The Diversity Mindset!

The Most Successful Technique When Casting Nets

Pastor Art Wilson

"Master we have toiled all night" ~Luke 5:5

The harvest needs to be directed by God. There are many things we can learn from this text and God can help us unlock principles of reaping the harvest with exponential growth without limitations.

In the book of Acts we see incredible growth! Hundreds, even thousands were saved at one time; families and communities were saved. I believe the principle to seeing exponential growth is in net fishing (not lure fishing or selective fishing) but by casting the net into the sea of souls that are waiting on us and letting God direct them in. What Jesus Christ was trying to convey to his disciples was that you can't control the harvest! It is a Spiritual phenomenon, the fish will come. The jobs of the disciples were simple. Just manage the catch!

PREPARING FOR DIVERSITY!

"They are coming!" I remember the monumental message spoken by our former General Superintendent, Bishop Kenneth Haney, when he bellowed at the top of his voice, "The Trinitarians are coming!" They are hungry; they are seeking more truth! I say, "Amen!" I want to insert and proclaim, "All nationalities are coming! All races are coming! Everybody wants this message! Everybody needs this message!"

If you have the best church in your community, you should be expecting them because everyone wants to go to the best church in town!" We started our church in November of 2000 and we have over six nationalities in our church. We expect it because that's what is preached over the pulpit. The church on earth should be just like heaven (Revelations 7:9).

THE NEXT MENTALITY

When we first started our Home Missions Church we had to decide on the methods we would use to build our church. After spending an extended amount of time consulting with trusted men of God, I began to pray for the Lord's direction for the city of Romulus. I was shocked at what the Lord said next. He said, "If you want to win souls, they are everywhere. GET A LOT OF NETS! The more nets you use the more fish you will catch!" From the day we started our church we have found this principle to be true in Romulus. We have tried the craziest things and have won souls to the kingdom of God. Although a program may not last forever, it may be the right idea for that time for your church.

"The more nets you use the more fish you will catch!"

APPLY VISION

If we want to see the harvest that God wants for us, we are going to have to do something. We need to start the process to reach our community.

I have chosen five steps to bring about an excitement in the church and the spiritual world of our cities. If we want to see God's glory, we need men of God that will demand from the pulpit a new mind set.

1. WE MUST WANT IT
2. PRAY
3. FAST
4. GO
5. EXPECT

Let's look at each one of these briefly.

1. WE MUST WANT IT - The purpose of this short thought is to awaken us to the great multicultural potential of our cities. To stir up a desire in you to want to take a journey into all of your communities without hesitation. If you don't want it, you will have trouble weathering the storm of incorporating new cultures into your church.

2. PRAY - I believe you get what you ask for and you preach what you pray for. Make it a matter of prayer that God will open doors. Remember He wants everyone saved and He will help you.

3. FAST - There is power, focus, and mission added to your campaign when you fast. Strongholds are broken and confidence is given to you and your people. If you fast for doors to open into the diverse harvest it does something to the spirit world.

4. GO - The first three steps will not get the job done. We have to make plans and programs to go into the harvest field. The gates of hell shall not prevail! Go to the enemy's camp and kick down the door!

5. EXPECT - Have faith, because it will happen, I promise you! When you begin going to halfway houses, knocking doors, and having neighborhood parties, you can't help but grow.