North Eastern Episcopal District
Evangelism In A Changing World
Dr. Thurmond Bowens, Jr., Facilitator
Bishop George D. Crenshaw
Trinity Baptist Church – Columbia, South Carolina
Presiding Prelate
Evangelism In A Changing World
Introduction: Key Scripture
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Introduction
I am certain that all of you have noticed a decline, as well as an inconsistency in church attendance. This decline is coming from a culture shift.
I have spoken with several pastors, not only in South Carolina, but throughout the country and they have noticed the same pattern.
Introduction
Times and people are changing, forcing the church into the race to compete, to stay ahead, to stay relevant, and to even survive this culture shift.
In struggling to compete in this race, the church may shift into the extremely dangerous position of being reactive, rather than proactive.
Introduction
This is dangerous because the church wasn’t established to be reactive.
During this culture shift, we must be very careful not to minister in panic mode based on the chaos surrounding us.
Introduction
Panic causes us to forget that we are doing ministry because God called us to.
Panic produces a ministry with a reactive spirit, rather than one with a proactive spirit. It causes us to lose our identity and forget our main assignment.
Introduction
The spreading of the Gospel, or Evangelism, is our main assignment.
Matthew 28:19 says, “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…”
Introduction
With the many things we do in our ministries, NONE exceeds Evangelism.
That’s why it is extremely important to understand the times in which we are living, to recognize and acknowledge the shift in our culture.
Introduction
As
we carry out Christ’s mandate to Evangelize, it is
crucial
that we understand what to do.
1 Chronicles 12:32 says “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…
We must find unconventional, unprecedented, and unorthodox ways to share the Gospel.
7 Things That Won’t Work In The Church
Today As We Evangelize
Relying on Automatic Return to Church
#1
At one time, you could count on certain families regularly attending and supporting the church.
Relying on Automatic Return to Church
With the present generation, however, family connections are no longer enough.
For this reason, we must be certain we are presenting the Gospel in a way that appeals to and engages them to ensure their continued support.
Appealing to People Out of Guilt
Appealing to People Out of Guilt or Obligation
People no longer feel obligated to attend church and refuse to be guilted into it. This not only applies to people attending, but those serving in the church as well.
Remember, Jesus never appealed to people out of guilt or obligation in His ministry. He made ministry
INVITING. We must do the same.
#3
Gimmicks Won’t Sustain the Ministry
Gimmicks get old quickly. Whatever you use to attract people, you’re going to need to use it to bring them back each week.
Gimmicks
Remember, the church is not in the business of entertainment. Like Jesus, we must focus on building relationships to spread the Gospel.
#4
Inauthentic Leadership
People’s radar for “fakeness” is more refined than ever.
Inauthentic Leadership
We live in a culture that markets everything to death - many times with exaggerations and outright lies.
People long for authenticity. And authenticity is at the heart of the Gospel.
#5
A Self-Centered Leadership
Our mission should be focused on the Gospel, not ourselves.
Self-Centered Mission
The Gospel is still relevant, and it changes lives on its own.
Jesus says in John 12:32: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”
Random Programming
Random Programming
The bigger the church grows, the more tempted we are to add more programs and ministries.
Such random programming may prove counterproductive, competing for time and energy and causing more division than unity.
They may become their own mission, competing with the mission of the church.
Assuming People Know the Next Step
We live in a technological world, and it has become increasingly difficult to build the authentic relationships crucial to spreading the Gospel.
Assuming People Know the Next Step
Many commit their lives to Christ in an online setting, and it is unfair to assume they know what the next step is.
Since people no longer attend church on a regular basis, many have trouble understanding how to grow as Christians.
Assuming People Know the Next Step
Assuming People Know the Next Step (cont’d)
This is where Leadership steps in...
To encourage spiritual growth, we must provide access to resources like new members’ classes, prayer service, and bible study.
It helps if these resources are readily available in as many places and formats as possible. We can and should use technology to our advantage as well.
3 Things the Church Must
Do in a
Changing World
Stay True to Christ
John 7:16 says, “We are in this world, but not of this world.”
We are in Christ, and we belong to Christ. We should imitate Christ.
We must stay true to who we are as we do ministry. We cannot allow a changing world and changing culture change us.
Stay True to the Mission
Romans 12:1, says “ Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Hebrews 5:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Stay True to the Gospel
Remember, the Gospel DOES NOT change. There is no room for negotiation, it is what God says it is.
The only change is in HOW we get the Gospel out to the world. Though our methods change, our message DOES NOT.
Our only question should be how to spread the message more effectively in an ever-evolving world.
