Please view this extremely moving, humbling, and challenging film about the need of the Gospel in India. The film brings a pertinent question at the conclusion for every believer, wherever they may live. What will we do about it?
Click on the link below to view this 30 minute documentary.
Our very own Jonathan Ahern works for Streets Ministries and we have had a couple of our classes provide snacks for their high school and middle school block parties. Thanks Jonathan for your service and work with Streets.
STREETS MINISTRIES
General Overview
Mission Statement
The mission of Streets Ministries is to serve impoverished youth in the Memphis metropolitan area by unconditionally representing the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed in such a way that underserved adolescents have the opportunity to see, hear, and respond to the Good News of the Gospel, and to be empowered to live a life of obedience to God.
History
In 1987, God called Ken Bennett to a life of service in the most desperate neighborhoods of Memphis, with the firm conviction that the only path to true and enduring change for this area was through the hope found in Jesus Christ. What began with a van, a basketball and a heart to trust God on a daily basis is now a thriving, dynamic outreach for over 1,500 kids a week who deserve the same chance to succeed as those born to more fortunate circumstances.
A Christian ministry dedicated to serving the core needs of the people who call the inner city of Memphis home. For kids ages 8-20 living in these neighborhoods, Streets provides a safe haven and much more: a place to hang out, meet a friend, and be welcomed with an unconditional love based in Jesus Christ. Streets provides a wide range of educational, mentoring and recreational programming as well as weekly outreach “Clubs” and Bible Studies.
Programs
Pathways Mentoring Program
College Tours
Streets Summer Institute
College Scholarships
Recreation
Outreach Clubs and Bible Studies
Summer Camps
Locations
Downtown Graham Heights
430 Vance Avenue 1304 North Graham
Memphis, Tennessee 38126 Memphis, Tennessee 38122
Twitter – @StreetsMemphis
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/streetsministries
STREETS MINISTRIES
P.O. Box 42181 • Memphis, TN • 38174-2181
901.525.7380 • 901.525.9628 FAX • http://www.streetsministries.org
We are commanded to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20) under the authority of Christ and by his power. This is not a calling to a select few, or a gifted minority in the church. Making disciples is a command to every believer. It begins with us sharing the good news of Christ – being evangelistic in our verbal witness with our lifestyle witness being a platform and confirmation of what we say we believe. This blog is an excellent and practical help for believers in the process of making disciples in the workplace.
As cultural opposition toward Christianity grows, what is its effect on your evangelism at work? Are you more faithful or more fearful?
You could hardly be blamed for being more fearful. The rapid advance of social liberalism and human resources policies promoting workplace “tolerance” only exacerbate the two fears we commonly cite for not sharing the gospel with our co-workers: fear of social harm and fear of career repercussions, like job loss or career stalls.
Evangelism has always been hard. If there is anything new about our challenges today, it’s how emboldened the opposition seems to be. Non-Christians used to say “To each his own.” Now they are just as likely to accuse us of stupidity (“Seriously, you don’t believe in evolution?”) or hateful bigotry (“How dare you say homosexuality is a sin?”). Employers increasingly do rigorous social media background checks before making hiring and promotion decisions. How long before companies who are fearful of workplace harassment and discrimination pass over the more visible Christian for someone who makes fewer waves?
In spite of all this, I am so grateful for the brothers who feared God more than man and shared the gospel with me. My own faith is the fruit of workplace evangelism.
LOST, AND FOUND IN THE WORKPLACE
Twelve years ago, I was a researcher at a mid-sized consulting firm in Washington, DC. I was a self-confident, self-sufficient, professionally-prospering Hindu. You wouldn’t have assumed I was spiritually uncertain. Frankly, I didn’t know I was spiritually uncertain. What I was not was a guy who was actively seeking Christ.
Enter my Christian colleague Hunter. Well-known and well-liked around the office, Hunter was a high-performing sales guy with a range of interests. Someone told me, “He’s a Christian, ya’ know.” Neither one of us knew for sure what that meant, but both of us believed it was relevant enough to add a knowing, “Huh.”
I did know Hunter didn’t fit the mold of a Christian that I had mentally constructed. Christians were nice, old-fashioned, hypocritical, one-note tunes. Hunter wasn’t that. So I started watching him.
