Well, quite simply, it works! And there are two clear benefits to us in Southend:

1. It gives you a do-able way of offering the story of Jesus to every home in your part of Southend. 1 in 3 people answering the door will agree to take the video and give you their opinions of the film.
2. It gives you a friendly (and generous!) way for your church members to begin connecting with people who never go near your church.

But our church has got enough on its plate!

1. The JVP will certainly keep us all busy for a couple of Saturdays in September but the great benefit is that it will enhance the activities you are already committed to in reaching people outside the church.
2. Also, it is the ideal way to involve many Christians who would never dream of getting involved in traditional evangelistic activities.
3. To help keep the workload off senior leaders, the JVP defines 4 key roles, with clear “job descriptions”. You can probably already think of who could fill these for your church:

• Project Co-ordinator (the visionary!)
• Administrator (possibly already doing this in your church)
• Prayer Co-ordinator (again, this person will probably be obvious)
• Follow-up Co-ordinator (perhaps your Alpha group leader, or similar)

By spreading the responsibilities in this way, nobody should find it hard to do them alongside existing responsibilities.

This united, prayer-led and widespread sowing of the story of Jesus into local homes this September will undoubtedly bring about a harvest to be reaped over many years.

OK – What do I do now?

1. Order a JVP Evaluation Pack through Agapé’s JVP website: www.jesusvideo.co.uk. (Click on “The Jesus Video Project”, then “The Next Step” on the left.) Invite key players to pray and consider filling the 4 key roles.
2. Return the your completed JVP Membership Agreement Form (download here) to the Love Southend office as soon as possible. The scale or timing of your participation is not important at this stage; September is just Phase One of this joint-church project. You may want to come on board at a later date, perhaps when your church will be better prepared. However, we must register participating churches with the Agapé office so you can benefit from FREE membership (to the end of 2005) and videos, DVDs, etc, at the special subsidised prices we are being granted. N.B. Even if you are already a JVP member with Agapé, your church must complete this form for the Love Southend JVP.