9 Reasons Why Young Leadership Is Essential to Our Mission
Young Leadership Is Essential for Growing Your Ministry
Young people sometimes get a bad rap.
We say:
They’re lazy.
They’re impatient. They want it all now.
They cannot distinguish work from play.
What happened to grammar and spelling? Plus, they’re rude and have no manners.
And they don’t respect our traditions
Young Leadership Is Essential for Growing Our Ministry – Cont.
Sure, a few young leaders fit that description but many more do not. If you think about it, there are some 50-year-olds that don’t have it together yet.
Though we may find it hard to believe, young people can bring many positives to the ministry. We just need to be willing to listen to them.
They Bring Enthusiasm and Optimism to your Ministry
Young people usually don’t have the problems or responsibilities that older folks have.
For this reason alone, they’re usually more enthusiastic about ministry than those in their thirties and beyond.
They Understand Next Generation Trends
Young people understand current and upcoming trends.
Older people in leadership do alright, but we grew up in a different time. It’s often difficult to understand and embrace the younger generation’s perspective.
If you want to keep up and keep relevant, you need young people at the table who are in touch with the changes of the world.
They Challenge Assumptions
It’s easy for us to become stuck in the same mindset, but young people are still figuring out how things work.
They challenge assumptions and ask questions that may never enter the minds of more seasoned leaders.
We see things as they are, but young people see things as they can
be.
They Learn Fast
Young people are eager to learn, and they are FAST learners.
Having the right young people working in the church can move your church from mediocre to exceptional.
They Embrace Technology
Some of us may be tech-savvy, even a bit techobsessed, but an 18 or 25-year-old will often make you feel like you are light ages behind. They’re being raised in a world that relies on technology and naturally adapt quicker than older generations ever will.
They Bring the Fun
Admit it.
We are not the cool kids on the block anymore. But young people love to have fun while they work, and it’s contagious.
Who said ministry has to be boring?
They’re Passionate about Mission
Young people don’t want their job in ministry to be just a job. They are more likely to be “sold out” for your ministry.
They will own the mission, vision, and values deeply. They’re at the point where they want to make a difference in the world.
Passionate promoters are great for the Gospel.
We Need Them for the Future
Wisdom and maturity are necessities in ministry today, but we still must train our young people.
They are our future. Without them, our ministry dies.
Imitating Jesus In A Changing World
The Jesus Model of Evangelism
Imitating Jesus in A Changing World
John, chapters 3 and 4, are textbook models of Jesus teaching and sharing the Gospel with Nicodemus and the woman at the well.
Jesus is the greatest evangelist. As we read the four Gospels, we learn that Jesus is the best example of how we are to relate to those we meet, whatever their views, whatever their way of life.
The Jesus Model of Evangelism
Imitating Jesus in A
Changing World
He is the best example of how we are to live before unbelievers and how we are to love them, serve them, and speak truth to them.
We may also add that His apostles, His first representatives whom he sent out into the world, learned to imitate the examples Jesus had set in His life.
The Jesus Model of Evangelism
Imitating Jesus in A Changing World
Jesus does not want us retreating from, isolating ourselves, and condemning unbelievers. He calls us for something different.
He wants us to give ourselves to understanding the culture around us. He urges us to stop condemning the world and unbelievers.
His passion is for us to hear His prayer for us, that we might be in the world as He was. He is eager for us to imitate Him in giving our lives wholeheartedly loving and serving non-Christians.
The Jesus Model of Evangelism
Imitating Jesus in A Changing World
Jesus desires that we be like Him, and that we commit ourselves to developing intimate relationships with non-Christians.
He wants us to teach our church members and our children to do the same—regardless of the belief systems and the lifestyles of the people around us.
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism
Jesus Model of Evangelism
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism Outreach
Magazine by Kevin Harney
1. Meet People Where They Are
We need to be ready to share the love and message of Jesus when people are ready and when the Holy Spirit opens the door. We should be ready to walk with them toward Jesus.
Like the Master, we need to meet people where they are and not impose our agendas on them.
Jesus Model of Evangelism
Outreach Magazine by Kevin Harney
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism
2. Love
It is impossible to read John 3 and 4 and not sense the authentic love Jesus has for people.
Our outreach must be driven by a love for God and for the people who need to know His amazing grace. Outreach is not a chore or a duty. It is an outpouring of the undeserved love we received freely at the cross of Jesus.
Jesus Model of Evangelism
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism Outreach
Magazine by Kevin Harney
3. Listen
As we help people move toward God, we need to listen, invite questions and really hear what people are wondering about. Defensiveness is never helpful.
Focused listening is essential.
