"CONGREGATIONAL EVANGELISM"

INTRODUCTION
  1. Evangelism is to be a central feature of the Lord's church...
    1. To make disciples of all the nations - cf. Mt 28:19-20
    2. To preach the gospel to every person - cf. Mk 16:15-16
  2. There are many good ways to evangelize...
    1. Public preaching and teaching, private studies and conversations, TV, radio, the Internet
    2. What works well often depends on the circumstances, the culture, etc.
  3. What works well in many places can be described as "Congregational Evangelism"...
    1. Assuming there is a congregation that already exists in a community
    2. Assuming its members are willing to do their part to make it work

[The term "Congregational Evangelism" could be used to describe many different efforts by local churches. In this study, I will use it to describe one particular approach...]

  1. WHAT IS CONGREGATIONAL EVANGELISM?
    1. UTILIZING A CONGREGATION'S MEMBERS...
      1. Making use of the members' contacts
        1. Each member has a network of potential contacts
        2. These contacts may be family, friends, neighbors, coworkers
      2. Making use of the members' abilities
        1. Each member has some ability to offer
        2. These abilities may vary; i.e., hospitality, teaching
        -- With any congregation of Christians, there is the potential for evangelism
    2. UTILIZING A CONGREGATION'S ASSEMBLIES...
      1. Making use of the congregation's assemblies
        1. Christians assemble regularly for worship and Bible study
        2. These assemblies involve praise to God and interaction with those present
      2. What happens can have an impact on those who visit
        1. Consider Paul's comments in 1Co 14:23-25
        2. Note that the impact can be either negative or positive
        -- When assemblies are utilized positively, you have "Congregational Evangelism"!

      ["Congregational Evangelism" occurs when the members' utilize their contacts and abilities in conjunction with their assemblies to produce a positive effect among those who visit. Now consider...]

  2. HOW CONGREGATIONAL EVANGELISM WORKS
    1. BY ACTIVATING THE CONGREGATION'S MEMBERS...
      1. The members must commit themselves to evangelism - cf. 1 Pe 2:9,10
      2. The members must invite people to services (via cards, phone, letters) - cf. Jn 1:46
      3. The members must extend kindness to those who visit - cf. He 13:2
      4. The members must display a positive picture for visitors - cf. 1Co 14:23-25
      5. The members must create opportunities for teaching - e.g., Ac 10:24
        1. One does not even need to know what to teach
        2. They can connect the visitor or prospect with a teacher
        -- Everyone must be committed and do that which provides opportunities for those willing and able to teach
    2. BY ACTIVATING THE CONGREGATION'S SERVICES...
      1. The members must arrive early
        1. Visitors usually arrive early and leave early
        2. The best opportunity to visit is before services
      2. The members must greet the visitors
        1. Greet them in the parking lot
        2. Greet them before services begin
        3. Members sitting on the back rows are the "welcoming committee"
      3. The members must offer worship that edifies - cf. 1Co 14:23-25,26b
        1. By those who lead, setting the example (e.g., enthusiastic)
          1. Starting with those who make the announcements
          2. Continuing with those who lead in song and prayer
          3. And of course, the preacher!
        2. By every member also setting an example
          1. By how they sing (or do not sing) - cf. 1Co 14:15
          2. By how they pray (do I hear an "Amen"?) - cf. 1Co 14:15-16
          3. By how they listen (with readiness, or apparent boredom?) - cf. Ac 17:11
      4. The members must visit with the visitors
        1. After services, if not before
        2. Visitors must be given priority over other members
          1. You can always visit with the members
          2. This may be your only opportunity with the visitors
          -- When a visitor leaves our services, what will they think? Will they want to return?
CONCLUSION
  1. Hopefully, their experience will encourage them to return again and again...
    1. Where there will be opportunity to learn more
    2. Where opportunities for personal study will be more likely
    3. Where eventually the gospel is shared and gratefully received!
  2. "Congregational Evangelism" as defined in this study, is nothing more than...
    1. The members of a congregation utilizing their individual contacts, inviting people to services
    2. Making sure that those who visit are encouraged by what they see to return

When this happens, the opportunity to sow the seed will be greatly enhanced...!