We’re often told “You’re all evangelists”… that is not actually true.

Two-fold approach (these two groups work in partnership with each other):
Gifted evangelists to boldly proclaim & articulate clearly
o Look for opportunities to boldly proclaim the Gospel (they’re not necessarily on a platform – Paul was a poor preacher but good at dialogue)
o We need to identify the evangelists
o Evangelists equip the rest of the church to be more evangelistic
o They often don’t seem to be good at staying committed to church things or being “well-behaved” because they like to be amongst non-believers seeking opportunities
Evangelistic believers (all others) to create opportunities for interest
o Unleash the evangelistic believers – free them from thinking that they have to be evangelists
o Their role is to provide gracious answers – the look for opportunities to answer questions why they believe.
o Problem – no-one is asking the questions…. Because we’re not living organic Christian lives that “promote” the Gospel.

1. Holiness
- More than personal piety (vertical)
- Matthew 5:14-16 – not just holiness but SO THAT people see it and glorify God.
- Titus 2 – Paul gives many instructions/rules SO THAT the doctrine of God is “adorned” (added to make it look attractive)
- Holiness is a missional activity (horizontal) - to make people intrigued - let them see a life that is dynamic & tasty.

E.g. UK “street pastors” - a group of everyday Christians who volunteered to care for people on the streets between 3-5am which decreased late night chaos & violence by 80% in one neighbourhood. In their volunteer program there is no reference to “evangelism” and “preaching the Gospel” but this happened naturally as people were shown genuine care & asked questions.

- What is it that people are seeing when they look at us? Does it attract them?
- How do we encourage fellow believers to live? (just to be self-controlled not to do certain things, or to be out there living respectable, righteous lives?)
- What does our society respect as righteous living?
- What does our neighbourhood need? What do we need to send our Christians to do to show holiness to others?
- Are the believers in our church too busy doing church stuff to be out there in the neighbourhood?

2. Prayer
• More than for non-Christian friends
• Matthew 9:35-38 – pray that God will raise up more harvesters (evangelists) from amongst us.
• Ephesians 6 – pray for evangelists because they are often out on the edge and need protection & support
• 1 Timothy 2 – pray for everyone – government, authorities. Try to be as specific as possible – articulate & imagine their prayer needs

3. Socialisting regularly with non-believers.
• 1 Corinthians 8-10 – this passage is not just a discussion on an ethical issue but shows Paul’s missiological point of view. If the Christians couldn’t eat meat offered to idols then they couldn’t eat with ANYONE non-Christian.
• A big struggle in our churches is to get people to socialist with non-churched people.
• Who, where, & how are you encouraging your believers to socialise? (is bringing people into our church for church dinners and events the best way?)
• Christians are often too busy to socialise with their non-Christians friends.
• Leaders need to demonstrate & model – not being too busy doing church things.
• Christians can be known as those who hold the best parties! (e.g. Manly churches)

4. Resourcing
Evangelists need to be supported so that they can be freed up to meet with more people
Do we only pay those who serve us within the church?

Summary
1 Peter 3:14-16 - Defence of the Gospel with gentleness; good behaviour
Colossians 4:2-6 (v.3-4) pray for evangelists (v.5) holiness amongst outsiders – conspicuous good deeds (v.6) answering questions
What is the Gospel? 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Jesus crucified & resurrected (not a set of doctrines)
• Who are the evangelists in your midst?
• What good deeds is your church doing? Are you being salt & light? (leaders need to show the congregation how)
• How are you unleashing your evangelists?
• Equip people to answer questions & talk about Jesus Himself – rather than presentation of certain statements of truth

Discussion

1. How do you respond to the two-fold approach of (a) promoting the Gospel, and (b) proclaiming the Gospel?

2. Do you agree with the idea that bold proclamation is the function of the evangelists among us, while for the rest of us, our primary evangelistic function will be giving gracious answers to those who question us? What are the implications of your answer on the way you equip your people for evangelism?

3. What impedes the members of your church from living the kind of lives that raise questions from unbelievers? How can you help them address these issues?
People are too busy doing church ministries/ activities

4. Do you agree that the primary ways we can promote the gospel and raise questions from unbelievers are (discuss each one):
a. Good deeds
b. Prayer
c. Socialising with the unchurched
d. Resourcing evangelists

5. How can your church encourage its members to live this way?