Encourage Every Member to Participate

In the American business culture, there is a common goal to "Close the Deal." There are several books written about achieving the ultimate deal-making goal. If you can't close the deal, the business sector might consider you inexperienced or unaccomplished. Unfortunately, this cultural ideology has crept into the church's expectation of evangelism. Sometimes, people feel intimidated to be a witness because they haven't converted as many people as a famous evangelist. This happens even when they're sharing their faith with others and doing their best.

It is important to remind our church members that evangelism is not just about "Closing the Deal." The biblical concept of evangelism is that it is our participation in the work of God. We know that the Holy Spirit moves like a wind, and we don't always know where it is blowing, but we trust that He is working (John 3:8). Our goal, therefore, is to be faithful participants in the process. Many steps are involved in bringing the gospel to those who are lost.

The gospel ministry was described by the Apostle Paul using an agricultural analogy. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, he stated that he planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Jesus also used the same analogy to refer to the process of spreading the Word of God. When we understand that our role is only to spread the seed and that we cannot cause the growth, we can regain the momentum to expand the proclamation of the Good News. We should not limit the concept of evangelism to conversion alone.

As a Bible teacher, I have taught that we can spread the gospel by saying something that captures the attention of the unbeliever we are conversing with. I often meet unbelievers at my local coffee shop, and we engage in casual conversations about various topics such as the weather, work-related issues, or travel destinations. During these conversations, I always pray for an opportunity to introduce some biblical thoughts that will make them question their secular beliefs. By using a biblical phrase that they may not be familiar with, I often get asked the question, “What do you mean by that?” This gives me the opportunity to guide the conversation towards a fuller expression of the gospel or even present them with a Bible to encourage them to start reading.

In some cases, God has given me the opportunity to guide certain conversations, which ultimately lead people to place their faith in Jesus Christ after being convicted of their sins. However, this process can take quite some time, lasting for weeks or even months. Through my ministry, White Fields, I visit Japan, where the pastors we support display great perseverance in this regard, as they often engage in Bible study with individuals for five to seven years before some are ready to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. To bring someone to faith, it is crucial to take the time to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

It is important to note that while I began sharing the gospel in many instances, God often used other people to develop a relationship with the person, and they became the ones who were used by the Holy Spirit to reap the fruit. The Apostle Paul spoke about this concept when he said that he planted the seed, but Apollos watered it. Both men were working for the same team. While Paul may have played a vital role in the conversion of members of the Corinthian church, God used Apollos to water that conversion with more biblical training, helping new believers grow in their faith. Similarly, one person may introduce someone to the gospel, while another may help them achieve a deeper understanding and conversion.

We must inspire our congregations to spread the gospel with zeal. Encourage them to engage in meaningful conversations with their unsaved friends and neighbors using thought-provoking phrases that capture their attention. Let them know that they are the instrument of God in spreading the Good News. Some will sow the seed, others will nurture it, and ultimately, it will be God who brings forth growth.