Why Evangelism?

Why bother with evangelism?

Have you ever tried to share the gospel with someone? Was it easy and encouraging? I hope so, but for most people, most of the time, it’s not that easy and it can feel deflating.

So why not just keep it to yourself? A lot of people will say that their faith is a private thing and it’s no one else’s business. If others ask, sure you might share something, but why go out of your way to share the gospel with people? Well, here is why:

Jesus told us to evangelise

And he (Jesus) said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Mark 16:15

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

I could go on for a few paragraphs making the point, but I’m going to assume that those reading this article, who are followers of Jesus, will be satisfied with a direct command from Him. This is not a calling for the gifted or the specialised, it’s a command to all christians. And we have nothing to fear because Jesus so graciously says that He will be with us through it all.

OK, so what do I do? How do I evangelise?

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Cambridge Dictionary says that an ambassador is: “an important official who works in a foreign country representing his or her own country there, and who is officially accepted in this position by that country”

First we must accept that our King has sent us on an important mission to this world, that we no longer belong to (Philippians 3:20), to represent Him, His kingdom and to communicate the Good News of the kingdom (The Gospel / Evangélion). This is our official position, we are evangelists.

Second we must accept that the responsibility, power or ability to save is not ours, not even to convince or convict, simply to implore and plead, In the same token, we have no authority to judge and condemn.

So what do we have? We have 2 things: Chris in us and The Gospel,

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect

1 Peter 3:15

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16

There you are, that is all we need. Let’s make sure we faithfully represent our King and His Gospel and the rest is up to Him, who is mighty to save.

Get involved in Evangelism

Here are some examples of how you can get involved in evangelism at Disciples Church Leatherhead.

Street Evangelism and Open-air Preaching

I you are interested in street evangelism or open-air preaching, as scary as these may sound, there can be much fruit in this labor of faith. In a time when everything is digital and virtual, a personal conversation or presentation of such an important subject as the Gospel still has its place, as it always has done throughout time.

The Way of the Master Evangelism courses we run at Disciples Church Leatherhead also include these forms of evangelism to strangers, as well as with family, friends and acquaintances. We go out to street evangelise every Sunday from about 1pm, after our church service, and we mostly cover the area around our church, in North Leatherhead. Get in touch if you are interested.

One of the things people think of when considering street evangelism and open-air preaching is the law. Can we do it legally or will we get in trouble with the law?

Here is a really helpful video from OAC Ministries, who have loads of helpful resources and training available.