The year 2023 will surely be exciting at Briarwood with our theme of “Project Andrew, Bring Them to Him!”
Taken from John 1:41 where we see Andrew faithfully lead another to Christ…
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah!’ ”
What is Project Andrew?
“Project Andrew: Bring Them to Him” is Briarwood’s focus and theme for 2023 chosen by the Briarwood Session and Pastor Reeder. This theme is based on the biblical mandate of personal evangelism which is essential in the life of every believer.
Who was Andrew in the Bible?
Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter who was brought to Christ by John the Baptist. When Andrew found Jesus, he went out and brought his brother to Him saying “We have found the Messiah.” Peter then came to Christ and through the two brothers, as well as others, the gospel was multiplied and spread throughout the nations.
John 1:35–46 says: [35] The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, [36] and he looked at Jesus as He walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” [37] The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. [38] Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” [39] He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. [40] One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. [41] He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). [42] He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas”
How can I Bring Them to Him?
Bringing them to Him starts with coming to Him first. Do you desire to surrender your life to Christ and come to salvation through Him? Do you struggle with evangelism due to a lack of assurance of salvation? If your answer is yes, please call Eric at 205.776.5338. or email ereebals@briarwood.org to see how you can become a Christian.
If you have already given your life to Christ, then you are ready to bring them to Him! One of the ways you can do this is by bringing them to Briarwood. Let them hear, see, and feel Jesus’ work through the gospel message. Bring them to Him by sitting down and talking with them about their thoughts on eternity. Invite them to your small group or ministry event. There are many ways to Evangelize, and many of them start with a simple conversation and by bringing Him to them so that they might hear the good news of the gospel and then come to Him.
Is there a Right or Wrong way to Evangelize?
The short answer is no. As long as you are sharing the truth of the gospel and staying true to the scriptures, the only “wrong” way to share your faith is by NOT sharing it!
In the parable of the Sower, the Seed (the gospel) was cast out upon different types of soil. Some seeds took root and grew while others did not… but it wasn’t the quality of the seed that determined the outcome; it was the quality of the soil. We are called to “Bring Them to Him” just as we were brought to Him through others, but it is important to remember that we do not “save” others through our work; God alone can change a heart from stone and bring salvation unto Himself.
Are there more or less effective ways of Evangelism? Absolutely! Practicing your personal testimony, attending an Evangelism Training course, or utilizing other Evangelism resources are great ways to become more confident and eager to share your faith more often.
What Evangelism Resources does Briarwood provide?
Briarwood provides many opportunities to evangelize or receive evangelism training.
One of this year’s opportunities is Project Andrew Evangelism Training taking place in April. There will be three sessions on April 12, 19, and 26 in the Fellowship Hall following the MidWeek dinner. These training sessions will be low-pressure, informational lectures led by Briarwood Pastors with the goal of teaching you how to share your faith more confidently and effectively. For additional information, email Eric at ereebals@briarwood.org. These training sessions will be available for replay on the Briarwood App and at briarwood.org/evangelism.
Secondly, Briarwood offers Bridge to Life Training. Bridge to Life is a simple, one-verse method of sharing the Gospel. Join us for classroom training, encouragement, and actual on-the-job training Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. starting every September and January during MidWeek. For more details contact Leigh Ann Reese at lreese@briarwood.org or 776-5301.
Finally, another opportunity Briarwood is offering this summer is Christianity Explored. Christianity Explored is an informal and relaxed seven-week course for anyone who wants to think about the meaning of life. Participants don’t need to know anything about the Bible and won’t be asked to pray or sing. Each C.E. session will be held in the home of a Briarwood member and a meal will be provided free of charge. These will be great opportunities to bring in young people or anyone who might be intimidated by a formal church setting. Briarwood will provide two training sessions on May 3 and 10 for those interested in hosting a class or learning more about this program. For more information email Bobby Parks at bjparks@briarwood.org or go to christianityexplored.us for additional resources.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy; just join any of Briarwood’s Evangelism Training opportunities completely free of charge and without any commitment obligations! If you are unsure which class is right for you, contact Eric Reebals at 205.776.5338 or ereebals@briarwood.org.
Personal Evangelism is a biblical mandate that brings as much blessing upon the person sharing their faith as the person hearing the Good News! Become confident in sharing your faith and Bring Them to Him!
Project Andrew Sermons
“Sent to Bring”
March 19, 2023 • Dr. Harry Reeder, III
John 20:19–23
“Project Andrew: Your Sins Are Forgiven”
March 12, 2023 • Dr. Harry Reeder, III
Mark 2:1–11
“Project Andrew: The Harvest Field”
February 19, 2023 • Dr. Harry Reeder, III
John 4:1–42
“Project Andrew and Earnest Prayer”
February 12, 2023 • Dr. Harry Reeder, III
Matthew 9:35–38
“Andrew Bringing Seekers”
February 5, 2023 • Dr. Harry Reeder, III
John 12:20–26
“Andrew Bringing a Young Boy… and More”
January 22, 2023 • Dr. Harry Reeder, III
John 6:1–15
“Andrew Bringing His Brother… and More”
January 15, 2023 • Dr. Harry Reeder, III
John 1:29–42