Mark of God Communications purposes to help produce “doers” of the Word, not just “hearers” and to help “transform”, not just “inform”. Towards that end, it is committed to presenting Bible truth, without compromise to tradition or popularity.
Today many Christians put forth a “gospel of peace”. They seem to suggest that the Christian life is one of “living peacefully”, even to the point of “not causing a stir”, of “being politically correct” and “not confronting the erroneous beliefs of those around us, even and especially other Christians”.
But look what Christ said in Matthew 10:34:
- “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
What was this “sword”? The apostle Paul describes it in Ephesians 6:17:
- And take the…sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The sword is very simply the Bible. And look at what the writer of Hebrews 4:12 says about using this “sword”:
- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
It could well be said that one thing that Mark of God Communications intends to teach is “swordsmanship” – how to know the Bible and how to use it – lovingly, effectively and pro-actively – in reaching out to others. Here are just a few other Scriptures that refer to being a “Champion of Bible Truth”:
- 2 Timothy 3
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 4
1 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ…
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. - 2 Timothy 2
24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
26 and that they might come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. - 1Timothy 4
11 These things (Scripture) command and teach.
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attention to reading (preaching the Word), to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save yourself and those who hear you. - Revelation 1
3 “Blessed is he who reads (preaches) and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
As Paul challenged Timothy to be a Champion of Bible Truth, so today Mark of God Communications challenges modern day Christians to pick up “the sword”, to study it and to learn to use it lovingly and effectively in “the battle for souls”.
Lay Evangelism Training
One important way Mark of God Communications will help disciple is through its “Ambassadors for Christ” training for “lay people” (those other than the clergy or other leaders, trainers and administrators) in “outreach evangelism”. These Lay Evangelism training programs will help Christians be far more effective in their outreach, witnessing, presentations of Bible studies, etc. – not only through their better knowledge of Scripture, but also through improved skills of communication, presentation and persuasion.
Mark of God’s plans for Lay Evangelism Training is twofold:
- Training in Bible truths, Bible history, Bible prophecy, the Reformation, the beliefs of major denominations and other training directly related to “Bible Discovery”.
- Training in communications, prospecting, listening, telephone techniques, recruitment, overcoming objections, inciting action, etc. (basically very simple “sales” techniques since evangelism is fundamentally “selling” the many aspects of Christianity.)
Very simply, Mark of God Communications will be “making greater disciples” by offering communications training in “persuasion and motivation”. Some of the most basic communications and sales techniques – like “how to” prospect, listen, qualify (ask questions), overcome objections and close (make the sale / ask for the order) – can be readily (and ethically) transferred to evangelism. Such simple techniques, properly presented, will produce greater results in any and all forms of outreach. Adding to disciples’ “power of persuasion” will be additional “how to” training in areas like “Understanding People”, “Motive Appeal”, “Building Trust”, “Projecting Infectious Enthusiasm” and “Public Speaking”.
Many churches and organizations offer the first part – Bible Discovery oriented training. But there is an incredibly great need in Christendom for the latter part – for programs, training and materials that will help an untrained lay person do a far more effective work in reaching out in their day-to-day lives to friends, family and people they come in contact with. The purpose of Mark of God’s Lay Evangelism Training isn’t to teach people how to “hard sell” Christianity, but rather how to professionally and ethically present true Christianity in the most effective manner possible – and to achieve the best possible results in bringing people to Christ and in discipling them.
Mentoring, Coaching and Team Support
A third way of making “greater” disciples will be through providing ongoing programs of mentoring, coaching and support to disciples as a “team”. The various and diverse programs of Mark of God Communications are purposed to offer the ongoing fellowship and camaraderie that is so vital to maximizing the effectiveness of any and all disciples.
Weekly Fellowships
A primary purpose of Mark of God Communications is to establish a network of “Mark of God Christian Fellowships” to provide special ongoing weekly programs on a local basis. These church-like Christian fellowships will offer Bible Discovery Evangelism, ongoing weekly Christian fellowship and Lay Evangelism Training.
Mark of God Christian Fellowships will serve both to support local members and to help more effectively be an outreach to those in the respective communities. The goal of these fellowship programs is to provide members and guests with a safe and nurturing environment of Christian fellowship that will help maximize their spiritual growth and development. The main focus of the Mark of God Christian Fellowship programs will be on providing weekly Bible Discovery programs – especially on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
Fellowship Member and Volunteer Programs
There are several ways in which you can be a part of the Mark of God. You might simply want to attend some of our programs or sample some of our publications or study materials. You might want to get involved in one of our membership programs. You might want to get involved in one of our career programs. And whatever your other involvement, you might also want to enjoy volunteering your time and energy in some way.
Communications Centres
One of the goals and operational plans for Mark of God Communications is to establish a “Communications Centre” in every major city or key market region. The primary function of a Communications Centre will be to provide a full seven-day week agenda of programs for members and guests.
Friday evenings and Saturdays, the Communications Centres will focus on Mark of God Christian Fellowship programs. Sundays through Thursdays of each week, the Communications Centres will be used to provide training and other support for the Evangelism Team Career Programs, Lay Evangelism and Life Development Evangelism Programs of Mark of God Communications, Allegiant Life and ChristianAchievers. The auxiliary function of a Communications Centre will be to foster a sense of belonging, of something “active and vibrant” that members will be proud of.
The Communications Centres will also perform other functions, including:
- Facilities for many fellowship programs including banquets, luncheons and other social programs
- Facilities to offer books, DVDs, logo’d merchandise and other Mark of God, Allegiant Life and ChristianAchievers products
- A dynamic “architectural evangelism” impact on the respective communities, establishing credibility and confidence in Mark of God Communications and its programs
Plans are to purposely establish Communications Centres with a “barrier free” and “non-church” image – both to better attract disenfranchised Christians and those who are active members of other denominations. Where possible, Communications Centres will be located in retail strip malls where there is easy access, high visibility, illuminated signage, ample parking and adequate outdoor lighting, as well as close proximity to restaurants and other services. Other Communications Centres might be established in existing church buildings and renovating them to meet the needs and image of Mark of God and its outreach programs of Allegiant Life and ChristianAchievers. Still other Communications Centres might be established in suitable commercial / light industrial buildings (as long as access, parking, outside security and other factors are suitable – especially for evening programs during winter months).
Bible Discovery Groups
A vital part of the Mark of God’s outreach evangelism is to be achieved through its “Bible Discovery Groups”. Based on the proven successes of small / cell group programs, Bible Discovery Groups will first help Mark of God Communications build stronger and more capable members and leaders for its Evangelism Teams. Then, through those trained Evangelism Team members and leaders, Mark of God Communications will use Bible Discovery Groups to provide more effective outreach to guests and the general public.