We became friends. We spent time together and talked about a range of topics—The Simpsons, Lord of the Rings, Christ, Krishna, coffee, work. While the Lord used Hunter to pursue me, I never felt like a project, just a friend. As only God can do, he providentially arranged for Hunter to be there at the same time that God orchestrated a spiritual crisis in my life. And he gave Hunter the wisdom and boldness to speak truth into my life when I needed it most.
BEHAVIORS OF A WORKPLACE EVANGELIST
While young in the faith himself at the time, there is much about Hunter’s example that any believer can apply in a workplace setting.
1. Put Christ on the Table
First, put Christ on the table. Because it can be rare to meet Christians in the workplace, it is essential that people in your office know that you are a follower of Christ. That way you can make yourself available to weaker believers and an example to non-believers. It was a non-Christian colleague who told me about Hunter’s faith. Obviously we should not do this obnoxiously or irresponsibly, but by recounting your weekend, describing a Bible study that you are in, or sharing how you pray for others, people will soon know.
2. Work with Excellence
Second, work with excellence. When you put Christ on the table, expect to be studied by your peers as I studied Hunter. Work in a way that reflects the creativity, purpose, and goodness of God. Demonstrate faithfulness and integrity. Work “without grumbling or complaining” (Phil. 2:14). Submit to those in authority, and serve humbly.
This in itself isn’t evangelism, but the content of our lives at work should reinforce, not undermine, the content of the gospel message we share.
3. Love your Peers
Third, love your peers. Invest in friendships with non-Christians in your workplace, not perfunctorily as “projects,” but lovingly as those made in God’s image. Don’t underestimate the importance of trust. Consider that it was a year and a half after Hunter and I met that we studied the Bible together and God gave me ears for the gospel.
Use your lunch break strategically. As you’re able, make generous use of hospitality, where you can share your life with a colleague away from the office and the usual chit-chat and office banter.
4. Prepare to Evangelize
Fourth, prepare to evangelize. As silly as this may sound, be sure you know how to easily explain the gospel. Practice if you need to.
When the Lord provides an opportunity, you don’t want your inner voice screaming at you for being unclear—you want your mind free to listen to your colleague and what they are struggling to understand. After all, it is the gospel that saves, not our quick wit and strong grasp of apologetics. I praise God for Hunter’s clarity, boldness, and trust in power of the gospel.
5. Pray
Fifth, pray. Pray for your colleagues regularly. Pray for good opportunities to share the gospel. Pray that you would grow in boldness. Pray that God would be big and man would be small—we’re all guilty of getting the two mixed up.
And invite brothers and sisters in your church to pray as well. Hunter later told me that his men’s Bible study group was praying for me from the moment I asked him about his Christian faith.
A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS
As workplaces grow more hostile to Christianity, these basic practices will be all the more essential. The Lord has been kind to answer my many prayers for good opportunities and the words to speak. Being known as a Christian, living out my faith professionally and interpersonally, and loving my colleagues more as God’s image-bearers has gained me opportunities to speak openly of my faith. And, in his amazing grace, God has chosen to use me to bring a colleague to faith.
We should expect the Lord to answer our prayers and grant us opportunities to speak of Christ, so pray for boldness. And be willing to spend your relational capital. God has put you where you are for a purpose.
Ashok Nachnani is an elder at First Baptist Church in Durham, NC, and a strategy executive at a multinational energy management company.
Reposted from: http://www.9marks.org/journal/evangelism-workplace
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Patrick and Hazel and their son Roderick have been members of Trinity for about four years. They are a precious family who have a passion for the gospel and investing in young men and women. As you will learn, they have distinguished themselves in their leadership and faithfulness in ministry through Y-MOT and in our church family. I encourage you to get involved in this ministry in some way.
