The Transformative Power of Evangelism
Evangelism is a crucial aspect of spreading the Gospel and bringing the message of salvation to those who haven't heard it. In this blog post, we will explore the two main reasons why evangelism often doesn't happen - lack of knowledge and fear. We will also delve into the importance of evangelism as a church-wide effort and the side benefits it brings. Let's dive into this topic and gain some insights on evangelism and its impact. Let our hearts be freshly stirred to see the calling we share to proclaim the Gospel and to be instruments in God's hands for bringing others to Christ.
I. The Barriers to Evangelism
Evangelism is often hindered by two main reasons - lack of knowledge and fear. Many people don't engage in evangelism simply because they don't know how to effectively share the message or lead others to faith in Jesus Christ. There is still great need today for proper teaching and equipping regarding the work of evangelism. To be fruitful in any vocation requires adequate training. The same is true for enabling Christians to fulfill their role in sharing the Gospel. Lord willing, in the not-too-distant future, we will be putting together a course dedicated to the topic of Evangelism at the PMc Academia - Biblical Manfishing. Stay tuned!
Additionally, fear plays a significant role in suppressing evangelistic efforts. The fear of rejection, ridicule, not having the right answers to people's questions, and opposition can deter even the most passionate Christians from reaching out to the lost. However, when we trust in Jesus Christ and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can truly overcome this very real fear and experience the joy and privilege of sharing the good news.
II. The Great Commission and Church-wide Effort
Despite what many believe, evangelism is not confined to a select few individuals or mission agencies. It is the responsibility of the Church as a whole to be actively engaged in sharing the Gospel. It starts, first and foremost, in the Christian home as we disciple our children and raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord to live godly and fruitful Christian lives. It is vital to be actively involved in our local communities and church bodies, but it is equally important to recognize that the Great Commission extends beyond our immediate context.
It’s good for Christians to be connected with what God is doing in other places, understanding that there is more to the world than our immediate surroundings. The Church of Jesus Christ is called to collectively send out preachers and messengers of the gospel (misisonaries), ensuring that people hear the message and have the opportunity to be saved and that the nations get discipled.
III. Some Side Benefits of Evangelism
We don't usually think in these terms, but when it comes to evangelism it remains true that it brings about numerous side benefits, demonstrating its significance beyond the act of sharing the Gospel. The father who takes serious his God-given calling to shepherd his family, also grows in grace as the calling itself forces him to make sure he knows the Bible and sound doctrine. Though we ought to evangelize the lost primarily out of love to God and obedience to Jesus Christ, there are in any case secondary blessings that come as a result of our joyful obedience. These benefits are numerous but here are just a few for today’s post (more to come later):
Strengthened Faith: Engaging in evangelism requires active trust in the Lord, keeping us close to Him and growing in grace. It deepens our faith and enhances our relationship with God.
Understanding God's Sovereignty: Evangelism reminds us that we cannot control the outcome. While we strive to share the message effectively, the results ultimately rest in God's hands. This understanding cultivates a deep reliance on Him and strengthens our faith.
Joyful Obedience: Obedience to Jesus' command to share the gospel should be motivated by love for Him. As we faithfully obey and go to the lost to evangelize, we experience the joy that comes from obeying our Lord, even if the process of obedience is costly to us. There is a cost to evangelism, but the joy that follows makes it worth it.
IV. Overcoming Common Misconceptions
It is still common thought, unfortunately, that evangelism is solely the responsibility of pastors or leaders and it is done primarily from the pulpit. The truth, however, is that it is a role every believer (in some capacity) to lovingly and intentionally engage the lost in our sphere of influence. The truth is that the primary role of the pulpit ministry is to build up the body of believers with passionate and faithful preaching of the whole counsel of God’s word. The main audience of the pastor and preacher in the setting of corporate worship is the body of Christ, the precious redeemed. If there are unbelievers present to hear the word of God, the preacher does well to address them and exhort them to repent and believe in Christ for salvation. His primary audience, however, is always to members of the church who come to worship in need of spiritual food and instruction from God’s word.
Let us acknowledge that still today evangelism is God’s chosen method for spreading the gospel, growing the church, and transforming our world. By addressing the barriers of lack of knowledge and fear, embracing evangelism as a church-wide effort, and understanding that there are indeed side benefits to our obedience, we can not only fulfill our calling but also experience the personal joy and growth that comes from sharing the good news. Let us be encouraged to actively engage in evangelism, trusting in God's sovereignty and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit as we bring the message of salvation to the lost. To that end, let me encourage you to prayerfully consider joining with others on a summer missions trip to Italy with PMc to work together with others and evangelize the lost. Next week we will share some additional benefits that can further motivate you to grow in desire for this calling God has given you as one of His saints.
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. - Romans 16: 25-27
Written by Jesse Schreck | servant of the Lord, founder, director, and missionary church planter with Practical Missions Cohort
To hear more about the Gospel message for leading others to Christ, check out The Gospel.
This post was created from this highlight of Missions Incorporated, the podcast of PMc. Check it out to hear more!
