Chessboard Evangelismm
Daniel J. Schettle
C
hessboard Evangelism
How do CChess pieces relate to Evangelism? 1-3
Church Organization. 4-5
Is Chessboard Evangelism right for your church? 6
Chessboard Evangelism Endorsement page. 7
Prayer Warrior . 8
Evangelist . 9
Spiritual Sponsor . 10
Teacher . 11
Substitute for all areas Signup Sheet. 12
Advantages of . 13-14
Hindrances to Chessboard Evangelism. 15-16
Chessboard Evangelism Concluding Thoughts. 17
Food for Thought 1
Food for Thought 2
Food for Thought 3. 18-23
Our relationship to the King
We have a personal responsibility to protect our connections with the Lord Almighty. We need to stay covered under the blood of Jesus Christ. In Chess the object is to capture the King and the game is over. Don’t let your flesh or Satan’s lies capture your relationship with the Lord Jesus because then the game of life is over.
The Queen
They are the church PRAYER WARRIORS and I have listed them next because they have such a close relationship to God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. They agree to pray daily over any name given to them by the spiritual sponsors (Rooks), for a minimum of 6 months. The prayer warriors, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, give the Knights (Evangelists) directions. They affirm when, where and who, the Holy Spirit says to contact.
They are the EVANGELISTS who are responsible to share the gospel and visit the contact names supplied by the prayer warriors (Bishops). When a person receives Christ as their Lord and Savior, the evangelist will express to that individual that he has a spiritual sponsor (Rooks). Initially the spiritual sponsor had submitted the contact name to the Prayer Warriors. The Evangelist (Knights) will convey the name of the Spiritual sponsor to the new convert. We would then encourage the new convert to, profess with his mouth, his acceptance of Christ to that spiritual sponsor. We would in turn, ask the new convert’s permission to share the good news with his spiritual sponsor. The follow up and discipleship is then passed on to the spiritual sponsor. His responsibility is to contact the new convert and invite him to church and bible study on Sunday. Read Acts 8:26-40. (This is how the Holy Spirit led Philip, the evangelist, to witness to the Ethiopian eunuch.)
They are the SPIRITUAL SPONSORS, whose responsibility is to bring people to church so they can be discipled. They fill out information cards and submit the cards to the prayer warriors. These sponsors, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, are sensitive to the spiritual needs of others. This might be a family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor, etc., whose spiritual condition may be in question. Spiritual sponsors agree to bring new converts they personally sponsored to Sunday morning church services. This includes a mandatory one hour Sunday adult Bible study, plus the regular Sunday church service.
They are the SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS, whose responsibility is to teach Bible scripture and by their Godly life show an example and testimony for everyone. By daily devotions, Bible reading and prayer they emphasize our responsibility to protect our relationship to our Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
Note: Initially the church needs to pray for people to lead each group with at least one substitute to cover for vacations and/or illnesses.
Example of the Note Cards (3”x 5”) filled out by the Spiritual Sponsors which will be left on the church Table. In rare cases a substitute spiritual sponsor must be appointed.
Note: Drop it into the slotted box on the church table to be collected by the Prayer Warrior Leader after every Sunday service. He/she will distribute each name to the prayer warrior team.
Note: Pastor agrees to pray over and anoint with oil each group leader and member with his blessing. This should be done during the Sunday morning service so the whole congregation can recognize church leaders and understand that we are organizing God’s army under the Holy Spirit’s supervision.
Note: The church congregation needs to know that this is truly a body ministry. The eye definitely needs the foot and vice versa. Everyone is equally valuable and doing his or her (called) part for the Glory of God.
Note: Over my 37 years of being a Christian, the Holy Spirit has given me the privilege of leading many to Christ, but quite frankly, the follow-up and a discipleship program was lacking. My prayer was always to improve in this area. I believe that Chessboard Evangelism, led by the Holy Spirit, is an answer to my prayer.
Note: For years I have taught Evangelism with a bias toward ^^1^^Evangelism Explosion (EE) with varying degrees of success. One thing I have learned the hard way is that not everyone has the gift of Evangelism and not everyone is called to have a door to door ministry. Just like not everyone is called to be a “Prayer Warrior.” Consider Simeon and Anna who prayed constantly in the temple and prompted by the Holy Spirit, immediately recognized the infant Jesus.
