Definition
The church is called to equip and encourage the body of believers to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with people in our community, our nation and internationally as mandated by Christ. (Matt. 28:16-20)
Who: The Biblical mandate given for us as Christian people to share with the lost, the good news of Jesus Christ, has always been with us and will remain a priority ministry for Christians in any age, and situation.
Why: The Lord’s purpose and mission for personal evangelism is clearly seen in Matthew 18:11 “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” A Christian’s purpose and mission in the Lord is also clearly communicated and commanded in John 20:21 and Matthew 28:19-21. John 20:21 records, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Again in Matthew 28:19-20, the Scriptures reveals this most important principle and directive from the Lord for believers: “ 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.”
How: By preparing ourselves for the opportunities that God presents to us. 1Peter 3:15 tells us, “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.” Christ has given the Church gifts, of which one of the foundational gifts is the gift of evangelism. We should all do the work of an evangelist. (2Tim. 4:50)
What: It’s sharing Jesus, the only name that can save us (Acts 4:12). Evangelism entails sharing and/or teaching the gospel first and foremost.
When: Now is the day of salvation. We need to believe what the Lord says in John 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” Scripture teaches that we should “instant in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2), meaning we should always be ready.
Where: Wherever there are lost people. “Thus, it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.
Scripture List: 1Pet. 3:15; Acts 1:8; Luke 24:47; Col. 4:2-6; 1Tim. 2:1-6; Matt. 10:7-14; 2Cor. 5:20; 2Tim. 2:15; 2Tim. 4:5; Acts 2:38; Acts 21:8; Eph. 2:10; Eph. 4:11; Mark 16:15; 1Cor. 1:17; Rom. 1:16; Matt. 28:19-20; 1Cor. 11:1-2; Matt. 9:37-38; Acts 20:24; Matt. 5:14; Luke 4:18; 2Thess. 2:14; John 15:8; Rom. 3:23; John 14:6; Acts 4:12