Encounter with God Biblical Foundations
The Encounter with God Strategy has
proven to be effective in meeting the challenge of
modern urban missions. Many strategies and programs
have been attempted throughout Latin America—each
with varying levels of success. While many programs
contain methods that can be incorporated into the
Encounter with God Strategy, few possess the
comprehensive scope of Encounter. It is this
comprehensive nature that distinguishes Encounter
from other programs and strategies.
Three biblical anchors form the
foundation of the Encounter with God Model.
New Testament In Model
The Encounter with God Strategy is
rooted deep in the ministry of the Apostle Paul. The
book of Acts, as well as Paul’s own epistles,
testifies to the missionary nature of his work.
Paul’s focus was to plant seeds for the gospel in
major urban centers of the Roman world, ultimately
moving toward the city of cities—Rome itself. One
has only to study the geography of Paul’s missionary
journeys to realize that Paul focused his ministry
on centers of influence. Having planted the seeds he
left the task of spreading the Good News to the
churches he established.
Commission Oriented
Furthermore, Encounter is Great
Commission oriented. The intent of the Encounter
with God Strategy is to, as the Commission states,
MAKE DISCIPLES. This demands a balance of evangelism
and discipleship follow-up. There must be the
reproduction of new life on a regular basis, but
there must also be a systematic approach to maturing
each one of these converts.
Local Congregation Centered
Discipleship is best done in the
context of the local body of believers. In fact,
this is one institution that God states in His Word
that He will bless. Social and educational works are
not wrong, but we believe if we build the local
church properly it will be able to provide these
other things to its own community more effectively,
thus enhancing its testimony and drawing more people
to make decisions for Christ.
A Biblical Model in Practical Terms
God’s Word provides ample foundation
for developing a theology of mission. But how does
the missions model demonstrated in Scripture work
out on a practical level? Encounter with God
provides a unique and tested answer to that
question. Four key concepts
form the framework for our larger
nationwide/continental strategy. These
key concepts are then guided
on a local level by eight
core principles.
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