Gary McIntosh, professor at Biola University, says in the Biola magazine, “I wish people understood that the heart of church growth is basic evangelism. It is not about marketing, business practices or a host of other mis-perceptions…Since all people are lost apart from a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, every church must be concerned with church growth that is accomplished through conversion evangelism. This is the heart of church growth thinking today.”
Churches go through trends. For a while, it was all about the worship service – contemporary music, creative drama, using powerpoint. Then it was small groups – cell groups, covenant groups, recovery groups. Then there were music concerts, crusades, mainstream movies with Christian themes, etc.
I have nothing against different methods. But no matter what the method, conversion evangelism must be our focus. If we become too involved with ourselves, what we want out of church, how we can feed ourselves better, etc., the church loses it’s primary mission.
But I have to admit, after 30 years of being a Christian, I am never quite comfortable with sharing the gospel with people. But that doesn’t excuse me from trying.
I have been quite inspired by the sermons of the last few weeks at our church on evangelism.
So I acted by visiting a couple of friends and bought them each a book by Max Lucado. His material is easy to read and understand, and it is a good introduction to the Christian message. I pray that they read it and accept God’s offer of salvation to them. I’ll make a point to talk to them about it later too.
Have some of Max Lucado’s books handy to give to your friends. I like this one that is friendly to those who are seeking God.