1. EVANGELISM The Great Commission Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen Matthew 28:19-20

2. What is Evangelism? The winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ; militant or crusading zeal (Webster) God’s act of working through believers empowered by the Holy Spirit to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ to every person and people group with the purpose to persuade the lost to come to salvation. (from Southern Baptist Evangelists) The act of one that seeks to convert others to the Christian faith. Soul winning, praying, seeing, witnessing and believing God for people to come to Christ. (Pastor Rose Wright-Scott) Reference: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:32 Converted means to come back to your former firm stand.

3. The Evangelist The word “Evangelist” is used only three times in scripture. Ephesians 4:11; Acts 21:8; II Timothy 4:5. Therefore, relatively little can be concluded about this person’s role. Phillip, who planted churches, is called an Evangelist in Acts 21:8, and Timothy who was instructed to do the work of an Evangelist in II Timothy 4:5 The root meaning of Evangelist is “to bring good tidings” or “to bring the Gospel message”. In the New Testament, the Evangelist appears to have gone to unbelieving people, attempting to win them to Christ. Some people view the Evangelist as a particularly effective soul-winner. Soul-winning is the responsibility of all Christians regardless of their spiritual gifts, offices, or ministries.

4. Evangelism, Baptism, and Education The purpose of the church is to make disciples of all kinds of people. Those who are evangelized and converted should then be baptized, attesting to their identification with Christ and the local body of believers. The Great Commission serves to train disciples in Christian knowledge and for effective service. A church can not choose one aspect of its responsibility and neglect the others. The Great Commission is a simple command with three steps: Evangelism : Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…. Baptism : Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…. Education : Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.

5. Evangelism After Jesus told the Apostles that He had received all authority, He then ordered them to go make disciples of all nations. A few questions that needs to be considered in order to understand the command to go is:  Who does this command apply to?  Does it apply to all Christians?  Did it apply to only the apostles?  Does it only apply to ordained Ministers of the Gospel? The command to “GO” applies to all believers without exception!

6. Evangelism …. Continued The Evangelist has a task that involves far more than just witnessing. Evangelism involves teaching the whole counsel of God or all that Christ has commanded. “Equipping the saints for the work of the Ministry.” To train and equip the rank-and-file Christians to do the work of the Ministry. The aim of this Ministry of Christian service it for the edifying of the body of Christ, this is, to build up the Church numerically and spiritually.

7. Baptism The second thing necessary is to baptize. The order of baptism followed by teaching is emphasized in the book of Acts. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:41-42

8. Baptism.... continued There are many reasons why baptism is important:  Baptism signifies a person’s regeneration by the Holy Spirit.  Baptism signifies a believers union with Christ in His death and resurrection. All the saving graces flow from Christ’s atoning death.  Baptism signifies a Christian’s cleansing from sin.  In Baptism the new believer publicly acknowledges his submission to Christ’s ownership and authority.  Baptism in some circumstances is required for Church membership.  Baptism signifies that union with Christ brings believers into a vital relationship with the three persons of the Godhead. When a person believes and is justified, he is adopted into God’s family.

9. Baptism.... Continued The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit….  These three are one God, their exercise of authority is one: for it is said, “Baptizing them not in the names”, but in the “Name” of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

10. Education The third thing necessary to disciple the nations is to teach them to observe all things that Christ has commanded. Jesus subdues the nations through the power of His Holy Spirit and through the preaching and teaching of His Word. The sharp sword is the word of God…The Bible! Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16 We disciple the nations by teaching them the truth as it is revealed in the Scriptures, and speaking the power of the Holy Spirit to make our teaching effective in those we try to instruct. Everything that can be known (this side of Heaven) regarding God, Christ, the law, salvation, the church, our estate and so on is revealed in the Bible.

11. Education.... Continued All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17 When the church fails to teach all that Christ has commanded the result is disaster for the church and society.

12. Point To Consider In Evangelism Efforts: USE THE GIFT OF EVANGELISM Have the leader be one who has the gift of evangelism. He or she will love it and inspire others by their passion and example. Reference: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12 Use the Spiritual Gifts Assessment

13. Key Elements For Evangelism From Pastor Rose Wright Scott Prayer Communication Individual spiritual growth Discover your core values Everyone owns the vision Build strong lay leadership Determine the needs and skills of the congregation Evaluate all current Ministries and programs Build on your strengths Identify potential new members Determine the needs of potential new members Hospitality Dynamic Worship Listen to hear God

14. Prayer Individual intentional prayer for the church Collective prayer for discernment  Wednesday night Prayer Meetings

15. Effective Communication Take nothing for granted; make no assumptions Be intentional, be repetitious Internal Communication Outline a detailed plan of communication to the congregation External communication Outline a detailed plan of communication to the community

16. Individual Spiritual Growth Have a sincere desire to become a disciple Spiritual gift discernment Willingness to use the spiritual gifts Listen for God’s call

17. Discover Your Core Values Values that are essential to your church The DNA of the ministry of the church The principals of the church The values that remain when the membership changes

18. Everyone Owns The Vision The vision is biblically based There is excitement about the vision The vision is realistic Everyone believes the vision can be accomplished Know The Melfield UCC Purpose Statement  The purpose of Melfield United Church of Christ is to Worship God, to Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to Celebrate the Sacraments. This church is to realize and celebrate Christian Fellowship and Unity within and without these walls. We must render loving service toward humankind; and strive for righteousness, justice and peace. We further believe that Jesus Christ is the Sole Head of the Church, the Son of the living God.

19. Build Strong Lay Leadership Encourage people to use their spiritual gifts Empower Equip

20. Determine The Needs and Skills of The Congregation Survey the congregation to determine the needs Develop Ministries that meet the needs of the congregation Do a Spiritual Gifts assessment Utilize the gifts present for the basis of continued and new ministries

21. Evaluate All Current Ministries and Programs Evaluate everything that is done in the church Are programs relevant to the congregation or potential members? Do the Ministries address the needs of the congregation or potential members? Are the gifts of the members being used?

22. Build On Your Strengths Utilize gifts of the congregation Develop new Ministries based on your strengths Be open to new and different ideas for Ministry Establish realistic Ministry plans

23. Identify Potential New Members Use research data to determine who is in your area Identify the people you wish to attract Be specific Be honest Be realistic

24. Determine The Needs of New Members Survey visitors and new members to determine:  Spiritual needs  Social needs

25. Hospitality Show radical extravagant hospitality Welcome visitors and new members Solicit participation Accept new ideas Mentor

26. Dynamic Worship Celebrate Educate Try new things, be flexible Embrace the Holy Spirit

27. Listen To Hear God God is still speaking  Listen  Hear  Respond