Participant Guide for Developing a Culture of Relational Evangelism
by Rev. Quavon Z. Newton, M. Div.
Opening Scripture:
Matthew 9:35-38
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
1. Evangelism Defined
Evangelism is the act of sharing the gospel to spread the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It involves inviting people into a relationship with Christ and encouraging spiritual transformation.
2. Relational Evangelism
Relational evangelism is more than inviting someone to a church service. It’s about building genuine relationships where spiritual conversations can happen naturally. Instead of just preaching, it focuses on living the gospel through love, care, and meaningful interactions.
Creating a Relational Culture
Laypeople play a vital role, as they often connect with the unchurched in their daily lives.
Community Engagement is essential, with active churches often engaged in their communities.
The Digital Front Door – Today, many first encounter our church through social media and websites, making our online presence a vital first impression.
4. The Unchurched Harvest
Jesus cared about data/numbers.
The unchurched looks and acts like us.
Relational evangelism is the practice of sharing the gospel and introducing others to the Christian faith through genuine, meaningful relationships.
There's no "one-size-fits-all" approach to reaching the unchurched.
How can we relate better to the unchurched in our community?
5. The Faith Stage Issue – The Unchurches Next Door by Thom Rainer
Quote from Franklin R: "Ask questions to know where they are spiritually." How can we meet people where they are spiritually?
6. Unchurched Surprises
82% of the unchurched are "somewhat likely" to attend church if invited.
Only 21% of active churchgoers, invite anyone to church in the course of a year.
Only 2% of churchgoers invite an unchurched person.
7. The Decline in Church Attendance: According to research from Barna Group, church attendance has been steadily declining for several decades, particularly among younger generations. Barna’s studies reveal that many people, especially millennials and Gen Z, no longer view church as a relevant or necessary part of their spiritual lives.
6% of U.S. churches are growing at a rate that keeps pace with their communities.
8. The Great Commission
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The Great Commission was a mandate given to the “Body of Christ”.
Clergy and Lay in Partnership
Relational evangelism is a joint effort where clergy and laypeople partner together—clergy provide guidance and support, while both are called to reach the unchurched in their daily lives.
Most unchurched people would rather talk to a layperson than a minister about spiritual matters.
Relational evangelism emphasizes building trust through genuine relationships. How can we partner to become more involved in evangelism?
9. Evangelize the family
Many of the unchurched are far more concerned about the spiritual well-being of their children, than of themselves. How can we be more intentional on providing ministry for families?
10.
Evangelism
Upsets the Enemy
Evangelism disrupts the enemy’s plans.
John 10:10(a) vs. John 10:10(b)
“The
thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
How does your prayer life fuel your evangelistic efforts?
Key Reflections:
1. What relationships in my life could become opportunities for sharing faith naturally? How can I be intentional about building genuine connections?
2. How am I, as part of the church body, empowered to reach the unchurched? In what ways can I contribute to Evangelism?
3. How visible and active is our church in the community? What steps can I take to bring the love of Christ to people where they are?
4. In following Jesus’ example, am I willing to slow down and meet people’s individual needs, even if it means being open to change?
5. How can I use data specific to my context to guide and enhance our ministry efforts?
Call To Action:
Think of one unchurched person you can invite to church or engage in a spiritual conversation this week.