Evangelism Vision: a Lifetime Change

Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Evangelism Vision A Life quantify Change A Paper Submitted to Dr. Harold D. Bryant In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course Contemporary Evangelism EVAN 565 By Michael McKelvey 19 August 2011 What is the eldest thing that pops into your theme when you think of evangelism? Thats scary Am I going to be rejected? Its non my spiritual gift This paper explains the capacious thrill and its hu patch relationship to evangelism on the passel and ch completelyenge of what god is doing in my bread and butter in the bea of evangelism.It alike emotional states at how I think of evangelism, gives expla plurality of evangelism and ch altogetherenges my rethinking on how evangelism could be d unmatched in a complaint of sustenance to help me begin to partake in my creed in new and natural way. The delivererian interpretation of the owing(p) Commission to sh be deitys raillery finished with(predicate) evangelism is startlin ed outside the walls of the church and scoop up understood by counterbalance discussing the nature of evangelism in rescuerianity. The writing of Dr. David Earley and Dr. David bicyc itemization, Dr. Jerry Pipes and master lee side, Richard Leach, William Fay, and the videos from Dr.David bicyclist maintain helped my concerns of evangelism. This semester I get to wise to(p) and developed new perceptions and challenges close to evangelism which has challenged my way of thinking. The way I think centers around three outlooks of Christian witness Physical Service, animateual Conversation, and Intellectual Conversation. The first scenery of evangelism can be characterized as sensible includes things like Social Justice, Acts of Service feeding the supperless and clothing the pooranything that embodies benevolence and/ or philanthropy.It is the somatogenic service that we provide for tribe who train inevitably anywhere at any time. For example Dr. Wheeler says that M inistry evangelism and servant evangelism . . . intentionally involvek to meet races sine qua nons in order to undefended the doors for the gospel message. This act of caring service bequeath lead to a stepual conversation resulting in the hallowed personality taking charge. The second aspect of evangelism channels with reservation spiritual conversation a priority. I think the gospel itself is expressed during this phase.I on a regular basis look at my day and wonder almost the conversations I might give up with race. I look at my list of friends that Im praying for and see if Im cosmos led to go perk up the next conversation with them. Im at a stage of vitality where I dont stupefy enough contacts so Ill work at making some. Furthermore, side by side(p) the Holy opinions lead by verbally proclaiming the gospel and inviting the listener to respond is what we can distinguish proclamation or declarationit is the verbal bearing of the gospel message.McRaney stat es that, Ultimately, barely theology opens and prepares the pith to clear the gospel. Its in like manner the actual evangelism aspect. I list this second because it thence(prenominal) leads into the third aspect. The third aspect of evangelism is skilful conversation, where I essential be equal to(p) to possess and capable of utilizing Systematic Theology and Apologetic. formulation I use Systematic Theology or Apologetic technique is just a heart way of organizing my thoughts on what I believe just about divinity fudge and why I am a Christian.Apologetics is how you issue questions concerning the credit that you have and explaining your reasons for holding them. At this point, the use of Fays parcel de cognizery boy Without idolise book provide come in handy. besides I have intentional that ultimately we have to rely on the Holy musical note think of our role we are responsible for contact, while God is responsible for changeover. However, part of that contact doesnt unavoidably involve being prepared to use the intellectual aspect of our Christian witness, moreover mainly relies on anes testimony. Dr.Earley says, Sharing your story makes evangelism in the flesh(predicate) and relative . . . because when people listen to you, instead of being a professional salesman, you are a satisfactory customer. All three are important aspects of the Christian witness, but it is important to understand that, while demonstrating and explaining your faith contribute to the evangelistic process, only proclaiming the gospel is evangelism. As we sock from Scripture, where there is not a vision, the people depart perish. With this in mind, my personal vision as it relates to the integration of vangelism into e real(prenominal) part of my demeanor has shape a great burden upon my heart. The vision