Today’s guest post comes to us from Jason K. Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.
In nearly 20 years of ministry, my highest points have not been preaching in large settings, meeting distinguished individuals or even leading a seminary. I can truly say that my most memorable moments have been in living rooms, around kitchen tables, sitting in a pastor’s study, or on an airplane leading someone to Christ.
But I must confess, doing the work of an evangelist is harder for me these days. As a seminary president, I live life mostly surrounded by believers, with little marginal time. Over the past year, I have been burdened by my personal lack of evangelism and have had to learn the key of intentionality in my personal witness, like every other area of life.
In any organization, the maxim, “When everyone does it, no one does it” is usually true. General responsibilities, initiatives and goals usually fail because there is no built-in expectation or accountability. The same can be true with our witness. When we intend to witness to everyone, sometimes we witness to no one.
When I intentionally pray for certain people, I find myself more intentional about witnessing to them. When I intentionally engage attendants at the barbershop, gas station or restaurant, I find myself more intentionally witnessing to them. When I intentionally set personal evangelistic goals and hold myself accountable, I find myself, well, doing the work of an evangelist.
In every church, God blesses certain people with exceptional financial resources and a generous spirit. They give generously and bless the church. But that does not absolve every other Christian from their stewardship responsibilities.
Likewise, God calls and gifts certain men as evangelists, as referenced in Ephesians 4, to draw the net, plant churches and serve as missionaries. The fact that God calls and gifts some in extra measure, however, does not absolve every Christian, and especially every minister, from doing the work of an evangelist.
Evangelism is not primarily about a gift, or even one’s gifting, it is about being a faithful Christian — and a faithful minister. Brother pastors, let us do the work of an evangelist.
Click here to read the entire article.
Your partner in ministry,
Nelson
P.S.- Evangelism and reaching the unchurched is the focus of our next big training event – the All New 3-Day Church Systems Check-up and Boot Camp at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL
As church leaders we have a new reality to face in reaching people for Christ.
The fastest growing religious group in America is classified as the “Nones.” Just who are they? When asked which Christian denomination they belong to, this group answers simply, “none.”
So any plan we have to grow our churches can’t ignore the rise of the “nones.” And it’s why you can’t afford to miss this year’s boot camp.
We’re going to address this issue head-on with the latest strategies and systems in how to grow your church in this new reality. You’ll walk away with practical solutions to reach more people for Christ!
Plus – ALL the most impactful lessons and new applications for each of the eight systems of a healthy church. It’s like a primer, check-up and “next step” event all rolled into three powerful days.
Join me and some very special guests – and be sure to save your spot early as this event always sells out!
Click here to secure your spot – hurry, special Super Early Bird rate ends Friday, May 13th!
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