THE MASTER PLAN OF EVANGELISM

On September 27^th at the evangelism rally church members were presented with the master plan for Evangelism in 2009. Since then many questions been asked. A common question is for programming. My paraphrase would be “we need to organize events, programs, activities, tell us what activities we need to do for Evangelism.” Some were (and are) concerned with soliciting commitments, signing cards of commitment. I’ve been asked “why are you asking us to commit for bringing people?” Suggestions always go along lines: tell us what to do…

My answer is still the same – telling people what to do will not do any good for Evangelism. We’ve tried it! Haven’t we? We invited people to come, we scheduled events. In 2007 there was a whole series of events which, if followed, should have brought revival and doubled our church attendance. But it was simply ignored. Why would it be any different this time?

Before any reader gets upset, let me make a disclaimer: I intend to interpret things differently to change your worldview on Evangelism.

Evangelism is immensely more than a theory or a slogan. It is much more than an event or a program. It is a necessity that comes from within a person. Evangelism is a widening of the circle of faith to include more and more people who we care about to introduce to Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Evangelism began with Jesus. So let’s ask the Master about His Master Plan. In John 14:6 Jesus simply says “I am the way” Note that nowhere did Jesus suggested programs or activities as tools of evangelism. He had only one method: “He chose from them twelve” (Luke 6:13). Men Were His Method! His concern was not with programs that would reach multitudes, but with men whom the multitudes would follow. Jesus started to gather these men before he ever organized an evangelistic campaign or ever preached a sermon in public. Men were to be His method of winning the world to God. Ellen White puts it this way: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143).

This is where Evangelism commences, continues, and culminates – enlisting people! The initial objective of Jesus plan was to enlist men who would bear witness to His life.

Our Master Plan has not changed. The commercial evangelism – the bigger is the crowd, more professional presentation and less personal connection only causes collateral damage of people who says “NO!”, numbers of those rejecting to hear always higher than “souls” it wins. God’s way of Evangelism begins with enlisting men and women, boys and girls to commit themselves to follow Jesus, to become witnesses, to give themselves into serving needs of those they love and care for, in the Name of Jesus.