One thing that should be common between every Christian ministry is the fact that they evanglize. In Matthew 28, Jesus calls us to what is called the Great Commision. Aka, go out and tell people about Jesus!
Evangelism
Evangelism will look different from ministry to ministry. I do believe that it is important for every ministry to take part in the two main types of evangelism, relational and initiative. There are different styles to do both which is fine, but I believe for various reasons it is important to develop both types of evangelism within a ministry.
Relational Evangelism
This is the type of evangelism that people are the most comfortable with, both Christian and non-Christian. It takes the least amount of effort...and probably the most amount of effort at the same time. I'd say it is pretty easy to understand. Befriend non-Christians and witness to them over time. Sometimes it is by what we do, other times it is what we say. I think its important to bring up spiritual matters with these friends we make, no matter how awkward it is.
Penn Jillette a well-known athiest had this to say about sharing your faith in a video on youtube.
How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them?
Think about it. If you can't get over yourself enough to tell them about Jesus, about his love, our condition, his gift, and that we can freely receive it, you need to rethink things.
Now this isn't to say that all we talk about has to be about Jesus. That is just silly. I think everything we talk about can point towards Jesus though. Glorify Christ with your words and actions my friends.
Doing various outreaches can be another way to do relational evangelism, for example, PurdueCru's I am Second campain. Another simple thing is having a basketball outreach with guys from your floor
Intentional Evangelism
It seems like few people can honestly say this is a type of evangelism they like and enjoy. At this moment, I don't have any Biblical reasons as to why I think this is type is important. One reason I think it is important is it is a great reminder of how we need to rely on Christ and the Holy Spirit when going out and telling others about Jesus, whether we do it relationally or intentionally.
It seems like the least preferred style is open-air preaching. Standing on a corner preaching, telling people of the love of Christ or that they are going to hell...I personally don't like this style, but I wouldn't say it shouldn't be done. I'm sure people are saved because of these styles and the boldness it takes to do it.
I think going out and intentionally starting conversations with strangers is a good thing , as awkward as it is. It is a good way to practice listening to the people we talk to. It is important to practice reflective listening with people we try to talk to because it shows that we really care. I'd say it reflects Christ's love when we are really interested in these people's lives.
These are all rough insights into evangelism, for more thoughts just ask me bro.
If you talk to 99 people and fail, so what! you glorified Christ by trying! If only 1 out of 1,000 people you talk to comes to know Christ, your efforts were worth it. You may just be a part of some of the other people's faith journey, helping them take a step towards Christ.
So. Basically. PEOPLE! Get up! Get out! and tell people about Jesus! Don't waste a moment to glorify Christ by simply trying!
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