Evangelism - The Connection Team

Jesus says to us: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 - NIV

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ," Ephesians 4:11-12 - New King James (emphasis added)

The Evangelism Committee (Connection Team) encourages the congregation's efforts at sharing their faith with family and friends and helps equip us by providing training opportunities and coordinating special events toward those ends. The Evangelism Committee is also responsible for reaching out to seekers through advertizing and promotion and fostering a seeker and visitor-friendly environment. The Evangelism Committee works closely with the Andrew Ministry, CLPC's visitor welcoming ministry. Some of the recent training events include Dr. Jack Haberer's seminar on his What is Christian method of presenting the Gospel and participation in the Clear Lake Area Interdenominational Share Jesus Without Fear training.

Share Jesus Community-wide training at CLPC, March 2000

Resources for Becoming Comfortable with Sharing Jesus:

What is a Christian by Dr. Jack Haberer.
How to Become a Christian
The Four Spiritual Laws -- which govern your relationship with God. (Campus Crusade for Christ)
Mars Hill Productions -- Ministry through media. Check out the "Hope" project, the next generation digital tool for presenting the Gospel!

Opportunities for Sharing Jesus:

Cross in the City -- Reaching gang members with the Gospel
Bill Glass Ministries -- Prison Ministry
Becoming a helper for the Alpha Course, which is an opportunity for those interested in learning more about the Christian faith in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where no question is too simple or controversial.
Participating on a mission trip through the Global Missions Committee or volunteering at one of the agencies supported by our Local Missions Committee.
Talk to your neighbors and family about Jesus and invite them to church with you.

Prison Ministry

Don Smarto praying with an inmate at a Bill Glass Weekend of Champions

11 year-old listens intently as Bunny Martin presents the Gospel in a juvenile detention center

Tom Landry speaks from the heart at a Weekend of Champions

CLPC Prison Ministry Team with Bill Glass at Huntville WOC March, 1995

Several times per year, numerous CLPCers share their faith with inmates in prisons throughout the region on Weekend of Champions sponsored by the Champions for Life (Bill Glass Ministries). Bill Glass is a former professional football player who has dedicated his life to bringing the Gospel to prisoners across the nation. The Weekend of Champions includes demonstrations and talks by professional athletes and entertainers inside the prison wall. This leads to the opportunity for the sharing of faith and changing of lives.

In addition to following the mandate that Jesus gave us to visit those in prison, this is the best training ground for becoming more comfortable with sharing Jesus. Contact any one of the Prison Ministry team (including Darrell Rainer, Doug Calderera, Rich Casavecchia) for more info on how to become involved and what you can expect.

In addition there numerous opportunities for mentoring youthful offendors. Contact James Leslies at Cross in the City for more info on how to get involved.

Then the King will say..."I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Matthew 25:36 NIV

Jack "Murf the Surf" is known throughout the media for crimes he committed 30 years ago, including the largest jewel heist in history - the "Star of India," a 564 carat sapphire housed in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City!

He was in prison for 21 years for a variety of crimes. Today, "Murf the Surf" is living evidence of God's amazing grace, and is now a key member of Bill Glass Ministries staff.

"It wasn't the rehab pregram, the athletic department or the electric chair at the end of the hall that changed my life," says Murphy. "It was Jesus Christ lifted me up in the life of a businessman who visited me in prison."

"I go to 150 prisons a year now...to tell inmates about Jesus. It's not an option, nor a suggestion...It's an irresistable mandate from the Lord!"

Evangelism - The Connection Team

Resources for Becoming Comfortable with Sharing Jesus:

Opportunities for Sharing Jesus:

Prison Ministry

Other helpful links: