Sharing the FGB Vision – A Different Way to Tell the Story
The FGB vision is at the heart of what we do when we gather together for breakfasts, dinners and other fellowship events. But how do we actually explain that vision to the people who come along?
Recently, we received an interesting contribution from one of our members from 1066 Country Chapter. Graeme Turner has found a creative way of presenting the story of Demos Shakarian and the vision behind the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship. He has put it into poetry!
Graeme has created two different versions of the FGB vision. One is written as a straightforward presentation, while the other tells the story in rhyme. Both provide a memorable way of explaining where FGB came from and why we continue to meet together today.
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The Vision Behind FGB
The first version we received takes the form of a presentation that could be read aloud at an FGB breakfast or dinner. It explains the history of Demos Shakarian, the vision he received and how that vision developed into the worldwide Fellowship.
The story begins with Demos Shakarian, an Armenian-American dairy farmer and businessman. Who had a vision from God to reach men who were not attending church.
Demos began inviting businessmen to breakfasts and dinners, creating opportunities for them to hear Christian testimonies and discover more about Jesus. As the Fellowship developed, the vision expanded beyond what could initially have been imagined.
The simple idea of bringing businessmen together around a meal became a worldwide movement. People began coming to faith, experiencing God’s transforming power and being encouraged to become involved in their local churches and communities.
That same principle remains at the heart of FGB today: bringing people together, sharing the Gospel, giving people an opportunity to hear personal testimonies. The FGB Vision has created an environment where people can encounter Jesus.
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A Poetic Way of Sharing the FGB Vision
The second version takes a rather different approach. It tells the story through rhyme, beginning with the meal and then taking the listener into Demos’ remarkable vision.
How Do You Present the FGB Vision?
These poems were a great example of the different ways that the FGB vision can be shared.
Not everyone finds it easy to remember a clear word-for-word explanation. Finding a way of telling the story, that feels natural and memorable can be tricky. The 1066 Country Chapter has found that this can make it much easier to share the vision with guests.
So we would love to hear from other FGB members and chapters.
How do you present the FGB vision at your breakfasts, dinners or other events?
After all, however we choose to tell the story, the purpose remains the same: to share the Gospel, encourage people in their faith and point people towards Jesus.