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Evangelism, Part 4

The Joy of Sharing the Good News

What you believe about evangelism has far-reaching implications in your practice. Before we consider what it is, let’s clarify what it is not. J.I. Packer observes: “It is our widespread and persistent habit of defining evangelism in terms, not of a message delivered, but of an effect produced in our hearers.” To define evangelism in terms of an effect produced in the lives of others amounts “to saying that the essence of evangelizing is producing converts. But this is not right. Evangelism is man’s work, but the giving of faith is God’s. The question of whether or not one is evangelizing cannot be settled simply by asking whether or not one has had conversions.”

So what is evangelism?

“According to the New Testament,” writes Packer, “evangelism is just preaching the gospel, the evangel. It is a work of communication in which Christians make themselves mouthpieces of God’s message of mercy to sinners. Anyone who faithfully delivers that message under whatever circumstances, in a large meeting, in a small meeting, from a pulpit or in a private conversation is evangelizing.” The Greek word euangelizo (or evangelize) does not mean to convert but to bring or announce good news.

This is affirmed by the Lausanne Covenant - The Nature of Evangelism (Manila, 1989):

“To evangelize is to spread the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and that as the reigning Lord he now offers the forgiveness of sins and the liberating gifts of the Spirit to all who repent and believe. Our Christian presence in the world is indispensable to evangelism, and so it is that kind of dialogue whose purpose is to listen sensitively in order to understand. But evangelism itself is the proclamation of the historical, biblical Christ as Savior and Lord, with a view to persuading people to come to him personally and so be reconciled to God. In issuing the gospel invitation, we have no liberty to conceal the cost of discipleship. Jesus still calls all who would follow him to deny themselves, take up their cross, and identify themselves with his new community. The results of evangelism include obedience to Christ, incorporation into his church, and responsible service in the world.”

Paul’s method of evangelism was not limited to one approach but was multifaceted, announcing the good news in a diversity of contexts. We find him in the synagogue preaching the gospel to believers and inquirers (Acts 17:17a), in the marketplace engaging strangers (Acts 17:17), speaking to people informally in homes (Acts 18:7; 20:20-21), and in public forums like Mars Hill and the School of Tyrannus (Acts 17:9a; 19:9b)

In their book, The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples, Win and Charles Arn record the outcome of a survey where over 14,000 lay people were asked the question: “What or who was responsible for your coming to Christ and your church?” Here are the results listed from the least to greatest impact in our cultural milieu:  

  • Special Need: 1-2%
  • Visitation: 1-2%
  • Walked In: 2-3%
  • Church Program: 2-3%
  • Sunday School: 4-5%
  • Evangelistic Crusade: 5%
  • Pastor: 5-6%
  • Friend / Relative: 75-90%

While all forms of evangelism are worthwhile, the upshot of this survey suggests Christians should concentrate their evangelistic efforts on personal evangelism within their natural network of relationships. Rather than relying on the church, the pastor, or special evangelistic outreaches, Christians must be equipped to communicate the gospel clearly and graciously, with prayer and intentionality, leaving the results to God. This does not rule out other means as we seek to make the most of every opportunity afforded to us in the providence of God but merely underscores how most people come to faith. In makes sense that unbelievers would be more inclined to listen, trust, and query someone they know personally.

In his commentary on Acts, John Stott contrasts contemporary evangelism with Paul’s approach. He makes the following observations:

  • Our evangelism is too ecclesiastical (inviting people to church) whereas Paul also took the gospel out into the secular world.
  • Our evangelism is too emotional (appeals for decision without an adequate basis of understanding) whereas Paul taught, reasoned, and tried to persuade.
  • Our evangelism is too superficial (making brief encounters and expecting quick results) whereas Paul stayed in Corinth and Ephesus for years faithfully sowing gospel seed and in due time reaping a harvest.

Here are a few takeaways for your consideration:

First, let’s be clear about what evangelism is. If we think it’s winning people to Christ, we will be less inclined to engage for fear of failure. It is simply announcing the good news in the power of the Spirit and leaving the results to God. This is a wonderfully liberating truth!

Second, evangelism can take place in a variety of contexts so we must not limit ourselves or the divine opportunities presented to us.

And third, it would be wise to focus your evangelism — though not exclusively — on the network of relationships you already have, asking God for the wisdom and courage to approach each individual with the hope of the gospel. You need not wait for a sign from heaven to take that step. You already have the green light from God and he has given you his Word and Spirit to equip you.

We will explore initiating spiritual conversations with unbelievers and presenting the gospel plainly and practically in future installments. In the interim, ask God to soften the hearts of friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues you would like to approach. If you feel the need for further assistance, in addition to this series I am certainly open to conducting a live session in the future demonstrating how I typically present the gospel, answer questions, and incorporate my testimony.