JESUS Film Evangelistic Strategies

Strategy 1: VBS And Backyard Bible Clubs

1-1 Description:

Backyard Bible Clubs are held each day for a period of 5 to 10 days or one day a week during the summer.
Many clubs have grown from 2 children to 30!
The clubs can end with a combined Saturday and/or Sunday rally at the church.
Backyard Bible Clubs are held in homes of church members with school-age children in neighborhoods with school-age children.
The format of the clubs includes illustrated songs, puppets, visual scripture lessons, Bible stories, games, and refreshments.

1-2 Steps For VBS and Backyard Bible Club Strategy:

On the appropriate night, give the JESUS Video to each family represented.
Tell the children that if they watch the video and are able to answer a question at the next club, they will get a prize.
At the next club ask, “What did the disciples pull out of the sea in the nets?”
Prompt them to watch the video again and tell them you will ask them a different question the next day.
At the next club ask, “What came and settled on Jesus at his baptism?”
Also ask, ” What was your favorite part of the video? Did anyone watch the video with you? Did anyone pray the prayer at the end of the video?”

1-3 Hints For a Growing Club:

Choose church members’ homes with school-age kids.
Make sure that the neighborhood has kids.
If the children have a good time they will bring their friends.
Ensure that the programming is good. (i.e., illustrated songs, illustrated Bible memorization, illustrated Bible message, puppets (let them do the puppets sometimes), games (repeat the ones the kids like), refreshments (host family).
Offer prizes each week for the visitors and the ones who bring visitors.

1-4 VBS and Backyard Bible Club Follow-Up:

Schedule an appointment to visit the homes of the children where someone accepted Christ.
Ask the parents if they enjoyed the video.
Comment on the fact that it is one of the most-watched movies in history.
Ask if there are any questions.
Explain the importance of praying the prayer at the end of the video.
Ask to schedule a time the next week to start a Bible study with the child and the parents.

Strategy 2: Pre-VBS Neighborhood Showings

2-1 Description:

A team shows the JESUS film in a different place of the community each night one week prior to VBS.

2-2 Steps:

A team makes arrangements to show the JESUS film in different locations the week before VBS.
Backyards, parks, even parking lots have been used.
Snacks and information about the church and VBS are given to the children and parents before the showing.
After the showing, the team begins follow-up on those who accept Christ.
The JESUS film is given to each family to take home.

Strategy 3: Series of Contact

3-1 Description:

Several Nazarene churches are using this strategy as long-term community outreach.
With this strategy, it is wise to divide the area around the church into sections and concentrate on one section each year.
The church carefully orchestrates a series of contacts to each home in the section of the community.
This is a long-term strategy and may involve contacts at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Summer vacation time.
Churches have used back-to-school survival kits, Christmas gifts, and other community need-based contacts.
The last in a series of contacts is the JESUS film, with a bag of microwave popcorn, with a note that the church hopes they enjoy the popcorn while watching one of the most viewed videos in history

3-2 Steps:

Several churches have orchestrated a series of contacts from the church to the homes in the community.
Some churches begin with the Christmas season; others revolve around the Easter season.
The contacts can either be all personal visits from church members or a combination of visits and mailings.
Churches have used up to 9 different contacts to introduce the JESUS film.
This method seeks to create amicable contacts with the community before presenting the Gospel in the form of the JESUS film.
The visits include winter survival kits, back-to-school packets, and other practical items.

Strategy 4: Welcome Basket

4-1 Description:

Everyone that moves into a new neighborhood is somewhat unsettled and looking for help.
Your church could approach each new family with a welcome basket of goodies and helpful items for the transition.
Helpful items could include the magnetized list of important phone numbers of the community to place on the refrigerator.
A street map is always helpful.
Among the goodies in the basket would be a bag of microwave popcorn and the JESUS film.

