This month’s picture--a new church plant in Cuesaca, Ecuador! A church planted about ten years ago continues to multiply by planting new churches! [Click picture to enlarge.]
Effective ministry and mission work is a team effort. Jan and I have shared ministry and mission work for over 53 years! Countless people have encouraged us, supported us, loved us, and prayed for us. In addition to the customary "Brother Bob" or "Hermano Bob," I am also known as dad and papa (pa-paw). One of my favorite breakfasts is huevos fritos, frijoles, and tortillas, with hot sauce and a cup of rich Colombian coffee! The greatest joy of my life is being part of the kingdom of Jesus my King; my #1 priority is to advance "kingdom things" and to help develop authentic "kingdom people." I seek to share the good news about Jesus everywhere I go, helping people find Jesus and helping people mature as disciples of Jesus. One of the greatest blessings of my life is to be loved by many people around the world!
EASY ACCESS TO MY NEWEST VIDEOS! -- ¡ACCESO FÁCIL A MIS NUEVOS VIDEOS!
Churches must have a clear vision for evangelism. That vision must permeate every aspect of the life of the local church. Everything the church does should point toward sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Not only must that vision guide local ministry, that vision must be the primary goal in mission work. In Ephesians, Paul makes clear that the saving work of God in Jesus Christ is done through and by the church to fulfill God's eternal purpose. The church exists as the declaration of God's wisdom.
The results of evangelism ultimately depend on God who gives the increase, but churches should pray for and anticipate significant decadal growth (at least 50%), with doubling and tripling easily possible in urban areas. Many times, when churches struggle to reach such goals, the problem is not the front door but the back door! The problem is not that people are not coming, it is that too many people are leaving!
The church has two commissions: saving people, keeping people saved. The church exists to reach out to others with the message of salvation and to be a safe haven where the saved share Christ's presence and protection.
When people are reached for Christ and they only stay in the church a short time and then leave, the church must ask what is happening. I share some possible explanations. Are any of these true in your local church?
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The above article is also available at this link: When Evangelism Doesn't Translate into Multiplying Disciples and Growing Churches