Jesus Model of Evangelism
Outreach Magazine by Kevin Harney
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism
4. Talk Life
Jesus talked with the people about what was on their minds. This is how and where our conversations should begin.
Like Jesus, we should reach out naturally and take time to talk about whatever is on the minds and hearts of the people in our lives.
Jesus Model of Evangelism
Outreach Magazine by Kevin Harney
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism
5. Talk Theology
We must be willing to move the conversation deeper and dig into the theological questions that lie just beneath the surface.
We need to be ready to talk with people about deep things of faith. We must be comfortable engaging in the theological implications of what people say, think, and believe. F
Jesus Model of Evangelism
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism Outreach
Magazine by Kevin Harney
6. Ask the Hard Questions
We must be straightforward in our Evangelism. We cannot afford to dance around the issues.
We need to ask tough questions, but do it with a gentle heart. Hard questions are not meant to trap people, but to help them look deeper into their own hearts and towards the only one who has answers that will satisfy.
Jesus Model of Evangelism
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism Outreach
Magazine by Kevin Harney
7. Speak the Hard Truth
Tough truths need to be spoken. They force the listener to face deeper spiritual realities.
As we listen and talk with the lost people God has placed in our life, we need to gently, but clearly speak the truth.
Jesus Model of Evangelism
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us
Outreach Magazine by Kevin Harney
About Evangelism
8. See the Felt Need and Address the Real Need
Each person we engage with has specific felt needs. We must engage with people’s longings, desires and dreams.
As we learn about people’s felt needs, we should see the real needs that God wants to meet. As we do, we can help others see the God who offers more than they could imagine or dream.
Jesus Model of Evangelism
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us
Outreach Magazine by Kevin Harney
About Evangelism
9. Whosoever Will
The arms of Jesus are open very, very wide.
He touched people with leprosy, dined with sinners, befriended tax collectors, loved the outcast and opened his arms to all who would come – including you and me!
We need to be ready to joyfully engage with whomever God brings into our ministry and our lives. Nothing is off-limits.
Jesus Model of Evangelism
Outreach Magazine by Kevin Harney
10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism
10. Watch for Fruitfulness
We must pray for lives to be changed. We should anticipate that God will bear fruit through our lives when we walk in the steps of the Master and are mentored by Jesus.
When we genuinely reach out as Jesus did, the Holy Spirit will move in power, Jesus will draw people to Himself and God will be glorified.
5 B’s for Effective Evangelism
5 Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
Five Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
Be Nice
“It is Nice to be Nice” and kindness costs you nothing.
Five Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
Be Caring
Show people that you care.
5 Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
Five Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
Be Humble
Never make yourself bigger.
People might not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.
Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
Five Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
Be Encouraging Iron sharpens iron.
Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
Five Simple B’s for Effective Evangelism
Be Loving
Jesus ran His three-year ministry on the engine of love.
Jesus says in John 13:34 , “A new commandant I give you: love one another. As I have love you, so you must love one another. Love is the greatest power of all.”
Unconventional Unprecedented & Unorthodox Ways to Share the Gospel
Unconventional Unprecedented & Unorthodox Ways To Share The Gospel
Unconventional, Unprecedented
&
Unorthodox Ways To Share The Gospel
Remember, we live in a technological world. We must take advantage of these tools in this present age.
At Trinity, we have learned several innovative ways to share the Gospel.
Unconventional Unprecedented & Unorthodox Ways To Share The Gospel
Unconventional, Unprecedented & Unorthodox Ways To Share The Gospel
Social Media: We use YouTube and Facebook to stream our services. Social media has become our biggest platform in getting the Gospel out.
Social media has allowed us to have two congregations - in-person and virtual
We are reaching people and places we never imagined we would reach.
We now share all our activities online.
Unconventional Unprecedented & Unorthodox Ways To Share The Gospel
Unconventional, Unprecedented & Unorthodox Ways To Share The Gospel
Trinity Educational Community Center (TECC): Our community center has become another evangelistic tool in sharing the Gospel.
1. S.E.W. – Social Emotional Wellness for Senior Citizens throughout the city of Columbia.
2. Blooming Minds – Activities for youth in the community (ages 12-18) incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) paired with Field Trip Experiences.
Unconventional Unprecedented & Unorthodox Ways To Share
The Gospel
Unconventional, Unprecedented & Unorthodox Ways To Share The Gospel
Trinity Educational Community Center (TECC) (cont’d)
3. Health and Wellness Sessions – Focusing on educating African Americans about health issues.
4. Nurturing Relationships - Connecting to and developing a relationship with local, state, and national government officials, who can help sustain these programs. Relationship building is everything.