Evangelism: Conversation, not Proclamation

Evangelism

CONVERSATION, Not Just Proclamation

By Brad Bonhomme

Healthy churches have a passion for souls. In fact, I would dare to suggest that if we, as leaders, have no sense of call to reach the lost, then our church is missing its primary mandate. Acts 8:26-40 details an evangelistic interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. A powerful episode in Acts, it really is a playbook on effective soul winning. Using this passage recently to equip our church, we identified three principles for successful outreach:

RELATIONSHIP Over Result

“The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Acts 8:29 (NLT) The Holy Spirit led Philip to walk alongside – to elevate relationship over result. This is God’s heart on display! How can you authentically walk alongside of a person in need? Can you take a genuine interest in their career, goals or concerns before ever inviting them to a Church event? Jesus never treated people as merely evangelistic projects. He established real relationships with real people.

RECOGNISE The Need

“Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Acts 8:30 (NLT) In walking alongside of the Ethiopian, Philip was able to hear his need – and Philip began there! Effective Churches train their people to bring Jesus to bear on the need at hand. If you don’t hear the need, you won’t be moved to do anything about it. Philip was willing engage in conversation, not just proclamation. A failure to spread the Good News is not for a lack of courage, rather an unwillingness to spend the time necessary for getting into another person’s world and problems. The Spirit is willing, but the schedule is tight!

RESPOND To The Invitation

Acts 8:31 The man replied, "How can I, unless someone instructs me?" And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. (NLT) Because Philip was willing to walk alongside and listen, he then responded to an invitation to sit with the Ethiopian. Today’s culture is characterized by screen interaction. This has created a disconnect and an emotional detachment in people. More than ever, people are seeking out meaningful and genuine contact. “The Pentecostal power, when you sum it all up, is just more of God’s love. If it does not bring love, it is simply counterfeit.” – William Seymour The Great Commission is for all believers. ACC pastors and leaders, I pray that 2021 is a year where we communicate the urgency of this evangelistic call to the people we lead.

JESUS NEVER TREATED PEOPLE AS MERELY EVANGELISTIC PROJECTS. HE ESTABLISHED REAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH REAL PEOPLE.