CCK » Evangelism
Let’s say this Sunday you have 50 people in worship. The pastor challenges every person present to prayerfully identify a person they know who is facing difficult circumstances. These will be things like divorce, broken relationships, loss of job, dealing with unruly teenagers, loss of a loved one or facing a serious illness. These should be folks who are not active in a church. We all have unchurched people we know going through difficult times.
The pastor’s challenge invites each person in worship that day to share the love of Christ with the one they have identified. Each is challenged to find regular opportunities to listen to the stories of the person in need. Each is called to walk with that person through his/her struggles and love that person into wholeness just by being present and attentive. This is called the “ministry of presence.” At the end of each time spent with that person in need a reminder is given that the church member’s prayers and commitment to walk with them through their struggles will go with them every step of the way. This is not problem solving or advice giving. This is active listening and attentive presence.
Jesus assured us that whenever two or three or more are gathered in his name he will be present. Our task is to prayerfully claim each gathering as being “in Jesus’ name,” to be present and attentive, and to let the Spirit of God do the rest. The Spirit comes through our presence with and prayers for the individual.
Let’s say that within the following year all 50 people accept the pastor’s challenge and through their presence and prayers introduce 50 people to the healing and transforming power of God through Jesus. Let’s say that each person feels called to be part of your church as a result of this ministry of presence and being introduced to the healing power of God. At the end of that year your congregation would now have 100 people in worship, double that of the previous year. All it cost each individual was to engage one other person in need through attentive presence and prayer. Just one! The key is to letting the Spirit of God do the rest as Jesus promised.
So, if evangelism is this easy why are so many of our churches in decline?
Your Regional Minister, Greg Alexander, can help you answer this question and create this kind of ministry within your congregation through a one day workshop. Call or email Greg to set up an Evangelism Workshop in your congregation. To be better stewards of time also consider inviting other congregations in your area to share in the experience.
Each congregation would also find this kind of journey through participating in CCK’s “Surfing the Edge” initiative.