One ministry that effectively integrates discipleship and
evangelism is the Alpha Course, a ministry that began among Spirit-filled
Anglicans in England in the 1990s. Alpha
is a relational approach to establishing new believers. It provides a ten-week opportunity to explore
the validity and relevance of the Christian faith. The course includes a practical introduction
to the basics of Christianity centered around a meal, a talk, and small-group
discussion.
3. Go into Every Man’s World
Over the years, Oral Roberts University frequently paraphrased “Go into all
the world” (Mark 16:15) as “Go into every man’s world.” The global aspect of the Great Commission
should always be a priority; however, the “every man’s world” perspective is
very important as well. Neighbors living
on the same city block can be living in different worlds socially and
culturally. How can the barriers be
crossed to connect with “every man” in his or her world?
Will “every man” go to church on a Sunday morning to hear
evangelistic preaching? Some men will,
but not “every man.” While the
scheduling of traditional methods such as revival services should be applauded,
the question should still be asked, will “every man” attend these
meetings? Again, some will, but not
“every man.” To reach “every man,” the
church needs to think and plan creatively and strategically.
The planning of evangelistic
events, both inside and outside of the church, is one way to strategize to
reach the lost. Evangelistic events of multiple and varied types are often
the answer to reaching people that would not otherwise be reached through
traditional means.
Why not conduct an evangelistic block party, alternative "Halloween" festivals (i.e., fall festivals), sidewalk evangelistic art activities, or outreach events at Thanksgiving and Christmas? Special days such as Mothers Day, Fathers
Day, and Easter are good times to integrate an evangelistic emphasis as
well. Baptisms, baby dedications, plays,
concerts, and fellowship meals provide opportunities to invite a large number
of unsaved relatives and friends. Even
conducting some of these functions in a location other than the church building
may be a helpful innovation.
A very effective way to move the church beyond its own walls
is to conduct servant evangelism projects—projects geared to overwhelm the
community with kindness. Christians
should be encouraged to get involved in their communities, become outwardly
focused, and help to serve both the felt and real needs of people through the
love of Christ.
It is time for the church to get beyond the “been there,
done that” attitude regarding evangelism. The power of preaching and teaching is already resident within the
church. All that is usually needed in
addition to these resources is a passion for Jesus that compels us to love
people and a Spirit-directed strategy to connect with “every man” in his or her
world. When we consider the great effort
that Jesus made to get into every man’s world, it inspires us to do the same.
J. Randolph Turpin, D.Min.
