Evangelism 101

The "E" word -- Evangelism, is scary to many Christians.  There is the fear of rejection, or even the distaste one has for evangelism due to the irresponsible ways some have gone about the task.  Maybe it will help to know that the job of an evangelist and the job of a preacher are two different tasks, and require diffent gifts. 

Yes, we should be prepared to be able to share our experience of salvation.  As Peter says, "Always be ready to give account of the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)."  But we need to always remember that the success of our witness does not depend on us, it depends on God.  From another angle, our call is to declare the glory of God with our lives and leave the results to God.

One way we can evangelize is to prepare ourselves for the Lord's Day worship, and make every effort to be present.  It speaks volumns to those who visit our church to see a full sanctuary of Chrisitians who joyfully worship God.  It also is important that we are a welcoming church, so that everyone who enters into our worship is greeted and made to feel at home. 

Another way we witness is by making disciples, and what better place than Sunday School or some other small study/prayer group.  To be able to invite neighbors and friends to come and learn and worship together, for it is in such settings that the Holy Spirit can move in ones life. 

You may not be one to knock on doors, or start a conversation about Jesus Christ on an airplane, but you can come to worship prepared to honor God and you can attend Sunday School.  You can even invite a friend.

Let's keep our focus on Christ, and our witness to the Good News.

Steve