Many people have slipped into the mindset that evangelism is a gift that some believers have and others do not. The reality is that when someone becomes reconciled to God, He sends them out to reconcile others. That’s not a gift—we all have the responsibility to take Christ to others.
Pastoral leadership can go a long way in shifting those mindsets. Pastors can and should equip the church body to understand their role in evangelization. Among other things, a church can do four things to encourage the spirit and practice of evangelism.
1. Build Relationships
Only a very few hear the gospel or show up at church without first being in relationship. Most people who come to Christ are invited by a person they know.
God calls us to evangelize, including our family, friends and neighbors. He invites us to invite others. Personal relationships are the best way to reach out.
Your friends trust you when you talk about restaurants, plumbers and babysitters. That same trust gives each believer an open door to introduce their friends to Jesus.
2. Encourage Engagement
Sometimes the world gets the wrong idea that being a Christian means our lives are perfect. They feel disconnected and unworthy. So whenever we can remind our people and those looking in that we are all in need of a Savior, it breaks down walls that keep people from Christ and the Church.
The church and its people must understand that no one gets through a broken world unbroken. So as they go back out throughout the week, they should connect with broken people as broken people who have met the One who restores. They should offer restoration through Christ. That is evangelism.
3. Inclusive Events
Some parts of church are more exclusive. The Lord’s Supper, baptism, even some small groups are just for believers. But a church has the freedom, and really a responsibility, to have gatherings where seekers feel welcome—places where they are ready for company.
For us, one of those low-threshold events is an annual Easter egg hunt. We ramp up by involving the whole church. They bring their friends, neighbors and families.
