Are we, as local churches, having an ‘IMPACT’? 

We may ask the question, ‘What about evangelism in our Union?’ But are we willing to step out of the boat and become the answer to that question?

A hopeful response to the recent query on evangelism and mission. By William Wade

Are we, as local churches, having an ‘IMPACT’?
 
I: Are we intentional in our Christian living in maintaining a witness in the places where we spend most of our time – work, friends, family, school, sport, etc.? If we are not intentional about being a witness, then it simply will not automatically translate into our social circles.

M: Are we meeting regularly with other people outside of the church? If not, are we willing to take up a new hobby/sport/pastime in order to do so? Evangelism is best carried out close up, and not from the fortress of a church building.

P: Are we praying in a specific manner for those that we are engaging with on a regular basis? Rather than praying generally for ‘our town’, it’s better to pray for ‘John, who I go to the gym with and is struggling with a cancer diagnosis’ for example.

A: Are we willing to join in an activity with those we are attempting to reach (preferable an activity of their choice)? If they like walking, go walking with them. If they like good coffee, buy them a coffee at their choice of location. If they like board games, join them in one. This helps to further break down barriers to real conversations in a setting that is ‘home turf’ for them.

C: Are we willing to take them to church? Not just to ask them to go to church, but to come with you, with you picking them up if necessary. This needs a bit of thought, as it’s best to choose a service that you know will have the greatest impact on them – maybe a testimony service or a special event that you know will have the least amount of cringe factor for a guest.

T: Are we willing to talk about our faith and our own journey with Jesus? Ultimately, the greatest evangelist in this process is you… it’s your friend, your family member, your contact. It would be fantastic if you could get to the stage where you share the good news of Jesus in a way that will be both winsome and gracious.

I wonder how many of us are willing to see an IMPACT on those around us regarding our faith? This means not ‘putting it all on those in leadership in our Union’, but us – all of us – being intentional about our faith; meeting with the unchurched; praying specifically for those outside of the kingdom; breaking barriers by joining in an activity of their choice; inviting them to an appropriate church service; being courageous enough to talk to them about our own story of following Jesus.

We may ask the question, ‘What about evangelism in our Union?’ But are we willing to step out of the boat and become the answer to that question?

Let’s grasp the nettle, take a deep breath, ask the Holy Spirit for help and go and impact our communities for Jesus.

Image | Alex Perez | Unsplash

William Wade is a Baptist minister, leader of Life Church in Cuffley, Hertfordshire.

He has previously served as an evangelist with the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scripture Reading Association (SASRA) and as minister of the International Baptist Church of Dusseldorf. 

The most upvoted question on the Slido app at the 2022 Baptist Assembly was:
‘It is becoming sad that our union does not value evangelism as an equal priority. Can my voice be heard please?’

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