Comments on: Facilitating Evangelism in the Church http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/ A Ministry of Shepherds' Fellowship Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:54:00 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Patrick Burks http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-78550 Patrick Burks Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:56:02 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-78550 For many years as a Pastor I too was faced with the same issue this article was meant to engage - the reluctance of the congregation at large to verbally witness. I also must admit that I considered that to be characteristic of my own walk as well. I certainly had no problems preaching the Gospel or taking the lead at Evangelistic events or even in intimate home visits, but overall I constantly felt a great sense of guilt for failing to be a faithful verbal witness in my "private" life. Compound that grieving over known personal failures with a strong desire to see my congregation engage in the very thing I was admittedly failing to do, and you can see how it made for a few very difficult years of growth. Then, by God's great grace in sanctification, it occurred to me one day what was at the root of my failures in this area. I had heard the Gospel, been saved in and discipled early on in a Southern Baptist Church. That statement suggests no particular criticism of Southern Baptist churches or their doctrines for the most part, but those acquainted with typical Southern Baptist tradition regarding evangelism know that there is an undeclared mindset that makes "winning souls" the "brass ring" of ones life with Christ. Indeed, in the minds of many Southern Baptists it even serves to prove a great deal about ones "spirituality" and could even testify to the reality of one's conversion. Additionally, in that theological system, great emphasis is placed on the Armenian position. This makes it incumbent upon anyone witnessing to be exceptionally good at it - i.e. well skilled, able to answer any objection, complaint, argument etc., that would keep a person from "accepting Christ" (though I must state that I do agree with the idea of being as well equipped as possible to responsibly handle the Gospel). I cannot recall how many times I have heard Ezekiel 33 interpreted as a shadow or type of our responsibility in personal evangelism. That is a great weight to have to carry around. If witnessing is everything, and everything regarding anothers eternal state is dependent upon my witnessing (or failure to witness) to him - you can see how that really elevates personal evangelism in one's mind to an unhealthy and unnatural preoccupation. After coming to understand, believe and rightly interpret the Gospel through what many would call the "Calvinist" position, the following thought occurred to me. If God is indeed ENTIRELY responsible for an individuals salvation, and if He has already set aside certain individuals FOR salvation; then as a witness I am not going out with some vauge hope of being good enough at witnessing to win some soul to the Lord through my ability - rather, I am able to go out in FULL ASSURANCE that DESPITE my INABILTY there WILL BE MANY come to Him through witnessing - maybe even my witnessing. What a liberating and joyful thought! I can approach personal evangelism from the perspective of being ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE in what God is already successfully accomplishing rather than from the perspective of being very nearly solely responsible for the eternal decisons of others. This idea of simply being allowed to particpate in God's work of salvation is also very motivating in GENERAL in that I believe that most Christians sincerely desire to know that they are being used of God in some way. In keeping with the topic of this article I only wanted to say that when I shared those thoughts with my congregation, most of them found them to be as liberating and empowering as I did and within literally a few short weeks - problem solved. I guess that I would encourage believers who find that they have difficulty with personal evangelism to prayerfully consider what exactly WHAT it is they are afraid of, and allow the Scripture to address THAT particular thinking. Not only will that help with the witnessing problem but will usually serve to reach into other aspect of one's walk where they experience failure. I liked this article but I wonder if in some way it struck anyone else as being written from the perspective of DOING rather than BEING. Like, "here are some things you can DO to see if this will help get a church to begin witnessing." Those approaches usually seem to be short lived and are not always very substantial. For many years as a Pastor I too was faced with the same issue this article was meant to engage – the reluctance of the congregation at large to verbally witness. I also must admit that I considered that to be characteristic of my own walk as well. I certainly had no problems preaching the Gospel or taking the lead at Evangelistic events or even in intimate home visits, but overall I constantly felt a great sense of guilt for failing to be a faithful verbal witness in my “private” life. Compound that grieving over known personal failures with a strong desire to see my congregation engage in the very thing I was admittedly failing to do, and you can see how it made for a few very difficult years of growth. Then, by God’s great grace in sanctification, it occurred to me one day what was at the root of my failures in this area.

