 
Advancing Evangelism in Your Congregation
Does it seem your congregation is
doing everything well in the area of evangelism, but the
congregation continues to plateau or even decline? Congregations hit
plateaus for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, there is a shift in
demographics. Other times, congregations settle into routines and
lose the spirit of God empowering new ventures of witnessing.
Many of us have realized the blessing of God’s presence in our
lives. Some are just beginning to discover the incredible gift of
God’s love made known in Jesus Christ. Yet, any of us can get lazy
and complacent about being a witness to the good news found in Jesus
Christ. We lose a sense of urgency. We put on blinders, settle into
our pews, and wait to be served. It is our consumer mentality at
work.
Jesus calls us to be the light of the world. We are to share the
light of Jesus Christ with others, witnessing in our office places,
neighborhoods, schools, homes, and daily lives. How do we let the
light of Christ shine?
Pray
Always begin with prayer. Prayers might include:
- Confession of failure to accomplish God’s
mission in the world
- Thanksgiving for God’s direction within the
congregation
- Requests for discernment and wisdom in
decision-making.
- Intercessions for the leaders of your
congregation
Ask Questions
Start asking questions about your congregation approach to mission
and ministry.
How is your congregation
engaging God’s mission?
What might the next steps be?
Do you grieve for those who have not heard the Good News of Jesus?
If so, what might God be calling you to do to bear witness to that
Good News?
Listen for the Answers
We do not always like the answers we hear. Maybe your congregation
is in need of major transformation. Perhaps your congregation needs
to renew its commitment to God’s mission in your local setting.
Where is God calling you?
Change the Climate
God may be calling for change in the climate of your congregation,
empowering us to bold new ventures.
How might your congregation
become joy-filled, vibrant witnesses to Jesus Christ?
How might God use you as a change agent in your congregation?
Who else is God calling to partner with you to bear witness to the
love of Christ?
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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