Evangelism
24 Apr 2024
One of the strengths of the evangelical Christianity in which most of us have been part of is the
emphasis on evangelism. There is a real awareness that the stakes are high for every human
being - we will either face an eternity in glory or in hell. We know that the cross is central, and that the only way to God is through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that the Lord uses us to take that message to the ends of the earth. We rightly know that a church or a Christian unconcerned about those who don’t know Christ are unfaithful to the Lord and lacking the heart of God who goes after lost sheep.
However, I wonder if one of the weaknesses of evangelical Christianity is also the emphasis on
evangelism. Hear me out! Don’t panic that I’m becoming a liberal…….Might it also be the case
that when evangelism is not just an important thing, but in many cases the only or most significant thing, it begins to assume a weight in our thinking which ironically makes it so much harder to act on.
Reaching others with the gospel feels like an enormous task. We are small in number. We don’t know how others will react. Perhaps we’ve been burnt by past experiences. We may have read books and taken courses on evangelism which, if we are honest, we can’t remember much about and so have left us feeling ill equipped (we may think “I’m not a good speaker, I can’t answer questions”.) The emphasis on evangelism in our thinking can lead us to simply feel guilty.
I don’t believe that is what the Lord wants from his people. The truth is reaching the world with the gospel is an enormous task. But it is HIS task - and one which is guaranteed to be successful because Jesus reigns. Our focus shouldn’t be “evangelism” first and foremost, but Him and his glory. Yes, he calls us to be used by him - but when you look at how that is generally the case in the Bible the answer is more liberating than guilt inducing.
Of course Jesus sends his people into all the world in the Great Commission (in Matthew 28). But when we pay close attention to what Jesus says, it becomes clear he is establishing his church rather than giving individuals unreasonable commands. It is through the ministry of the church that he calls people to himself. The church “baptises” - we don’t do that as individuals. The church “teaches all that Jesus has commanded”. So we must see that evangelism is a corporate act! It does not sit on the shoulders of each of us individually as a burden weighing us down. But because we long to bring glory to God, we work together as the church and he calls people to himself.
This does not mean that there is no place for personal evangelism. If the Lord gives you
opportunities to meet with someone, to read the Bible with them, to even go through an
evangelistic course and answer their questions - go for it! And please let us all know you are
doing it so we can pray for you. But if that’s not you, don’t feel you are failing. Every true Christian will have a desire that everyone will come to know Jesus by repenting from their sin and trusting him.
But to do that I’ve noticed the Bible gives each of us three (fairly simple) things to do to be part of this mission.
1. Pray - The apostle Paul frequently asks the churches he is writing to for them to pray for the
opportunities he has to proclaim the gospel. The only way anyone can turn to Christ is if the
Lord speaks and the Lord works in their heart. The most important work in evangelism is the
Lord’s work so we must pray. And the great thing about prayer is that almost everyone can do
it!
The most evangelistically active meeting in the life of the church is the church prayer meeting. We can’t say we are concerned about our friends and neighbours if we don’t come together as God’s people to pray for them. All the other work in and through the church (whether it’s holiday at home, young peoples work, TLG etc) counts for nothing if the Lord does not work.
2. Grow As A Christian - The one verse which speaks about evangelism in a way which is
addressed to the individual Christian is in 1 Peter 3:15:
“But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to
anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
The assumption is that people will ask us about our hope. Christians will be people who live so
differently that it is commented on - and this flows from their holiness. This questioning may come positively, or it may come negatively (in a court of law).
This means it is far more important to grow in holiness than in learning answers to difficult
questions. Our holiness, love and hope in Christ will provoke more people than handing out tracts. While this may sound challenging, it’s so liberating! God works through all his people not just gifted extraverts.
3. Invite People To Church - If we want a very practical thing to do, the most simple thing is
often overlooked. Let’s invite folk to a church service. It’s less scary or intimidating than a course - sometimes people feel that they are having to commit to serious interest to do that. They will get to meet lots of other Christians. The gospel will be heard in the way the service is led, the prayers, the hymns and the sermon. And as the word is preached we can pray the Lord will call his people.
Although Sunday services are primarily the way the Lord addresses his people, in 1 Corinthians we are told they are the places where unbelievers should be able to sense that God really is among us.