Evangelism and Church Growth

[Doc Thomas]

I was given a newsletter titled Gospel Minutes: The Gospel by Proclamation in Minutes of Meditation and the elderly couple asked me to read it and get back with them on what I thought. Being a busy person (arrogant and self-serving), I put it aside and didn't give it a second thought since I had Church Sports Camp to help run, sermons to complete, Sunday School Lessons to prepare, AFJROTC Camps to facilitate, school scheduling, etc....., it was far off the scope. 

Today, I decided to address the concerns I had about the letter as we should and speak the truth in love. The Letter dealt with evangelism and church growth. `The first question asks: "What can I do?"

First, much too often we confuse church growth with evangelism. Many churches want their churches to grow for many ungodly reasons, pay checks, notoriety, sense of belonging, etc... Church growth isn't a solid indicator if your church is evangelizing well or properly with the right focus. When we ask why we want our church body to grow and Jesus and His Kingdom is the reason, we are evangelizing correctly. 

We must realize that once we exit the doors of our homes and our churches, we are in the mission field and if there are unsaved persons in our homes, we are always in the mission field. Do we evangelize our areas inside out or outside in. I say BOTH!!!!! What say you. Feedback is needed.

[Michael Shanlian Ph.D.]

Amen Doc Thomas! I like the phrase 'church health' rather than 'church growth'. A healthy church will be a growing church. Jesus told Peter that He (Christ) would build His church. There are no Biblical directives in the N.T. for preachers to build churches. We are only told to spread the Gospel. Discipleship is the process that builds mature saints. When believers mature they begin to serve others and deny self. Some call it lifestyle evangalism. The first century church, was outward focused. Many churches today are 'clubs' instead of crisis centers. They focus on programs and activities in the club. Christ told us to go out and compel them to come in, not huddle in our sanctuaries and wait for them to show up. Great insight! God bless you