Introduction
This essay will discuss my Christian journey, variations in perspective, and obstacles to my discerning. I will discuss my idea for incorporating Evangelism into each aspect of my lifetime and some substantial changes I will need to make to achieve this goal. I will also discuss how I see my future service and calling in Evangelism and development and developing authentic disciples who want to multiply their witness.
Things I Have Learned About Evangelism That Has Changed My Perception and Challenged Your Thinking
The size and scope of Evangelism is the most shocking insight I have had due to this study. When I first started the course, I thought Evangelism was solely about proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ: that He suffered, died, and was raised for our transgressions so that we can be forgiven to our almighty Father and live forever. Furthermore, as I walked out of this charge, I thought I was on my own. This suggests that we Christians are charged in the gospels with communicating this great news as a personal obligation.
Although Evangelism as a personal obligation remains a vital doctrine in my heart, additional ideas were sparked and developed. In a 4-MAT book review of David Wheeler and Vernon M. Whaley’s The Great Commission to Worship: Biblical Principles for Worship-Based Evangelism, I questioned whether, while Evangelism was a Great Commission calling, worship was not inevitably a Great Commission calling. I suggested that if we classify worship as Evangelism and Evangelism as worship, driving out demons and laying hands on the sick could be considered worship. In their book, Wheeler and Whaley essentially claimed that spreading the Word is worship, but they did not include any other Great Commission vocation as worship. As a result, the Great Commission was reduced to fit the authors’ reasoning, who were highly evangelistic, omitting other plainly stated commissions in Scripture.
After additional personal study of Matthew 7:22-23, my questions have grown. “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did not we prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, and perform numerous marvels in your name” (Matthew 7:22-23). I am convinced that the ultimate depth of evangelization is worship, given that Christ is just ultimately exalted by parts of his kingdom drawing others to him. However, it aims to discuss the breadth of Evangelism; I must quote more works and research.
For instance, firstly, preaching has come to mean more to me than at the beginning of this course. Before the course, I thought Evangelism was restricted to presenting the gospel and testifying, but I could only share my testimony of what Christ had accomplished in my life. This belief would lead to me witnessing without the Holy Spirit’s leading, which can be embarrassing. McRaney says people must constantly be led by the Holy Spirit. As Paul wrote, individuals demolish justifications and every presumption that stands in the way of God’s understanding, and take captivity every thinking to make it submissive to Christ.
Secondly, my thinking has shifted from Evangelism being solely about sharing the gospel and bearing witness via testifying to the topic of servanthood. Servant Evangelism, according to Wheeler, is a type of Evangelism. He urged them to do far more than abandon their nets. This invitation would turn into a challenge to live a bold new life. This existence required complete dedication to Christ’s servant example. “I get: ‘opening the door for those at church,” Wheeler said in a private telephone call. Beyond meeting the physical needs of believers already attending church, a physical need must be satisfied.” While admirable, according to Wheeler, this is hardly servant Evangelism.
While we were given two papers to demonstrate Servant Evangelism, I was docked 10 points for paying for a cat funeral that a friend of my wife could not afford. In addition, I got a zero and was required to make up a document in which I was responsible for giving a memorial service for a suicide victim. Neither of these instances, particularly the provision for the suicide victim’s family, qualified as servant Evangelism. A minister performing their duty is not getting out of their journey to meet a physiological need.
Finally, I discovered that there are two types of testimony in witnessing. To begin with, the planning of my individual transition experience in the context of what life was like before Christ, how I got to know him individually, and what changes I have encountered since getting to know him. It surprised me that newly converted Christians could begin evangelizing almost immediately after their conversion. Peter offers a message of repentance, and 3,000 people react in faith says Wheeler, citing Acts 2. The new Christians immediately acquire a missional mindset of fellowship, worship, and lifestyle evangelization. My testimony cannot be debunked regardless of what theological debate one might launch in a rational, biblical argument. No matter how adept I may become at internal or external apologetics, my physical servant witness cannot be adept.
My Vision as it Relates to Integrating Evangelism in my Life
I never imagined that my ears might be used to progress God’s kingdom on earth, but that is precisely what happened during this course. My witness cannot be refuted, irrespective of what philosophical debate one would engage in in a reasoned, scriptural argument. My bodily servant testimony cannot be denied, no matter how skilled I become in internal or exterior apologetics. I bought a van with the support of my mother and used it to minister. I anticipate finishing my M.Div. prerequisites by spring of next year and pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Theology and Apologetics. This will enable me to serve on the road while advancing Christ’s kingdom, as he has given me the vision.
