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This resource, called “Structures” is in the form of a 7-day mini seminar presented by “Everyday Evangelism”. Please subscribe to my E-zine for more Outreach tips. The links to the other days follow the article. Thank you so much for dropping by.
In Evangelism, why do I say ‘Structures’ are so important? In fact what do mean by the term ‘Structures’? One aspect that The Macquarie Dictionary states structures are is “a complex system considered from the point of view of the whole rather than of any single part”. I believe we often have lots of ‘single parts’ with no ‘system’ we can view as a whole.
Now, please let me tell you what I believe evangelism ‘Structures’ are. In broad simple terms they are the pro-active methods through which we win others to Christ. I mention pro-active because I believe this is one of the most problematic areas of evangelism within the Church, at least here in Australia. Am I saying people don’t intentionally want to share the Gospel of Christ? Not at all! Let me give an example.
As I’ve mentioned before we are blessed to have wonderful Bible teachers here in the Diocese of the Anglican Church in Sydney. Our well trained ministers not only know what to teach, but (mostly) know how to teach as well. My Rector and his team intentionally set up a plan of linked themes with opportunities for the congregation to learn. This includes a preaching roster for the Sunday service, small group studies and other teaching activities, all frame worked in a well thought out bible teaching plan (or structure). A good plan will also take into account where different members of the congregation are at in their walk of faith and plan accordingly. Deliberate consideration is also given to identifying and training future ministers of the Word. All this, of course, is great stuff leading to congregations well versed in Scripture and moving on, maturing in Christ.
Sadly, I believe little of this happens when it comes to outreach. It seems a lot of churches give little thought to Evangelistic plans. It seems to me, if a plan is there, desires or goals are not clearly identified, neither is a clear system to identify and train potential evangelists. There is often no clear thought of the essential practical steps needed to connect with people outside of the congregation.
This leads to haphazard evangelism, wrongly targeted outreach or ineffective (or only marginally effective) evangelism. What this means in real terms is many evangelist meetings attract few or no non-Christians. It means few or nobody in the church congregation has regular meaningful contact with any outside the kingdom. It means the chances of a non-Christian being befriended by a Christian appear to lessen as the years roll on and the church distances itself from the community, unintentionally or intentionally.
The burning question that we need to ask is what individual structure is best for me or my church? Not being you, I cannot answer. However, I can give necessary general elements that must be made specific to arrive at your all important structure.
First, you must know your culture. Hopefully you’re already part of it! One of my main areas of Evangelism is Harley-Davidson riders. Why? Easy, I own, love and ride a Harley. I’m reaching out to a community I’m already part of. The starting point is the group you intend to reach out to, NOT THE CHURCH (yet). From knowing your culture, formulate a plan. There can be lots of confusing elements in any outreach, but with a prayerfully, well thought out plan things will fall into place. Think of it this way. What is the most important piece of a jigsaw puzzle? The corner bits? The boarder? To my mind, the most important piece is the box lid! It has the picture and organises confusing elements into one big image! Worth thinking about. Remember to stand out (in a good way) in your chosen community. Through the Holy Spirit, bring appropriate attention to Christ. Remember your limits and your ability to follow up. Be 110% committed, but don’t over stress yourself or your team. Remember to regularly evaluate all you do. Make sure you have clear goals and mark them off as achieved. Make sure your structure is fluid enough to be able to implement needed changes. Finally, remember the Church. The Evangelist’s work is meaningless without the Church. By Church, I mean a community of faith in all its varied forms. To feed people into a community of faith should be our main (certainly NOT the only) goal of your evangelism structure.
Please journey with me over the next six days as I detail more of what I have briefly touched on above.
May God bless you in all your endeavors.
Captain Andrew D. Carter Dip. Ev., CA.
“Everyday Evangelism”
www.everyday-evangelism.com.au
My parting thoughts for now:
Ask the leaders of your Church to see their evangelism plan for the next 12 months, 3 years and 5 years.
Where do you fit into your Church’s plan?
Links to the other days:
Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4; Day 5; Day 6; Day 7.
Link to other Resources.
I would like to give you many more thoughts on evangelism. Please subscribe to my free E-zine at the Top.
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