It was always somewhat discouraging to teach Evangelism because when it was time for on the job training, very few people would show up. I taught that a successful evangelist must have two qualities: 1) Compassion or a Christ-like love for the lost, 2) Be led by the Holy Spirit. If you possess these two qualities you will be a very successful Evangelist. The Gospel will never go void. If people don’t repent and receive Christ immediately they will never escape the conviction of the Holy Spirit. But then I realized you can’t make a cat into an elephant. I had to realize the great commission (Matt. 28:18-20) was not just about training people to share the gospel. It finally hit me that Evangelism must be a team effort, led by the Holy Spirit, where everyone does the job the Holy Spirit has called him or her to do.
It’s like the Super Bowl. Everyone on the team gets a Super Bowl ring. I believe that one day we will all stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ. We won’t be like the Laodicean Church that was lukewarm but we will be like Stephen-glowing in the power of the Holy Spirit. I believe God is going to say, “Ya all did well, my good and faithful Servants! You have been faithful in a little, I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master!”
Note: I know that Chessboard Evangelism is going to take a lot of prayer (possibly fasting) and hard work. But in the end I can see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our Churches and our Country.
Another “Bigger” vision is that churches throughout the United States and the world will get on board and internet together in a team effort to build God’s army worldwide. Can you imagine living in the United States and having an unsaved son in Australia? You would be able to fill out a 3 × 5 (Spiritual Sponsor) card on the internet and submit his name to a church in Australia that has Chessboard Evangelism. That church can appoint a spiritual sponsor on your behalf so that your son will be discipled after he receives Salvation. Glory Alleluia!
Note: Remember that after Pentecost the Holy Spirit was given to all flesh! Therefore the Holy Spirit (the counselor and the person responsible for convicting the world of sin) is everywhere on this earth. And through our present communications we can request His Presence anywhere in the World. Always remember 1Cor. 12:3, “No one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit”.
Note: Jesus is the Savior of the World, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, and they both operate to give Glory to God the Father.
Note: My question is this: Is Chessboard Evangelism right for your church? How many church members see the need to raise up a Christian army for the Lord? How many people really want to get involved? Wouldn’t it be great to see a Holy Spirit revival in your Church?!
Chessboard Evangelism Endorsement page ENDORSEMENT PAGE
Prayer Warrior (Bishop) Signup Sheet Page 1 of the Signup Sheets
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p<>{color:#000;}. My first priority and gifting is to be a Prayer Warrior or a Bishop. I love praying for people!
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h3<>. I’ll be a leader
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h3<>. I’ll be a substitute leader
Evangelist (Knight) Signup Sheet Page 2 of the Signup Sheets
2. My first priority and gifting is to be an Evangelist [* or Knight. I was born ready- giddy up and let’s go to the world with God’s Wword. *]
1. I’ll be a leader
2. I’ll be a substitute leader
Spiritual Sponsor (Rook) Signup Sheet Page 3 of Signup Sheets
3. My first priority is to be a Spiritual Sponsor or rook. I know a lot of people who need salvation and I’ll agree to bring them to church to be discipled. This area could easily tie for first place with everyone.
1. I’ll be a leader
2. I’ll be a substitute leader
Teacher (Pawn) Signup Sheet Page 4 of Signup Sheets
4. My first priority is to be a Teacher or pawn. I love to teach the basics of how to live a Godly life.
1. I’ll be a leader
2. I’ll be a substitute leader
Substitute for all areas Signup Sheet Page 5 of Signup Sheets
1. I’ll be a leader
2. I’ll be a substitute leader
You may be a ^2^snowbird but we will still welcome you! Don’t worry, the Holy Spirit will keep the program alive until you come back.
Advantages of “Chessboard Evangelism”ADVANTAGES OF “CHESSBOARD EVANGELISM”
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p<>{color:#000;}. The church operates as an organized army for the Lord.
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p<>{color:#000;}. New believers don’t fall through the cracks but are discipled!
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h3<>. Spiritual sponsors agree to come to Sunday morning 1 hour interactive bible study plus Sunday service. They grow spiritually along with the person they sponsor. They know the convert the longest and best.
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p<>{color:#000;}. Evangelists are relieved of the responsibility of discipleship and every evangelist wants the people they lead to the Lord to grow spiritually and be discipled!
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h3<>. Prayer warriors-the unsung heroes, are anointed with oil and are recognized. How they rejoice when someone they have prayed for receives Jesus and they actually hug them in church.
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p<>{color:#000;}. Evangelists are excited to go where the fish are biting because the prayer warriors are praying daily! God hears our prayer and multitudes receive salvation. God knows that people will be discipled in our church and there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
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h3<>. After weekly Sunday service testimonies, more and more people will catch the fever.
