Be Found Faithful

The ultimate objective of a church’s ministry plan is to increase the number of mature Christians while receiving new converts and attendees. However, the church’s efforts need not be a program so much as a mentality in which the leadership encourages believers to share lives with those inside and outside the fellowship. As Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thes 2:8, NIV). In a time of consumeristic tendencies within Evangelicalism, an attitude of sacrificial interpersonal investment pays dividends as members spur one another toward maturity, accountability, and mutual affection. In a Postmodern and Post-Christian culture where unbelievers meet organized methods with skepticism or outright hostility, intentional relationships are where evangelism will prove most effective. The corporate gathering plays a pivotal role in equipping the gatherers to grow in their faith and stimulating them to go forth with the gospel of grace.
Deploy
But we must go forth! As has been explained over the last several weeks, the church gathering is vitally important for setting the pace and expectations for its members, but the members must scatter with the gospel. Evangelism is both corporate and personal. Every week, well-equipped congregations should deploy into their respective spheres of influence like an invading army. In this manner, the church extends God’s reach into the unique circumstances of every believer’s work, home, school, and recreational life. Every setting is an evangelistic opportunity to confront non-believers with gospel intentionality. And here is where the breakdown usually occurs: despite programs and studies to teach and affirm evangelism, there is a discrepancy between “how-to” and “want-to.” Overcoming internal barriers becomes the greatest need for effective discipleship and evangelism (Luke 8:16–18).
Be Motivated
Convinced that we are servants and not spectators (1 Cor 4:1–2), every one of us must overcome our internal reluctance to witness to the lost. Tony Merida, in Love Your Church: 8 Great Things About Being a Church Member, gives 3 helpful motivators for personal ministry. We should be motivated by God’s mercy (Romans 12:1–2). By magnifying God’s mercy towards sinners (us included!), we are inspired to commit our lives to worship and service. Since we have received his mercy, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices is a “reasonable/logical service.” Secondly, we are motivated by the Spirit’s gifts (Romans 12:3). The grace given humbles us and prompts us to live up to the “proportion” or degree of that which was received (Romans 12:6). Finally, we ought to be motivated by the Lord’s return. Matthew 25:14–30  reveals that the Master will return to examine our labor. He expects a return on His investment!
Get Started
Examine the network of people in your life. God has placed you where He has for a purpose. Those are the people that He expects you to engage with the gospel. Follow the Acts 1:8 model: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Identify your “Jerusalem” as immediate and extended family. “Judea” extends to include your friends and close acquaintances. “Samaria” expands even further and entails your co-workers and neighbors in your community. “The end of the earth” may be considered as non-routine, random encounters and opportunities that are otherwise overlooked because we are outside of our normal circle of influence. Remember: wherever you are is where God has placed you! Seize opportunities, redeem the time, and remember God’s mercy, gifts, and expectations. Leave the results to God, but be found faithful.