Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Congregational Evangelism
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. Evangelism is to be a central feature of the Lord’s church...
a. To make disciples of all the nations - cf. Mt 28:19-20
b. To preach the gospel to every person - cf. Mk 16:15-16
2. There are many good ways to evangelize...
a. Public preaching and teaching, private studies and conversations, TV, radio, the Internet
b. What works well often depends on the circumstances, the culture, etc.
3. What works well in many places can be described as “Congregational Evangelism”...
a. Assuming there is a congregation that already exists in a community
b. Assuming its members are willing to do their part to make it work
[The term “Congregational Evangelism” could be used to describe many different efforts by local
churches. In this study, I will use it to describe one particular approach...]
I. WHAT IS CONGREGATIONAL EVANGELISM?
A. UTILIZING A CONGREGATION'S MEMBERS...
1. Making use of the members’ contacts
a. Each member has a network of potential contacts
b. These contacts may be family, friends, neighbors, coworkers
2. Making use of the members’ abilities
a. Each member has some ability to offer
b. These abilities may vary; i.e., hospitality, teaching
-- With any congregation of Christians, there is the potential for evangelism
B. UTILIZING A CONGREGATION’S ASSEMBLIES...
1. Making use of the congregation’s assemblies
a. Christians assemble regularly for worship and Bible study
b. These assemblies involve praise to God and interaction with those present
2. What happens can have an impact on those who visit
a. Consider Paul’s comments in 1 Co 14:23-25
b. Note that the impact can be either negative or positive
-- When assemblies are utilized positively, you have “Congregational Evangelism”!
[“Congregational Evangelism” occurs when the members’ utilize their contacts and abilities in
conjunction with their assemblies to produce a positive effect among those who visit. Now consider...]
II. HOW CONGREGATIONAL EVANGELISM WORKS
A. BY ACTIVATING THE CONGREGATION’S MEMBERS...
1. The members must commit themselves to evangelism - cf. 1 Pe 2:9,10
2. The members must invite people to services (via cards, phone, letters) - cf. Jn 1:46
3. The members must extend kindness to those who visit - cf. He 13:2
Topical Sermons 80