"Is the Fervor of Evangelism Waning?" The President's Blog for August 14, 2009
Answer to the above question is likely to result in a “yes” or “no” response depending on who is responding. Admittedly, there is more that can and ought to be done when it comes to evangelism. Unfortunately, when evangelism is mentioned, the idea of a church or tent crusade is conjured up. However, I would want us to broaden our thinking in considering the numerous potentially-evangelistic programs and or ministries being done within and outside the church weekly and, in some instances, daily.
Intentional and Strategic Evangelism
Unless we view these ministries as evangelistic in nature, we are not likely to go beyond providing just a service. In other words, our ministries ought to be strategic or intentional if we are to experience results, be they short-term or long. The concern is simply, “Is there a definite purpose to what we do?” The intention must be clear and obvious to us as we engage in the services and initiatives of the church. When I take a cruise, as I love to, it becomes obvious to me that the objective of the owners is profit. While a good and memorable time is offered, the bottom line is to make a profit, and for that we must not fault anyone. But in our initiatives, as leaders we must educate ourselves and members to see that what we do is more than just providing a service; it is ministry with a purpose, and that is “Uplifting Christ that persons may be drawn to Him.” Thereby, what we do will be deliberate and strategic!
Revisiting Some of our Ministries
Has it occurred to you that every week Sabbath School is conducted with visitors in attendance? Every Sabbath service held is attended by visitors and former members! Currently, there are Vacation Bible schools, Summer Camp and ongoing Pathfinder meetings. Marriage Clubs, soup kitchens, sporting activities, wellness programs, media ministries such as Hope TV, 3ABN, Adventists Speak and Adventist Spotlight, newspaper inserts, Internet and Web ministry, choirs, etc. And these are not all the programs that are available. Honestly, were you aware of all of these and the ones that are done by persons like yourself each day or week to assist others? Truth be told, some of us may not have considered the potential these initiatives have for drawing persons to Christ, but sometimes we let slip or allow to go unchallenged decisions and follow-ups that could connect people to the church and more so to Christ. Our failure may not be intentional –it is
just
that we have not been intentional or deliberate. We must not just do these services; we must know what it is that we seek to achieve. Our ministries must be purposeful.
Benefits of Ministry with a Purpose!
Cost Effective
Consider our tent outreach. It is obvious that there is not the same appeal; and yet the expenses continue to mount up, but the results are less. Maybe, if we were to re-channel some of these funds into making these ministries more intentional and provide more ongoing training --we may experience a more vibrant and dynamic evangelistic drive.
Sustained Drive
This drive is likely to be sustained as opposed to a seasonal approach, and, hopefully, more members are likely to be involved in evangelism.
Meet Felt-Needs
These ministries currently conducted are meeting many felt-needs, which is basic to reaching people with the good news, but if they do not go beyond the basic needs to the ultimate need for Christ, these ministries essentially will fall short. Ellen White clearly noted: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’.”--The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.
Less Attrition
The drop-out rate is likely to decrease when relationships are formed and there is interaction between the old and new members. One of my university professors, Jon Paulien, observed, “Although public evangelism often succeeds in increasing baptisms, it is does not always result in sustained church growth.” Furthermore, Paulien noted that “They joined a church that met five nights a week, used lots of visual aids, and had exciting music performed by professionals. After baptism, people are expected to settle for once a week, few visual aids if any, and a piano or organ played with minimum of enthusiasm. A little reflection indicates that the quality of Sabbath worship is crucial to sustaining church growth—and not just among secular people.” Everlasting Gospel, Ever Changing World, p.177.
Evangelism is not dead and will not die as long as there is Christ. However, evangelism will not realize its full potential until you and I are awakened to what is God’s purpose for our lives! In next week’s update, I will continue on this theme.
