Ripe for Harvest

S ESSION 3: L AUNCH AND A SSEMBLE • 245

3. To the glory of God – the end of all things, Rom. 11.36

B. Why Follow-up is necessary

1. Need for protection: new converts are vulnerable to attack (e.g., the parable of the soils), Matt. 13

a. The devil’s lies and schemes

b. The cares of the world

c. The lack of depth and substance

d. The proneness towards error

2. Need to reorient their lives around their new identity in Christ: new converts require a sense of belonging and security, 2 Cor. 6.14-18 3. Need for ongoing instruction, nurture, and feeding: new converts need to understand God’s word and will, 1 Pet. 2.2; Heb. 5.11-6.4 4. Need for friends and cultivating new life patterns based on a kingdom perspective: new converts need friends to encourage holy living, John 13.34-35

5. Need for regular, parental and pastoral care: new converts need godly pastors to keep watch over their souls, Heb. 13.17

C. Dynamics of Follow-up

1. Attachment to a local assembly of believers, Heb. 10.24-25

2. Immediate, consistent contact after decision

3. Doctrinal nurture and teaching

4. Strategic befriending

Context Values/Vision

5. Oikos recognition and penetration

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter

6. Feeding and care