that I hold not only for the coming eld but more so as a way of life can be exposit utilizing the concentric circles of concern as outlined by Thomp son. Describing the concentric circles Thompson states, Many of us come to get wind evangelism to go from Circle maven how to Circle s unconstipatedsome to ease our consciences because there are ruptured relationships encircles twain finished six that we prefer to skip over. With this in mind, starts my vision for integrating evangelism into every part of my life.First is my relationship with savior Christ, second is my relationship to my wife and then to my children. Third, is to my br separate and my sisters followed by my relatives and so on such as neighbors and associates, acquaintances, and person X. One of the most prodigious impact this class has had on my views on hereafter ministry, evangelism, and multiplication, involvement in church planting as a teaching minister is my lust to dress the call of the Great Commission as I incorporate my teaching duties toward fulfilling the commandment.The Great Commission of making disciples of all nations has been a burden and vision divided by me. A prime component of my conversion work through and of the Lord bringing me to repentance was cover the responsibility to be a doer of the develop and not a hearer (or verbalizeer or knower) only. As I began to take small step to align my life and walk with Gods word, great changes occurred in my method of ministering to the lost. Leach and Wheeler remark that ignoring the opportunities for ministry or have done things for others without having a servant spirit is a sin.So, how can I overcome this guilt of not aggressively sacramental manduction my faith? My bank is that by Gods grace, He will keep me sensitive to where He is at work. As I consider a church plant and having an evangelism ministry to my companionship I know my personal walk with the Lord Jesus is where it all begins. The kingdom of heaven begins first, in my take heart. My zest is to be consistent in prayer scour when it feels like He doesnt hear me. To bear witness and study Gods word even when new and fresh insights are not coming.To freeze off temptation when passions are strong and no one (except God) is watching. To serve others when I am weak, tired, or out of energy. This is where evangelism to my community begins sharing the proceeds of a changed life. In order to answer the call to evangelize, one must(prenominal) first understand what the Great Commission is. In the book Evangelism is . . . by Dave Early and David Wheeler, Earley explains the word commission as a military term importee an authoritative order, charge, or direction. I have learned servant evangelism by creating a hunger to share my faith with others.Evangelism has gone from being a upkeep inducing concept to becoming the way I want to live in Christ as walking testimony to Him and answering the call of the Great Commission with my words, my daily achieves, my servicing others, and by disciplines others to answer the call to evangelize. Most Christians want to share the gos pel, but never envision a future in ministry that involves evangelism multiplication or church planting as it relates to developing true disciples who passionately desire to cypher their witness.In the near future I hope to develop a workshop that focuses on how to make believe relational bridges to those with whom you want to share the gospel. narration Dr. Leach and Dr. Wheelers Minister To Others edify me to the fact that, No matter what your role is in ministering to someone-whether building a bridge, praying, meeting a need, relieving a burden, encouraging, or sharing the gospel-God is inviting the person into His kingdom by dint of and through you. To live a lifestyle of evangelism I must live Incarnational by reflecting my faith in the laws of the volume through my attitudes and actions.According to Dr. Wheeler, Incarnational Apologetics is the representative public and toffee-nosed life style of a Christian that validates to the land the absolute truths of the pa role. Living an Incarnational life style is a problem with todays church members who are reluctant to share their faith. This is another area where I admit to being guilty due my galore(postnominal) church activities. Learning how to share Jesus without devotion is accomplished by acquirement to be utile communicators in all that we say. For example, in the nontextual matter of private Evangelism William McRaney Jr. eminds us that, our goal is to be utile communicators and clarifiers because people matter to God William Fays partake Jesus Without Fear is one of the most impacting books I have ever read. Fay says that there are 2 types of people Those who talk about the lost and those who talk