Tags
Evangelism, go ye therefore, Good news (Christianity), Great Commission, outreach, Tim Challies, win souls
In tonight’s training session at Philadelphia Ministries & Training Center we discussed the topic of: Evangelism vs. Outreach, using a wonderfully written article by Tim Challies entitled Evangelism & Outreach. Challies helps us recognize that even though these two terms are often used synonymously, they actually are two different functions.
Evangelism is “the act of spreading the gospel… preaching the gospel…[and] teaching men how to avail themselves to the offer of salvation.” Outreach, on the other hand is “reaching out to the community in order to meet needs…[It is] an act of love…[that] allows people to make a connection with the church.” It is through outreach that unbelievers experience the love of Christ.
Outreach alone will not result in the saving of souls; however it often leads to evangelism, which often does result in repentance and acceptance of Christ. In doing the work of outreach we can let people know the reason for our actions is because Jesus loves them and so do we.
While I recommend you read the article in it’s entirety, here are some final take-away messages shared by those who participated in this training:
Evangelism –
- The word “evangelism” comes from the same Greek word as gospel and good news.
- If there is good news there’s also bad news. The ministry of evangelism must create a picture of both.
- The bad news: sin is an offense against God that will be judged.
- Good news: If you confess your sins and repent, don’t have to be judged.
- The good and the bad news are both part of the gospel message.
- In terms of evangelism, Jesus said: “GO”; He didn’t say “Stick around here and let people come to you.” (Matthew 28:19)
- Evangelism is the spreading, declaring, and teaching of the gospel.
Outreach –
- Is showing the love of Christ, but not necessarily preaching the good news.
- In outreach, you’re reaching out to the community, region and nation. You’re making yourself visible, making it known that you are there to help meet practical and physical needs of people.
- You sometimes have to do outreach first in order to have the “right” to be there to evangelize.
- Outreach opens the door by meeting the practical need; you go out and find someone who obviously needs help, and meet them exactly where they are.
- Friendship is a type of outreach.
In closing, I would like to make one final point. I have often observed well-intended Christians spreading the gospel in the most condemnatory of ways. While evangelism must include some degree of expression of God’s dissatisfaction with our sinful behavior, when proclaiming the gospel we as should gradually release words of correction in this way:
- During outreach – No words of correction
- During evangelism – Few words of correction; enough for the person to acknowledge the sin and to desire to repent from it
- During discipleship – more and more words of correction released as the new convert develops and spiritually matures.
The scripture does say “He who wins souls must be wise.” (Prov 11:30).
Blessings to you!