Philosophy

Jesus Booth Philosophy of Ministry

The Jesus Booth was founded with the simple goal of getting the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ out to as many people as possible. This goal, however, is not without challenges. One challenge is the stereotype many in the world have of Christians and how the message of Jesus Christ is propagated. As such, a simple, but direct, philosophy of ministry is needed to guide Jesus Booth Ministries in relating the truth of Christ to a needy world.

1. We believe that people have real questions, real problems, and are seeking real answers.

· We take seriously the Bible’s admonition to, “…worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (1 Pet. 3:15 NLT). At the Jesus Booth, we seek to answer every question in a non-abrasive and non-threatening fashion. Our goal is to always lead people to the truth in Christ.

· We strive to treat all people with the love of Christ. This can be difficult in heated situations and when we are persecuted; yet, it is absolutely necessary if we are going to be witnesses of Christ and minister God’s love to a hurting and dying world. · This does not mean that confrontation will not happen, simply that the confrontation is in the message, not the messenger. It is important that we try not to offend. If anyone is “offended” it should be by the truth of the Gospel. “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26 NIV).

· We attempt to answer every question in a humble and sincere way so that people may see Christ in us and come to know the true answer for their problems and questions. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12 NIV).

2. We believe that God has the answers to all life’s questions in His Word and by His Spirit.

“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV).

· We are depending on the Word of God to answer people’s specific questions. If we don’t know the answer to a question, we admit it, but with the promise to find an answer to the question posed.

· We provide written materials such as tracts, Bibles and other apologetic books and pamphlets.

· We depend upon the Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide us in our discussions with those God brings to the booth.

“…do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11 NIV).

3. We believe in the ministry and necessity of the Holy Spirit.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12 NIV).

· We strive to be vessels of God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us as He sees fit. Only the Holy Spirit knows the true condition of any person we speak with at the Jesus Booth. As such, we are not looking to win arguments. Rather, we are seeking to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading to better guide our interactions and conversations with the public at-large, and more specifically, the people we minister to at the Booth.

4. We believe in the necessity of prayer.

· We place great value in praying before, during and after ministering, whether inside the booth or assisting outside the booth.

· We seek out committed intercessors that are willing to pray for the outreach during the week and to intercede at the outreach location.

· We pray for the needs of those who come to the booth seeking help and Truth.

5. We believe in the unity of the true church, Christ’s body, in ministering to the world around us.

· We strive in every way to be a unifying force in the body of Christ. Consequently, we are sensitive to the outreach ministries of each Bible-believing church or Christian organization that might be ministering in the same area as the Jesus Booth. Our goal is always cooperation, never competition.

6. If possible, it is best to have two people ministering at a time.

“…and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go” (Luke 10: 1 NIV).

References: John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

1 Corinthians 3:6-8 “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.”

Luke 7:33-35 “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!‘ “But wisdom is justified by all her children.”

Romans 10:13-15 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”