Anyone attempt to start a Bible Study with the people you evangelize who are mostly homeless?

[joymercy]

We have been bringing bibles and handouts with the gospel readings for each upcoming Sunday and having all manner of discussions from those readings alone.

All are invited.

Anyone else try this or want to try it?

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

We have been bringing bibles and handouts with the gospel readings for each upcoming Sunday and having all manner of discussions from those readings alone.

All are invited.

Anyone else try this or want to try it?

May you be blessed with this initiative ... it's a challenging demographics !

 

[joymercy]

@Reluctant Theologian in what way have you found evangelizing or Bible study challenging with people who are homeless?

 

[joymercy]

Mostly, the people that we interact with are coming because we invited them while evangelizing.

So, they are free to come and free to go....

Many are curious and have never read scripture, but some have and then fell away from doing so

This is an opportunity then to plant seeds and provide bibles and pray all together

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

@Reluctant Theologian in what way have you found evangelizing or Bible study challenging with people who are homeless?

Homeless people in the countries I know:

• usually are burdened with more than one type of shortcomings (physical, mental, etc.)
• for Bible study the required attention span sometimes is difficult
• discussion/questions can be sensitive and can easily derail
• because of the common load of mental issues there is very little empathy and patience
• once some become believers they require a lot attention and care

But yet - God loves them as much as anyone else. In growing churches usually a certain balance is needed between believers with stable lives and the capacity to give/organise, and those that primarily need to receive a lot to heal. Not all churches are internally ready to host/welcome homeless believers in their fellowship (thinking of The Visit (Adrian Plass), 1999). They're usually the opposite of the ones who are welcomed because they can easily grow into leadership and pastoral roles, or contribute financially.

They're the ones young, modern and trendy churches find too difficult - but be blessed in your ministry ! Jesus also visited the outcasts more so than the elite.

 

[FireDragon76]

Homeless people in the countries I know:

• usually are burdened with more than one type of shortcomings (physical, mental, etc.)
• for Bible study the required attention span sometimes is difficult
• discussion/questions can be sensitive and can easily derail
• because of the common load of mental issues there is very little empathy and patience
• once some become believers they require a lot attention and care

But yet - God loves them as much as anyone else. In growing churches usually a certain balance is needed between believers with stable lives and the capacity to give/organise, and those that primarily need to receive a lot to heal. Not all churches are internally ready to host/welcome homeless believers in their fellowship (thinking of The Visit (Adrian Plass), 1999). They're usually the opposite of the ones who are welcomed because they can easily grow into leadership and pastoral roles, or contribute financially.

They're the ones young, modern and trendy churches find too difficult - but be blessed in your ministry ! Jesus also visited the outcasts more so than the elite.

Homeless people are welcome at my church. I can't imagine why it would be otherwise for a Christian. Jesus didn't say "love your neighbor as yourself, unless it's socially incovenient". As a result, I have left churches before because the people there showed contempt towards homelesss people, and as far as I'm concerned, it's a fellowship and communion breaking issue.

 

[JustaPewFiller]

We have been bringing bibles and handouts with the gospel readings for each upcoming Sunday and having all manner of discussions from those readings alone.

All are invited.

Anyone else try this or want to try it?

Is this something you are currently doing? If so, how is it going?

Is it strictly Bible Study / discussion or do you do it is as part of another activity (such as feeding)?

Edit - asking as I'm part of a local ministry that works with the homeless at times..

 

[Daniel Marsh]

great ieda

 

[joymercy]

Is this something you are currently doing? If so, how is it going?

Is it strictly Bible Study / discussion or do you do it is as part of another activity (such as feeding)?

Edit - asking as I'm part of a local ministry that works with the homeless at times..

We work with other Christians who are called to feed people who are hungry, and then afterwards, we invite people to come and check out our free bible study.

We get all manner of people who are interested and/or curious about the Bible and about Jesus.

We offer prayers for them too, right there on the spot, aka Intercessory prayer, and try to meet their needs to be heard and not abandoned, showing them that they matter and are loved.

We bring the bibles to them.