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h3<>. Instead of an evangelist begging people to come with him or her for visitations, the opposite will be true. People will be begging to come along because of all the wonderful testimonies. Years ago we actually had a waiting list for people to be trained in “Evangelism Explosion“EE”.”
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h3<>. Did you ever have a home bible study where you have cleaned the house and no one shows up? Well your worries are over. No more cleaning the house! The church is already clean. A 1 ½ hour Bible study commitment on Sunday, besides the church service, is easy and convenient for everybody (a 1 hour bible study and ½ hour socializing before or between services).
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h3<>. Sunday school teachers are encouraged because the Holy Spirit is sending them more & more people.
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p<>{color:#000;}. Read Ephesians 4:11-16 and as the Pastor looks over the flock that God has given him, he rejoices. Because this passage of scripture is being fulfilled on his watch.
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p<>{color:#000;}. Because the church is operating as a team, everyone will be rewarded for being on the team! Because you are in God’s army doing your part-I believe God will individually say to you,” Well done my good and faithful Servant.”
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h3<>. Your church will be effectively grooming and mentoring future generations (pastors, evangelists, etc.).
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h3<>. People will find out where their gifts are and be encouraged to use those gifts and talents for the Glory of God.
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p<>{color:#000;}. I have been praying that there will be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and that God will raise up His Church army of Godly men and women. I believe this can happen through “Chessboard Evangelism” worldwide. So Pastor, as President Donald Trump would say, ‘What have you got to lose?’ Maybe a few hairs on your head-that’s all! So what if the program doesn’t work in your church? Maybe it won’t work like you expect but perform better than you expect. If you get egg on your face, so what. It won’t be the first time, and it won’t be the last! What would have happened to Thomas Edison and the light bulb? It’s been said that he tried over a 1000 times before being successful. If you are afraid of failing then that is just self-pride! I think it is better to have tried and failed then to have never tried at all. Don’t worry, the Holy Spirit will pick you up! Jesus will be proud of you no matter what because you have tried to do His will! I love Hebrews 13:5B. God says, “I will never (fail) leave you nor forsake you.” If Chessboard Evangelism is truly God’s program, and I believe it is, then it won’t fail!
Hindrances to Chessboard Evangelism HINDRANCES TO CHESSBOARD EVANGELISM
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h3<>. Being misunderstood by the general public.
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h3<>. People thinking we are accusing otherspeople of being unsaved, in other words, jJudging people!
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h3<>. People thinking that because this program is led by the Holy Spirit it must be Pentecostal and you need to speak in tongues.
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h3<>. Chessboard Evangelism may even turn some people away from church because the Holy Spirit may be convicting them to be more involved.
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h3<>. There is too much talk about the Holy Spirit. That’s all you want to talk about, the Baptism and speaking in tongues.
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h3<>. You are trying to take over our church.
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h3<>. This is a Pastor’s comment I heard: We have an evangelist that is a comedian. He comes in one week out of the year and many people get saved. That’s all the congregation wants, that’s all we give em’.
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h3<>. I have overwhelmed people with evangelism in the past because it was my program. It had negative consequences and I don’t want to do that again. We need to take it slow.
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h3<>. We have someone who does visitation for years and we don’t want to upset his ministry.
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h3<>. We have people bring someone to church who isn’t saved. We preach at them during the service and we always have an altar call. That’s the way I do things around here!
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h3<>. Basically our church has tithing members. They pay pew rent and everyone has their spot on Sunday. We don’t want faithful, old time, tithing members to be upset with people sitting in their pew spot.
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h3<>. My quiver is full. I’m worn out. In other words, I have enough responsibility marrying, burying, visiting the sick and preparing for Sunday’s sermon, that I don’t need more responsibility.
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h3<>. Church growth is downright painful! Getting enough funding isn’t the only problem with expanding the church. We will need to hire assistant pastors, organize more programs and have more people tugging on me with problems. No, I pray we stay the size we are!
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p<>{color:#000;}. This is usually the way it works. The evangelist comes in and feeds the newborn baby Christian and gives him or her the milk bottle and then leaves. But at 2 or 3 am (well after the bars close down) the baby Christian needs a diaper change, and everyone feels that is the pastor’s job! After all, he is getting the big bucks! I can understand why some pastors resent Evangelists that blow in and blow out of church. An evangelist friend of mine told me what happened after he had an altar call and approximately 200 received Christ. When he was leaving at the end of the week, the pastor said, “You know you just created a lot of work for me!”