4-2 Steps:

The church can monitor the movement of new people arriving into the community.
Prepared personnel can take each newcomer to the community a welcome basket which includes the JESUS film.
The welcome packet should also include popcorn to accompany the video.
A follow-up visit should be done within 2 weeks of the first visit to see if the people enjoyed the video and the popcorn.
Persons that accepted Christ after the video will indicate it in the second visit.
Follow-up is done on a weekly basis with Basic Bible Studies.

Strategy 5: County Fair Showing

5-1 Description:

This strategy utilizes the various pastors in the county.
The video is shown at the county fair in place of a float or a booth by the ministerial association.
Before, during, and after the video, the ministers pass out cards for all who would like to receive a free JESUS film.
The pastors then go to the house of the respondent and leave the video asking for permission to return in a week or two to see how they liked the video.
As the pastor returns, those that have accepted Christ are scheduled for regular follow-up

5-2 Steps:

The plan should be presented at one of the ministerial meetings of the county.
The pastor should have a copy of the handouts for each of the pastors at the meeting.
Each pastor will present the plan to his/her congregation and return to another meeting of the ministerial association to vote on the plan.
An area can be set up at the county fair to show the video at certain intervals during the day. Teenagers from churches could pass out flyers announcing the showing and the free video.
A side room should be made available for those that would want to pray after the video.
After each showing of the film, the pastors pass out the cards for people to receive the free video. The cards should include all data for the pastors to deliver the video personally to each home, including a phone number to make sure that the person is home at the time of delivery.
As the pastor delivers the video, arrangements are made to return in a week or two to see how the person liked the video.
At the subsequent visit, the pastor will ask how they liked the video and if they prayed the prayer. The pastor will schedule a follow-up for all that accepted Christ.

Strategy 6: BBQ

6-1 Description:

Personal networking is the best way to present the JESUS film.
The backyard BBQ is a good way to present the video to friends.
Your friends are invited to a BBQ at your home and told ahead of time that everyone will be watching the JESUS film together, the most-watched movie in history.
Friends must not feel that they are being put on the spot after the viewing.
There should be a relaxed atmosphere during the party and the host can contact each one personally after the party for reaction to the video.

6-2 Steps:

Prepared church members would invite friends to a backyard barbecue.
The friends are told in advance that the video will be shown.
After a good barbecue meal, the video is shown.
Follow-up is done later on a one-to-one basis asking each one his reaction to the video.

Strategy 7: Inactive Church Members

7-1 Description:

This strategy deals with the ones in your church that only come occasionally or are inactive.
These people are familiar with the church and the Gospel.
Some of the people should receive a series of visits before they are presented with the JESUS film. Each case should be considered separately.
A volunteer presents the person(s) with a video and tells them that it is the most-watched movie in history.

7-2 Steps:

Names of inactive worship and Sunday School attendees could be collected from the attendance lists.
A series of three contacts could be used:
- A letter from the pastor
- A visit from a church member
- A letter with the JESUS film
Trained volunteers from the church would then visit the person and begin a follow-up procedure.
The people that accepted Christ as a result of the video would be asked to attend a weekly Bible study.

Strategy 8: Home Groups

8-1 Description:

This strategy follows the general guidelines of successful home cell groups of Paul Cho or other small groups decentralized from the church building.
Groups are started in several homes, meeting for an hour each week.
The format of the group would include Bible study, prayer, and perhaps a song or two.
As the group develops, friends and neighbors are invited to the group to watch the JESUS film.
The movie is discussed after the showing and those who accept Christ are discipled.

8-2 Steps:

Volunteers would be trained to hold Bible study groups in their homes on a weekly basis.
People attending the studies: neighbors and friends.
As new people join the group, the JESUS film could be shown.
The group would then discuss the video.
The unconverted attendees may accept Christ during the discussion of the video.
Individual weekly follow-up would be done for new converts.

