Church Marketing: 6 steps to meet needs and minister to others

God sent the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to others and equip us to meet their needs.

Maybe it’s something simple like giving a few dollars for a hamburger. Maybe it’s changing a tire. Or leading someone to Christ. Maybe it’s a healing.

We see a beautiful example of this in Acts 3 when Peter and John encounter the crippled beggar at the Temple gate.

Here are 6 steps Peter and John take to minister to this man and ultimately change his life.

1. Be ready to be used by God at any time. Call upon the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and give you the power to help people — even if you’re just walking by.

“Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.” — v. 2,3

2. See the person. Make eye contact. It’s a powerful act — to recognize someone and actually see that person.

“Peter looked straight at him, as did John.” — v. 4

3. Acknowledge the person and the need. Once you see people, acknowledge their existence and assess their needs. Is there a way you can help?

“Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ … Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.'” — v. 4,6

4. Reach out and, in Christ’s name, meet the need. Some needs are easier to meet than others. We must have faith that if God has put us in a position to meet someone’s needs, he’ll provide what we need to do it.

“‘In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” — v. 6,7

5. Provide continued support. Once we help, our work isn’t always done. Sometimes — especially in the case of a new Christian — we need to be there to provide extra support.

“While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them” — v. 11

6. Give God the glory. It’s easy to forget why we do things. It’s sometimes too easy to take the credit. Always give the glory back to the Lord.

“‘By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.'” — v. 16

How are you meeting the needs of others?

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