By Aleena Denison
The definition of evangelism given in the dictionary is: "1) the preaching or promulgation of the gospel; the work of an evangelist" 2) "missionary zeal, purpose, or activity" 3) "militant zeal for a cause." By this definition, some Christians may think that they don't have to evangelize because they don't hold the "official" title of preacher, evangelist or missionary. Let's see what the Bible says about evangelism:
Those who performed the work of evangelism in the Bible had many different names: Ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20); Fishers of men (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17); Messengers of the Church (2 Corinthians 8:23), Defenders of the faith (Philippians 1:7; 1 Peter 3:15). Those who were called by these names weren't just the "Bible greats," but also the church people, the "average Christians" (as many who aren't in vocational ministry call themselves).
The evangelism process isn't just something to talk about or leave for someone else to do. The Bible says very clearly that evangelism must be intentional in the life of every believer. From the Old Testament, before Christ had come, the expectation was that God would do as He had promised and send a Savior. Through the lives and commitment of the Israelites, they were intentionally proclaiming the name of the coming Christ. Many times in the Psalms the authors say that the Lord and His works are to be declared among "all people" and "all nations." Nowhere does it say that only those who have a specific title can evangelize, or that it only takes place by chance (see Psalm 18:49; 96:3, 10; 1 Chronicles 16:24).
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself tells His disciples to make disciples in all nations (Matthew 28:19, 20), so we can in no way excuse the command which requires us to evangelize. Paul the apostle also commands through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that "what you have heard from me
commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2) So we see that evangelism is also to be taught to those you evangelize. It is not something that should be ignored or put off if you have a true heart for God. It is God's command.
Now although this is good information-- I can evangelize, it must be intentional, it's commanded in the Bible-- what does it actually look like? What is evangelism in action? I believe that it must begin with the realization of the above topics, and then it can be fleshed out in very practical ways:
Evangelism is conversation-- What do you find most easy to talk about with friends or strangers? Sometimes topics can vary based on our understanding of people, but if we are to evangelize with our conversation, we need to be very open in our reference to God and our relationship with Him. There should be no shame or embarrassment in speaking of the one we claim to love.
Evangelism is lifestyle-- We may find it very easy to speak of God in any conversation, even to total strangers, but may find it very difficult to live the life of a Christian that we'd be willing to let others follow. One thing for sure, people tend to watch the lifestyle, attitude, and actions of those who are trying to share the Gospel with them in order to evaluate their sincerity.
Evangelism is love-- Beyond talking about God and living our lives according to the Bible so that others can see, if we aren't sharing the love of God, we've missed an important part of evangelism. The Bible records many times when Jesus had compassion on the multitudes, and he specifically told his disciples to show love to one another (which would attract the attention of the unbelievers), and to the lost. This love isn't an artificial, temporary love, but is the expression of God's genuine, eternal love.
Since we now understand the definition of evangelism as spoken of in the Bible, and a few of the ways it should appear in our lives, what do we need to do to begin implementing it into our daily lives?
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. For more information and free downloads, see http://www.goodseed.com
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