What We Need to Know About Evangelism
Priscilla Pope-Levison has written a book called Models of Evangelism in which she lays out five key qualities of good evangelism. I invite you to take a look at these five with me – hospitality, relationship, integrity, message-bearing and church rootedness.
Hospitality – Hospitality is a place where change can take place. Henri Nouwen said hospitality is “a place where a stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy.” Hospitality is well-planned and deliberate. It can be as simple as inviting a new friend to your home after church. Hospitality says – “Let’s go and get lunch together.” Churches that are growing have lots of hospitality events. Picnics, breakfasts, parties are just a few of the planned activities. At these activities, potential church members feel welcomed and are made to feel like they are part of the church.- Relationship – Studies have revealed that a relationship with a Christian is the number one reason why people gravitate toward Christianity. A personal relationship can make people feel comfortable, and humans have a common need for comfortable relationships. People go to church because someone they know and like invited them. We are living in a world that is often hostile and lonesome. We long for relationships that are not threatening but rather feel comfortable. Hospitality and relationship are essential aspects of evangelism.
- Integrity – The Christian Church is under constant attack today. We hear about evangelists and how much they make and how their marriages often fail. Good evangelism is done with extraordinary integrity. Those searching for a church home are often looking for friendships where people match their words and deeds. When community people see the church reaching out to others in mission and deeds, members of the local community will be more open to gathering at that church. Integrity must be evident in every facet of our lives, if we are to gather others into the church.
- Message Bearing – Saint Francis once said, “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” People will come to hear a good preacher, but people will stay if members practice the message of Jesus. If church members do not practice the words of Jesus, newcomers will find us out. Newcomers will not want to stay in a place where the Word of God is not lived and practiced. When church members fuss and squabble over a myriad of topics, why would anyone want to be a part of this?
- Church Rootedness – When asked why people don’t go to church – the answer is often the church itself – not Jesus. We must remember that the church is an evangelist. The public watches what the church does and listens to what the church says or does not say. Those who come to have faith in Jesus named their local church as the key inspiration. The church is essential to evangelism, and we as members of the church are called to reach out to the unchurched.
These five qualities of evangelism – 1) Hospitality 2) Relationships 3) Integrity 4) Message Bearing and 5) Church rootedness – are all needed if we are to call the community to a fresh relationship with Jesus. When these five areas are put into practice, the church can become a group of disciples centered on Jesus that the world will notice and wants to “come and see.” (John 1:46)
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: David Clode & Sara Dubler/Unsplash