I had heard the Gospel, been saved in and discipled early on in a Southern Baptist Church. That statement suggests no particular criticism of Southern Baptist churches or their doctrines for the most part, but those acquainted with typical Southern Baptist tradition regarding evangelism know that there is an undeclared mindset that makes “winning souls” the “brass ring” of ones life with Christ. Indeed, in the minds of many Southern Baptists it even serves to prove a great deal about ones “spirituality” and could even testify to the reality of one’s conversion. Additionally, in that theological system, great emphasis is placed on the Armenian position. This makes it incumbent upon anyone witnessing to be exceptionally good at it – i.e. well skilled, able to answer any objection, complaint, argument etc., that would keep a person from “accepting Christ” (though I must state that I do agree with the idea of being as well equipped as possible to responsibly handle the Gospel). I cannot recall how many times I have heard Ezekiel 33 interpreted as a shadow or type of our responsibility in personal evangelism.

That is a great weight to have to carry around. If witnessing is everything, and everything regarding anothers eternal state is dependent upon my witnessing (or failure to witness) to him – you can see how that really elevates personal evangelism in one’s mind to an unhealthy and unnatural preoccupation.

After coming to understand, believe and rightly interpret the Gospel through what many would call the “Calvinist” position, the following thought occurred to me. If God is indeed ENTIRELY responsible for an individuals salvation, and if He has already set aside certain individuals FOR salvation; then as a witness I am not going out with some vauge hope of being good enough at witnessing to win some soul to the Lord through my ability – rather, I am able to go out in FULL ASSURANCE that DESPITE my INABILTY there WILL BE MANY come to Him through witnessing – maybe even my witnessing.

What a liberating and joyful thought! I can approach personal evangelism from the perspective of being ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE in what God is already successfully accomplishing rather than from the perspective of being very nearly solely responsible for the eternal decisons of others. This idea of simply being allowed to particpate in God’s work of salvation is also very motivating in GENERAL in that I believe that most Christians sincerely desire to know that they are being used of God in some way.

In keeping with the topic of this article I only wanted to say that when I shared those thoughts with my congregation, most of them found them to be as liberating and empowering as I did and within literally a few short weeks – problem solved.

I guess that I would encourage believers who find that they have difficulty with personal evangelism to prayerfully consider what exactly WHAT it is they are afraid of, and allow the Scripture to address THAT particular thinking. Not only will that help with the witnessing problem but will usually serve to reach into other aspect of one’s walk where they experience failure.

I liked this article but I wonder if in some way it struck anyone else as being written from the perspective of DOING rather than BEING. Like, “here are some things you can DO to see if this will help get a church to begin witnessing.” Those approaches usually seem to be short lived and are not always very substantial.

]]> By: Publius http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-71402 Publius Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:05:21 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-71402 If you get rid of the classrooms and the church events and move your people into the streets and the homes of your community, then you'll have a fair chance at teaching evangelism. Our concept of education is too building-centric. Get your leaders to take your people out, into the communities. Let them learn by hearing and then doing. Get folks into uncomfortable place side-by-side with your leaders and good things can happen. If you get rid of the classrooms and the church events and move your people into the streets and the homes of your community, then you’ll have a fair chance at teaching evangelism. Our concept of education is too building-centric. Get your leaders to take your people out, into the communities. Let them learn by hearing and then doing. Get folks into uncomfortable place side-by-side with your leaders and good things can happen.

]]> By: Pastor Chris http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-71379 Pastor Chris Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:24:18 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-71379 I like these ideas. Keeping the evangelism temperature high in the local church is a challenge. Entropy keeps the passion down all the time, so it's hard work to keep it lit. Pastor Chris <a href="http://www.evangelismcoach.org" rel="nofollow">EvangelismCoach.org</a> I like these ideas. Keeping the evangelism temperature high in the local church is a challenge. Entropy keeps the passion down all the time, so it’s hard work to keep it lit.

Pastor Chris
EvangelismCoach.org

]]> By: Vince http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-70958 Vince Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:06:55 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-70958 One more thing Tom... An unevangelistic attitude reflects: 1. No love for the unsaved 2. No love for the Savior One more thing Tom…

An unevangelistic attitude reflects:

1. No love for the unsaved
2. No love for the Savior

]]> By: Vince http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-70957 Vince Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:38:55 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-70957 Tom, Interesting point. I do agree that pastors ought to do the work of an evangelist. But it is not limited to them. Again, Eph. 4 makes that point clear. Evangelist in the church teach the congregation to do the work of the ministry which involves evangelism. In addition, didn't Paul say something about God giving "us" the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5). Paul was talking to the whole Corinthian church - not just the elders. The church is not the place of evangelism - the world is. The Point of Mat. 28 is that "as you are going." That is, evangelism is part of daily living. When evangelism is done by the leity it DOES bring it to the public eye. Can't get more plubic that taking the gospel to the whole world. Tom...you wrote alot to contradict Scripture. Repent. Tom,
Interesting point. I do agree that pastors ought to do the work of an evangelist. But it is not limited to them. Again, Eph. 4 makes that point clear. Evangelist in the church teach the congregation to do the work of the ministry which involves evangelism.

