National Ministries’ National Evangelism Team (NET) started in 2002 under the auspices of NEW LIFE 2010, with its goal of making 1,000,010 new disciples. More than 31 of 35 American Baptist regions now participate in evangelism training through NET initiatives. More regions will join at an introductory event in Valley Forge, Pa., in May, when 20 newly trained NET members will be added to the nationwide outreach and network.

NET members, called associates, now number nearly 80. These are local church leaders, pastors, regional staff and executive ministers who represent different contexts and constituencies, while they also comprise a multicultural group. Twenty-five percent of the associates are bilingual and able to present evangelism training in both English and Spanish using materials available in both languages.

NET’s effectiveness will be enhanced by a $10,000 grant from The Palmer Trust, administered by the American Baptist Foundation, for training during 2006. That funding aims at promoting further excellence where associates already are presenting the Got Style?™  strategy that helps churches reach others with the gospel.

With enhanced training from National Ministries, a select group of associates will prepare others to teach the strategy in addition to directly teaching it to churches. Their ability to multiply their own efforts could bring the training to 20 percent of American Baptist churches throughout the United States in the next five years, which adds up to increasing progress toward the NEW LIFE 2010 disciple-making goal.

Associates contact local churches to help them assess their church’s health and bring training that nurtures their ministry vitality. Training is based on the Got Style?™  approach, a personality-based understanding of holistic evangelism developed by National Ministries. To broaden their reach and multiply their efforts, associates have presented Got Style?™ at associational, regional and national workshops.

In addition to its use throughout the United States, Got Style?™ has made its way to Japan, Bolivia and Haiti.

If your church is interested in having an individualized Got Style?™ consultation, or if you want to become a NET associate, contact Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, NET strategist and specialist for evangelism, at 800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2406, or Jeffrey.Johnson@abc-usa.org. You may also find out from him the associate in your region who is the NET contact.

By making possible national and regional conferences, America for Christ gifts strengthen and inspire ministry leaders throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.