Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church
1948 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
San Jose, CA 95126
Effective congregations exhibit a holistic approach to evangelism built on relationships, centered around events, and focused on meeting the specific needs of people in the community.
Evangelism is often a misundersood word and concept. What does this word mean to you? Inviting others to come to know and develop a relationship with Jesus, proclaiming the good news that Jesus is our Savior, extending an invitation to come to church and then offer a ride to that person - all of this is evangelism.
For the people in effective congregations, the motivation for reaching out to other is Jesus. Sparked by a strong sense of the power of Jesus in their own lives and in the life of their congregation as a community, they live knowing they have good news to share. They feel compelled to share with others their experience of this 'community'. The belonging they feel in Christ, and the sense of cummunity they feel in the congregation. More often than not, the evangelistic invitation is first to the church, to an activity, an event, a worship service, or a small group gathering. But make no mistake, while it starts with an event or gathering at the bottom line the invitation is always ultimately to Jesus.
There you have it - the bottom line is Jesus, developing a faith relationship with Jesus. Money, survival, the need for specific talents - none of these are good reasons to add members to your congregation. Jesus is the reason - offering the opportunity for people to come and see and know Jesus.
There are many ways to invite through media, mailings, brochures, door hangers, etc. But by far the most effective way to invite is through personal invitation. Yes, pastors can and should do this, but invitations from you are even more effective.
There are people with whom you rub shoulders every single day, who do not know Jesus or who do not attend a church on a regular basis. They are literally everywhere - at the post office, at morning coffee, in the grocery store, at work, at school, across the fence. Sitting next to you at the convert, fixing your car, cutting your hair, etc.
Making evangelism a way of life means that when you encounter one of these people in your life (and you will), your first thought should be to invite them to church. And then don't only think about it - do it!
Don't expect an affirmative response every time. You may need to ask, again and again, before the person responds positively. While you are waiting for them to do so, put them on your prayer list, put them on the congregation's prayer list, and start planning how you and the congregation can "turn up the hospitality" when the person you have invited finally does respond with a "YES!"