They have a Young Men’s Fellowship on Monday’s from 4:30 – 6:15 in which you can volunteer to bring healthy snacks, interact with the youth, and/or speak about your story of your faith and help them prepare for adulthood. But there are many ways you can be involved. These young men and young women are spiritual orphans and they need us to step up to invest ourselves and the gospel in their lives. In fact, we have a higher calling than just meeting a great need. We are commanded by our Lord Jesus to “not hinder” them from coming to Him (Matthew 10:13-16). You don’t have to travel far to make disciples…just a few miles past the state line. ~ Jeff
Y-MOT
In 1996 Patrick and Hazel Simmons began reaching out to children and their families in the Whitehaven low-income housing neighborhoods through a partnership with Urban Youth Initiative. Their target population: youth ages 6-16 years of age in under-resourced areas that attend low performing schools. With 75% of the families below the poverty level, over 80% of the children below their grade reading level, and youth making pivotal decisions every day that will impact the rest of their life, Y-MOT is vital to this community. Y-MOT’s goal of reaching this population has met its purpose with many participants joining churches, showing academic and behavioral improvements and living healthier lifestyles. In May of 2007, Y-MOT was incorporated as a 501(c) 3 non-profit charitable organization. The Simmons faithfully manage the gifts, talents and resources that make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth on a daily basis. With programs in place to empower the youth participants spiritually, mentally, and physically, Y-MOT promotes health and wellness that will develop and last a life time.
Y-MOT PROGRAMS
YOUTH- MAXIMIZING OUR TALENTS
This weekly tutoring program encourages and empowers at-risk youth to use good study habits with a focus on reading, spelling, and math skills. This program improves the students’ self-esteem and confidence which in turn improves their academic skills and lowers their chances of dropping out of school.
YOUTH- MATURING OUR TRANSFORMATION
This weekly character development program teaches at-risk youth the benefits of making right choices. These sessions help to develop leadership skills as well as provide guidance, support and encouragement in an effort to establish competence and character in the youth. By improving character this will help to curve disruptive, violent behavior, lower drug/alcohol use and teen pregnancy.
YOUTH- MAINTAINING OUR TEMPLES
This weekly exercise program teaches the participants the importance of healthy eating habits and offers instruction on proper exercise techniques. With the purpose of promoting good health, Y-MOT gets the students moving with a variety of activities including basketball, tennis, and 5K training. The focus of this program is to help reduce childhood obesity, build and maintain a healthy body, reduce depression and anxiety, and raise self-esteem.
THE FUTURE OF Y-MOT
In April of this year Y-MOT purchased 6.2 acres in the heart of the community that they have been faithfully serving for the past 17 years. This is a huge blessing and great opportunity to be closer to the youth and families they serve in the 38109 zip code. Phase I has been completed with the purchase of the property. It was used right away to feed healthy snacks and lunches to the youth ages 5-17 during the summer months in partnership with the City of Memphis Summer Food Program. Without this effort by Y-MOT to serve the community, most of the children would not have the meals needed each day. Phase II is Y-MOT’s next campaign. The goal is to raise $10,000 to help clear the 2nd and 3rd parcels of the property. This will be followed by Phase III of paving a walking/running trail around the property for use by the residents of the community.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
There are several ways to get involved with this ministry.
If you would like further information about Y-MOT and how to get involved, please contact Patrick Simmons at
Y-MOT, INC.
P.O. BOX 901373
MEMPHIS, TN 38190
Office: 866-685-9668 Fax: 866-685-9668
contactus@y-mot.org
On Facebook like YMOT INC
Our Arms Around the World Missions giving is our way of saying we support missions through our treasure. We cannot do missions without giving. It does not matter if the missions opportunity is in Memphis or the farthest corner of the world. So, thank you for giving and continue to be faithful in giving. The following blog is from a family we help support, Brad and Kim Savage. As you read, please remember that your giving allows this to happen.
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Who are we? We are the Savage family. Brad and Kim Savage
Kim and I have been married 17 years. We have four children: Alayna (15), Carolyn (12), Kyle (10), and Gray (3).
Though we originally come from Warner Robins, Georgia we have lived in Memphis, TN for the past 14 years. We have lived in Ecuador for a year and a half, and are learning to communicate in Spanish fluently.
Where are we?
Ecuador is in South America, and has a population of around 14 and a half million people. The national language is Spanish; however, more than half the population also speaks Quichua. Geographically the country is divided into the Coastal region, the Andes (mountains), and the Selva (the Amazon jungle basin).
About 90% of the Ecuadorian people are Catholic; however, they often mix their traditional (pagan) religious practices from their ancestors with those practiced by Catholics Church. Charismatics make up the majority of the non-Catholic people, but growing rapidly are cults such as the Mormons and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Still another growing segment are those who claim to be atheist or non-religious, many young adults and teens hold to this belief. Very small percentages of the people are biblically literate and/or have a solid biblical worldview.
