00:44:49.480dangerous. So the the last kindof major thing to talk about that is58500:44:49.559 --> 00:44:54.909what's our responsibility as leaders when wehave youth out there, young believers out58600:44:54.909 --> 00:45:00.309there or literally young people? Yeah, yeah, I mean I think we58700:45:00.829 --> 00:45:06.590throughout this whole podcasts of kind ofconflated youth as far as like natural youth,58800:45:06.670 --> 00:45:10.900young people with Youth in the Lord, and obviously those two things can58900:45:10.980 --> 00:45:16.179go hand in hand. But youcan have new believers who were fifty years59000:45:16.179 --> 00:45:19.940old, somebody just came to faithin the Lord, thirty years old,59100:45:20.139 --> 00:45:23.409sixty years here's old. But again, the principles, I think, are59200:45:23.449 --> 00:45:27.449still the same, right, they'restill now you're going to have with a59300:45:27.489 --> 00:45:30.809sixty year old person that's come tothe Lord. Likely they're going to have59400:45:30.929 --> 00:45:35.960some life experiences and things that helpwisdom to be applied very quickly, biblical59500:45:36.039 --> 00:45:40.000wisdom they can kind of like applyalmost in a retro sense, right,59600:45:40.039 --> 00:45:45.519and they understand some things that peoplewho are young don't understand just about life59700:45:45.519 --> 00:45:50.510and general but again, the principlestill can apply that if someone's brand new59800:45:50.550 --> 00:45:52.949to the Lord and they're in aposition of leadership, they can get puffed59900:45:52.949 --> 00:45:54.989up and then fall into the trapof the devil. Like it says,60000:45:55.030 --> 00:46:01.349they're first Timothy Three. But asfar as we're concerned, those who are60100:46:01.510 --> 00:46:05.579looking at these new believers, peoplethat want to volunteer, people that are60200:46:05.619 --> 00:46:08.739coming out on the sidewalk, thatwant to get plugged into the ministry and60300:46:08.900 --> 00:46:14.900some capacity. May I think,more than anything, we've got US seek60400:46:15.019 --> 00:46:17.099the Lord, we've got to doour due diligence and when we see these60500:46:17.300 --> 00:46:22.050things, the these key qualities thatyou talked about, and they're not going60600:46:22.090 --> 00:46:24.489to be perfect, right, noone's perfect. We're not perfect, even60700:46:24.489 --> 00:46:27.889as we've grown in the Lord andbeen walking with the Lord for, you60800:46:27.969 --> 00:46:31.880know, twenty years or whatever.But yeah, you can see the beginning60900:46:31.920 --> 00:46:36.519stage of these things. Humility,teachability, all these other things. As61000:46:36.599 --> 00:46:40.599leaders we can help develop these things. We need to help encourage those who61100:46:40.639 --> 00:46:45.920are serving under us or those whowould serve under us in like reliance on61200:46:45.000 --> 00:46:49.909the Holy Spirit, and the waywe can do that is sharing our own61300:46:50.030 --> 00:46:53.110experiences right, sharing how we grewin the Lord in these certain areas.61400:46:54.389 --> 00:47:00.829We need to help encourage these youngbelievers that are wanting to serve to get61500:47:00.909 --> 00:47:05.780in the word, even asking questionsabout when you're out there, they're shadowing61600:47:05.900 --> 00:47:08.099you. Who asking the question?What do you think? What? What61700:47:08.219 --> 00:47:14.260does the Bible say about life?Does the Bible teach that life begins at61800:47:14.300 --> 00:47:17.650can inception? You? Can youthink of any scriptures where the Bible talks61900:47:17.690 --> 00:47:22.889about life in the womb, wherehe talks about the value of life in62000:47:23.010 --> 00:47:27.369his word? And if they can'tthink of any scriptures, then point them62100:47:27.369 --> 00:47:30.960out and say what consider this.You know, there's been even points where62200:47:32.239 --> 00:47:38.000new believers and seasoned believers have comeout and have said things to the effect62300:47:38.079 --> 00:47:44.239of like well, you know,I'm a totally against abortion, but in62400:47:44.349 --> 00:47:47.469the case of rape, like I'mI don't have a big problem with it.62500:47:49.469 --> 00:47:52.710And now really truth is they haven'tthought that through consistently. Right,62600:47:52.829 --> 00:47:59.219because we're against abortion because it's killingan innocent person. A baby who's a62700:47:59.260 --> 00:48:01.940result of rape is an innocent person. You can help someone, you can62800:48:01.940 --> 00:48:07.219kind of draw that out and getthem to articulate their position and then show62900:48:07.260 --> 00:48:12.659them biblically and logically how that's inconsistent, and we've had people change their minds63000:48:12.929 --> 00:48:16.849in that particular instance. You don'twant someone brand new that believes that,63100:48:17.010 --> 00:48:20.849the believes it's okay in the situationof rape, to be out on the63200:48:20.929 --> 00:48:23.090sidewalk. I mean you don't wantanyone out there on