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What is evangelism?
Evangelism contains the word "evangel," which means
"the good news." Evangelism is sharing the good news -- of God's love, grace,
and power as it has been revealed in Jesus Christ -- in ways which draw
others into a life of faith and a community of believers. It is the messenger,
the message, and the means of sharing the good news.
Congregations committed to engaging in effective evangelism respond enthusiastically
to the "mission mandate" Jesus gave the disciples in his final moments with
them before his ascension into heaven: "You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) These congregations
witness, share, invite, go and teach in order that all may come into a living relationship
with Jesus Christ and his body, the Church.
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How do congregations become "evangelizing congregations?"
Evangelizing congregations seek to make Christ known to all the world
through a variety of methods and means. Effective evangelism happens when the
lives of members and guests are so changed by their relationship with Jesus
Christ and with others in their congregation, they invite friends, neighbors,
relatives, co-workers, and others to come and see for themselves.
For some congregations, effective evangelism happens through faith-based after-school
ministries with local children or through the addition of worship services
focused on the music, language and communication preferences of certain generations
or ethnic populations.
For some congregations, evangelism happens through an intentional discipleship
process that leads seekers into a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
For some congregations, web pages and radio ministries provide a means
for local residents to hear the Gospel and interact with the ministries
of the local congregation.
These are just a few examples of the kinds of evangelism ministries happening
in ELCA congregations committed to making Christ known and leading people into a
deeper life of faith in Jesus Christ.
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How do you teach people to talk about their faith?
Most of us can remember someone whose faith story helped draw us into a closer
relationship with Jesus Christ. For many of us, however, speaking about our faith
is a frightening experience. It makes us feel vulnerable and at a loss for words.
We fear that our stories are not quite as exciting or make the kind of impact
those of others do.
Yet we are encouraged to be Jesus' witnesses "to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
How do we prepare others (and ourselves) to do this? A good place to start is in the
congregational setting by:
- Creating opportunities for faith sharing among members either at
some part of the worship service or at a separate service, like a prayer and praise
or healing service.
- Providing training in witnessing, and the disciplines of Scripture
reading and prayer for empowerment.
- Fostering a spirit of excitement for evangelism.
Talking about our faith requires the use of more than just our voices; it calls for
the use of all our senses. For instance, when teaching others how to witness it is
important to remember the role of listening. Keeping our ears open will help us
to hear Spirit-provided opportunities to share our faith with others.
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What Are Spiritual Gifts
and How Do You Use Them?
Spiritual Gifts are those talents God has given us that give us satisfaction and
add meaning to our lives when we use them in God’s service. Put another way,
gifts of the Spirit have a great deal to do with the way that God has "wired"
us.
Paul writes at length about spiritual gifts in Romans 12, 1st Corinthians 12 and
Ephesians 4 where he relates them to his "Body of Christ" images. The
overarching theme of all these passages is that God has created us to work
together, in harmony.
Congregations who are effective in growing people spiritually and relationally
are discovering that when they help members and guests discover their spiritual
gifts along with their personality types and patterns, they empower both the
people and the congregation’s ministry by turning loose a significant outpouring
of love, caring, spirit, relationship building, and ministries.
When people discover what God has gifted them to do and that doing it gives them
immense satisfaction, they begin to understand that working together in
community is ministry and not obligation. Like other presents, it is impossible
to fully appreciate and make use of spiritual gifts until they have been opened.
Congregations who help members and guests to discover their gifts by using
inventories such as the one you can access at this web site are empowering lay
ministry and creating a caring climate that attracts new people.
These congregations use spiritual gifts and character/temperament inventories in
new member classes, small group activities, council meetings and committee
meetings, and in many other creative ways. To determine your own spiritual
gifts, choose the on-line
interactive inventory.
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