The first in a series of evangelism & outreach programs. The participant workbook is an inspirational implementation guide intended for persons who join or commit to one of the 5 ministry action teams that are formed (hunger, tutoring, healing, caregiving, homeless) by the program.
For more information, see www.GoFish4People.com.
“If you are sitting in your church, waiting for the world to come to you, this program is not for you. But if you believe that "the world is your parish"...and you are ready to move out beyond the doors of your church.... this is exactly what you need! It's theological, missional, and practical!"
Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank, CrossRoads United Methodist Church, Phoenix
“Biblically sound and theologically incarnational, T.I.M.E. offers concrete practical help in living out the Christian gospel in a way that shares the love of Christ for all people. These valuable resources will guide a congregation to be externally focused in sharing the Good News through word and Deed.”
Bishop Mike Lowry, The Fort Worth Episcopal Area
“AS JESUS WALKED BY THE SEA OF GALILEE, HE SAW TWO BROTHERS, SIMON, WHO IS CALLED PETER, AND ANDREW HIS BROTHER, CASTING A NET INTO THE SEA—FOR THEY WERE FISHERMEN. AND HE SAID TO THEM “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISH FOR PEOPLE.” IMMEDIATELY, THEY LEFT THEIR NETS AND FOLLOWED HIM.” Matthew 4:18-20
An Evangelism Program that Transforms the World
The vision of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is that we become transformed by God so God can use us to transform the world into a compassionate, just, inclusive, and Christ-like community. One of the ways we fulfill this vision is through our Together in Ministry Everyday (T.I.M.E.) program, which we deploy through a “90 Minutes in 90 Days” strategy.
The great missionary Mother Teresa once said, “Love in action is what gives us grace. Small things, done in great love, bring joy and peace.” She was right. We all hold the power to bring joy and peace to others around us. And we can do it through small acts of kindness. But we need to make ourselves available if we expect to heal and transform the world we live in. Now that’s good news.
We have seen the positive impact we can have on our community when each of us gives just 90 minutes of outward focused service every 90 days. Remember, any time you are showing the love of God to another person—as a tutor, as a mentor, as a friend, as a parent— even if you don’t say a word about God, you are a minister!
I humbly ask you to make a contribution of your time and talent and stretch; choose to minister. Anything and everything you do will make a difference. I thank God for your efforts.—Kent Millard, Go Fish! series editor
Note: The staff at Abingdon and Cokesbury adapted the T.I.M.E. program into our corporate life. Hundreds of us can testify to the changes in our communities and ourselves that result from sharing the love of God in tangible ways, even at work, when we act Together in Ministry Everyday.
Dr. Kent Millard is senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis since 1993. Under his leadership, the church grew to 6,000 members, with 3,000 in worship each week in ten different services, including two satellite locations. He served several churches with distinction in South Dakota and was a District Superintendent in the South Dakota Conference.
Lori Crantford is the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Development for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. She edits the church’s magazine, Communion, creates television and radio spots, and develops most of the promotional literature for the very large church of 6000 members. Prior to joining the staff of St. Luke’s in 2000 she frequently published humorous and honest accounts of her life as a mother in Parents® Magazine.
Michael Jensen is an 9-time Emmy and Telly award winner for producing, videography, and post-production. Mike spent the first 10 years of his career at 4 local network affiliate television stations in the west and midwest. While in the broadcasting arena he used his creative expertise to produce a number of local sports, medical, and feature-related prime-time specials. In 1995 Mike joined “The Garden” worship experience in Indianapolis, Indiana where he has spent the last 13 years producing theme-oriented videos that relate to the Sunday message. TIME.