In addition, didn’t Paul say something about God giving “us” the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5). Paul was talking to the whole Corinthian church – not just the elders.

The church is not the place of evangelism – the world is. The Point of Mat. 28 is that “as you are going.” That is, evangelism is part of daily living. When evangelism is done by the leity it DOES bring it to the public eye. Can’t get more plubic that taking the gospel to the whole world.

Tom…you wrote alot to contradict Scripture. Repent.

]]> By: Ken Pontes http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-70954 Ken Pontes Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:59:52 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-70954 People so often don't realize that there are always little opportunities to share the Gospel which come our way, if we're paying attention. Not everyone is cut out to stand on a street corner, or in a pulpit, or in front of a crowd of any size. Small steps, one on one with someone, can do so much. People so often don’t realize that there are always little opportunities to share the Gospel which come our way, if we’re paying attention. Not everyone is cut out to stand on a street corner, or in a pulpit, or in front of a crowd of any size. Small steps, one on one with someone, can do so much.

]]> By: Thomas Twitchell http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-70884 Thomas Twitchell Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:40:17 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-70884 Vince, I want to state a concern. When we speak of life-style evangelism, or personal evangelism, or relational...... Where is that taught? There is of course an implicit admontition to share the good news. But, you hit on a very good point. Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones thought that the gift of evangelist was still operative in the Church, and I agree with him. Then, too, is Paul's admonition to Timothy as a Pastor to do the work of an evangelist. It is not the primary responsibility of the congregants to evangelize, it is secondary. It is, however, primary to those called to be Elders, beside those who are particularly gifted being called specifically, as evangelists. I agree with this, it is the leadership who has the primary responsibilty for evangelism and it has been sinfully delegated to the congregation. The leadership should lead out in the public proclaimation and personal witnessing, but it should be as a discipling tool in expression when it is being expected of the neophyte learner. In other words, except for the everpresent opportunity of sharing the gospel on a relational level, the church should lead its members under the watchful eye of its teachers into the street, door to door, to the highest house in the city, to proclaim the gospel. One thing that the modern, and I believe unbiblical paradigm of personal evangelism as the norm, has produced is a church that is able to operate under cover out of the scrutiny of the public for the most part, allowing it to remain in the good graces of the community. If it ever becomes again that our churches truly speak out the Word of God publicly we would not have such good relations with our neighbors. I know that John MacArthur is a controversial figure, but until recently, relatively unknown publicly outside evangelical circles. And, for the most part the public discussion centers mostly around goofs which the pop-media targets to ridicule Christianity. Something happen around 1948. It became unpopular to preach Christ crucified by the Jews at the hands of gentiles. It became considered anti-semetic. Since that time, the Gospel as a public proclamation, rarely exists. When it begins again, then we can lay claim to evangelism. But, that good news is eschewed even in the most conservative churches today for fear of reprisal. And, that is in part why evangelism is laid upon the shoulders of the laity. Not that it properly belongs there, but because it keeps it out of the public eye. Vince,

I want to state a concern. When we speak of life-style evangelism, or personal evangelism, or relational……

Where is that taught? There is of course an implicit admontition to share the good news. But, you hit on a very good point. Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones thought that the gift of evangelist was still operative in the Church, and I agree with him. Then, too, is Paul’s admonition to Timothy as a Pastor to do the work of an evangelist. It is not the primary responsibility of the congregants to evangelize, it is secondary. It is, however, primary to those called to be Elders, beside those who are particularly gifted being called specifically, as evangelists.

I agree with this, it is the leadership who has the primary responsibilty for evangelism and it has been sinfully delegated to the congregation. The leadership should lead out in the public proclaimation and personal witnessing, but it should be as a discipling tool in expression when it is being expected of the neophyte learner. In other words, except for the everpresent opportunity of sharing the gospel on a relational level, the church should lead its members under the watchful eye of its teachers into the street, door to door, to the highest house in the city, to proclaim the gospel.