What are we doing?
We work with an organization called Reaching and Teaching International Ministries (RTIM). Whose founder and president Dr. David Sills is a missions professor at Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.
Right now we help train indigenous pastors in the Cañar providence of Ecuador. There are about twenty pastors from three different providences (what we would call a state) coming from hundreds of miles. The RTIM program is a three-year program that helps prepare the indigenous pastors in sound biblical doctrine and theology. Thus, preparing them to better reach and teach their own communities and churches. Other opportunities are currently developing to train another group of pastors in another providence, as the Lord leads and provides we will be helping train them as well.
Aside from pastoral training we are beginning to have more opportunities to teach God’s Word to lay leaders, lay people, as well as non-believers. One such example is Kim is participating in a bible study at the local women’s prison in Cuenca. Another example is this past summer we were able to help in several VBS’s conducted through RTIM in several communities. As a result of some of these VBS’s God opened up the opportunity to share with some of their parents as well.
As God continues to grow our language abilities we hope to further our work by adding evangelistic programs such as ESL, open air preaching – evangelism, and in home bible studies to name a few.
Our goal is not to rapidly add or multiply converts or churches, but rather to faithfully proclaim Christ fully teaching the Word of God in order that our disciples will make disciples who make disciples who faithfully teach God’s Word. As a result we know GOD is faithful to call the lost to Himself, strengthen His church, and start new churches in His timing.
“Therefore, we are ambassadors of Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Thank You for Your Prayers & Support!
Contact Information:
(901) 405-4747
kimsavage1974@gmail.com
savagesinecuador.blogspot.com
There is a line in a song that goes something like this, “Little is much when God is in it,” and it reminds me of the little boy with the fish and loaves giving the little he had to Jesus, who then multiplied it to feed thousands. You may not think you have a lot to give, but when you give trusting in the promises of the Lord that he will reward those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), then He blesses and multiplies your gift of faith. God calls us to be givers, just like Him. Give of your time, your talents, and your treasure.
Our time, talents, and treasure are little, but “little is much when God is in it.”
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The following blog is by Glenda McLearen. She shares how her class is doing their part to trust in God through serving and giving. The question then is: “What about me? Am I doing my part and trusting it in the hands of our Savior and multiplier?”
About 5 years ago, Trinity Baptist Women’s Ministry had our fall ladies presentation dinner. During this event, we had a special fundraiser using baby bottles to collect change. The proceeds went to the Care Pregnancy Center which is located in Southaven on Stateline Road. This community service program is funded soley by churches and donations from the community. It has only two staff people but uses volunteers to sort donations and work at the center. The Care Pregnancy Center is pro-life and provides support, counseling, training and gives baby supplies to pregnant mothers in our community. Through this ministry, they are able to share the gospel and minister the love of Christ, and show how precious life is. They promote healthy pregnancies and provide support. It was at the TBC ladies event that about $1500 was raised by collecting change in the baby bottles.
Our ladies class, Erma Hudson’s BFG, decided as a group we would continue to support this ministry. We have a baby bottle that is passed around each Sunday along with our BFG donation basket and whatever money is put into the baby bottle is given to the Care Pregnancy Center. At times it is change, and at other times it is $5 – $20 is in the bottle. Over the past 5 years our class has donated about $150-$200 a year to this organization. You may not think that is not much, but if you talk to the ladies at the Care Pregnancy Center, it is a gift from the Father to help them help others.
They need volunteers to help sort donated baby clothes and other items like high chairs, car seats, strollers, etc. Anything a new baby may need is accepted, new, and used alike. However, money is always used the further the Lord’s command to reach others and tell them about Him.
Glenda McLearen
Perhaps when you have written an email you have been offered a choice whether to save or not save a draft of the message. Women and men in the DeSoto County area face a much tougher choice each day – whether to save or not save a child who is the result of an unintended pregnancy.
Care Pregnancy Resource Center in Southaven offers parents support during every phase of pregnancy and infancy- from pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to classes in pre-natal care, childbirth, and parenting. Care Center also offers counseling services, assistance with meeting material needs, and adoption referrals.
Since 2007, thousands of parents have looked to Care Center for help and been told of the love and hope only Christ can provide. Because of that, nearly 2000 babies have been saved from abortion. Care Center asks for you aid to continue sharing the message of Christ, helping those in need, and saving God’s precious children.
