HOW NFW CAN BE INTRODUCED TO YOUR NATION

  • NFW is a collaborative effort of combined churches and government to promote relational one-on-one forgiveness throughout a nation. The government provides support and the church heralds the message. Thus, NFW becomes an initiative of the churches within their nation.
  • To promote effective church involvement and interaction, a NFW Organising Committee could be convened comprising delegates from each denomination, government representation and traditional leadership.
  • Most pastors are too busy to involve themselves in organising NFW, so the role can be delegated to associate pastors or responsible lay people.
  • Liaison officers providing links into media, events management and/or support organisations could be appointed.
  • At some time, early in the planning stage, an intercessory prayer effort should be mounted to prepare the way ahead.
  • The heads of individual denominations can endorse NFW across the churches in their denominations and provide specific instructions on how to do it.
  • Churches can teach their congregations about the importance of practising relational forgiveness.
  • In fact, local churches are key to the success of NFW as they carry the message of relational forgiveness out into their communities. They can only carry heartfelt forgiveness effectively as they themselves have been impacted by one-on-one forgiveness.
  • NFW is to be launched on the first Sunday in churches, closing on the ensuing Sunday. On this final Sunday, churches are encouraged to hold closing celebrations in their services, praising God for the outcomes of NFW.
  • NFW is a versatile week which can be instigated across any facet of society, from a household to an entire nation.

Reaching Beyond Church Walls

The most effective way to convey the message of forgiveness is through personal testimonies. Stories have a strong impact upon listeners. They  encourage people to address offences, hurts and grievances in their own hearts, where personalised forgiveness is most needed; impacting homes, villages and communities, and eventually the nation itself.

During the ensuing weekdays the church can take the initiative to venture out into the community to promote relational forgiveness.

Sitting in congregations are men and women of influence in the community who might open doors to representatives of the church to address a convened gathering within civil establishments.

Such establishments may include …

  • Schools, colleges and educational institutions
  • Sporting Organisations
  • Government Departments
  • Prisons and Corrective Services
  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Rescue etc)
  • Commerce/Industry
  • Indigenous groups and institutions
  • Military (Army, Navy, Air Force)
  • Clubs and community groups
  • Hospitals, Mental Institutions and Palliative Care
  • Music, arts, culture and entertainment venues

Pastors and capable lay preachers can, by invitation, can go into these civil establishments to educate employees on the value of practising forgiveness in the workplace and family relationships.

Members of the congregations could be called upon to accompany pastors to tell their forgiveness stories. 

A key means of reaching the population is through existing parachurch organisations and charities already working in community.

NFW can be tailored to fit national and/or local issues. These are only suggestions and churches may decide to add their own initiatives into the week.

Outreach Suggestions for National Forgiveness Week

  • Promotional items such as wristbands, books, T-shirts, caps, posters, literature etc.
  • A Forgiveness March.
  • Invitations to a forgiveness movie promoting one-on-one forgiveness.
  • Multicultural events where different cultures showcase their traditions, and ministers address the attendees on the value of forgiveness.
  • Awarding an NFW Medal annually to someone who has forgiven in a particularly difficult situation.
  • The mint could issue a forgiveness coin which might be inscribed with a motto about forgiveness. eg. Father, Forgive as we Forgive OR The Forgiving Way OR simply As we Forgive Others.
  • It is envisioned that broadcast and print media will report on NFW outcomes, citing emotive personal testimonies.
  • Letterbox Drops
  • Forgive Story Cards