By Aleena Denison
Many Christians put evangelism into the job description of pastors, missionaries and evangelists, without considering the possibility of them having a part in it as well. According to the dictionary, words like "preaching," "work of an evangelist," and "missionary zeal" might offer security in their thinking, since they might not have any of those names as their own official titles. But the Bible says quite a bit about evangelism, and who is to have part in the work.
• Evangelism isn't relegated to certain types of people, but is employed by many, in all sorts of situations. The Bible gives several different names to those who evangelize: Fishers of men (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17), Ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), Messengers of the church (2 Corinthians 8:23), Defenders of the faith (Philippians 1:7; 1 Peter 3:15). These weren't just different names for pastors and missionaries, but were also names given to those Christians who worked other jobs.
• Throughout the Bible we can see that evangelism was to be more than just haphazard occurrences, only taking place when questions were asked. In the Old Testament, God promised to send a Savior, and people trusted in Him and took Him at His word, passing that promise along. They didn't just wait for someone to ask them what God had promised. In the Psalms it is recorded that the work of the Lord must be proclaimed to all people and every nation (Psalm 96:3, 10; 18:49; also 1 Chronicles 16:24).
• In Matthew 28:19, 20, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and make disciples, so Christians cannot offer any reason that would excuse them from their part in the evangelism process. Though each part in the process may look different for each person, it can't be ignored or placed entirely on the shoulders of a few believers (pastors, evangelists, missionaries). Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote that "what you have heard from me…entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2) Evangelism must be part of the discipleship teaching of every new believer, so they can take part in telling all people. It's not a choice, it's a command.
After seeing that evangelism is something in which every believer must participate, is to be intentional, and is commanded, the actions of evangelism can be studied and applied. What does evangelism look like? Although not nearly exhaustive, the following list should be helpful in beginning to understanding.
• Conversation-- Topics of conversations with friends and acquaintances are mostly centered on the points of interest and understanding of each person, and we often learn a variety of new things from the points of interest of others. Our main point of interest to share with others should be God and the work of Jesus Christ, and we should have no embarrassment when we speak of the One we know and love.
• Love-- Love is more than just a word, it's an action. Rather than just telling people about God and Jesus and the love extended to us, we should show it by how we treat and respond to people. If we can't show this love we're missing a key component in the process of evangelism. Jesus showed his love in many ways to many people (friends and enemies alike) before He demonstrated it in the ultimate way, and we must model that love. The Bible also specifically speaks of believers loving one another as a part of evangelism. Unbelievers see how loving and committed the Body of Christ is, and they will begin to ask questions for themselves. This love isn't just superficial and surface level, but is the very love of God flowing through us.
• Lifestyle-- The love that we must have for all people will grow and flourish in a life that is lived daily for God. It goes beyond just telling someone about God, or doing an occasional kind act, and extends into every attitude we exhibit and action we take. Unbelievers will be watching in order to determine just how serious we are, and if what we say really makes any difference to us. Our lifestyle should be dedicated to the obedience of God for His glory so that we don't mind others observations, and perhaps even their following us as we follow God.
The next step is response. How will evangelism look in your life?
Aleena Denison has a heart for seeing the message of the Bible presented in a clear way,and is dedicated to sharing Jesus with the lost and helping believers see their responsibilities in evangelism, discipleship, and Bible study.
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