AEC Ministerial department hosted a recent lay pastors retreat with the theme "Waking Up the Sleeping Giant." The focus was on rekindling the embers of faith and personal evangelism.

 The Great Commission from the Bible, written in Matthew 28:19, was the central theme of the retreat, instructing believers to "go and make disciples of all nations." An essential element of the retreat was the recognition that many church members, metaphorically referred to as the "sleeping giant," have untapped potential for personal evangelism. Lay pastors were encouraged to awaken this potential within their congregations by fostering a culture of evangelism, supporting and equipping their members, and setting an example through their own evangelistic efforts.

 The retreat was structured into five parts, with each addressing a crucial aspect of personal evangelism:

 1. The Need for Personal Evangelism: An introduction was provided, highlighting the significance of personal evangelism in the context of fulfilling the Great Commission. Participants were encouraged to recognize the urgency and importance of sharing their faith.

 2. Definition and Challenge: In this section, the definition of personal evangelism and the challenges associated with it were explored. Lay pastors were instructed on understanding the obstacles that often hinder effective evangelism efforts.

 3. Identifying Your Witnessing Styles: Lay pastors were guided through an exploration of their unique witnessing styles, helping them better understand their strengths and areas for growth in personal evangelism.

 4. Relationships: The Foundation of Personal Evangelism: The retreat emphasized the crucial role of building relationships in evangelism. Lay pastors were taught about the importance of connecting with others in a meaningful and authentic way, paving the path for spiritual conversations.

 5. How to Transition to Spiritual Conversations and Use Your Faith Story: Lay pastors were provided with practical tools for initiating spiritual conversations and sharing their own faith stories effectively, making personal evangelism a more approachable and relatable practice.

 The retreat concluded with the lay pastors leaving, not only with a renewed sense of purpose but also with newfound knowledge and skills to encourage the "sleeping giant" within their congregations. They are now equipped to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the transformative power of their faith with others and fostering spiritual growth within their communities.