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Mission and the pandemic
Sharing the gospel
Dr Naar M’fundisi-Holloway continues a series of weekly articles in which Research and Development personnel reflect on how our approach to mission has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic
LAST week’s article in this series explored the theme of discipleship. This week, we move to the theme of evangelism.
Evangelism is a natural progression from discipleship – it is what a believer is able to do when they are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity states: ‘There is a direct connection between whole-life discipleship and evangelism. Lives which consistently display Christ create a hunger for Christ in others. Evangelism without discipleship borders dangerously on hypocrisy.’
Evangelism means sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. All Christians are qualified to share this good news without being ashamed of it (see Romans 1:16).
There is great importance in any church member being empowered to pray, speak, give and invite people to Christ without depending on ordained leaders to do so. All Christians are in ministry as co-workers with God in his mission to reconcile the world to himself (see 1 Corinthians 3:9). This ministry may have looked different during the height of the pandemic, and it may again look different now.
The Research and Development Unit found that 16 per cent of corps officers believe that corps and centres need to prioritise sharing the gospel. Responding to needs and supporting people in their immediate day-to-day lives shouldn’t come at the cost of evangelism. In 2 Corinthians 3:1−6, Paul describes Christians as living letters communicating the word of God; how they lead their lives is testament to Christ. Paul does not propose a sacred versus secular divide in the way Christians live. This is because Christians represent Christ regardless of their environment, whether among other Christians or non-Christians.
During the height of the pandemic, Salvationists represented Christ within and despite the restrictions in place. How might this representation be different now that we are living with a virus that is here to stay?
For a start, the sharing of the gospel does not always occur in conventional ways, such as witnessing on the streets. The lockdown measures imposed by the pandemic caused many corps to transition to technology, live-streaming worship via social media, Zoom, Facebook Live, Microsoft Teams and Facetime.
The pandemic made the Church realise the importance of being equipped with evangelism tools that are relevant and effective. Furthermore, it proved the importance of intentionally showing an interest in people using the technological tools that enable access, albeit remotely. This is one way we can remain relational in influencing people for Jesus at a time when gathering physically isn’t always possible.
We share the gospel not in our own strength but with the understanding that we rely on God and the Holy Spirit to help us. This means that we must live as a ‘sent’ people. Matthew 28:18–20 serves as a mandate and confirms that Christians are to share the gospel wherever they are and beyond.
Before Jesus ascended to Heaven he said to his disciples: ‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’ (John 20:21). This applies to all Christians because we have all been enabled to go and be witnesses to Christ’s saving grace. In Acts 1:8 Christians are assured of the power that comes with the infilling of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to be witnesses for Christ.
We must also embrace a culture of evangelism – a culture in which prayer is cultivated. Nothing strengthens evangelism more than a culture of prayer. Alongside and through prayer, it is important that corps and centres declutter activities that focus solely on befriending and not making Jesus known. This links back to the first article in this series, encouraging us to be spurred by Covid-19 to prayer and lament, with an emphasis on spending time with God before moving forward.
Finally, we must listen to the people with whom we want to share the gospel. In the words of Major Howard Webber: ‘Before we speak about Jesus we need to listen, and not only listen to what troubles them. God is at work in the hearts of the people we meet long before we arrive on the scene, and we need to listen to them and what he may be revealing to us through what they say. We are very junior partners; he is the Great Evangelist.’
For resources that delve more deeply into the themes of this series and how to explore them using the Faith-Based Facilitation model, visit salvationist.org.uk/resources
DR NAAR M’FUNDISI-HOLLOWAY
Action Researcher Research and Development Unit, THQ
Loving others
A theological reflection on racial, ethnic and cultural justice, equity, inclusion, hospitality and welcome
THE Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland Territory believes the fundamental truth that humanity is made in the image of God, and the human race – in all its beautiful diversity – evidences aspects of God’s character and demonstrates the multifaceted nature of God’s creation (see Genesis 1:27; Ephesians 2:10). Every human being has intrinsic worth and is precious and valuable in God’s sight (see John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:4−6; Galatians 3:28 and 5:14; Ephesians 4:1−6; Colossians 3:11). There is therefore no moral, social, biological or theological justification for any racial, ethnic or cultural group to be considered inferior or superior to any other (see Psalm 139:13–15). God alone has power, authority and dominion over creation, and the whole of creation is subject to his lordship (see 1 Chronicles 29:11; Job 33:12; Psalm 95:3; John 3:31; Colossians 1:15–17). The Church is called to demonstrate God’s grace and love for humankind by being hospitable and welcoming to and inclusive of people of all racial, ethnic and cultural identities (see 2 Chronicles 6:32-33; Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 10:17–19; 1 John 3:18).
This is only possible when doors, arms, hearts and minds are open to welcome all into fellowship and full participation with warm hospitality.
It is God’s design and desire that people of all backgrounds worship and serve him (see Revelation 7:9) and every person has a part to play for
