Home Evangelism and Small Groups

Evangelism and Small Groups

You may have heard of friendship evangelism, music evangelism, media evangelism, lifestyle evangelism, or perhaps, even small-group evangelism. Although the content and focus remain the same for sharing the good news, the ways for sharing the good news can be as varied as your gifts and creativity.

Here, we will focus on small-group evangelism. In what ways are small groups a unique venue for evangelism? Usually, a small group is a gathering of 3-15 people who meet for a specific purpose. In your church, you may have one or several of the following groups: the administrative board, church council, administrative staff, men's group, United Methodist Women's circles, Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, prayer groups, trustees, pastor-parish relations committee, worship-leading team, choir, fellowship groups, support groups, accountability groups, and many more. These groups are formed for a specific purpose other than evangelism, but that doesn't mean that the groups cannot be used as places where the good news of salvation through Christ's life, death, and resurrection may be lived and shared.

Small groups enable Christians to discover and exercise their gifts. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul reminds us that our varying gifts have been given "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Clearly, the work of ministry is not a job designated solely to the pastor. When members (saints) exercise their gifts for service and unity, the small group becomes a model of Christian community and, therefore, a living testament to what God has called us to be. By being accountable to one another as they strive to live a life of obedience, Christian discipleship, and service, small-group members demonstrate, not their own abilities, but the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. To the unreached and to those we want to reach with the good news, this is evangelism at work! When individuals ask how you are able to live in harmony in worship, work, and service, you may then share with them the good news of Jesus Christ.

Small groups enable members to build their confidence and ability to share the gospel. Some people do not feel confident or comfortable walking up to a person and sharing the gospel one-on-one. How many have the gift to be an evangelist in mass rallies and crusades? As you consider evangelism to be one of your priorities, you may think of ways to reach out to others as a group. Thus, the work of evangelism becomes less daunting as it is shared by many. Besides, you would be fulfilling the mandate in Matthew 28:19-20 (given to every believer) with less fear and trepidation because you have the support of your group. Whether focused on ministry, task, fellowship, or spiritual growth, groupsthat have put evangelismat the top of their priority list have seen growth in spiritual maturity as well as in many other ways. Why not give small-group evangelism a try?

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