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h3<>. I know how these things get started. Next thing you know people will be jumping all over during Sunday sermons, and as the pastor, I could lose control. Heaven forbid that the Holy Spirit should take over! (Just a little sarcasm!)
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If we are honest and seek the Holy Spirit’s advice, we will understand that God desires all men to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2: 3-4, the apostle Paul says, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” So everything we do on earth should be done to please our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So won’t you please join God’s Army and according to your gifting, help organize God’s church for His Glory.
I hope you don’t feel this is being repetitious but Chessboard Evangelism has something unique and that is the use of “Spiritual Sponsors”. They provide names to the prayer warriors. “Prayer Warriors” pray over those names and when the Holy Spirit says it is time, they provide those names to the Evangelists. “Evangelists” pray with people and they receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Spiritual Sponsors have agreed to bring new converts to a bible study and church on Sunday. Then the “Sunday school Teachers” disciple people through scripture and an interactive study (people can ask questions). Plus the people being discipled stay for Pastor’s sermon. The person being discipled receive an interactive bible study and a Sunday sermon all in one shot.
If you’re an Evangelist, you’ll love this! You can get involved with as many churches that have Chessboard Evangelism as you want. You just need to be approved by the local pastor. If you come with credentials and references, that will be your initial interview to becoming a volunteer at any local church and becoming approved by the pastor! Also you will be there on a temporary basis. You will be going out to people that have been prayed for by the church prayer warriors. The fish will really be biting. Contact names will be provided for you. You will be traveling with the top leadership in the church to analyze your degree of talent. They will approve or not recommend you for further involvement. After that, if you are approved, you have a volunteer position. It’s like joining a union, you are now a brother. However, much like Evangelism Explosion(EE), you will always be traveling in a pair or threesome when representing a church. I’m 67 years old and remember a TV show called “Have Gun Will Travel”. It still comes on ME TV once in a while. Similarly, if God has given you the gift of Evangelism, that is another form of having a spiritual cannon and being ready to travel-only free of charge.
Let’s first look at the pastor’s point of view. A pastor may say, I’d love to start Chessboard Evangelism but I don’t have enough support from the congregation. I get it! That may be true. But here are 2 ways to solve that problem: 1). Present the endorsement page and sign up pages to the congregation. You may be surprised how talented your congregation really is and how much experience they possess. 2). What’s wrong with asking for help? If you have a toothache you wouldn’t think of solving the problem yourself. You would go to the dentist. Well if you don’t have enough people for at least 2 Evangelists and 2 teachers, just ask! I am thinking of Luke 11:9-13, “And I tell you, ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What Father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” There are usually a couple of Evangelists and teachers in every church. I’ve been around the block more than once and have been in just about every state in the USA and probably have been in as many churches. I’ve noticed at least one Evangelist and one good teacher in every church I’ve been in. All right, let’s just say not enough people come forward. Don’t despair! If you ask your congregation, they can usually recommend someone they know who are evangelists or teachers and looking for more action- free of charge. You will have to interview them but they are willing to help organize God’s army. It doesn’t matter what Christian Church they are helping because they know it’s for God’s army and His Glory! Let people who are led by the Holy Spirit, decide for themselves if they want to help other church’s that have an Evangelistic program.
Now let’s look at the congregation’s point of view. Sometimes the congregation is wishing there will be a Holy Spirit’s revival in their church. An evangelist feels he is a lone wolf and the pastor doesn’t understand his need to share the gospel, disciple people and develop the gift of Evangelism that God has given him. He may have come up against so much opposition inside the church that he feels unappreciated, and is sitting in a church where he has buried his talents in a napkin. He has become totally frustrated, and because of that, the church could be labeled a Laodicean church-neither hot nor cold but lukewarm! That’s not a good church to be in!
Well it’s time to unite, both pastor and congregation in Evangelism led by the Holy Spirit. I just heard a great definition of wishing and desiring something. When you wish for something, you’re waiting for something to come to you. When you desire something, you’re willing to go after it. Here’s the problem: Both pastor and congregation are wishing Evangelism is going to come to their church, but God tells us to go for it. That’s the great commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” I believe when you desire to organize Evangelism in a program like “Chessboard Evangelism” that is led by the Holy Spirit, you will truly be desiring to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
For Jesus must increase and I must decrease.
1 Evangelism Explosion (EE) is an evangelism program, founded by James Kennedy, which trains people to share their faith in Jesus Christ!
2 Snowbird-A person who lives in the northern United States and travels to the southern United States to live during the winter months to escape the cold climate.