Monday, December 03, 2007
Evangelism Summit
Strang hosted an invitation-only, 24-hour "Evangelism Summit" last week that brought in some of the most respected evangelists within the charismatic-Pentecostal sphere. Maybe the biggest treat was seeing guys like Reinhard Bonnke, Rodney Howard-Browne and Larry Tomczak just shooting the breeze with the likes of Peter Lowe, David Shibley and Sam Rodriguez. Of course, when you get more than 40 well-known pastors and evangelists together in a room, it isn't hard to get some serious group dialogue going. And with Rice Broocks from Bethel World Outreach Center in Nashville, Tenn., mediating, that's exactly what happened around a single subject: evangelism in America.
The summit was based on the premise that what the American church is currently doing simply isn't working. Rice laid down the basics, citing Ron Luce's oft-referred 4 percent next-gen statistic, as well as those claiming that for every church opening its doors, three more close theirs. And of course, there was talk of faulty methodology, cultural and generational irrelevancy, a deteriorated credibility and an in-house disconnect between evangelists and pastors. All great points ... but not everyone bought into them—or even the summit's premise. And I found that to be maybe the most interesting part of the entire 24-hour period.
It was hugely important that these leaders met together. Their mere presence at the meeting proved evangelism isn't just a hot topic in need of being discussed, it's a (if not the) vital component of the church's calling in these days. However, we've still got a ways to go before we're on the same page with regards to the current dilemma. Not everyone believes the church is a sinking ship. Others swear it's just a matter of time before the United States, like Europe, becomes an entirely postmodern culture where Christianity is deemed obsolete. Some feel that's a matter of years away; while others believe it's mere months. Still others seem more bothered by the fact that the church has relegated evangelism to a calling, and the role of the evangelist to just that—a role.
Whatever differences of opinion there were, there was no denying that these men and women share a similar, unifying passion for the lost. It's the passion that brought them together. It's a passion that regularly requires them to sacrifice their family time for trips across the world to territories that have never heard the gospel. It's a passion that won't allow them to stay quiet. And it's a passion that's infectious.
The summit ended last week, but my head is still stirring with reflective waves. Whatever results from the meeting—a similar one with pastors in early 2008, an evangelistic onslaught of Nashville—it reminded me of these simple yet profound elements:
The summit was based on the premise that what the American church is currently doing simply isn't working. Rice laid down the basics, citing Ron Luce's oft-referred 4 percent next-gen statistic, as well as those claiming that for every church opening its doors, three more close theirs. And of course, there was talk of faulty methodology, cultural and generational irrelevancy, a deteriorated credibility and an in-house disconnect between evangelists and pastors. All great points ... but not everyone bought into them—or even the summit's premise. And I found that to be maybe the most interesting part of the entire 24-hour period.
It was hugely important that these leaders met together. Their mere presence at the meeting proved evangelism isn't just a hot topic in need of being discussed, it's a (if not the) vital component of the church's calling in these days. However, we've still got a ways to go before we're on the same page with regards to the current dilemma. Not everyone believes the church is a sinking ship. Others swear it's just a matter of time before the United States, like Europe, becomes an entirely postmodern culture where Christianity is deemed obsolete. Some feel that's a matter of years away; while others believe it's mere months. Still others seem more bothered by the fact that the church has relegated evangelism to a calling, and the role of the evangelist to just that—a role.
Whatever differences of opinion there were, there was no denying that these men and women share a similar, unifying passion for the lost. It's the passion that brought them together. It's a passion that regularly requires them to sacrifice their family time for trips across the world to territories that have never heard the gospel. It's a passion that won't allow them to stay quiet. And it's a passion that's infectious.
The summit ended last week, but my head is still stirring with reflective waves. Whatever results from the meeting—a similar one with pastors in early 2008, an evangelistic onslaught of Nashville—it reminded me of these simple yet profound elements:
- Evangelism is simply a lifestyle. That's become cliché, yes—but also forgotten.
