Lausanne World Pulse – Structural Necessities for the Evangelistic Enterprise of the Church
By Jerry Root
If Christ is already present and at work in the life of those we seek to lead to faith, then it is necessary for the evangelist to discover what God is already doing. God woos others to himself in a variety of ways. Ask questions and prayerfully listen to the answers seeking to discern how God is wooing uniquely in each person’s life. Begin with basic questions. What is the person’s name? Where is the person from? Perhaps ask about a shared experience (Jesus asked the woman at the well for water). Listen; let the answers given provide the direction for asking deeper questions. Often enough, an individual will take you to the very places where God has been speaking into his or her life. The felt needs of individuals are places where the gospel naturally attaches itself to a person’s life. God made that person; he made him or her with needs. Work confidently with the elements God has built in to the person as you prepare to make the gospel explicit.
3. Evangelism is strategic.
God sent his son into our world that he might reconcile us to himself through Christ. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The incarnation was strategic; God invaded our world. So too, we must be strategic about entering into the world around us to cultivate relationships with others. One well known preacher used to say, “God told us to be fishers of men, not keepers of the aquarium.” Another person put it this way:“If God made us to be salt in the world, then we must get out of the salt shaker and into the world.” Just as God is already present in the lives of the lost and we go to make his word explicit to them, God is at work in us as well.
Part of God’s strategy in determining where we should work in the world relates to the passions he has placed in us. All are called to evangelize and make disciples; however, the venue for this work is unique for each believer. How has God made you? What are your unique passions, gifts and aptitudes? Go do those things in the world, and as you do, notice the people who are in the same environment. This is the specific and strategic world he has called you to. Let God love those in your world to himself. Jesus came in the days of the historic Incarnation. Before he ascended into heaven, he said he would send the Holy Spirit to guide us. There is a new kind of Incarnation in our world; it is the incarnation of the Holy Spirit in the Church, the body of Christ. He is seeking to win others to himself and he is doing it strategically right where you live. All of us are strategically placed for kingdom purposes.
4. Evangelism is full of significance.
Few activities connect us more with a sense of significance and purpose than evangelism. We will only do two things that will last forever: have children and lead others to Christ. Paul proclaimed in Philippians 1:22, “If I am to live on in the flesh this will mean fruitful labor for me.” In essence he was praying, “God give me fruit or take me home to heaven.” Breath in one’s lungs should be seen as a synonym for fruitful labor; it is a sign that God has purposes for your life. Commitment to evangelism brings a sense of eternal significance and purpose to a person’s life.
Conclusion
Dawson Trotman once observed that a person is physiologically mature when he or she can reproduce biologically and that a person is spiritually mature when he or she can reproduce spiritually. Evangelism is evidence of spiritual maturity. Furthermore, it is sacramental, strategic and full of significance. Whatever heartaches might be in store, there is real joy in participating in Christ’s evangelistic ministry to the world.
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Dr. Jerry Root is associate director of the Institute for Strategic Evangelism at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, USA. He has taught in the evangelism masters program for the past eleven years. |
