Evangelism and Church Planting

Evangelism is one of the common terms used in the Christian circles often. But its application differs with different denominations, individuals and groups. In this juncture, it is advisable to learn what the Bible tells about evangelism and follow the code Bible sets up for evangelism and for evangelists. Here comes the subject “Biblical Mandate for Evangelism”
What is evangelism?

Evangelism is presenting the good news of Jesus Christ to this darkened world, showing them that Jesus Christ is the eternal light & Saviour and add the people who are saved to the church.

Evangelism is not just telling about Jesus to people. It is not just preaching in a crusade and leave the thirsty souls without showing them the way to grow in the Lord.

In this message we are going to learn evangelism in the flowing topics:

Essence of evangelism
Why Evangelism
Qualities of an Evangelist
Methods of Evangelism
Power Evangelism.

1. Essence of Evangelism:

Man has fallen from grace and committed sin against God. We read about the creation and fall of man in Genesis Chapter 1 to 3. Because of this separation he had to face many consequences (Gen. 6:5, Rom. 1:8, 1:21, 6:6). Eternally also he has to face judgment. (Rom.3:23, Rev.20:10, Heb 9:27). Man cannot come out of sin on his own.

Because of this God set-up a Redemption Plan for man. This plan has the following steps:

Reconciliation (II Cor. 5:19-21)
Death to Life (Eph:2:1, II Cor.5:17)
Darkness to light (Col.1:13,14)
Union with Christ (John 1:12, Eph:1:3-14)
Gift of God (Rom.3:24)

Church should take up the task of evangelism (Math 16:18, Eph. 2:11-21)

2. Why Evangelism ?

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Psalm 14:3)
There is no other name than Jesus Name for salvation (Acts 4:12) Evangelism is the great commission of Christ (Matt: 28:19)
The world is dead in sin (Eph. 2:1)
God called us for a priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9)
Time is at hand (Heb:10:25)
Woe unto me if I do not preach the Gospel (I Corinth. 9:16)

3. Qualities of an Evangelist: (5 Ps)

An evangelist must have the following qualities:

Passion for souls: (Rom. 10:1)
Preparation (in word, in prayer and study)
Priority (Luke. 10:42)
Pay the Price (Gal. 4:19)
Perseverance (Phil 3:12)

4. Methods of Evangelism

Gospel Meetings (Acts 2:41, 5:42)
Personal Evangelism (John 4:1-42)
Through communication media
Prayer Evangelism (Personal prayer, Group prayer, Church prayers etc.,)
Power Evangelism (Examples of Jesus, Peter & Paul)

5.Power Evangelism

Why we need power?

(i)     For the word of God to be confirmed (Mark 16:20)
(ii)    To overcome the devil (I John 2:13,14)
(iii)   To overcome the world (John 16:33)

How does the power operate?

(i)     During sickness (Mark 3:14,15; 5:25-34)
(ii)    When we pray for the oppressed (Mark 5:1-20; 9:14-29)
(iii)   During times of loss (John 10:10, Mark 5:38)
(iv)    At death bed (Matt 9:18-26)

How to obtain it ?

(i)     Abide with God (Mark 3:14,15)
(ii)    Allow Him to send you (Luke 10:1)
(iii)   Be Available for His work (Luke 10:9)
(iv)    Must be Accountable (Luke 10:17)

Church Planting

Evangelism always go hand in hand with church planting. Evangelism without church planting is like bird without a nest.

Methods of church planting:

1.      Through evangelical meetings (Acts 2)
2.      Through personal evangelism(Acts 8)
3.      Pioneering a church (Acts 15:41)
4.     Through Social works (Matt: 5:16)
5.     Through prayer cells and house groups(Act 2:46, 16:15)

May God bless you and make you more effective in evangelism.

Rev. Dr. Bevin G. Lawrence,
Overseer,
Church of God in Christ india,
1, Lloyds Road, Kodaikanal,
Tamilnadu, India- 624 101.