Evangelism is a topic that, as Christians, we often tremble when hearing. The thought of going out into the world, into our community, or even into our own families and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ puts the heaviest of butterflies in our stomaches. It is one of the most important and yet most nerve-racking duties of Christianity. But we should not let this hinder us from, what I believe, to be every Christ followers “mission” in this life: to tell people about the good news of reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Paul tells us in Acts, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (20.24). This should be every believer’s life verse, that we would live a life that comes to fulfillment through telling the gospel to everyone.
We often hear in the church today that our main focus needs to be on discipleship. While that is important, think on what the purpose of discipleship is: to train up people in godliness in order to send them back out and tell the world about the Father. So, neither discipleship nor evangelism trump the other in significance, but there is equal importance in both. In that, we see there is a cycle that plays over and over again, with evangelism leading to discipleship, and discipleship leading to more evangelism. Therefore, the church should be putting equal energy, focus, and resources into both. In my opinion, this looks like outreach programs. Instead of trying to draw people into church, we need to be going out to the people. I have yet to read, in the Word, an account when Jesus invited people to go to Sunday service with him. However, there are numerous occurrences when Christ went to someones town, home, or place of meeting (the well to name one) in order to show them the love of God. Evangelism is the body’s responsibility in which we must go out from our comfortable pews and shine the light of Christ into the secular world.
With it being our duty, what does it look like? There are two crucial components of evangelism that, when not present, will make our attempts in vain. The first, which I believe to be the most important, is love. If we are to go into the world and tell of the love of God, how silly might we appear if we do it in the absence of love? This why Paul presents the command, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor 16.14). Without love, our labor is in vain. To add a little more, it is hypocritical for Christ preached love over condemnation. So, when we evangelize it must be done in love. I believe that if we can get that down, the second component easily comes into play. We must evangelize through the power of Holy Spirit. When we attempt to bring someone into the kingdom using our own abilities and strengths, it is impossible. In my own experience, I have had days when presenting the gospel I use the the most eloquent of words and the smoothest of phrases, yet no one receives it. On the contrary, when I have found myself in a conversation with a person and don’t know what to say, Holy Spirit takes control, giving me revelations, interpretations, and words to say. It is by the power of God alone that hearts are won for the Kingdom. With this idea I leave a verse from 1 Thessalonians which reads: “For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others…But we were gentle among you…so affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also ourselves…” (2:5-8).
I would like to tear down one more lie about evangelism. It is not a calling to a select, talented, few super Christians, but is indeed a command for every individual follower of Christ. If we go out, let’s tell people about the gospel and maybe pick up the groceries we need while we’re doing that. There is a dying world outside our doors, people are going to hell for eternity everyday, and we have become oblivious to the weight of reality. If it is fear that hinders, let us recall that “perfect love cast out fear” (1 John 4.18). If it is apathy, let us develop urgency in love for a hurting and broken world. The gospel of Jesus Christ, the message of hope for reconciliation to God, needs to infect the world. This will only happen if every believer recognizes their obligation to go out and preach, in love and in Holy Spirit’s power, that Christ is risen!
