SUGGESTIONS

ON HOW TO START A MINISTRY

TO PEOPLE INVOLVED IN A CULT GROUP

Since we receive requests regularly for suggestions in reaching cult members, both by ministries and individual concerned Christians, we have compiled this information tract. First off, we cannot employ any of these methods without the co-operation of the body of Christ universal. We are here to help each other, and are in this outreach together.

1. SEMINAR TEACHINGS & FILMS

This is a training program for the body of Christ, who, in turn, will be prepared to witness for Christ the next time someone in a cult group calls at their door. Many Christians have friends and relatives that have been caught up in one of the many groups.

If you do not feel confident to teach a seminar on the cult groups to your Sunday school class or church we have a number of excellent films and videos available. Our publication "Coping With The Cults" is an excellent course outline to teach Christians how to recognize a cult and how to reach them for Christ. You should have information available for those attending the meetings, and ministries may write to us concerning discounts available on our materials.

2. DIRECT MAIL OUTREACH

We ask Christians to send us the names and addresses of everyone they know involved in a cult group. [Please indicate which group.] We then do an "anonymous" mail- out of Christian literature designed especially for the cultist. We offer to enter into correspondence with them, and many write back. We never reveal the source of their name. This can be done on a local level perhaps from the names you could collect from your local church congregation and from people that see the movies or films. These you can follow up yourself using some of our literature or material you can produce yourself. The only limitation is your time and dedication to help people. Our ministry encourages a donation of $1.00 per name to cover our costs.

3. NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERN

In this outreach, we ask all Christians to take responsibility for their neighborhoods. That means watching out for cults that are calling at the homes in their area, and especially if they notice a cult member being invited in. These neighbors are in CRISIS and are seeking for God. Something has happened in their lives, perhaps death, marriage breakdown, rebellious child etc. They are searching for answers. Arm yourself with some appropriate tracts and go over for a visit. Many are led to the Lord on the first call. Take your pastor, or be the person willing to accompany the Christian if you are requested to do so. At least send them some tracts or send us their names or addresses. Be sure to identify what cult group they are talking with--Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons etc.

4. IN HOME RETURN VISIT TRAINING

For this outreach we ask that in each church ministered in, at least one couple will take the burden and "study up" on JW's and Mormons. It is not as difficult as you think. Many times within our Christian churches there are people who have been involved with a cult and they would be glad to help you understand what they were involved with and help you launch a "ministry" within their congregation. Once these people are prepared and encouraged others within their congregation will have a resource person to call on to sit in on meetings with cult members when they call at their door. Remember its not your ability that counts, but your availability.

5. 24- HOUR PHONE MESSAGE

In this outreach, we ask one person or several working together in each city to purchase a telephone answering machine that can accommodate a suitable message. (Write to us for recommendations on machines first--cheap ones do not stand up to constant use!).

Those participating in this outreach will have to install an unlisted phone in their home, and be willing to advertise the number weekly in the local papers. We will provide the printed messages for J.W's for you to read into your machine until you feel confident enough to compose your own. The machine answers the calls automatically, and you don't have to listen to it ring, just check the tape every couple of days to see if anyone has left their name and/or address to receive the free material you offer. {Order material from us or make up your own.} You can often make personal contact with the callers in time, and help them come free of the bondage they are in. Simple but effective. This is a hidden ministry that results in souls being saved.

6. ADS IN THE PAPER

We ask Christians everywhere to put ads in the personal columns in their local papers. They should read something like this:

JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES: Free! Find out facts the Society doesn't want you to know. Important information for all persons involved or studying with J.W.'s. *

[* Use our address if you wish us to do the follow-up or if you have a P.O. Box use yours and do the follow-up yourselves.*] Do not use your personal address when ministering, only a box number. We can supply you with material to mail out to them if you wish. These small ads reach many people desperate for help for their loved ones in the cults. Even small ads like

"Talking with Jehovah's Witnesses? You need these facts". Write (insert address).

7. VIDEOS

More and more people are using videos these days. Could you arrange to place videos in your local church or public library? Their cost has been coming down lately . Perhaps your church would help in this area. Also for videos being used in this manner let us know and we will make a special discount on these items. Some ministry outreaches are having success advertising in the personals column for a free showing--your home or mine.

8 TRACT DISTRIBUTION

We have available two excellent warning tracts about the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. Many churches distribute these house-to- house along with a salvation tract or an invitation to their church. This "net"usually brings those studying with the cults into the true fold. Try a few on your next "visitation program".

IN CONCLUSION

If you feel you would like to get involved with us in this "ministry" please write to us and let us know how we can help further.

We are committed to reaching out with Christian love to those in the cult groups. We take very seriously the scripture in 2 Timothy 2: 24-26:

" And the Lord's bond servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge to truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, having been held captive by him to do his will".