Thought to Ponder
“Men are needed who pray to God for wisdom, and who, under the guidance of God, can put new life into the old methods of labor and can invent new plans and new methods of awakening the interest of church members and reaching the men and women of the world.” White, E. G. Evangelism, p. 105.
Bahamas Academy Needs Your Support Today!
Intentional and Strategic Evangelism
Unless we view these ministries as evangelistic in nature, we are not likely to go beyond providing just a service. In other words, our ministries ought to be strategic or intentional if we are to experience results, be they short-term or long. The concern is simply, “Is there a definite purpose to what we do?” The intention must be clear and obvious to us as we engage in the services and initiatives of the church. When I take a cruise, as I love to, it becomes obvious to me that the objective of the owners is profit. While a good and memorable time is offered, the bottom line is to make a profit, and for that we must not fault anyone. But in our initiatives, as leaders we must educate ourselves and members to see that what we do is more than just providing a service; it is ministry with a purpose, and that is “Uplifting Christ that persons may be drawn to Him.” Thereby, what we do will be deliberate and strategic!
Revisiting Some of our Ministries
Has it occurred to you that every week Sabbath School is conducted with visitors in attendance? Every Sabbath service held is attended by visitors and former members! Currently, there are Vacation Bible schools, Summer Camp and ongoing Pathfinder meetings. Marriage Clubs, soup kitchens, sporting activities, wellness programs, media ministries such as Hope TV, 3ABN, Adventists Speak and Adventist Spotlight, newspaper inserts, Internet and Web ministry, choirs, etc. And these are not all the programs that are available. Honestly, were you aware of all of these and the ones that are done by persons like yourself each day or week to assist others? Truth be told, some of us may not have considered the potential these initiatives have for drawing persons to Christ, but sometimes we let slip or allow to go unchallenged decisions and follow-ups that could connect people to the church and more so to Christ. Our failure may not be intentional –it is
just
that we have not been intentional or deliberate. We must not just do these services; we must know what it is that we seek to achieve. Our ministries must be purposeful.
Benefits of Ministry with a Purpose!
Cost Effective
Consider our tent outreach. It is obvious that there is not the same appeal; and yet the expenses continue to mount up, but the results are less. Maybe, if we were to re-channel some of these funds into making these ministries more intentional and provide more ongoing training --we may experience a more vibrant and dynamic evangelistic drive.
Sustained Drive
This drive is likely to be sustained as opposed to a seasonal approach, and, hopefully, more members are likely to be involved in evangelism.
Meet Felt-Needs
These ministries currently conducted are meeting many felt-needs, which is basic to reaching people with the good news, but if they do not go beyond the basic needs to the ultimate need for Christ, these ministries essentially will fall short. Ellen White clearly noted: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’.”--The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.
Less Attrition
The drop-out rate is likely to decrease when relationships are formed and there is interaction between the old and new members. One of my university professors, Jon Paulien, observed, “Although public evangelism often succeeds in increasing baptisms, it is does not always result in sustained church growth.” Furthermore, Paulien noted that “They joined a church that met five nights a week, used lots of visual aids, and had exciting music performed by professionals. After baptism, people are expected to settle for once a week, few visual aids if any, and a piano or organ played with minimum of enthusiasm. A little reflection indicates that the quality of Sabbath worship is crucial to sustaining church growth—and not just among secular people.” Everlasting Gospel, Ever Changing World, p.177.
Evangelism is not dead and will not die as long as there is Christ. However, evangelism will not realize its full potential until you and I are awakened to what is God’s purpose for our lives! In next week’s update, I will continue on this theme.
Thought to Ponder
“Men are needed who pray to God for wisdom, and who, under the guidance of God, can put new life into the old methods of labor and can invent new plans and new methods of awakening the interest of church members and reaching the men and women of the world.” White, E. G. Evangelism, p. 105.
Bahamas Academy Needs Your Support Today!
Comment
© 2009 Created by Barrington Brennen on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
You need to be a member of FH to add comments!
Join this Ning Network