the sidewalk that believes63300:48:23.130 --> 00:48:28.119that, because you're going to haveagain, logically, inconsistencies. The PRO63400:48:28.239 --> 00:48:31.719abort people. They always put thatout there right as rape is an exception.63500:48:31.800 --> 00:48:36.800It should be an exception, butit's really they're just trying to debit63600:48:36.920 --> 00:48:38.679you, to show that your positionis not firm. Right, because if63700:48:38.719 --> 00:48:43.389you believe that abortion is okay inthe situation of rape, your whole argument63800:48:43.429 --> 00:48:46.869falls apart. Because we're out therenot just because abortion is bad, route63900:48:46.869 --> 00:48:50.469there because, yes, abortion isbad, because it kills it in as64000:48:50.469 --> 00:48:54.110a person. All right, it'sanyway. That's just one example of how64100:48:54.150 --> 00:48:59.980a new believer can really get loopedin and how we, as seasoned in64200:49:00.059 --> 00:49:02.340this ministry, would also season believers, can help walk them through. And64300:49:02.460 --> 00:49:06.500so you know, I know you'vedone this before, but when we've had64400:49:06.579 --> 00:49:09.090people that are new on the sidewalk, will send them some articles to read64500:49:09.650 --> 00:49:15.409and we'll say we'll consider this,consider this scripture, consider what the Bible64600:49:15.449 --> 00:49:17.690says in this situation and then getfeedback from them. So what did you64700:49:17.769 --> 00:49:22.289think? And we've had people literallya hundred eighty degree turn. I didn't64800:49:22.409 --> 00:49:30.119consider that absolutely was wrong. Thatshows humility, teachability and that person can64900:49:30.199 --> 00:49:35.519ultimately, if they're teachable, ifthey're humble, they can serve and openly65000:49:35.559 --> 00:49:38.150kiss me themselves. To be whywe read and parks on the sidewalk in65100:49:38.230 --> 00:49:43.030North Carolina so much, because Iwas not a new believer when I came65200:49:43.150 --> 00:49:45.750to the sidebuck. But what Danielis describing as what he did for me,65300:49:46.909 --> 00:49:52.190I I'm going to get TIRI.I'd thinking about it because I thought65400:49:52.230 --> 00:49:55.099I knew the Bible really well.I thought I had some pretty firm positions65500:49:55.179 --> 00:50:01.340and understanding of the whole pro lifearguments and everything. And Daniel did exactly65600:50:01.420 --> 00:50:06.059what he just described. He wouldjust, you know, sidle up to65700:50:06.139 --> 00:50:08.369me and say, Hey, haveyou ever thought about any just go off65800:50:08.449 --> 00:50:15.130into some theological disc gushion that directlyrelated, though, with with what was65900:50:15.210 --> 00:50:21.480going on there, and I learnedso much and I looked so forward to66000:50:21.639 --> 00:50:25.199being on the sidewalk. Isn't thatweird? I couldn't wait because I knew66100:50:25.960 --> 00:50:34.719I am going to learn about Godand how he works and how he works66200:50:34.760 --> 00:50:40.710through me out here, through Danielhelping so much to guide me. And,66300:50:42.429 --> 00:50:45.429you know, in again using theanalogy of a baby, which is66400:50:45.590 --> 00:50:50.579what these new believers are. Whatdo you do with a baby? You66500:50:50.619 --> 00:50:54.539don't just like put the baby outon the street and and and have them66600:50:54.619 --> 00:50:59.340grow up and do everything Huh ontheir own. You you never leave their66700:50:59.420 --> 00:51:05.289side. You are there, thatbaby, right next to them, guiding66800:51:05.449 --> 00:51:09.530my at first doing everything and thengradually, as that child grows, stepping66900:51:09.690 --> 00:51:15.610back little by little, giving themmore and more independence and as they grow.67000:51:16.369 --> 00:51:21.239So that's it. That's really exactly. I think what we are called67100:51:21.320 --> 00:51:24.400to do is leaders, when wehave young believers, new people out there,67200:51:25.079 --> 00:51:31.079is remember that they are not readyto be independent yet and they may67300:51:31.119 --> 00:51:36.070have all kinds of promise, butlike a new like a newborn baby,67400:51:36.150 --> 00:51:42.230we're gonna stay right with them andand help them through each stage of their67500:51:42.309 --> 00:51:45.710development out there. Yeah, that'sgood, you're going to make my head67600:51:45.789 --> 00:51:49.579swell a little bit. Yeah,I know, don't get pride fuller.67700:51:50.219 --> 00:51:52.739We lose you. I want toget puffed up, but you know,67800:51:52.820 --> 00:51:58.260all I've done in that situation isto do what's been done for me,67900:51:58.900 --> 00:52:01.090as others have helped develop me andhelp me to grow in certain areas.68000:52:01.130 --> 00:52:05.570And listen, guys, that's whatyou can do. You can help develop68100:52:05.730 --> 00:52:10.170new believers into very effective sidewall counselorsultimately to a very effective leaders themselves.68200:52:10.769 --> 00:52:14.929But it takes, as we've