The West End Mentorship ProgramRetention Ministry

The Retention Ministry

Acts 14:21–22 (NASB95)

21After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

The Retention Ministry finds its purpose in strengthening (causing to be firm) and encouraging (urging) those new to life in Christ to “continue in the faith” ~ Acts 14:21-22

William Johnson(Overseeing Shepherd)

William Johnson(Overseeing Shepherd)

Gayron Johnson – Ministry CoordinatorGayron Johnson –

Ministry Coordinator

Melvin Smith- Ministry DeaconMelvin Smith-

Ministry Deacon

Congregational Ministry Activities:

•Retention Luau•Quarterly New Convert Luncheon

The mentorship program, utilized by the Retention Ministry, is designed to aid the new convert to become orientated with their

new life in Christ.

Three Objectives:

• To welcome the new convert in Christ• To introduce them to their new Christian

schedule.• To be a consistent contact for questions

regarding their new Christian life

Scriptural Basis

Christian Mentor:

A spiritual advisor that provides guidance that is derived from the wisdom of God relative to embracing spiritual life as a new Christian.

Examples:•Exodus 18 (Jethro and Moses)•1 Samuel 4 (Eli and Samuel)•The Gospels (Jesus and his Disciples•Acts 9-15 (Paul and Barnabas)

Scriptural Basis Continued…..

Philippians 3:17 (NASB95)

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

To Join in Imitation

The question you must answer:

Am I worthy of imitation?

Scriptural Basis Continued….

A Mentor must concerned with acclimating the new convert to the church

Acts 9:27–28 (NASB95)

But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord

on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.

And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly

in the name of the Lord.

The Requirements of Being a Mentor

The Qualifications of a West End Mentor

• Exemplifies a Moral Lifestyle• Faithful in Church Attendance• A Faithful Bible Class Participant• Understands the Fundamentals of the Gospel

The Mentor’s Checklist

• Contact mentee twice a week (Tuesday & Friday) As a reminder for bible class and worship

• Meet mentee in the lobby to escort to bible class (Wednesday & Saturday)

• Communicate once a week with mentor chairperson to inform of new convert progress

• Report any significant spiritual issues or lack of attendance to the Shepherd of the ministry Brother Johnson)

Mentor Etiquette

• Do not be overbearing to a mentee. Know when to limit your contact so as not to become a burden.

• Keep conversations godly and positive. Speak highly of the congregation and the joy of Christianity

• Keep your mentee up to date with church events. Accent events that you believe will aid their growth.

• When In doubt, get advice from your deacon or shepherd

Measuring the Progress

of the New Convert

Looking For Evidence of Growth

Three Basic Levels of Growth

• Head/Knowing – Intellectual Growth

• Heart/Feeling – Emotional Growth

• Hands/Doing – Ministry Growth