Just in 2012 alone, there have been 360 people counseled against abortion, 61 post-abortive counseling, 2037 counseling sessions, 13 adoptive referrals, and 437 babies saved.
There are many ways you can help serve at Care Center
A volunteer is greatly needed to work as a receptionist in the front office. Care Center has had to close on Mondays due to a shortage of volunteers in this area.
A licensed nurse is needed to volunteer one afternoon a week.
Care Center is expanding their facility and volunteers are needed to move and sort items. The move is scheduled for mid- October.
Parenting and childbirth classes are in need of contributions for light lunches and snacks.
Someone to coordinate a diaper shower is needed. Sizes 3/4/5 are in short supply, as are motel-size toiletries.
There is a continuing need for maintenance work and fundraising.
Care Center
1277 Main Street (Stateline Rd)
Southaven, MS 38671
662-280-1202
cprc@careprc.org
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When? 2nd Saturday of each month
Where? Parchman Men’s Prison; Sunflower County, MS; 90 minute drive from TBC.
How? Speak to Jimmy Jenkins, Lloyd Mitchell, or Joel House and then complete an application for the MS Department of Corrections and submit to a background check.
Why? To share the gospel of Jesus Christ
By Joel House
Logistically, we go to Parchman on the 2nd Saturday of each month, schedule-permitting. We meet in Hernando @ 7am and drive to the prison in one vehicle. We generally go in groups of 2-3 men. Trinity Prison Ministries consists of men from our church and men from a Baptist church in Ripley, MS. We typically meet the men from Ripley in Batesville and drive to Parchman from there. Once at Parchman, we arrive at the Spiritual Life Center to learn which units we are permitted to visit on that day.
There’s no need to make visiting a maximum security prison seem attractive. It’s difficult to imagine a more depressing place than Parchman Prison. When you drive onto the property, the ominous nature of the place seems to envelope you. This time last year it was the kind of place that I couldn’t imagine saying that I wanted to visit. Today, I can tell a different story.
Of course, knowing that I can leave Parchman at any time is a great comfort. The men incarcerated here don’t have that option. Many will be here for the majority of their lifetime and others will never leave here. We always keep in mind that the men in this place are here by their own crimes/sins. Many of their sins are so heinous that I can’t bear to consider them, and I never ask them why they’re in prison. It’s their sins that caused me to long consider whether I could work in this ministry. When I considered how many of these men savagely hurt others, took their valued possessions, and even took lives; it gave me pause. How could I proclaim God’s plan of salvation to men when I wasn’t certain that I wanted them to have that salvation? I had to search my own heart and determine if I had any right to harbor that sentiment.
God’s Word has a way of cutting right to the point of any matter and I love that. I finally came to peace with the understanding that I’m not the one to determine whether these men merit God’s grace. God made that choice long ago as He demonstrated in the life of many men of the bible; such as King David, Peter, Paul, and others. However, the most personal example of God’s grace is revealed in my own life.
Consider this; these inmates see ‘chaplains’ from many denominations and other religions. As soon as we leave they may be visited by a Muslim, or representatives of other false religions. That’s why it is critically important that they hear the gospel. I once visited with an inmate who had a Bible, a Koran and a Jehovah’s Witness ‘bible’. He showed me all 3 books and said something that I will never forget. He said, “I know all of these books are ‘holy’ and I want to get the best teaching from all of them. I just don’t know which one I should spend my time studying the most.” Wow! I don’t always have the right answer to theological questions, but on this occasion it was easy. We went straight to the source of truth; God’s Word. I explained that all religions do not worship the same God. We discussed our sin before a Holy God and this man confirmed to me that he was sinner who had great guilt. Confined to that prison he had no means to atone for his guilt through his own good works, as prescribed in Islam and other false religions. How was he to be saved in that place unless salvation is truly a gift of God as Jesus explains in John 6:37-44, as Paul explains in Ephesians 2, and throughout the scriptures? After much conversation, this man seemed to be persuaded that the Bible was the only book that was 100% inspired by the one true & living God, who determined the only way to our salvation through His living Son. We read through several scripture passages and just talked. This man seemed so appreciative that I spent this time to help reveal the truth to him. I left this man with literature and lot to think about. I could see that he’d learned an exciting reason to set those other books aside and focus on the only true Word of God. We prayed and I moved to the next inmate.