- Evangelism has its styles, methods and tools; but ultimately, it's about sharing some really, really good news. When you find out you've just received a special award at work, what's your first reaction? You tell others. How is that any different from telling others about the gift Jesus continues to give you? Yes, it's that easy.
- Evangelism is a big word for story. We've all got one. Tell it. Better yet, live it.
- Some people are obviously gifted in sharing their faith. And sure, if you're like me, that can be a bit intimidating at times. But seriously, how hard is it to strike up develop a relationship with someone? How hard is it to serve? How hard is it to listen, care or simply be there? (I'm preaching to myself here.) These are all just as valuable in the process of planting the seeds of salvation in someone's heart as the "preaching" part. And yet ...
- The message has to be preached. At some point, things have to be defined. And this is what we're now discovering an entire generation has seemingly missed. It's why we have a nation that calls itself Christian while a puny minority are in fact biblically defined "born again" believers. Obviously, the "preaching" comes in different forms. It's best when it comes in the form of you—which is why, I believe, Christ extended a blanket calling of evangelism to all His believers, not just those who have the gift of this. He made you to share the good news of Him in your own unique way. I don't know about you, but that's liberating.
YOUR TURN: Is the church in America a sinking ship? Have we neglected evangelism in this country? Has it become just another "ministry" in the American church? If evangelism is on the decline, why? How can we right the ship?
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Yes, the Church seems to be a sinking ship at a time when evangelism is most needed. So whose fault is it? Christ called us as individuals to "go and preach
the Good News to everyone". So whos job is it? Mine, yours, every born-again believer, and I want to do something. But my evangelism efforts are too few and far between. We all need to do more to comply with Christ's admonition to preach the gospel to everyone.
coatsrobert@gmail.com
the Good News to everyone". So whos job is it? Mine, yours, every born-again believer, and I want to do something. But my evangelism efforts are too few and far between. We all need to do more to comply with Christ's admonition to preach the gospel to everyone.
coatsrobert@gmail.com
# posted by 
: 2:28 PM
: 2:28 PM
No, America is on the very edge of the most wonderful, lifechanging, repeat, lifechanging move of the Holy Spirit ever.!!!!!
# posted by : 8:40 AM
: 8:40 AM
I believe the Church is in very turbulent waters.A decison needs to be made as to whether or not we continue to tread water by always trying to please the world to get them in the door or let the Holy Spirit have His way in our services. When the Church gets our act together, the world will see and know that they want and need what we have.We have been so consumed with what we can have and how to be successful in life that we have forgotten the lost. If we can understand that Jesus' redemptive work on the cross paid for our complete healing, not just our salvation,then the Church can get well and begin to do what we are called to do - reach the lost. We are constantly in need of being fixed. Our co-workers see us always sick, always broke and always bickering with others and they want no part of somone wanting to give them more of what they already have. Evangelism is the main reason the GIFTS were given to the Church. I believe the Church will rise again when we get busy reaching out to those who are hurting.
# posted by : 12:03 PM
: 12:03 PM
I have served the Lord for over 30 years, in 4 different countries, and I have witness the irrelevance of the American church in its evangelism work. Instead of being the 'Great Comission' here in USA is the 'Great Omission'
# posted by : 3:39 AM
: 3:39 AM
Yes, the American church is a sinking ship. With so many ministers putting so much emphasis on being a superstar, wealthy, unapproachable and being in isolation, so much of the body of Christ is a mess. The Bible clearly says that the greatest among you shall be your servants. The passion for lost souls, accountability to the Word of God, holiness, and loving people unconditionally all seem to be left out for the most part in so many churches in America.
muchsuccess3@gmail.com
muchsuccess3@gmail.com
My particular concern is to encourage believers to use the web for evangelism - there is so much unused potential here. Also the opportunity for churches to make websites that actually relate to outsiders is most often never taken - I hope that our church site self-assessment tool might be helpful in this area.
Blessings
Tony
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Blessings
Tony
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