Restoring Evangelism To Our Churches

 “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” - Psalm 126:6

Even a casual reader of the book of Acts would have to admit that the early Church was very evangelistic. The contrasts between the early Church today's American church is very startling. In the book of Acts, spreading the Gospel was a vital part of Christian living. Today, we consider this work to be just a for a very select few who probably have Bible school training. This flawed thinking has resulted in evangelistic anemia and a sharp decline in our churches.

I think most of us would agree that there needs to be a greater emphasis placed upon evangelism. So many are facing eternity without God. Apart from salvation, they will face eternity in an awful place called hell.

Evangelism, at its core, is simply sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and leaving the results up to Him. Some refer to evangelism as “soul winning.” Regardless of the terminology, there is a dire need for this vital work to be done.

While we may agree that evangelism is needed, most us would prefer to say, “evangelism needs to be done … by others.” Too many expect the pastor or church staff to do this job. For many church members, it is unthinkable that evangelism should be done by them.

I don't consider myself to be an expert on anything, especially evangelism. Even though I may not be an expert on the subject, I try to be very intentional about this work. Let me share some basic aspects of evangelism. I'm trusting that God will challenge you to actively participate in this exciting venture.

1. KNOW

First of all, before you can be used by the Lord, it is important that you know a few things. First of all, you need to know you are saved yourself. You can't lead someone to go where you've never been. You can't share what you don't possess. You need to be assured of your own salvation.

Secondly, you need to know the message of the Gospel so you may share it with others. Evangelism does not always require a long, detailed message. Sometimes just a brief word will be sufficient. Regardless of the length of the conversation, the believer should be familiar with the Gospel message to the point he is able to share as much as the situation allows.

2. GO

Secondly, we need to go into the harvest field and work. The first word in the Great Commission is, “go,” (see Matthew 28:19). Well-meaning Christians pray for God to use them but they never really intend to leave their recliner. A fisherman knows that a major key to his success is found in going where the fish are at and begin fishing there. In a similar token, we are called to be fishers of men. In order to communicate with the lost, we must get close to the lost.

3. SOW

Finally, we need to sow the Gospel seed. When Jesus gave us the parable of the sower, He explained the parable by saying that the seed is the Word of God. Sow this seed regularly. Sow it abundantly. Sow it expectantly. The Bible says, “... in due season, we shall reap if we faint not.” The more you sow, the greater the harvest. The less you sow, the less the harvest. Sow the Gospel seed.

Be aware that it isn't our job to make the seed grow. God gives the increase. He is the only One who can cause a seed to grow. Let's depend on Him as we sow daily.

Evangelism is sharing the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results up to God. While a preacher may present the Gospel on Sunday morning, we should be faithful in making the Gospel known throughout the week, wherever we go.

Know. Go. Sow. It may be you are one conversation away from seeing a spiritual harvest today!