It later occurred to me that as I walked out of the unit that day that this man could be visited that very day by a representative of a false religion. Would this man be persuaded by these false teachers? I am comforted by the knowledge that the work of salvation is entirely of God, but I left there with a burden to return and learn which type of soil that this gospel seed fell upon. There’s a big part of why we go back. Even in my bumbling delivery, failure to find the right word, or lack of knowledge; God will use what we bring to His service for the furtherance of His Kingdom. That God chooses to use us in this way is a great mystery and privilege.
Many of these men have expressed gratitude that we would choose to spend our Saturday with them in prison. We’ve been told countless times how much they appreciate our willingness to visit them. I know the mere fact that we take the time to visit them is one reason that many of them are persuaded that we’ve got a message worth hearing. We’re not always received with acceptance though. Many men choose not to greet us, turn their backs on us, or reject any conversation. Gospel rejection is to be expected here. Given the lack of acceptance of the gospel message here; consider what it is like for the believers here. We’ve seen many men saved here and truly living for Christ, and we want to provide them encouragement to continue in their faith. Believers take daily harassment here and really enjoy talking to a fellow believer about the things of God. It is an opportunity for us to be that encouragement for fellow believers, and another reason to keep going back.
If you’re an adult man with a clean criminal background, please prayerfully consider this ministry.
Over the next month or so, we want to highlight some ministries that our church supports, and we encourage you to read each of these blogs prayerfully and carefully to see how the Lord would have you give of your talents, time, and/or treasure. Missions/outreach is more than just traveling overseas to bring the gospel to the unreached, missions begins here at home with you and me. Herb Hodges said, “The light that shines farther shines brightest at home.” We must each do our part here in every way that we are able as we continue to send the gospel overseas. Please make sure you are not only tithing to the Lord, but also giving to our missions budget so that we can support both local, national, and international ministries. Just as important – get involved in making disciples where you are.
Bill and Sandy have been a part of our church family for close to 4 years. They have been a vital asset to our missions work in Latin America, and subsequent partnerships that we have in Honduras and our relationships in Paraguay. The Lord has worked through them to help us connect to Gustavo Valledares, a church planter in Honduras. We also have a new partnership with the church in Danli, Honduras, one of many churches that Gustavo has planted. We will be taking our third trip to La Esperanza, Honduras in March to work alongside missionaries Samuel and Sonja Aguilar, who we also support. Bill and Sandy have known Samuel and his wife for years. They are passionate about the Lord and reaching people for Christ, not only in Latin America but here at home as well. They have served at the Memphis Union Mission each month, made quilts for the children’s home in Paraguay, and served in Awana to name a few. We thank the Lord for Bill and Sandy.
On October 6, Bill and Sandy will share with our church concerning this new chapter in their lives, and as a church we will prayerfully send them off with our full support. October 20th will be their last Sunday with us. We are planning a fellowship on Sunday night, Oct 20th, following the PM service.
The following blog is a bit of a preview of what the Lord is doing in their lives.
In this article I offer quick guide for pastors to know how to answer them.
ANSWERING TWO COMMON ARGUMENTS
Must every Christian evangelize? The scriptural answer is “yes.” But I have encountered two main reasons for why some argue the answer is “no.”
1. The Great Commission was only given to the apostles and therefore does not apply to us today.
First, some argue that the Great Commission was only given to the apostles and therefore does not apply to us today. While it is true that contextually the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) was given to the apostles, it was not only for the apostles. The command “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” certainly includes the command to make disciples. D.A. Carson notes that the Great Commission does not record Jesus saying to the apostles, “. . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, except for this commandment to make disciples. Keep their grubby hands off that one, since it belongs only to you, my dear apostles.”[1]
What had Jesus commanded the apostles? Among many other things, he commanded them to preach the gospel to the whole creation. So this command of Jesus given to the apostles also applies to every believer today. In addition, should we try to limit Jesus’ promise “I am with you always, to the end of the age,” as only applying to the apostles, or does it apply to us today? Certainly it applies to us today!
2. Since only some people have the “gift of evangelism,” not everyone is obligated to witness.
Second, some claim that since only some people have the “gift of evangelism,” not everyone is obligated to witness. Space prohibits a full discussion on the topic of “the gift of evangelism,” but a few observations are in order.