to the lost. Because of this course, I have learned how to spend time with family and understanding its importance has increased greatly because of this course. Dr. Pipes noted that, 88 percent of the children who grow up in our churches leave the church and never return.In other word s, discipleship must begin within the home with parents expense time with and instilling Christian values in their children. Learning the importance of family in evangelism firmly believes that relationships and community are the essential qualities of the Christian life. More importantly, they are the characteristics of the will of God in our lives as Christians. As McRaney states in his book The Art of Personal Evangelism, Gods call for restoration is not a call to live out the Christian faith in isolation. God desires to restore community and family among the redeemed. We have been made in the image of God and that includes the desire for relationships. As the Triune God, He is perfective aspectly relational within himself yet He afforded us the qualification to become part of that relationship through His son, Jesus Christ. Recognizing and developing a successful evangelism ministry to my community first starts with a healthy family life. God, in his divine wisdom, has prearran ged the perfect boot camp for future evangelists. It is called your family. I need abundant life in my home ahead I can offer abundant life to the community.You see, I have a daughter who is 28 and has not accepted Christ. As the aforementioned manifold statement of the great commission by Pipes and Lee says, it begins in our own home. However, my endeavor is not only to realisticize this vision in my home, but also help the other households in our church to fount to the call. By multiplying Godly households that are full of life can and will change our communities. This class has been without a doubt the single most impacting class I have ever taken. One of the biggest changes thus far-off has been in the way I pray. Successful evangelism greatly depends on daily prayer.In addition, I have learned to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to make me sensitive to opportunities to share the nigh immatures. It requires me to live out the charge of the great Commission throug h servant evangelism, information apologetics, and incarnation apologetics. I have started carrying a pocket-sized New Testament with William Fays Share Jesus Without Fear model compose in it everywhere I go. Now that I realize I cant plump whenever I share my faith. Im throw to take the step of obedience. By acknowledging the power of the Holy Spirit the individual has the confidence to witness.Jesus said, When the henchman comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you will testify also because you have been with me from the fountain (John 1526-27 NASB). Right after he true the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Peter spoke a mesomorphic message to the Jews. His empowerment by the Holy Spirit resulted in 3,000 acquire saved in one day (cf. Acts 214-41). Later Peter change with the Holy Spirit testified boldly to the rulers, elders and scribes of the Jewish nation (cf. Acts 45-12, 18-22). After Peter and John were endanger they prayed. These verses prove that Holy Spirit definitely equips us with power to witness. We will go as Christ went, teaching of repentance and forgiveness, baptizing those who trust in Christ by the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and making disciples by teaching them to obey all that He commands. Ministering to the non-believer through the power of the Holy Spirit prepares the hearts of unbelievers for the gospel. E. W. Kenyon states that It is requirement that we understand how the Holy Spirit deals with an unsaved man, so that we can let Him work freely through us. The Holy Spirit today is making real to human hearts the work of the Son of God. The Spirits teachings and communications are not his own they are Christs. The Holy Spirits ministry is to reveal to men what Jesus brought about by His death and resurrection. To show every man that Jesus became sin on mans behalf so that they may become righteous. He also shows every man the tragedy of rejecting Christs refilling sacrifice. He further describes the Holy Spirits work in the following manner, The Holy Spirit comes to impart the nature of God to the spirit of man in the new birth (John 33-8) and then fill the new creature (II Co. 17) with the fullness of God (Eph. 319). As a result of analyse evangelism this semester, I have learned the importance of following-up with impudently saved believers. Jesus did say, Go and make disciples of all nations, baptize them and teach them all that I have told you (cf. Mat. 2819-20). He did not say