We try to keep it light and not rigid, in that we are open to side discussions as questions come up, that gets us off topic, and then try and bring it back to the study

 

[Inhocsigno]

May you be blessed with this initiative ... it's a challenging demographics !

Very much agreed! Thank you for this initiative joymercy, it is much needed and you can be sure it is appreciated. This kind of ministry is precisely the spirit of evangelism that our Lord and Savior wished to instill in all of us, and is reflected throughout the pages of the New Testament.

 

[joymercy]

People just love to sit down and break bread all together, its just so true.

Fellowship is so important!

We have everyone, from atheist, satanist, Muslim, Christian, seeker, and so on.....

We try to see God's handiwork in each one, to see where is He is working in their lives, to bring them to Him

 

[joymercy]

Some of the homeless people we have been evangelizing are starting to come to church.

Its challenging to get them to stay for the entire service.

Many are very anxious and can be overwhelmed just being there.

But they are getting themselves over to the building and inside the door.

Often, there is getting up and down as well as pacing around, sometimes even talking a bit to them selves....

Yet, they are there. They are seeking. There is a light of hope in their eyes.

They respond to being welcomed inside with genuine warmth, and sometimes sitting with them for support.

With a welcome word of support and fellowship, said with sincere warmth, people do respond to that!

 

[lismore]

Not all churches are internally ready to host/welcome homeless believers in their fellowship (thinking of The Visit (Adrian Plass), 1999). They're usually the opposite of the ones who are welcomed because they can easily grow into leadership and pastoral roles, or contribute financially.

That's a good point. In my experience of inviting homeless people into a church ministry someone has to go the extra mile to make them feel welcome, because many of the members will consciously or subconsciously give them the cold shoulder. It can work well and be a tremendous blessing to the homeless visitors (and to the church to fulfill their calling), but someone will have to go that extra mile. God Bless You

 

[stevevw]

I volunteer at a homeless hub. It mainly serves hot meals for the homeless and needy in the local area. We have a music group and sometimes someone might play a gospel song on guitar.

But theres no preaching allowed really. Not officially anyway. But there are connected services like the Salvos have an office next door for further support and counselling.

There is also another place where a church setup a meal service for the homeless and needy in the area. They have a service on Sunday afternoon after lunch. A few of the homeless that come to the Hub also go to the church service.

Theres a couple of other churches in the area that have hampers for the needy and a meal for locals at Christmass time.

I think this is a good idea that some sort of practical help is provided with the church. But I think it should be given with no strings attached. Just a genuine concern for the homeless and needy that there is a place they can come to God if they choose or are called.

Even then the church service is down to earth. Some bible readings and singing and some testimonies. But very informal and welcoming for those who may feel uncomfortable about their situation. No judgements.

But the meal is the key I think as its more than a meal but a social connection. Its something people miss and having fellowship with people who care.

I think this was part of the early church worship of having a meal. Theres a connection between sharing a meal and sharing in fellowship with Christ.

 

[joymercy]

I volunteer at a homeless hub. It mainly serves hot meals for the homeless and needy in the local area. We have a music group and sometimes someone might play a gospel song on guitar.

But theres no preaching allowed really. Not officially anyway. But there are connected services like the Salvos have an office next door for further support and counselling.

There is also another place where a church setup a meal service for the homeless and needy in the area. They have a service on Sunday afternoon after lunch. A few of the homeless that come to the Hub also go to the church service.

Theres a couple of other churches in the area that have hampers for the needy and a meal for locals at Christmass time.

I think this is a good idea that some sort of practical help is provided with the church. But I think it should be given with no strings attached. Just a genuine concern for the homeless and needy that there is a place they can come to God if they choose or are called.

Even then the church service is down to earth. Some bible readings and singing and some testimonies. But very informal and welcoming for those who may feel uncomfortable about their situation. No judgements.

But the meal is the key I think as its more than a meal but a social connection. Its something people miss and having fellowship with people who care.

I think this was part of the early church worship of having a meal. Theres a connection between sharing a meal and sharing in fellowship with Christ.

Thank you for what you do! Breaking bread together is just huge. The human connection is vital. There is a very deep need to know that people care.

