Cultivating a Culture of Evangelism - Part 3

1. Prayer - “What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use — men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men — men of prayer.”  - E.M. Bounds.  We have novel and creative strategies that have been effective at drawing crowds but souls are won to Christ through prayerful evangelism.  The disciples were in the upper room praying before thousands were saved at Pentecost.  We are to pray for “laborers into the harvest.”  Remember also to pray for the seed as much after it has been sown as you would pray for God to bless the work before you go.  I have personally experienced God's transforming power upon a church through special prayer meetings.  Set aside your Saturday mornings, sacrifice Friday night from 9 PM to 6 AM (yes, all night), say no to yourself by fasting all day Saturday (not necessarily the Saturday after all night prayer) and celebrate the Resurrection corporately with prayerful rejoicing.  Effective evangelism depends upon prayerful saints of God.  You don’t need a program or instructions on how to pray or need the collecting of requests.  It’s simple, just pray.
2. Get Uncomfortable, Go Visiting - Go where the people are.  Get out of the church office and go find people who need Jesus.  Build relationships in the community.  Be intentional about sharing the gospel at the barber shop, fitness center, coffee shop, anywhere.  If you struggle with a plan then try this one:  Go door to door and introduce yourself to your neighbors.  Just say, “My name is _______ and I am part of ______ church.  I just wanted to get out and meet my neighbors and try to be a blessing to my community.  Is there any way that I can pray for you?”  Write down their prayer concern.  Go back to the office and send them a hand-written card letting them know you are praying for them.  Check back with them a week or so later and let them know you are praying and see how they are doing.  You will find most people to be appreciative that you stopped by and few of the other kind.  The people you meet may or may not visit your church but at least you are being faithful to go and you are making a gospel presence in the community.  God will bless your going.  You will have some moments that test your faith.  Just Go!