Mountain View Church of the Nazarene
February 25~26~27, ‘05
What is a Lay Witness Mission?
It is a weekend program in which a team of laymen come to our church to share their faith in Christ.
When is the Lay Witness Mission?
The weekend of February 25th~26th~27th, 2005. (See schedule)
Where is the Lay Witness Mission?
Most of the events will be held at Mountain View Church of the Nazarene ~ 26515 Ustick Road, Wilder, Idaho. Some activities will be held in private homes and a local restaurant.
Who is coming?
They are ordinary men, women and youth who have encountered the living Christ. They have been awakened by God to the thrilling possibility of living all of life through Jesus. They are changed in important ways but still being changed by the daily experiences in the love and power of knowing Christ as their Savior. They are Christians who are learning how to witness, pray, find ministry and meaning in small groups and how to put their faith to work in daily life.
Who is the coordinator?
Mr. Ernie Thompson is a laymen and member of the Boise First Church of the Nazarene in Idaho. He has led and participated in Lay Witness Missions since 1973.
What happens?
The laymen share their personal experiences of trying to live the Christian life. They tell of true struggles and heartaches as well as the victories and speak personally to many in one-on-one encounters. They share and they listen. They come to receive as well as to give.
What is the schedule?
The mission begins on Friday evening with a congregational dinner, followed by a general meeting and small group meetings. Coffee groups are held Saturday morning in homes, followed by luncheons for men and women. Saturday evening another congregational meeting is held, concluding with small group meetings. Sunday morning the team members speak and the coordinator shares his witness in the worship service. The witnesses return home Sunday afternoon while the local people hold an evaluation session Sunday evening, which is the most meaningful session of the weekend.
Where do the Laymen stay?
The visiting lay witnesses stay in homes as guests of our church members. This provides additional opportunity for meaningful sharing and encounter on a personal basis.
Who is the Lay Witness Mission Weekend for?
All members (and friends) of our congregation are encouraged to attend every session. However, if it is not possible to attend every session, any of the meetings are considerably worthwhile.
What about results?
Results vary and there is no guarantee that a mission will produce amazing benefits, but generally the mission results in laymen being awakened to a new and vital faith. Many have become interested in developing small groups, making a new commitment to Christ and/or becoming faithful workers in their church and community. Others have taken interest in effective witnesses in their homes or on the job.
What preparation is necessary?
PRAYER! A large number of people have been praying daily and in prayer cell groups for the Lay Witness Mission for months.
What does it cost?
The coordinator and witnesses travel at their own expense as part of their personal witness.
How may I participate?
Your participation may begin immediately through your prayerful concern for the Lay Witness Mission weekend. Many of you are being contacted to have guests stay in your homes, to be coffee hostesses, and to help with housing and transportation sessions and the small group opportunities.
