Individual responsibility and verbal proclamation.
The Christian life on display in community draws unbelievers into fellowship with God. So, evangelism—sharing the gospel with unbelievers—is best done in community.
This is not at all to take away the personal responsibility of evangelism. Each individual Christian should prayerfully be open to opportunities to share the good news.
These verses from Acts also do not fall into the error of “Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary use words.” The gospel is a verbal proclamation. It is an announcement that has to be spoken. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14).
So all Christians should be ready to personally and verbally tell people about Jesus.
Revising our concept of evangelism.
Nevertheless, we should revise our concept of evangelism. Instead of imagining ways to share the gospel when we’re solo, we should think of ways to make our life in the household of faith more visible.
A church small group can be an effective engine for making Christian community more conspicuous. A group might decide to make a standing “play date” at the local park and pray for opportunities to share the gospel with other parents. Some Christians might adopt a school to serve and build relationships with the kids in hopes that they can also develop evangelistic relationships with the parents. Or a Bible study group might decide to meet at a restaurant or coffee shop occasionally in order to open up pathways for conversations with the staff.
The Christian mission is clear. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Interestingly, Jesus speaks these words not to an individual but to a group of people. Thus, while the Great Commission goes out to individuals, it is not individualistic. Christians are a city on a hill (Mt. 5:14). And for many unbelievers, our love for one another may be the greatest evangelism strategy they’ll see.
Evangelism is a community project.