talkedabout, some some intentionality. So one68300:52:14.929 --> 00:52:19.440of the things that we've we've kindof, as a model, laid out,68400:52:20.320 --> 00:52:23.599is the I do, you watch, I do, you help?68500:52:24.960 --> 00:52:30.829You Do? I help? YouDo, I watch. So it's like,68600:52:31.070 --> 00:52:35.429you know they're coming out, they'reshadowing, they're watching us in action.68700:52:36.230 --> 00:52:39.590Then next thing you know they're helping. You know they're standing next to68800:52:39.670 --> 00:52:43.590Vicki and you know she's calling outand then she said, Hey, you68900:52:43.710 --> 00:52:47.139call out now. You know.So they're helping and then they're doing and69000:52:47.260 --> 00:52:50.619then Vicki's saying, you know,they're doing most of the talking. This69100:52:50.739 --> 00:52:53.340is for people that are calling out, but they're looking over at vickuate.69200:52:53.420 --> 00:52:55.860What else do I say? Soshe's helping them along, right. So69300:52:57.019 --> 00:53:00.210that's the you do. I help, and then that you do, I69400:53:00.329 --> 00:53:04.329watch. And so we're across thestreet at latrobe and we're watching the team.69500:53:04.409 --> 00:53:07.690We're watching these new people that aredeveloping grow and they're doing the stuff69600:53:07.849 --> 00:53:13.960themselves. And so that's kind ofthat development model that we've kind of put69700:53:13.960 --> 00:53:17.800out there as far as a trainingmodel for sidewalk counselors, and you know,69800:53:17.960 --> 00:53:22.800with that I think we'll wrap thisthing up. We hope that with69900:53:22.960 --> 00:53:28.389these podcasts. But what we're doingis helping to develop you guys, helping70000:53:28.469 --> 00:53:31.230to grow you guys and your abilityto grow other people. This is a70100:53:31.309 --> 00:53:36.869multiplication thing, they say. Themath of the Kingdom of God is multiplication.70200:53:37.550 --> 00:53:39.590God's not just into addition, he'sinto multiplying, right. So we70300:53:39.670 --> 00:53:44.260won't you guys to multiply yourselves,to see other people develop into leaders and70400:53:44.539 --> 00:53:47.780develop other leaders and all of thatso that ultimately these sidewalks are covered with70500:53:47.900 --> 00:53:52.820season believers that know how to articulatewhat God says from his word, the70600:53:52.980 --> 00:53:55.690Gospel, that know how to helpthese MOMS to get the help and the70700:53:55.730 --> 00:54:00.570resources that they need. And youknow, it does take time, it70800:54:00.690 --> 00:54:05.329does take humility, and so wehope that these podcasts have been a blessing70900:54:05.449 --> 00:54:08.969to you and you've taken time tolisten to them and humility and and listen71000:54:09.000 --> 00:54:13.000to some of the things that we'vesaid. And in humility I will say71100:54:13.639 --> 00:54:15.559we don't have it all figured out. So if you guys have other things71200:54:15.639 --> 00:54:19.840you want to add to this conversation, things subjects and things like that,71300:54:20.039 --> 00:54:22.559the you think that we should consider, then we are certainly open to that.71400:54:22.679 --> 00:54:25.349So you can reach out to me, Daniel Love Life Dot Org,71500:54:25.989 --> 00:54:29.349reach out to Vicky, Vicky atLove Life Dot Org, if you've got71600:54:29.389 --> 00:54:31.590subjects you want us to cover.Or again, you've listened to a podcast71700:54:31.670 --> 00:54:35.150in the in the past and you'relike, what did you guys consider this?71800:54:35.230 --> 00:54:37.909or I've learned this. Some ofyou guys that are listening you've been71900:54:37.909 --> 00:54:40.820doing sidewalk ministry longer than we haveand we would love to learn from you72000:54:40.860 --> 00:54:45.219and maybe we'll have you on thepodcast. We can certainly learn some stuff72100:54:45.260 --> 00:54:46.820from you, and we've had otherson the podcast in the past that have72200:54:46.900 --> 00:54:51.019been doing this for a long time, because you know, we can learn72300:54:51.059 --> 00:54:53.010from each other. So anyway,hope that's a blessing to you guys.72400:54:53.050 --> 00:54:57.730Don't know, Vicky, you haveanything else to say now, just you72500:54:58.250 --> 00:55:02.210will all face this and and basicallyare our answer to the question should new72600:55:02.289 --> 00:55:07.130believers be on the sidewalk is itdepends. Yeah, you be a good72700:55:07.159 --> 00:55:10.199leader and you probably could have abrand new believer out there, but watch,72800:55:10.280 --> 00:55:13.719On't watch him like a baby.Yeah, yeah, it's good.72900:55:13.800 --> 00:55:15.920All right, I guess we're goingto wrap this thing up. Hope it73000:55:15.039 --> 00:55:19.239was a blessing to you. Untilnext time. God, bless God,73100:55:19.280 --> 00:55:30.789bless you all. Give me ourlove for love. Give me our love73200:55:31.030 --> 00:55:44.460for gratitude. I know it willcost me my love. Nothing's too precious73300:55:44.780 --> 00:55:45.099in some you