No matter what specific function your church plays -- whether it's the healing ministry, prayer ministry or worship ministry -- every congregation is called to a certain level of evangelism. A church is not a house for the healthy but for the sick.
The Jesus model of the church involved going out of their way to reach the unreached and bringing the love of God to those who are hurting and searching. Jesus said in Mark 2:17, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
Sadly, not many churches are open to the unchurched and searching. We have programs, events and avenues to help existing Christians become "better" Christians, but there is little emphasis on bringing the gospel to those who are yet to have a relationship with Jesus.
We are to value the lost and searching primarily because Jesus found them to be extremely valuable. In Luke 15, Jesus gives us three parables -- a story about a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son. In all three parables, Jesus highlights the value of that which is lost to the point of leaving the comforts of remaining stagnant with the found to reach the one that is lost.
Also, evangelism is extremely important because it's only natural that zealous and passionate Christians tell the whole world of the amazing love of God expressed through the sacrifice of Jesus! Matthew 5:14 tells us, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
To remain ready to engage and evangelize to the unchurched, we must be particular about making our church services inviting to the lost. Are you unsure if your church is being active in discipleship by remaining seeker-friendly? Here are 10 good signs that show you that your services are inviting to the unchurched.
- Your volunteers readily build relationships with first-timers.
- You have a simple and understandable discipleship and assimilation process.
- Your sermons point people to Christ, not just to a set of rules and regulations.
- Various age groups feel comfortable attending services on a regular basis.
- Starting times and ending times are clear and adhered to.
- Members and leaders are ready to stay non-judgmental in meeting the unchurched.
- Your leaders don't wait for the lost to come to your doors but go out to the campuses, offices and public places to reach out to them.
- Leaders find no problem admitting that they are not perfect themselves.
- There is little to no exclusivity within groups and communities within your church.
- It is convenient to get connected to small discipleship groups.
