Why the Church Needs to Step Up in Evangelism

When you hear the word evangelism what comes into your mind? Is it a man yelling at the street corner of your downtown? Is it international missions? Is it your neighborhood? Billy Graham? Missionaries? The spiritual gifts?

We all have had a view of evangelism based on our backgrounds and understanding. Lifeway Research shares “In the past six months, few Christians say they have shared with a non-Christian loved one (38%) or a stranger (30%) how to become a Christian.” These percentages are disheartening. There are some very good reasons why the church needs to step up in evangelism and we are going to explore them today.

The Future Generations

It is no secret that America is heading quickly into a post-Christian culture. We have seen this happen already in many places in Europe. In fact, we see numerous places in the Bible where different generations neglected God and turned to idols even if the previous worshiped the One True God. This should strike a spiritual chord with us. We should take evangelism seriously because it is not only impacting this generation, but the many to come.

Judges 2:10 says, “And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel."

Do you believe that the Lord has intentionally put you into the generation that you are in? I do. I know that He is sovereign in His timing and in His ways. He does not make mistakes. I, however, do make mistakes. The greatest mistake that I believe we as a generation can make is to not pass on the truth of the gospel to those younger than us.

Psalm 71:8 says, “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”

Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”

Do we have this attitude when we think about sharing the hope we have with those younger than us in our homes, communities, churches, schools, and on social media? Or do we have the attitude of King Hezekiah at the end of his life? He was told that there would be peace in his lifetime, but his future children and generations after in his family would see captivity. To this he responded, “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?” (2 Kings 20:19).

I know the Lord has a plan, and we are part of His plan. If we neglect to share the hope of the gospel with the generations to come while we have influence, there will be many people missing the hope of salvation, and the church will dissolve into very little in our country.

People Are Hurting

More than ever, people around us are hurting. They are living after a worldwide pandemic, they are fearful of shootings, they are divided over the government, they lack trust, they are isolated, they are afraid, they are wounded, they are living out any identity they can find, and they are crying out for help. Where is the church? We are called to love those in need. We are invited to bring hope into the darkness. The root of evangelism is love – love for God to bring glory to His name and love for others.

Mark 12:30-31 says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

I am not saying we need to beat someone with the Bible until they come to church. I’m not saying we should go around pointing out everyone’s sins. Strong’s Concordance says that the Greek word for evangelist is euaggelistés and it means a bringer of good news. God is not asking us to bring bad news like the prophets in the Old Testament. There is bad news for sure, but we as believers have been entrusted with the hope of Jesus and His saving grace for our sins.

This is the gospel; this is the good news. This is why we are able to meet people in their hurt and pray with them, share Scriptures with them, ask them questions and present the gospel to them. We get to bring the Light of Christ into this dark world. This is not the responsibility of one person who is a pastor or just those who have the spiritual gift of evangelism – this is a calling for every believer. Just as we all are invited to give, we all are invited to encourage, and we are all invited to share through evangelism.

1 Peter 3:16-17 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

God Commands Evangelism

Who is around you in your every day? Have you taken time to share the gospel with them? Who is in your family? Have you told them of the hope that you have and invited them into this hope? Who are your friends? Do they know about Jesus?

Evangelism does not have to be some preplanned sharing event in the community, although that is a great method. Evangelism is sharing Christ in our everyday lives with whom the Lord brings into our paths. Jesus commands us to share His gospel with all the world. Are we being obedient to Him?

Ultimately, we want to honor Christ with our lives. This should be our heart’s motivation in sharing His love for others. Yes, it can be uncomfortable and no the message will not always be received well, but do we not love people enough to tell them the way for salvation and freedom?

If we each just challenged ourselves to share Jesus with one person per day, we would have shared the gospel with 365 people in a year. Multiply that times how many people are coming to our churches. If we all did that there would be many others in the kingdom of God. May we not steer clear of sharing our faith out of fear, insecurity, or selfishness. My the Holy Spirit equip us and use us as His instruments as we show up and see Him at work.

Matthew 28:19-20 says, “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”

John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) and multiple books and devotionals for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.