It Is Written Evangelism College, Oceania

What is a Bible worker?

Not only the minister, but every soul connected with Him, is to be a worker in His vineyard. "Herein is my Father glorified," Christ said, "that ye bear much fruit" (John 15:8). By His own life Christ has paid for your earnest, hearty cooperation... The battle cry is sounding along the line. Let every soldier of the cross push to the front, not in self-sufficiency, but in meekness and lowliness of heart. The Signs of the Times, Dec. 27, 1899

What is a Bible worker? Bible workers bring the Gospel of salvation to people. They seek out people who are ready to listen; they open the Scriptures to them, and lead them to Jesus and a saving knowledge of the truth. To do this, Bible workers are equipped with a toolbox of personal evangelism methods including door-knocking, letter boxing, following up lead cards, giving Bible studies, making appeals and securing decisions. A Bible worker should have an encouraging, evangelistically-cultured church family as his/her support team as a student’s spiritual growth can be further nurtured through programs such as church services, small groups, social events and evangelistic seminars.

Bible work is more than a job – it is a lifestyle. For some it is taken on full-time, supported by a wage from a local church or conference. There is much demand for effective, self-sacrificing full-time Bible workers in Australia, and that demand will continue to grow. Others take on Bible work on the weekend or an evening each week, committing to lead one or two people to Christ at a time.

No matter what path God leads you down after IIWEC, you'll find your training valuable. The skills developed at IIWEC may be applied in the cities or country, in Australia or abroad. Some of our past graduates found their mission field back at their old jobs. Some returned to their local churches or have been called to other churches to continue as Bible workers. Some were called to a new mission field to raise a church. Some continued on to ministerial studies, in Australia or abroad. No matter where you may find God leading, basic skills like giving a Bible study or steering a conversation are never made redundant.

Ideal qualities of a Bible worker

Listed are some of the qualities that we have observed to have made significant impacts in the success of a Bible worker. These are not necessarily prerequisites for entry to IIWEC - if you feel that you are weak in any of these areas, but still believe in their value and are willing to improve, you are welcome to apply for IIWEC. If you're opposed to any of these points your time at IIWEC may be an unhappy experience.

A life consecrated to God and His work

Why do you want to come to IIWEC? Without the proper motivation for service, the trials of your patience you will face as a Bible worker will quickly dry you out. Do you love God, and do you have a personal, urgent desire to hasten the finishing of the great commission?

Prayerful

The further someone engages in opposition with the enemy, the greater the need to depend on divine aid. An effective Bible worker is one who is constant in prayer, pleading with heaven for himself and those he seeks to save.

A positive, cheerful, willing attitude

The ministry is no place for lazy, fearful, complaining or self-absorbed workers. Cultivate the right attitude. You'll need it to back up your genuine, warm smile at your next door, after you've been rejected over and over and over again. Your contacts will respond to your attitude, and your peers will be encouraged (or discouraged) by it.

An uncompromised commitment to the SDA church, its teachings and its values

It Is Written Evangelism College and the associated local churches are unashamedly Seventh-day Adventist, and we require that our Bible workers are as well. Bible workers should be baptised members of the SDA church in good standing. Don't bring a critical spirit to IIWEC.

A life which reflects Christ in all its aspects

We lead people to Jesus, not only by the doctrines that we teach, but also as they see His image in our lifestyle. Your choices and habits relating to your health, entertainment, dress, conversation, etc should be directed by God’s values.

A love of the Word

Just as you will be leading others to the Bible, so you must be a student, ever increasing in a knowledge of the Word, a workman that needs not to be ashamed.

A working knowledge of the Bible and fundamental teachings of the SDA church

Do you know what you believe in and are you able to share it from the Bible? Do you have any training or previous experience in Bible teaching, such as in one-on-one settings or in Sabbath school?

Faithfulness, self-motivation and proactivity

One of the benefits of Bible work is that you don't have a boss looking over your shoulder all the time. This situation means that you need to motivate yourself and be highly disciplined in your work. Someone with a good work ethic would be able to go to work on-time, work diligently during work times, and not take undue car breaks or shopping breaks, even when he / she knows that no-one but God is watching.

Good organisation, presentation and time management skills

Bible work can’t be carried out in a sloppy, haphazard manner. Records must be maintained, plans laid out, Bible studies prepared and time well managed. You will need to be punctual.

Good social skills, and the ability to relate to and befriend people

Bible work is highly relational. It is much more than a teaching role; your success depends on your ability to reach the heart. Are you the type of person that will meet, mingle with and make friends with people?

Willingness to work in a team, teachable

As an IIWEC Bible worker you will be a team member, working closely with other Bible workers, your team leaders, church leaders and members, and IIWEC staff. You'll need to be able to share ideas and strategies, adopt and carry others’ visions and strategies, accept correction and instruction, and be accountable to your leaders.

Driver’s licence / ability to get around independently

Much of a Bible worker’s day is spent travelling, and a good Bible worker cannot be constantly dependent on others’ availability and generosity to get from a study to a visit to door-knocking to the next study.

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