Debunking the Popular Myths of Evangelism

Tommy Mitchell has a great list of evangelism 'myths' over at his RurbanChurch.com blog. Take a read of these and see what you think. Are there some that you would add to his list?

Myth #1 Everything we do is evangelism! Maybe you have not heard that one - but I have - it was especially popular a few years ago.  If everything we do is evangelism - then we must not be doing anything at all! Otherwise our churches would be bursting open with new life and new churches would be formed in record numbers!

Myth #2 People cannot be reached by “cold call” evangelism! Tell the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses that and watch them laugh!!!!  It is not the most effective method - and culturally one can argue that it has become less effective.  Yet - when coupled with a “probe” of a community - or a distribution of gifts for a neighborhood - or pre-site visits for a block party - there will be people God has prepared to hear the gospel - and they will trust Christ!

Myth #3 People will not come to church if I invite them! Whoa!  Contrary to the popular belief of many - most people - especially if invited by a friend or co-worker - will attend a worship service - if invited.  The key is giving “a meaningful invitation!”

Myth #4 Personal evangelism is just not the way to share Christ anymore! Get them to a service and let the “pros” handle it!  Not exactly!  Personal evangelism is a “growing process” for the believer.  For a new believer or one inexperienced with sharing their faith - a logical “next step of obedience” is indeed to invite as many of your friends as possible to weekend worship services and pray for their salvation!!!  Absolutely! 

As one grows in confidence and knowledge of the gospel - they can add to this the “personal sharing” of the gospel with others.  We will not win the world to Christ by just reaching those we can get to come to us.  We need “exponential” growth to really impact the culture and the Kingdom.  That requires personal obedience to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment!  At some point we have to so love Christ that He is in our hearts - our expression - on our lips - and our faces!!! 

Again - inviting people to a weekend service is one part of evangelism that we should not ignore!  Everyone can do this!  But we should not stop there!  Become more personal in sharing your faith and enjoy the blessings of leading people to Christ.

Myth # 5 A church cannot grow without a formal outreach program!  Maybe!  For a church without an outward focus, a “program” of outreach can be an effective tool to refocus and energize people to look outward and reach people.  There is no “one best” program for this - whatever fits your people!

So… what would you like to add (or subtract) (or discuss) from this list?

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This post has been viewed 1014 times and was added on July 10, 2007 by Todd Rhoades.
Filed under: Ministry-Specific Help  Evangelism & Outreach  
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I'm Todd Rhoades... the MMI guy. I'm also on the team at Leadership Network (although that doesn't mean that they endorse everything I write here). In my past life, I was the founder and developer of a website named ChurchStaffing.com.

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