One can say it in many ways–a church that walks in and shares the story of God, a church that tells the Good News, a church that reaches out, a church that touches hearts and transforms lives, an evangelistic church. In my mission work, I outline and guide churches through steps for the development of a “missionary church.” Regardless of how one says it, one must constantly keep in mind: IT IS NOT OPTIONAL!
All of the above phrases are descriptions of a church that grows numerically through evangelism and is involved in planting and strengthening more churches that will become missionary churches. The church is an integral part of God’s plan for sharing the gospel. God’s people are God’s ambassadors in the ministry of reconciliation.
What are some of the characteristics of an evangelistic church?
First, an evangelistic church is a church convinced that everyone must learn about Jesus, believe in Jesus, obey Jesus’ gospel, and becomes faithful disciples of Jesus or they will die in their sins. This foundational belief defines the church. Evangelism is the focus of the ministry of the church. The preacher talks about evangelism, the preacher is constantly evangelizing. Evangelism is a primary focus and work of the leaders. A significant part of elders’ meetings focuses on evangelism. This focus on evangelism is reflected in public prayers. The responsibility of the local church for evangelism is a part of the belief system of the church.
Second, because of this foundational belief that defines the culture of the church, the church is actively involved in seeking and saving the lost. The worship, Bible classes, small groups, church programs, and special events point toward evangelism. Some of the activities of the church may not receive sufficient attention and may not operate smoothly, but evangelism is never a secondary activity. Evangelism is what the church does. The focus on evangelism is apparent in the church’s publications–bulletin, tracts, and announcements. Evangelism is the lifeblood of the church. Evangelism is what the church does.
Third, an evangelistic church is a church where all the members of the body are involved in the functioning of the church. Because the primary function of the church is evangelism, every member is involved in evangelism. The church provides training and encouragement for its members. The church inspires its members to faithfulness and involvement in evangelism. The church provides multiple tracks for evangelistic involvement according to the gifts of the members. Evangelism is what the members do.
Fourth, an evangelistic church is interested in saving souls and is also interested in keeping souls saved. An evangelistic church loves, edifies, and spiritually strengthens souls. Toward this end, an evangelistic church develops activities and programs broad enough to interest and involve every member, including new members. These activities and programs maintain an evangelistic focus, helping new members share the good news with their friends and acquaintances. New members quickly learn that evangelism is the task of every member.
Fifth, an evangelistic church lifts up its eyes to the harvest beyond the local church. An evangelistic church will be involved in establishing in winning souls and establishing more churches in its local region and around the world. An evangelistic church will be concerned about how new churches are edified and strengthened, how new churches are developed with internal teachers and leaders, and how new churches become missionary churches capable of duplicating themselves and establishing even more new churches.
What is the result? Evangelism becomes a constant reality because the evangelistic church is not paralyzed by fear, discouraged by failure, nor satisfied with success.
I get the concern about loosing evangelism from the idea of mission. But is mission only about evangelism? My understanding of the mission of God is wrapped up in the good news Jesus declared, that the kingdom of God was finally breaking in. I understand this to be about demonstrating that God’s rule is coming upon our space. This means telling people that the ways of their life and this world are bankrupt and they need to allow God to rule their life through the Lordship of his Son, Jesus. But it also means showing people, demonstrating, God’s inbreaking rule through ministry (service). I don’t see where Jesus prioritized evangelism or ministry over the other. Someone will ask, would I rather have a cup of cold water or hear about God’s gift of eternal salvation? I believe that question seeks to make a distinction where scripture does not. I respond to the question that I would rather experience the new world of God’s kingdom reign rather than this old dying world. That means when I am hungry, I need to be fed. It equally means I need to learn how to allow God to reign in my life (which comes through hearing, repenting, etc ).So I guess what I am saying is that I don’t think it is necessry for everyone on a short-term mission team needing to know how to evangelize. Some may not be spiritually gifted for such, while they are gifted for being a handy-man of sorts and ministering to people in that way. Together, with those gifted in evangelism and those gifted for ministry, and the other gifts, the entire team becomes a witness and serves/participates in the mission of God. I think it is problematic if a short-term mission team goes without any capability or plans to evangelizing those who need to hear the good news. But mission is holistic and more than just evangelism, so it seems to be equally problematic if the task of evangelism is elevated about the other tasks on a mission trip. All of the tasks cooperatively work together (or they should) to further God’s mission in the world.Any ways thanks for this post because this is something that we need conversations over. As congregations make short-term mission trips (something I wish my congregation would be interested in), what is our purpose? What is our role in connection with the local churches and/or missionaries? Grace and peace, K. Rex Butts