Forgetting to Evangelize the Lost
Pt. 2 The Demise of a Congregation
2003002
Subject: evangelism; church growth
Introduction:
A.
Consider the
primary mission of Jesus while on earth: Lk. 19:10
1.
We have been
charged w/the same duty
2.
Mt. 28:18-20; Mk.
16:15-16; Acts 2:38-47
B.
Christians have a
duty to follow the admonition of Jesus.
C.
Jesus designed
each local congregation to be a lighthouse overlooking a sea of darkness.
1.
Jesus wants us to
rescue as many souls as possible.
2.
Each Church
should view itself as a ray of hope in a lost world. This is our mission – this is why we’re here.
3.
We must be
motivated to look for every effective means to share the gospel with others.
– no matter what.
a)
talk to friends;
radio program; website; c courses; visitation; etc.
b)
our love for
Jesus and lost souls must motivate us to get motivated around here!
D.
Talking about the
demise of a congregation. One of
the quickest ways to go down the road toward demise is to forget evangelistic
efforts.
E.
For a few moments
we’ll talk about some hindrances to evangelize the lost. Must avoid these at all costs. Here are a few:
I. Internal grumbling.
A. Phil. 2:14-16
1.
internal
grumbling/mumbling is a hindrance to evangelism.
2.
Thankfully, not a
problem here. But make sure it
doesn’t start.
3.
Men of congregation
make plans – act on it – get behind it.
4.
May not be your
idea, but help out! Remember Eph.
4:16
5.
Eph. 4:31-32
describes the humble disposition of Christians.
II. Busy Work vs Productive Work.
A.
There are
necessary tasks of church business.
1.
grounds keeping;
building improvements
2.
providing
necessities for worship.
B.
But we must NOT
spend so much time on external items that we let the main business of a church
suffer – i.e., evangelism!
III. Majoring in the Minors.
A.
In these
congregations, brotherhood gossip is all that is discussed.
B.
Every latest
controversial issue is discussed & hashed out over and over.
1.
done whether or
not the issue is confronting the group at the time.
2.
Some
congregations have totally lost their focus and relish in making a name for
themselves in this way.
IV. Worldly Concerns.
A.
How many of us
are distracted by worldly concerns? Distractions?
1.
This can sap our
spiritual focus.
2.
We get so busy in
our careers; paying bills; recreation; that evangelism is forgotten!
B.
Lk. 8:14 –
choked w/worries/riches/pleasures – how many of us would this describe?
C.
How many lost
souls are not reached because we are too busy?
V. Doing
Evangelism the Hard Way.
A. Busy work vs productive work can infect
evangelistic efforts.
1. We know something has to be done, but
what?
B. Are media campaigns; paid programs;
mass advertising effective?
1.
Not like they
used to be.
2.
Success in some
areas, not all.
3.
These are often
expensive, and the return on investment – minimal.
4.
They often serve
as high profile substitutes for personal
involvement by each saint.
C.
Mike Wilson:
“Often the perception is that evangelism is being done en masse but there is little to show for it & churches do not
grow.”
VI. Is
There a Better Way?
A.
Yes! Go talk to a neighbor!
B.
NT example of the word of mouth approach…
1.
Acts 10:24
– relatives & close friends
2.
John 1:40-42
– Andrew brought Peter to Jesus
3.
John 1:45-46
– Philip invited Nathaniel – “Come and See.”
4.
Acts – men
& women had entire households converted!
D.
Why important?
1.
less hurdles to
cross w/existing social connections than w/total strangers.
E.
Let’s work to
make this a team effort!
1.
In ’03 let’s use
effective means (public forums; small group gatherings in private homes, etc.)
2.
Emphasize team
evangelism & use it as a springboard for personal evangelism.
3.
If we can have
confidence in the message AND the approach being used, talking to those outside
the gospel can be a natural and joyful expression of the Christian life!
F.
Effective
evangelism will require:
1.
genuine interest
in lost people.
2.
hard work
3.
consistent follow-up
4.
sacrifice
5.
time
G.
When the price is
paid, saints begin to look upward in faith for God’s help – then there is
a constant flow of new converts coming in – bring and new faces waiting
to grow up in Christ!
Conclusion:
A.
If we lose our
bearing & evangelism is set aside – we will get sidetracked & our
mission will be derailed.
B.
It is a tragedy
to see congregations make little effort to reach the lost. Such congregations will die!
C.
Let’s work hard
in the coming year to grow this church according to God’s plan in His way!
D.
I N V I T A T I O
N