EVANGELISM:
IT’S ONE OF THE HIGHEST VALUES IN THE CHURCH – BUT ALSO ONE OF THE LEAST PRACTICED.
EVANGELISM IS WHAT JESUS CALLED US TO DO VIA THE GREAT COMMISSION BEFORE HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN.
The irony is that while many of our churches have a rich heritage and strong reputation for evangelism, precious little is actually happening or, in the best possible case, much more could be done to reach people for Christ.
Mark Mittleberg’s book, ‘Becoming a Contagious Church’:
Studies show that most Christians don’t have very many – if any – friendships with non-Christians. And the majority of church members can no longer quote the words of John 3:16 about God’s great love for the world, much less articulate a clear gospel illustration.
A mere 14% of pastors claim that their churches are heavily involved in Evangelism.
WE WERE MADE TO FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION.
IT’S THE PRIMARY REASON GOD LEFT US HERE ON THE PLANET.
EVANGELISM IS GOD’S IDEA. IT’S WHY JESUS CAME TO EARTH: “TO SEEK AND SAVE WHAT WAS LOST” (LUKE 19:10)
PEOPLE COME TO CHRIST ONE LIFE AT A TIME – AND USUALLY THROUGH THE INFLUENCE OF ONE OR TWO AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANS WHO HAVE BUILT GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEM.
ALL BELIEVERS SHOULD HAVE THAT KIND OF IMPACT ON THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM.
Contagious Churches begin with Contagious Christians
VARIETY OF EVANGELISTIC STYLES … GOD WANTS YOU TO WORK WITHIN THE PERSONALITY HE’S GIVEN YOU:
1. Confrontational/Direct Style: Peter, Acts 2
2. Intellectual Style: Paul, Acts 17
3. Testimonial Style: Blind Man, John 9
4. Interpersonal Style: Matthew, Luke 5
5. Invitational Style: Samaritan Woman, John 4
6. Serving Style: Tabitha (Dorcas), Acts 9