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Launching Evangelism in Your Congregation
What are ways to encourage
evangelism in your congregation?
Pray
Launching evangelism in your congregation is not about techniques or
right practices. Evangelism is about God working through you and
your congregation to become vibrant witnesses to the Good News of
Jesus Christ. Ask for guidance and courage to go where God is
leading you.
Study God’s Word
Gather together for Bible study. Observe in the Scriptures how the
Holy Spirit fills people with courage to bear witness to the Good
News of Jesus Christ. What story about Jesus brings you joy? Who
might you tell about Jesus?
Preach and Teach the Good News of Jesus
The promises of the Good News of Jesus are meant to be shared with
others. We are not to be complacent, apathetic or bored. The Good
News of Jesus changes lives – yours and mine. How have you
experienced the Good News of Jesus in your life?
Create an Evangelism Team
Celebrate with those who might be interested in evangelism. Seek
ways to extend your evangelism team to embrace your whole
congregation. Don’t let a committee be the only one to experience
the joy of sharing the good news of Jesus. Live the joy found in
Christ Jesus. (See: Creating an Evangelism Team)
Provide Training
Equip people to become more comfortable about sharing their faith in
Christ Jesus. Provide training and opportunities to practice
faith-sharing. Take time to identify witnessing opportunities.
What training might be helpful?
Plan an Event
Don’t make it too easy. Go out on a limb. Plan an event no one will
want to miss. Have a Fall Fiesta for the neighbors. Offer a jazz
worship on Saturday night. If nothing else, add something extra to
your Christmas Eve or Easter worship. Hire musicians – lots of them.
Join the angels to sing “Glory to God in the highest!” Invite people
to come! Spend some money on publicity. What event(s) might you
host for the neighbors or community?
Welcome People
Remember your mission: Bear witness to the love of God in Christ
Jesus.
Gracious God, we give you thanks for
opportunities for mission and ministry.
Continue to guide, empower and stretch us to boldly witness to your love
made known in Jesus Christ.
Amen |
Writer: Robin McCullough-Bade
Copyright © 2004 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above
copyright notice is included.
E-Tips, Division for Congregational Ministries - Evangelism.
www.elca.org/dcm/evangelism
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