 

[JustaPewFiller]

Some of the homeless people we have been evangelizing are starting to come to church.

Its challenging to get them to stay for the entire service.

Many are very anxious and can be overwhelmed just being there.

But they are getting themselves over to the building and inside the door.

Often, there is getting up and down as well as pacing around, sometimes even talking a bit to them selves....

Yet, they are there. They are seeking. There is a light of hope in their eyes.

They respond to being welcomed inside with genuine warmth, and sometimes sitting with them for support.

With a welcome word of support and fellowship, said with sincere warmth, people do respond to that!

Thanks for the update. I was wondering how that went.

As with others here I'm also part of ministry that feeds and helps the local homeless. I do not know about the homeless in your area, but to be honest, there is a fairly large segment of homeless in our area that suffer from addiction, mental issues, or a combination of the two.

In the area where we feed, we had the homeless do all of the following on occasion - sudden outbursts of profanity or just yelling, arguing, fighting sometimes. Drug use, or dealing. "Tweaking out" - ie bizarre behavior while high and/or having a mental issue. Using the bathroom outdoors and in view of others. Stripping down. Sitting up camp / sleeping on the property. Destruction or vandalism of property. Theft. Passing out. Leaving trash scattered about.

Granted - not all of these happen all the time. Like, leaving trash scattered about happens all the time. An actual fight is rare. An argument or outburst of profanity isn't uncommon.

The churches in our area are aware of all of this behavior and most of them have had issues with the homeless sleeping on their property, breaking in, theft, property destruction, using the bathroom on church grounds, etc.. While some of the churches do have a heart for the homeless they are simply afraid to invite them in.

I will freely admit that far from all of the homeless are like I described above. It is more a case of "a few bad apples spoiling the barrel."

Did (or do) you face any of the above and how did you overcome it in getting the homeless into church and the church allowing it?

 

[joymercy]

We go to where most of the area homeless hang out and initiate contact with them, letting them know that we are there listening to them and talking to them by name, proclaiming the Gospel and Inviting them, usually to a prayer right there on the spot, an out door Bible study, or a private mentoring session. We also provide outdoor times for serving hot meals, and have some evangelizing while others serve food.

“Listen, Befriend, Proclaim, Invite”

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...709/1718723104299/Quick+Start+Guide+final.pdf

 

[joymercy]

As a fairly new missionary I would say that for me personally, it first and foremost starts with me and my personal walk with Christ.

For me to stay faithful is to know Him intimately-something that can only be obtained through prayer and meditation

To go out and to be disciples, we must also be prepared, and for me this seems to be accomplished through a prayer and devotional life

And to do this with others who can be there to mentor you along as well, such as a Pastor and other missionaries, as we know that Jesus sent them out in twos.

We prepare ourselves to be a witness to His love to others.

Most of the time, the people we meet who are in active addiction and/or mental illness(s), have great difficulty participating in even a simple prayers or short Bible study.

We go out and meet them where they are, in the areas where they feel safe.

If they are able minded enough to get to mass, then they will come.

They will be attracted by His love that they see in us.

Most do not want to do this, as they are too caught up in their issues.

So we go out and meet them there like Jesus met the people He healed.

I think that for me, the best way to be prepared and to carry out spiritual warfare is to put on the armor or Christ and to work with a team that is over seen.

After each session, meet and go over what happened with each encounter and seek feedback and advice from others on the team.

Always pray before each session as well as after, and always ask for the Holy Spirit to come.

We also have specially trained security officers who are trained on handling people who are disturbed in a calm and loving way, and only as a last resort do we call police. The key is love.

 

[joymercy]

“Let us love, since our heart is made for nothing else.”

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

 

[joymercy]

We also meet in each other's homes and help to teach and instruct each other in growing our faith in order to do this work and other kinds of church work

We have zoom meetings and online training too

Cant stress enough that the key is a prayer and devotional life, real, actual JOY, love of neighbor and walking in the saviors foot prints

Go out in pairs or groups of three, always pray beforehand for the HS, smile, be joyful, exude warmth, be friendly, find out their name, stay trained, keep training, have meetings to debrief afterwards and always have a plan.