What Does "Fishers of Men" Mean?

As we celebrate Seacoast's 30th year, Pastor Josh Surratt reflects on one of our founding principles, and how it relates to one of the stranger things Jesus said to his disciples: "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men."

For message notes and small group questions go to http://www.seacoast.org/seacoast-go/r....


And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
Mark 1:17 (ESV)

Jesus said to His followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.”
Mark 16:15 (NCV)

LEARNING TO FISH
1. BECOME AWARE
Key Question: What is my part in this person’s journey to Christ?
My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos’ work was to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts. 1 Corinthians 3:6 (LB)

2. BE IN PRAYER
Pray that the Father would draw them to Jesus (John 6:44).

Pray against the spirit that blinds their minds (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Pray that they come to know God relationally (Romans 8:15).

Pray that believers will cross their paths and enter into positive
relationships with them (Matthew 9:38).

Pray for a revelation of who Jesus is and what He has done for them
(Ephesians 1:17).

3. SHOW THEM YOU CARE

Key Question: What comes to mind when you think about the person
who was most responsible for you coming to know Christ?
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 (NLT)

4. BE WILLING TO SHARE

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me – to tell people the Good News about God’s grace. Acts 20:24 (NCV)