Reaching the world! Evangelism...make it simple? - From the Field and Around the www...
One of the most common questions that we get at The Gospel of Christ during Field Rep visits and sometimes feedback from the web and congregations that support the program goes something like this…
“How can we make our evangelism efforts more productive…and simple?”
This question is an absolutely excellent question, but on the surface, the heading of this article really implies the answer rhetorically.
Is evangelism a simple task? The short answer…NO. The long answer…not if it is effective. The most practical answer - YES, Evangelism IS simple…when things are in the right perspective.
When Jesus commanded evangelism in the Bible, there was not a “magic pill” or “universal program” that was described. The command of the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:18-20 are somewhat generic in nature; however, they are also imperative. We know that we MUST evangelize to be able to carry out this command. Not many can even argue this, and fewer will find any kind of reasoning that would even come close to indicate that this is not still a present day imperative command.
So, how do we do it? We have heard time and time again that the church is “shrinking,” and that is unfortunately true in some areas. However, it is also known that in some mission fields especially, that the church of our Lord is growing faster than any other religious faith in the world! It seems that we have done a great job at focusing our efforts globally to grow the church…but what about in our own back yards?
Is the church suffering because of our focus being too broad? Is it suffering because of too many “programs” that are just there to inject work into the body of the church? Is it suffering because the “preacher” “deacons” and “elders” aren’t doing “their job” in evangelizing?
These are all very important questions that we each need to consider. Who was the command given to? Some say it was only given to the disciples (Apostles) of the time that Jesus said these things, but is that honestly true? Not in the studies that I have personally done, but, I guess one could argue that and possibly win that debate; however, let’s look at the overall purpose of evangelism and growing the church. (By the way…this IS the simple answer right here!) Have WE lost focus on what the OUTCOME of evangelism is supposed to be? Let’s define a few things…
What is the reason for evangelism?
To grow the number of people that are attending the local church?
To increase our local contributions so we can do more work as the church?
To become the popular “church” in town by showing our efforts?
To have all of our friends and family as part of our “inner-circle?"
Personally, I have probably seen most of these as potential “reasons” that some will impress evangelism upon the members of a local church. And, on the surface, even though they look a little rough, the heart of these questions of evangelism actually do hold some merit in the broadest sense of evangelism; however, let’s not miss the mark here.
Read this verse:
For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 (NASB)
In this verse, there is a purpose for that which we call evangelism. Jesus came to seek and save the lost…of those we may be or once were. If that is truly the reason for Jesus coming to this earth as God in the flesh, then wouldn’t it make sense that this same idea should be on the forefront of the Christian’s attitude and mindset about ALL of the lost? That is what evangelism is all about.
If we focus our attitudes, our minds, and our hearts on the purpose of helping those that are lost find the soul-saving message of Jesus Christ to be freed from their sins and find eternity with God in the heavenly abode, our evangelistic efforts should look much different than any attempted effort or program that has not resulted in souls being added to the one true church of our Lord and Savior. Evangelism does not do this…only God can give the increase, but friends…Paul said it best when he spoke these words:
I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NASB)
So…how can we make evangelism simple? Here are some ideas that have worked for some:
Have the proper attitude. The attitude should be the love for fellow man and their eternal soul, not just an increase of attendance in the local church.
Try various methods. In some areas, door-knocking is still a classic and tried-true method of evangelism. Many have turned away from this method out of disappointment and fear of rejection. Put together a safe and effective - measurable - program and give it a try.
WARM MARKET - my background is in retail and business management. I have been around sales all of my life. One of the great opportunities that is missed in the church as far as evangelism is concerned is “warm market.” Those who maybe have attended in the past that have not been faithfully attending. The next door neighbor to the church building. The cousin that just moved back home. Maybe your own family. Your coworkers.
Random acts of kindness! Yes, this is evangelism. But…do it in a way to give credit to God and if suitable the local church. I have seen programs where members of the church have little business cards with a short statement on them about why an act of kindness was shared with them (sometimes with a Bible verse) and when a member does something nice for someone such as paying for a meal, helping with a flat tire, and so on, a card is handed to the person being helped. The glory is given to God and the church through this card and not an individual.
Mailers. Our friends at House to House/Heart to Heart have a great mailer program for your local church area that is a wonderful evangelistic tool. (matt@housetohouse.com)
New movers program where members personally visit new movers after a postcard or mailer has been sent to deliver a goody bag with videos about the church, salvation and local information.
The Gospel of Christ materials! Yes, in a concentrated effort, we would be happy to help with getting your congregation low cost bulk DVDs of our lessons on the church, salvation, and other series that you might find helpful. What we suggest is that you purchase either an ink stamp or stickers with the church information on them and place this on our DVD covers before handing them out. We have assisted with county fairs, street festivals, back to school events, local book exchange kiosks, and my favorite - leaving DVDs and our quick scan APP cards at places that you visit such as motels, campgrounds, restaurants, stores, and so on.
We hope that you find these ideas in this article to be helpful. There is never a quick fix, magic pill, or super program that will be 100% successful in every effort, but we have seen some of these work in many different areas. The main thing to remember is to keep the focus of souls and not numbers! If your evangelism efforts result in just one precious soul finding redemption and salvation - friend - it is worth much more than silver and gold!
We want to help you in your efforts to evangelize just as much as we want to be very consistent in our own efforts in Taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World!
From the Field and around the www…
We have been adding to our broadcasts once again! Keep checking our most current schedule online in order to find new areas and channels where you can watch TGOC each week!
In the media realm, Beverly, Frank and I have been working toward some series consolidations to help cut down on the amount of series, as well as streamline our production costs! Look for some fresh new series names and some great looking new labels on our materials coming very soon!
Spanish DVDs are in the works! 4 of the 8 lessons have been recorded and will be being released as soon as possible.
This week sees Field rep visits in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida! We hope to see you very soon as well. You can always let us know if you would be willing to have a field rep visit and we will see what we can do to get one scheduled.
Until next month, we hope you find great tools and resources!
In His Service!
~Joey