Strategy 9: English as a Second Language

9-1 Description:

This strategy has the added benefit of offering a service to those involved.
While people are learning English, bridges of friendship will be built.
The JESUS film could be used as a tool for learning English

9-2 Steps:

Make contacts in the ethnic community and begin an ESL class using portions of the English JESUS film.
Combine the ESL class with social events to develop the group culturally.
A party could be planned for the families of all of the ESL students.
During the party, the JESUS film would be shown in the ethnic language.
An appeal to accept Christ should also be given in the ethnic language.
Follow-up would begin for all those who accept Christ.

Strategy 10: Community Food Drive

10-1 Description:

The food drive strategy involves teams of two people each which go door-to-door in the community asking for donations of food for a community organization.

10-2 Steps:

After training the workers, each team of two people is assigned an area of the community to go door to door to solicit donations of food for a community organization.
Each team goes to every house in the designated area to solicit food for the community organization.
The team gives the JESUS film to every person in appreciation for the food donated.
The team makes arrangements to return in a week or two to see how they liked the film.
When the team returns to the home, they ask if the video was enjoyed. They also ask if anyone prayed the prayer at the end of the video.
The team schedules a time to return to begin follow-up with all who accepted Christ.

Strategy 11: Newspaper Ad

11-1 Description:

The newspaper strategy has very good geographic coverage.
This strategy will reach mostly adults.
It involves little effort for the initial contact.
A newspaper ad is available for use.

11-2 Steps:

The church places the ad in the local newspaper.
Everyone who responds to the ad receives a visit from a volunteer with a video.
Volunteers visit the home to see if someone accepted Christ.
Follow-up is done on a weekly basis for the new Christians.
New believers are incorporated into the life of the church.

Strategy 12: TV Ads

12-1 Description:

The TV ad will cost a considerable sum of money for spot announcements.
The viewing of such an ad, if during prime time, would be good.
A spot announcement would need to be generated by someone in the church.
The ad should target a particular age group.
Interested persons would be instructed to call the number provided to obtain a free JESUS film.

12-2 Steps:

The TV Spot announcement can be placed on a major TV network.
People who respond will call a number and request the JESUS film by giving their name, address, and phone number.
A volunteer will take the video to the home of the respondent with a bag of microwave popcorn saying, “We hope you enjoy both the video and the popcorn.”
The same volunteer should visit the respondent the next week asking if the video was enjoyed and if there are any questions.
For the respondents who prayed the prayer to receive Christ at the end of the video, leave a Gospel of Luke for them to read and make an appointment to return the following week with Lesson One of the Basic Bible Studies.
Begin standard follow-up procedures.

Strategy 13: Radio Announcements

13-1 Description:

Radio strategy must target a particular audience.
Radio spots can be produced by the church but must be of quality.
The spots should be aired on secular radio stations with the intended age group in mind.
Repetition is important for a good response

13-2 Steps:

Choose a secular station to air the spot announcement.
Target a particular age group of people.
Have the ad offer the JESUS film free to all callers. Mention the contact phone number twice.
A volunteer will take the video to the home of the respondent with a bag of microwave popcorn saying, “We hope you enjoy the video and popcorn.”
The same volunteer should visit the respondent the next week asking if the video was enjoyed and if there are any questions.
For the respondents who prayed the prayer to receive Christ at the end of the video, leave a Gospel of Luke for them to read and make an appointment to return the following week with Lesson One of the Basic Bible Studies.

Strategy 14: Advertisement Inserts

14-1 Description:

An advertisement can be printed and inserted into a variety of media.
School newspapers, city newspapers, suburban special newspapers, bulletins of all varieties may be used.
The value of this strategy is that one insert can be printed and used in many ways.

14-2 Steps:

An advertisement can be printed on paper and inserted into any local newspaper, community flyer, or other circulated paper.
Generate artwork.
Volunteers receive the calls of respondents and note their names, address, and phone number.
A volunteer will take the video to the home of the respondent with a bag of microwave popcorn saying, “We hope you enjoy the video and popcorn.”
The same volunteer should visit the respondent the next week asking if the video was enjoyed and if there are any questions.
For the respondents who prayed the prayer to receive Christ at the end of the video, leave a Gospel of Luke for them to read and make an appointment to return the following week with Lesson One of the Basic Bible Studies.
Begin standard follow-up procedures.