One thing that the modern, and I believe unbiblical paradigm of personal evangelism as the norm, has produced is a church that is able to operate under cover out of the scrutiny of the public for the most part, allowing it to remain in the good graces of the community. If it ever becomes again that our churches truly speak out the Word of God publicly we would not have such good relations with our neighbors. I know that John MacArthur is a controversial figure, but until recently, relatively unknown publicly outside evangelical circles. And, for the most part the public discussion centers mostly around goofs which the pop-media targets to ridicule Christianity.

Something happen around 1948. It became unpopular to preach Christ crucified by the Jews at the hands of gentiles. It became considered anti-semetic. Since that time, the Gospel as a public proclamation, rarely exists. When it begins again, then we can lay claim to evangelism. But, that good news is eschewed even in the most conservative churches today for fear of reprisal. And, that is in part why evangelism is laid upon the shoulders of the laity. Not that it properly belongs there, but because it keeps it out of the public eye.

]]> By: Sandy Martin http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-70798 Sandy Martin Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:31:18 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-70798 Thank you so much for your words of wisdom and encouragement, Steven Lamm. It was an answer to prayer. I will continue to pray and "discuss" with my friend as the Lord leads me. Thank you for confirming in Hebrews that failure to join a body of believers is sin. My friend, with all of his intelligence and ways with words, can put up a strong argument. However, I know the TRUTH, and it became flesh and dwelt among us. Amen. Thank you so much for your words of wisdom and encouragement, Steven Lamm. It was an answer to prayer. I will continue to pray and “discuss” with my friend as the Lord leads me. Thank you for confirming in Hebrews that failure to join a body of believers is sin. My friend, with all of his intelligence and ways with words, can put up a strong argument. However, I know the TRUTH, and it became flesh and dwelt among us. Amen.

]]> By: Nick http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-70741 Nick Mon, 05 Nov 2007 01:42:26 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-70741 I agree that Way of the Master is excellent for training how to do evangelism. Mark Cahill Ministries (a friend of Way of the Master) is also very good. As for handing out New Testaments, along those same lines you can get 30 free Gospels of John per month from the Pocket Testament League to hand out. Their address is http://www.pocketpower.org/ I agree that Way of the Master is excellent for training how to do evangelism. Mark Cahill Ministries (a friend of Way of the Master) is also very good.

As for handing out New Testaments, along those same lines you can get 30 free Gospels of John per month from the Pocket Testament League to hand out. Their address is http://www.pocketpower.org/

]]> By: Vince http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-70396 Vince Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:39:17 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/11/01/facilitating-evangelism-in-the-church/#comment-70396 I have been told that evangelism is more "cuaght" than "taught" and tho this may be true, training is a must. In Eph. 4:11-12 we read that among the men the Lord gave the church are the evangelists whose responsibility is to equip the people to do the work of evangelism. So it seems then that churches should have an evangelism trng program conducted by evangelists. From personal experience, let me share that classroom trng is good and fundamental, but it can't stop there. In evangelism we can't tell people here is what you need to know and now go do it. It needs to be "seen" in real life situations - knock on doors, go to a park/mall and engage people, whatever, the point is people need to seet it done. I believe that most people in sound evangelical churches likely know what to share - sin and its consequences, the person and work of Jesus, the human responsibility: repent and believe. The issue is how to engage people. I have found that an excellent tool is the video series produced by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron "The Way of the Master." This is excellent in how to engage people and share the bad news before the good news of Jesus Christ. If you are looking for trng tools/helps, consider "The Way of the Master." Oh by the way, for those of you who care, it is endorsed by John Mac. I have been told that evangelism is more “cuaght” than “taught” and tho this may be true, training is a must. In Eph. 4:11-12 we read that among the men the Lord gave the church are the evangelists whose responsibility is to equip the people to do the work of evangelism. So it seems then that churches should have an evangelism trng program conducted by evangelists.

From personal experience, let me share that classroom trng is good and fundamental, but it can’t stop there. In evangelism we can’t tell people here is what you need to know and now go do it. It needs to be “seen” in real life situations – knock on doors, go to a park/mall and engage people, whatever, the point is people need to seet it done.

I believe that most people in sound evangelical churches likely know what to share – sin and its consequences, the person and work of Jesus, the human responsibility: repent and believe. The issue is how to engage people.

I have found that an excellent tool is the video series produced by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron “The Way of the Master.” This is excellent in how to engage people and share the bad news before the good news of Jesus Christ.

If you are looking for trng tools/helps, consider “The Way of the Master.” Oh by the way, for those of you who care, it is endorsed by John Mac.

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