The
shift on evangelism initiatives in recent times has taken a giant leap. Last 15
years and so, I have always emphasized much on Holistic approach (Spiritual,
Physical, Socio-emotional & Cognitive) not merely implicating holism on
NGO’s and social projects but also in the functions of the Church. The pattern
of the early church is a classic example of a holistic model, where vibrant
evangelism and structural social interventions were integrated in the heart of
the Church (fellowship of believers). But sadly, in the past, many Churches did
not manage the perfect blend of evangelism and social interventions, though
they had financial stability and in some cases inflow of foreign funds.
What
is amazing to know today is after the pandemic the social intervention and
evangelism drive has become, the priority for Churches and Christian
Organizations. If it had been our top priority years before the pandemic, our
national Christian census would have looked very different than what we see
today. But hold on! Has all the social interventions and evangelism drives been
intensified to ensure Gospel is shared and commitments made? Let me leave it to
God, for He is the best judge of that. There are already many organizations,
which solely exist for Gospel work and there are new Christian organizations,
trainers, and experts who claim to have a model for evangelism. Strategies are
made, numbers are derived, reports are created but at the end of the day the
question we need to ask is how many were actually led to Christ and how has
that impacted the Church growth?
Evangelism
Model is not necessarily like one of the social models that can be completely
replicated. It may or may not work at all. Why is that? Let me quote some
examples from the Bible. If you look at the story of Samaritan woman whose
encounter with Jesus had her life transformed and revolutionised. She rushed to
apprise people of her encounter with God (John 4). The story
of Apostle Paul was another revolutionary story. After he had a dramatic encounter with
God (Acts 9), history was created. He swept the nations with the
Gospel. Very soon, we see, he was able to create a leadership team and ministry
partners who shouldered him in the Gospel work. Then in (Acts 8:1-4) we
notice severe persecution broke out against the Churches in Jerusalem, all were
scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria, but that was not the end of
the story. These people proved they were not simply a bunch of cowards. Verse 4
says, “So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the
word.”. Did they have a model? Did all undergo a seminar on how to
present Gospel? Of course not. But the driving force was their transformation
after their encounter with God. The moment they experienced the gift of
salvation they became revolutionaries. People who met daily in house
fellowships, praying, and igniting each other were soon seen doing the work of
an evangelist in adverse circumstances. Their priorities were connected with Christ's
mandate - the Great Commission. This did not stop them while they were even
on the run. For these people, presenting Gospel was more important than trying
to protect their lives. Strategies emerged from crisis and models of its own
were developed. People just adopted and moved forward.
My
question is how could someone after experiencing salvation, not be
revolutionised? Why is that they just become mere good standing believers and
members of the Church, just about fulfilling its obligations but failing to be
a witness and lead at least one person (a minimum number) to Christ, in their
entire life? For that matter, sadly, many pastors of the Churches are also
becoming managers of the Churches ensuring all their members remain with them
all their lives. I am not saying it is wrong but how is the Great Commission
becoming the Mandate of the Church? A prepared messenger leads many to Christ
and impacts more life than through his prepared messages. Unfortunately, many
are just satisfied by the noise of activities and evangelistic programs but
failing to seriously make disciples. Let’s be careful that we do not treat
evangelism and discipleship as mere terms.
If
a long-standing Christian has not led one person to Christ all his life then
what he/she needs is not motivation and Evangelism Model to wake the person up,
but an intense dialogue to know his/her true identity in Christ and teachings
to help the congregation member know what is his/her role as Christians.
Evangelism is a life-style. One should be convinced of this transformed life
and know how his/her career is entwined with the Purpose and Christ's mandate.
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