Definitions

The Armed Forces defines consolidate as “Organizing and strengthening of a captured position so that it can be used against the enemy.”

Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines consolidate as: “to make solid. to join together into one whole: unite; to make firm or secure: strengthen; to form into a compact mass.

In order to enjoy the victory of battle, an army must consolidate its gains. So it is with the church. Once we mobilize, deploy and engage against the “enemy of our souls,” we must then consolidate the souls the Lord has given to celebrate the victory as “fruit that remains.”

The Scriptures talk about

• John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
• Luke 22:32: “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
• Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

In order for each church to maintain the harvest that the Lord will give in this charge against the enemy, consolidation must take place. Each new convert must be led and encouraged to do three things:

• 1) begin to get solidly grounded in the Word of God;
• 2) find a fellowship network to be connected to within the local church;
• 3) find his place of ministry activity. It is necessary for each new convert to become strong in their faith and new found place in the family of God.

New believers need the strength of active involvement in church life if they are to endure the temptation of the enemy to return. Through that consolidation the church becomes “the threefold cord” that cannot be broken. Then we will see “fruit that remains.”

Readiness Checklist

To successfully complete the consolidation phase you will need to :

• Prepare for New Member Sunday, November 5, 2000
• Conduct the Day of Celebration, December 17, 2000
• Complete the Final Reports for Mobilization Campaign
• Accept Recognition and Awards