TOPICS
fidelity or evangelistic passion. Here, I am not ar-
eration with them — not replace them — in teach-
guing that preaching and Bible study are unim-
ing theology to the next generation. The home, too,
portant; indeed, good doctrinal training and
ought to be a center for evangelism. Our children
evangelistic equipping do not happen apart from
and teens are, in fact, often most connected with
preaching and teaching of the Word. I am simply
others who need to hear the gospel. Unchurched
arguing that church members do not typically
folks may be willing to visit us in our homes when
hear teaching and then automatically connect the
they would not yet join us at church. Train fami-
dots to form a biblical theology and evangelistic
lies to stand on the Word and to build evangelism
passion. Teaching good theology and raising up
into their DNA.
evangelistic church members must happen intentionally.
Be willing to start with the few. Just as Jesus did, focus on the few rather than the many. For
Include basic theology and evangelism training
example, invite a few men to join you in studying
in a required membership class. In some ways, the
theology one morning each week. Give them the
best time to teach the basics is when a person first
Bible and a basic theology textbook, and challenge
follows Christ or first joins the church — when he
them to study the week’s lesson. Equip these same
or she is most focused on a Christian commitment.
men to share their faith by telling their conversion
Capitalize on that enthusiasm by teaching early
stories. Teach them how to bridge daily conversa-
the inerrancy and authority of the Bible. Show
tions into the gospel. Take somebody with you
why the exclusivity of Christ is non-negotiable.
when you make an evangelistic visit. No congrega-
Talk about the necessity of the death of Christ.
tion will grow biblically and evangelistically until
Lead new believers to see their neighbors and co-
a few members grow first.
workers as a mission field. Show them how to tell their story of God’s grace. Lay the theological and evangelistic foundation early, and lay it well. Raise the bar for small group leaders who teach the Word. These leaders have a great opportunity — perhaps one of the best in the church — to influence lives through teaching small group members.
Be willing to start with the few. Just as Jesus did, focus on the few rather than the many.
Few other leaders have such a ready hearing. For that reason, we must hold group leaders accountable to holy living, sound doctrine, good teaching
Pray our seminaries will produce church lead-
and evangelistic fervor. We should not be sur-
ers with a biblical foundation and evangelistic
prised when members view doctrine as boring if
enthusiasm. Our role is to walk alongside church-
lackluster, dispassionate teachers have taught it.
es given the task of producing global Christians.
Nor should we be shocked by evangelistic apathy
We have the privilege of playing a role in training
if small group leaders themselves lost their own
the next generation of pastors and missionaries.
evangelistic fire long ago.
If we do our task well — passionately, clearly, per-
Begin in the home. Teach parents biblical doc-
sonally teaching biblical truth and modeling
trine, and then help them to teach their own chil-
evangelistic obedience — our churches will be
dren accordingly. Because Deuteronomy 6:7 and
stronger. We will accomplish this goal only when
Ephesians 6:4 demand nothing less from believ-
we go forth on our knees, undergirded by the
ing parents, our churches should work in coop-
prayers of the churches with whom we partner.
@Clawlessjr
sebts.edu
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