Evangelism and the church

[johngc]

In a recent post (different thread) I received this statement:

I .... don't think a church "service" is the proper place for evangelism to take place.

I am interested in exploring this further, since many people are converted through the preaching of God's word in church services (doesn't make it right of course).

What scriptures are used to support the idea of evangelism being handed over to an authority other than the church?

To me,the "Great Commission" suggests that evangelistic preaching, doctrinal teaching and administering baptism (along with observing the Lord's supper (though not in the GC)) are within the remit of the church.

Para-church organisations/missionary societies/interdenominational crusades etc have long been questioned as to their validity as instruments of the gospel, when they exist and operate outside the local church.

Any opinions?

johngc

[Brandan Kraft]

Hi john,

I wrote that comment, and I would like to elaborate further on that.

Certainly, "evangelism" can take place during a church meeting, no doubt about that. Who are we to limit God from converting and bringing a person to faith wherever or whenever He chooses? But certainly, the primary reason we are to MEET for a church meeting is to remember Jesus. Secondly, we are to meet for each other, to edify one another; and to build one another up. It is my opinion if we make evangelism our primary reason for meeting; we are failing to operate as a true ekklesia.

"And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread ...." (Acts 20:7)

Notice the early church didn't gather on the first day of the week to "preach the gospel." The primary reason the early churches met was to remember our Lord Jesus at the Lord's Supper.

Also, they gathered to edify one another.....

"What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification." (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Other activities also took place like reading the Scriptures and group prayer (Acts 2:42).

However, in no way should the gospel not be preached to the unbelievers that may be visiting that day. But the reason for gathering is not to preach the gospel; but to edify one another in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

[johngc]

Tradition in Ireland has got it that the Sunday evening service in many Baptist churches is the "Gospel" service, and that on Sunday morning we meet for a teaching meeting culminating in the Lord's Supper.
The way I see it, there are more unbelievers present on a Sunday morning than on a Sunday night so it would be more sensible to have the evangelistic thrust concentrated on the Sunday morning and the main teaching meeting for believers during the evening service.
Our church has the use of an outreach centre, where evangelistic meetings for adults are run. what do you think of this idea ?

johngc

[Brandan Kraft]

Originally posted by johngc
Tradition in Ireland has got it that the Sunday evening service in many Baptist churches is the "Gospel" service, and that on Sunday morning we meet for a teaching meeting culminating in the Lord's Supper.
The way I see it, there are more unbelievers present on a Sunday morning than on a Sunday night so it would be more sensible to have the evangelistic thrust concentrated on the Sunday morning and the main teaching meeting for believers during the evening service.
Our church has the use of an outreach centre, where evangelistic meetings for adults are run. what do you think of this idea ?

johngc

Hmmm, I personally don't like any of it. "services", "outreach centers", and the like give me the creeps to be honest with you. I can't imagine the early church building an "outreach center".

Yes, we do know that unbelievers will visit a local church from time to time. When that happens, I believe it would be wise for a speaker to be aware of it and season his teachings with the gospel message. Although, it is my opinion that this shouldn't be the main thrust. Most of the people present SHOULD be regenerate believers coming to edify and be edified. That should ALWAYS be the primary focus - each other.

Now if a group of Christians in the church want to get together and reach out to the community, that's alright! In fact, it is to be encouraged... However, the idea of an entire church financing an "outreach center" doesn't sit right with me. Partly because I believe churches shouldn't be large enough to fund such a project. As you probably know, I'm an advocate of small intimate settings for church meetings.

Is evangelism the work of the church, or the work of sent messengers into the world? It is my opinion that there is no better setting for evangelism than the very place where unbelievers and believers meet naturally. This could be the workplace or grocery store. The Roman Catholic Francis of Assisi supposedly wrote, "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." This should be our model as well. Let us live our lives and preach the gospel to unbelievers in our workplaces, our homes, in public places. We are to be the light of the world. We should not expect the world to come to us, but vice versa.

[johngc]

When a meeting of the local church takes place it is likely that there will be some present who are unregenrate, despite the best efforts of the leadership to admit only believers into membership.
There will usually be some kids present who may not be saved and there is the possibility of others coming along by invite / curiosity who aren't Christians, so a preacher should take Paul's words to heart...." woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"
I think that all preaching should have an evangelistic component.

With regard to the financing of the outreach centre - it is a rented building costing 5 pence per week and recent refurbishment work carried out by the housing association who own it, saw them send a cheque for "inconvenience" which covers the rent for the next 130 years !

johngc

[Odyssey]

In my opinion, the 'local church' should not worry about preaching the gospel. That is the job of the 'letters of Christ', i.e., us! We are the gospel messengers. In the way that we live our lives and conduct ourselves should be the gospel. What the 'local church' should do is help equip us to do better jobs.

Grace to you,

jak

[disciple]

i agree with OD however i think it is alright to have a concerted effort for outreach among the church body. the point is, that this should not supercede or replace our normal regular gathering and it should be clear that the effort is not the purpose for our gathering one with another. an example of what i think might be ok is an annual outreach event for the community.