Strategy 15: Advertisement at the Cinema

15-1 Description & Steps:

The church can sponsor the advertisement during a popular movie.
Still advertisements can be produced on programs such as Powerpoint, Canva.com, etc.
These still advertisements would be shown on the screen prior to the movie.
Respondents are instructed to call a number to receive a free JESUS film. The respondent’s phone number is noted.
A volunteer will take the video to the home of the respondent with a bag of microwave popcorn saying, “We hope you enjoy the video and popcorn.”
The same volunteer should visit the respondent the next week asking if the video was enjoyed and if there are any questions.
For the respondents who prayed the prayer to receive Christ at the end of the video, leave a Gospel of Luke for them to read and make an appointment to return the following week with Lesson One of the Basic Bible Studies.
Begin standard follow-up procedures.

Strategy 16: Cable TV

16-1 Description & Steps:

Air the JESUS film on a local cable channel during prime time, if possible.
During the showing, run the spot announcement for a free JESUS film and offer spiritual counseling using the same phone number.
Volunteers who receive the calls will note the name, address, and phone number of each respondent.
A volunteer will take the video to the home of the respondent with a bag of microwave popcorn saying, “We hope you enjoy the video and popcorn.”
The same volunteer should visit the respondent the next week asking if the video was enjoyed and if there are any questions.
For the respondents who prayed the prayer to receive Christ at the end of the video, leave a Gospel of Luke for them to read and make an appointment to return the following week with Lesson One of the Basic Bible Studies.
Begin standard follow-up procedures.

Strategy 17: Distribution of Door Hangers

17-1 Description:

The door hanger strategy is widely used by Campus Crusade for Christ. A door hanger is a card with specific information designed to hang on the doorknob.
The door hangers are distributed to every home to discover those families that are ready to accept Christ as Savior. This is more productive than initially distributing the JESUS film to each home.
Volunteers are encouraged to prayer walk a particular area before distributing the door hangers. Prayer walking is walking the streets of the area and praying for the persons of each house and their reception to the video.
The door hangers are presented at each home. If no one is home, the door hanger is placed on the door.

17-2 Steps:

An area of the community is selected for distribution.
Volunteers are trained to distribute the door hangers door to door, teenagers can be used.
The door hangers are distributed. They inform the respondent to call a phone number to receive the video.
Trained volunteers receive the calls.
A volunteer will take the video to the home of the respondent with a bag of microwave popcorn saying, “We hope you enjoy the video and popcorn.”
The same volunteer should visit the respondent the next week asking if the video was enjoyed and if there are any questions.
For the respondents who prayed the prayer to receive Christ at the end of the video, leave a Gospel of Luke for them to read and make an appointment to return the following week with Lesson One of the Basic Bible Studies.
Begin standard follow-up procedures.

Strategy 18: Mailing Brochure to Each Home

18-1 Description:

The church prepares a mailing list of a section around the church.
A brochure offering the free JESUS film is sent to every house.
Those that call the phone number or send in the tear-off portion, will receive a video delivered by a volunteer.
This strategy covers every house in a given area but lacks the personal aspect of other strategies that use personal networking.
Direct mail has been used so much in this culture that the results may not be as successful as other strategies.

18-2 Steps:

The church selects a geographical area around the church for mailing.
A brochure is mailed to each home introducing the church and offering a complimentary copy of the JESUS film to all who would respond by calling a number or mailing in a tear-off.
A volunteer will take the video to the home of the respondent with a bag of microwave popcorn saying, “We hope you enjoy both the video and the popcorn.”
The same volunteer should visit the respondent the next week asking if the video was enjoyed and if there are any questions.
For the respondents who prayed the prayer to receive Christ at the end of the video, leave a Gospel of Luke for them to read and make an appointment to return the following week with Lesson One of the Basic Bible Studies.
Begin standard follow-up procedures.