turn out them say a salvation prayer and they will be just fine. Many in the evangelistic world are have-to doe with about the acantha Door Syndrome. This involves people coming to church and getting saved, but then they leave out the anchor door without any further or very little church involvement.Others are rightly concerned about people saying the prayer, but these people do not follow through with their com mitment. just about church leaders have found ship canal to resolve this issue. But these solutions require the body to have vision and they normally involve establishing relationships which require sizable commitments of time. Mentoring, new believers groups, home meetings, life groups and special occupy groups are some the methods that have been successfully implemented. New believers need to belong to a church where they will be encouraged in their new life with Christ.While at church the Holy Spirit assists in their maturing process by ministering to them through the five-fold ministry. It is through fully understanding the totality of the above (relationships, community, and evangelism), that my heart became burdened. I recall the questions asked by Dr. Adrian Rogers in one of his sermons on evangelism, Are you loving people neat to hell? It was at this time that I completed my personal failure in sharing the Good News. Nonetheless, there was still a great deal of fear wi thin me when it came to the issue of personal evangelism.However, that fear was starting to change as I was introduced to the tenet of servant evangelism. Oddly enough, I had been practicing the servant action but without the evangelism. Now it is time to combine the two for effective and practical servant evangelism. In conclusion, the Christian interpretation of the Great Commission to share Gods Word through evangelism is defined outside the walls of the church and best understood by first discussing the nature of evangelism in Christianity.Building strong relational bridges base on trust and mutual respect will allow you to lovingly speak Gods truth into a persons life without damaging the friendship. Relational evangelism begins by seeing people as Jesus does, spending time with them, having Christ-like attitudes, and learning to communicate so people understand. In the place setting of authentic Christian community everyday Christians experience the power of the Holy Spirit and bear fruit for the kingdom. As Dr. Adrian Rogers has said many times, I am a nobody, telling everybody, of somebody that can save them. I believe that Saint Francis of Assisi put it best, vaticinate the Gospel at all times and when unavoidable use words. Bibliography Earley, Dave and David Wheeler. Evangelism Is How to Share Jesus with Passion and Confidence. capital of Tennessee B & H Academic, 2010. Fay, William. Share Jesus Without Fear. Nashville, TN B&H, 1999. www. derrick-martin. com. A Personal Look at Evangelism. Kenyon, Edward. The Bible in stir up of Our Redemption-Basic Bible Course Lynnwood, majuscule 1999. McRaney, William. The Art of Personal Evangelism. Nashville B & H Academic, 2003. Pipes, Jerry and Victor Lee.Family to Family, Families Making a Difference. Lawrenceville, GA Jerry Pipes, 1999. Thompson, W. Oscar, and Carolyn Thompson Ritzmann. concentric Circles of Concern Seven Stages for Making Disciples. Nashville Broadman & Holman, 1999. Wheeler, David and Richard Leach. growing Disciples Series Minister to Others. Nashville, TN Lifeway, 2009. Wheeler, Dr. David. Incarnational Apologetics. Liberty University, (Accessed May 10, 2011). 1 . Dave Earley and David Wheeler. Evangelism Is How to Share Jesus with Passion and Confidence (Nashville, TN B&H Academic, 2010), 300. 2 . Will McRaney Jr. , The Art of Personal Evangelism (Nashville, TN B&H Group, 2003), 215. 3 . bid,. 248. 4 . Oscar Thompson, Concentric Circles of Concern (Nashville, TN B & H 1999), 20. 5 . Richard Leach and David A. Wheeler, Growing Disciples Series Minister to Others (Nashville, TN Lifeway, 2009), 57. 6 . bid. , 75. 7 . Earley and Wheeler, Evangelism Is How to Share Jesus with Passion and Confidence, 21. 8 . Leach and Wheeler, Minister to Others,73. 9 . Dr. David Wheeler, Incarnational Apologetics Liberty University (Accessed July 26, 2011), 1. 10 . McRaney Jr. , The Art of Personal Evangelism, 70. 11 . William Fay, Share Jesus Without Fear (Nashvill e, TN B&H create Group, 1999), 8. 12 . Jerry Pipes and Victor Lee. Family to Family, Families Making a Difference. (Lawrenceville, GA 1999), 1. 13 . McRaney Jr. , The Art of Personal Evangelism 17. 14 . Pipes and Lee, Family to Family, 32. 15 . bid. 16 . Edward Kenyon, The Bible in Light of Our Redemption-Basic Bible Course (Lynnwood, Washington 1999), 265. 17 . bid. 18 . bid. , 254. 19 . www. derrick-martin. com