First, evangelism is not recorded in the common spiritual gifts listings in Scripture; instead, the office of evangelist is mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. Some (myself included) question whether “evangelism” should be seen as a distinct spiritual gift, such as giving, serving, and so on.
In addition, even if evangelism is a spiritual gift, it is also a command for all believers, just like giving, serving, and so on. Not having “the gift of evangelism” does not excuse a believer from his or her call to share Christ with others.
FOUR BIBLICAL REASONS WHY EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD EVANGELIZE
Does Scripture mandate that every believer should evangelize? I argue “yes,” for the following four reasons.
1. The commands to witness are given to all followers of Christ
First, the commands to witness are given to all followers of Christ. Acts 1:8, for example, reads, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This verse gives a command from the risen Lord to all his followers. As John Stott argues, “We can no more restrict the command to witness than we can restrict the promise of the Spirit.”[2]
In writing to the Corinthian believers, Paul maintained,
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
It’s not only apostles that have the ministry of reconciliation and the role of Christ’s ambassadors—all believers do! Other verses that reflect on this ministry of witness for all believers include Matthew 5:14-16, 1 Peter 3:15, Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 4:5-6 and 1 Peter 2:9.[3]
2. The example of “ordinary believers” in the early church
Second, consider the example of “ordinary believers” in the early church. As we follow the storyline of the early church it is obvious that the apostles sought to evangelize and disciple others. But we see ordinary believers sharing the gospel as well.
Following the stoning of Stephen we read in Acts 8:1, “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” And what did those ordinary believers do? Acts 8:4 tells us: “Now those who were scattered went about preaching (euangelizomenoi) the word.” They went about sharing the gospel with others.
Noted historian Kenneth Scott Latourette makes this observation about the spread of the gospel:
The chief agents in the expansion of Christianity appear not to have been those who made it a profession or a major part of their occupation, but men and women who earned their livelihood in some purely secular manner and spoke of their faith to those whom they met in this natural fashion.[4]
3. The stewardship the gospel imposes on us.
Third, consider the stewardship the gospel imposes on us. Jesus reminds us, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). We have been given no greater gift than the gospel, and we have no greater stewardship than to share that message of good news with others. Paul expresses it well in 2 Corinthians 5:14: “for the love of Christ controls us.”
4. The “work of ministry” in Ephesians 4.
Finally, consider what Paul calls “the work of ministry” in Ephesians 4. In this chapter Paul notes different offices in the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers). He declares part of the reason God “gifts” the church with such leaders is so they will “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). And we should certainly include evangelism in “the work of ministry.”
Ephesians 4 raises a challenge for pastors: Are we training our people to do evangelism? Are we setting an example for them in our own personal evangelism? Some people run from the idea of evangelism because they assume it means they must be obnoxious and pushy. There are many approaches to sharing the gospel. The only fixed method is the message: telling others about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
LEAD BY EXHORTATION AND ESPECIALLY EXAMPLE
Pastors, we can say to our people with confidence, “you are called to be a witness for Christ in both word and deed.” As leaders, let us challenge other believers not only with our exhortations but also with our example.[5] And let us take great confidence in the gospel, “for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).
Tim Beougher has served as the Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and Associate Dean of the Billy Graham School at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary since 1996. He is the author of numerous works, including Richard Baxter and Conversion (Christian Focus, 2007) and Overcoming Walls to Witnessing (BGEA, 1993).
[1] D.A. Carson, “Ongoing Imperative for World Mission,” in The Great Commission: Evangelicals and the History of World Missions, edited by Martin I. Klauber and Scott M. Manetsch (Broadman & Holman, 2008), 179.
[2] John R.W. Stott, Our Guilty Silence (Inter-Varsity Press, 1967), 58.
[3] While the context of 1 Peter 3:15 is what can be called “passive evangelism” (responding to a question that an unbeliever asks), this command is clearly given to all believers “to be ready” to answer when asked.
[4] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A History of the Expansion of Christianity (Harper & Brothers, 1937), 1:116.
[5] Among the many helpful resources for personal evangelism, I highly recommend: Will Metzger, Tell the Truth; Mark Dever, The Gospel & Personal Evangelism; and J.I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God.
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