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In the book of Acts, the focus often lands on the apostles who preached and performed miracles, but what about the regular church members? Their contributions, though less documented, were pivotal in growing the church. Most people in the church today will not receive a vocational calling to ministry or become pastors, yet their role in evangelism remains crucial.
The church often seeks out rare talents for leadership roles, but there's more to ministry than just having a select few on staff. The work of growing the church isn't solely the responsibility of pastors. Everyone in the church has a part to play. This brings us to a critical concept: Come and Become Evangelism.
Evangelism is about inviting others to follow Jesus. "Come and Become Evangelism" involves Christians inviting others to church, forming the primary strategy for growth. This approach has three main benefits:
Inviting someone to church allows them to connect with a community where they can wrestle with questions and grow gradually. Instant decisions are rarely lasting; true discipleship involves a series of encounters with Jesus. Lasting conversions typically take multiple encounters, emphasizing that discipleship is about introducing people to Jesus and supporting them as they grow.
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.'" - Matthew 16:24 (NLT)
This strategy ensures that new attendees are immediately connected and can start growing within the community. Everyone plays a role in welcoming and integrating newcomers. The goal of evangelism isn't merely to elicit a prayer but to foster ongoing discipleship. Church involvement provides the support necessary for new believers to continue their journey of faith.
"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)
Evangelism becomes a natural part of a Christian's life. How one lives reflects their faith, influencing their ability to evangelize. Everyone is on a mission to grow the church, embodying the invitation to others. Jesus made it clear that there is plenty of room in His Father’s house, encouraging believers to invite others to join the family of faith.
"There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" - John 14:2 (NLT)
Inviting others into the church means welcoming diverse and sometimes messy lives. The early church dealt with a range of issues, and so will today's church. But this messiness is a sign of life and growth.
"For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” - Matthew 18:20 (NLT)
Jesus' return is imminent, and this urgency compels believers to show others the way to God. If the sole purpose of faith was personal salvation, God would take believers to Heaven immediately upon conversion. Instead, He leaves them with a mission: to evangelize and expand the Kingdom of God.
"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6 (NLT)
"The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, 'Come, follow me.' Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' 'Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' Nathanael asked. 'Come and see,' said Philip." - John 1:43-46 (NIV)
Philip invited Nathanael to meet Jesus without arguing or persuading. He simply extended an invitation, and Jesus took care of the rest.
Scripture Reference: "Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 'Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?' They came out of the town and made their way toward him." - John 4:28-30 (NIV)
After her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman invited her entire village to meet Him. Despite not being an experienced evangelist, her testimony led many to faith.
"He replied, 'The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.'" - John 9:11 (NIV)
The blind man simply shared his story of healing, which led others to believe in Jesus.
Personal stories are powerful tools in evangelism. They don’t require deep theological knowledge, just a willingness to share what Jesus has done in one’s life.
"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." - 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Evangelism is a collective mission. Everyone in the church is called to share their story and invite others to come and see what Jesus can do. This simple yet powerful approach can fill God’s house and bring many to faith.
Baptisms serve as powerful testimonies, proclaiming new life in Christ and inviting others to experience the same transformation.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
Will you join the mission? Will you help fill God's house by sharing your story and inviting others to come and see? The time is now to engage in Come and Become Evangelism.
Did you like Lead Like Christ – Week 6 - Come and Become Evangelism? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.
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