Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
B. ADVANTAGES OF USING DIRECT MAIL...
1. You can target a specific audience
a. E.g., a mass mail out to a particular zip code
b. E.g., a targeted mailing to neighbors and friends
2. Everyone glances at their mail
a. As opposed to the TV, radio, newspaper
b. Even it is junk mail
3. It is non-intrusive and non-confrontational
a. You never interrupt their dinner, sleep, or favorite TV program
b. You can reach people who otherwise might not open doors or give the time of day
-- Direct mail almost guarantees that contact can be made with any person
[Not all correspondence courses are designed with the direct mail approach in mind. There is one that I
highly recommend...]
III. USE “JESUS, THE WAY”
A. ABOUT “JESUS, THE WAY”...
1. Authored by Sewell Hall, developed while preaching in England
2. Contains seven lessons presenting Jesus as the way to many blessings
3. Perhaps the least expensive course available
-- Simple, easy to complete, yet adequate in presenting the gospel
B. ADVANTAGES OF “JESUS, THE WAY”...
1. The first lesson is designed for being sent via direct mail
2. The first lesson presents gospel fundamentals, unlike courses which do it in later lessons
3. Attention is focused on Jesus and His will for us
-- Even if the first lesson is not returned, the gospel has been shared!
[Whether it be “Jesus, The Way” or some other course designed for direct mail, let me now offer...]
IV. USE A PLAN OF ACTION
A. PERSONAL PLANS...
1. Mail the first lesson to 50 homes in your neighborhood
2. Give or mail the first lesson to your friends and family
3. Every person who receives the first lesson has been exposed to the gospel
-- If you can slap on an address label, you can evangelize!
B. CONGREGATIONAL PLANS...
1. Mail the first lesson to every home in the community, or to select postal codes
2. Advertise the course in local papers, or even print the entire first lesson in the paper
3. Offer the course to the world via a web site on the Internet
-- The opportunities are endless, provided sowers are willing to sow the seed!
CONCLUSION
1. If you are willing to sow the seed, evangelism can be easy...
Topical Sermons 111