One Moment

What moment has changed your life? For some the first thing that comes to mind is your wedding day or the birth of a child. For others, it might be a loss of some sort or an unexpected incident. Our lives are a series of moments that influence and shape who we are. As we continue our evangelistic emphasis of ONE Month, we have the opportunity to create a moment that could not only change a life, it could literally change their eternity. Just as Philip stepped into a moment with the Ethiopian eunuch which changed his life (Acts 8:26-38), you have that opportunity as well. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a moment like that!

This week, would you step into a moment for the sake of the gospel? Many of you share the gospel on a regular basis, so this is second nature to you. However, others will feel a little awkward and uncomfortable and will avoid these moments. Don’t let those feelings prevent you from a special moment. ONE moment is about being a blessing to someone that can then lead to the gospel. To help you make the most of ONE moment, please consider the suggestions below:

1. Prepare by picking up a card or writing a note of encouragement to be able to hand to someone. A suggested script could be:
   1. My name is “first name.” Everyone could use a blessing these days, and I just wanted to pass along a little blessing to you. Your life matters. You were created by a loving God for a purpose. Not sure what kind of day you are having, but I am praying for you. I would love to encourage you in a relationship with Jesus by inviting you to join me at my church, Shades Mountain Baptist Church. www.shades.org. 
   2. If possible, consider picking up a gift card for $5-10 to a coffee shop or sandwich place and include it in the card.
2. Ask God to give you courage and sensitivity to create a conversation at some point this week.
3. Determine a place and time where you will be intentional in starting a conversation. For example, this may be when you go to the grocery store. Instead of going through the self-check-out lane, go through a lane with workers. It could be a gas station and instead pay-at-the-pump, go inside to pay to interact with the person working. Or, it could be at your ONE Place.
4. Step into the moment by introducing yourself and move the conversation to the point of saying, “I just want to pass along a little encouragement” and give them the note. If they ask what this is for, then simply say what is in the card but see this as opportunity to talk more about the ONE by saying something like, “I am so thankful for my relationship with Jesus and I am wanting others to know him as well. If you have a moment, I would love to share with you about what Jesus means to me.” 
5. If they say they don’t have time, then say, “No problem, nice to meet you, and may God bless you.” Say a prayer for them. Write their name down. Go back another time and look for them again to have more conversations. 
6. If they say, “sure” then briefly share when you asked you Jesus into your life and what he has provided for you (i.e. hope, guidance, love, eternal life, etc). 
7. Then ask if they would like to have Jesus in their life? If they say, “not now”, go back to #5. 
8. If they say, “yes” then lead them through a prayer of forgiveness of sins, surrender to Jesus, and guidance for their life. Be sure and celebrate them and invite them to church. 
9. Then go back to #5. 
10. We would love to know if you had a “ONE moment” this week, so please text “one moment” to (205) 749-7244 and follow the prompt.