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“There are many paths I could take to attempt to answer that question. For now, one of my research-based answers is that many church members are confused about the meaning of church-based evangelism.” - Church Answers

Discussion

Tue, 10/01/24

I usually find T. Rainer insightful, but I disagree with him here I think on “the meaning of church-based evangelism.” If we’re going to be NT about it, it is communicating the gospel message, nothing more nothing less. So… this one:

Misunderstanding #2: Big church events are not typically evangelistic.

If unbelievers were there and the gospel was actually communicated, it was evangelistic. He goes on to say…

However, very few churches see conversions and assimilation from these events.

This may be true, but evangelism is not getting a particular result. It is faithfully communicating the truths of the gospel. It does not have to result in conversions to be evangelism.

I’m not saying ignore effectiveness, but not seeing conversions at or immediately following an event is not even a good measure of effectiveness. People generally hear the gospel multiple times before they understand and believe.

But evangelism is a thing we do that is distinct from results. It is planting and watering. God gives the increase as He chooses.

Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.