I am happy with the new insight I have gained from my schooling because evangelization is in the Bible. Within the confines of what I have seen with the van outreach thus far, it is evident that God is leading me on this path. He has paved the way that I would not have been able to access on my own and closed ones that I was unwilling to accept at the time. However, it has been depicted that there is only one objective in life: salvation so that no one is lost. I cannot expect my family to comprehend because it took me a long to realize this. My parents are lost somehow, and I have observed and served them. I cannot take care of the household without God, and I cannot succeed at work with integrity if I do not have Him. My younger siblings could be too young to comprehend, and my extended relatives may not be willing to listen. And, whether they understand it or not, I have to live out God’s calling on my life.
The relationship with my society will be intriguing since that community will shift continuously while serving on the road. I have committed to serving, and I have given up and minimized my carnal existence to the point that I have everything I need to meet my own and my younger siblings’ requirements. My demands will be decreased even further if their bodily needs are addressed at school. I will have everything I need to ministry and finish my studies. Embracing this role is what God has planned since the beginning of time. My education in this course has influenced my ministry by broadening my understanding of what God has in store for me. For example, whereas I once had a narrow interpretation of Evangelism, I now see it as including a broader range of possibilities and optimism. As I pursue my studies, my knowledge will expand and multiply without a sure.
It is always feasible and welcome for me to become more vocal and bolder in my evangelism work. However, a little in my mouth could be more appropriate, as waiting for the Holy Ghost to educate me has shown to be a weakness. I keep praying for God to open other doors and for me to be ready when he does. I realize that God has ordered a succession of Evangelism in my path. There was zeal at the beginning, but there was little or no discussion with the Holy Ghost. This phrase reminded me of the movie Ready, Fire, Aim, and the following phase I went through was a rationalization overcompensation.
As I pre-calculated the result of my efforts, I also left the Holy Ghost out of my Evangelism. I am currently at a phase where Iam more in tune with the Holy Spirit, looking for additional ways to evangelize aside from personal testimony and becoming more confident in what I have to say, despite the outcome. In essence, because I am discerning the Holy Spirit guiding me more distinctly in these encounters, there are moments when I detach to pay attention, pray, and return for an additional witness at the appointed time. Because this is a challenge for me, I must be more delicate and obedient to the piece from my tongue at moments.
How I Envision my Future Ministry and Calling as it Relates to Evangelism
As I stated previously in the article, I believe that being on the road is my calling and vision. I envision a three-pointed focus for this ministry: first, I see a responsibility to help failed churches. In my experience, churches collapse for two reasons: failure to expand from inside and inability to grow from beyond. To support these congregations, I must first urge the church’s leadership to pray for and surrender to resolving internal disagreements. Second, I would have to assist the community in evangelization. The body will need to be trained and encouraged to participate in this auction through a live example. Furthermore, the biblical “whys” must be taught, starting with being Great Commission Worshippers. Biblical Evangelism is a part of who we are as Believers and why we are here acting in the world in the present and future. Then there is no need for preaching once Jesus arrives, as Wheeler’s teachings have demonstrated.
As I envision the healing churches as activation points for revival, the vision consists of the flames of revival. I believe that on some days, those faithful followers will be able to pitch tents, lead worship, intercede for others, and feed the needy. A group of young people will be able to minister in these churches. This is the ministry’s vision and how evangelization fits into it. Now is the time to exercise and rehearse what will soon become a dynamic and developing national neighborhood on a local level. As a result, the immediate plans have already passed the planning stage and are now in the implementation stage. That being said, I pray that God will assist me in dealing with life’s diversions, which have nothing to do with soul salvation or the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth. I hope he will be able to assist me in dealing with my disorder and procrastination. Because God is always working in or around me, I believe that I can rise above myself and effectively carry out his will.
Conclusion
What humans learn and display has an impact on the community. I am seeking to create chances for people to clothe and feed the needy through servant Evangelism. I hope that I perceive God more clearly and that if I have not, he replaces any misconceptions or willfulness with insight and obedience. However, I suppose this is just what he has decreed in the meantime. I believe that this class will benefit him and bring him honor.