Evangelism Response Center Training in Northern Virginia!    

                                                                                                                                                                       Vol. XV, No. 6, Jun/Jul 2002

Before we talk about exactly where and when, let’s explain the ERC program. First, what is the ERC?

Imagine answering your telephone and hearing this question: "Can you tell me how to have new life in Jesus Christ?" No, it's not a prank call. It's sort of a "spiritual telemarketing" in reverse called the Evangelism Response Center.

Would you like to share the gospel with people from every part of North America from the comfort of your own home? The ERC sponsors a toll-free line which offers seekers the opportunity to call you for information about how they can experience new life in Jesus Christ. Telephone Encouragers (TEs) receive these calls and talk and pray with callers about how to receive, or grow in Christ. Statistically, one in 10 calls results in a conversion to Christ.

This ministry is safe: You do it from your home. Calls are routed by computer to your phone, so your number is never seen by the caller.

This ministry is convenient: You control when and how long you will receive calls by using an 800 number to log on and off of the ERC system.

This ministry is effective: Callers will be responding to some form of evangelistic media that has encouraged them to make the call.

Second: What is the purpose of the ERC? The Evangelism Response Center exists to advance the intentional presentation of and response to the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ by responding to and praying with persons who contact us through various media, and referring them to local churches where they can receive further ministry and grow in discipleship.

Third: What Is Included in the training? The two hour training session includes:

* How to operate the technical aspects of the system (don’t worry; it’s simple).

* How to do telephone/internet evangelism.

* How to interact with the caller.

* How to respond to crisis calls.

* How to report to the ERC.

Now that we’ve described the ERC and the training (only two hours of your time required!), note that the training course will be offered at Good News Baptist Church, 5940 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA, just one mile south of the Washington Beltway (I-95/495). Take the Telegraph Road exit south, go one mile, and look for the white and blue church sign on your right. Turn in the driveway before the sign and go up the hill to the parking lot. Note: You will not see the church building from Telegraph because of the hill and trees.

The training session will be held 14 July, will begin at 6:30 p.m., and will last two hours.

It will be led by Bill White, Evangelism Associate of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia.

Important Note: This training and service as a Telephone Encourager is for anyone. You do not have to be a member of Good News or of an SBCV church. The only requirement is that you want to be available to tell people about Jesus, people who are calling to ask about Him. What could be easier or more rewarding?