The Call to Evangelism
In today’s Christian landscape, a profound disparity exists that we cannot ignore: for every 1,000 people who search online for prayer, only 10 search for evangelism, and just one seeks evangelism training. This stark contrast reveals a troubling reality in our churches—while we readily embrace certain aspects of our faith, we often sidestep the Great Commission.
The Unpopular Session
A few years ago, a friend of mine was invited to teach at a large Christian conference. When his time came to present on evangelism, something like six people showed up—a stark contrast to the hundreds attending other sessions.
This isn’t just anecdotal. Recent data shows the dramatic imbalance in Christian interests:
- For every 1,000 searches about prayer on Google, only 10 people search for evangelism
- Only 1 in 1,000 searches for evangelism training
- An estimated 98% of Christians opt out of participating in evangelism by their own admission
To put this in perspective: if the interest in evangelism training were a car trip, it would be like driving to the grocery store and back. Interest in general evangelism would be like driving from Detroit to Chicago. But interest in prayer? That’s equivalent to driving across the entire United States from coast to coast.
Prayer is important. So is evangelism. So why is one of these so much more neglected than the other?
Evangelism: Not a Gift, But a Ministry
Many believers mistakenly categorize evangelism as a spiritual gift, allowing themselves to opt out if they don’t feel particularly “gifted” in this area. However, the Bible doesn’t list evangelism among spiritual gifts. While Ephesians 4:11 mentions that Christ gave some to be evangelists, this refers to specific people given to equip others—not a selective calling for just a few to evangelize.
Evangelism isn’t a spiritual gift. At least, it’s not listed in the Bible as one. Rather, it is a ministry given to us as Christians. Each and every one of us.
This misconception has led many to believe they can simply opt out of sharing their faith—as if some Christians are exempt from the Great Commission. But Scripture offers no such exemption clause. In fact, when we examine 2 Corinthians 5, we discover that the ministry of reconciliation has been entrusted to all believers.
The Great Commission: Our Purpose and Mission
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus issues a clear directive that frames our purpose as believers:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
This commission isn’t a suggestion or an optional activity to pursue when convenient. It represents our core purpose as Christ-followers. The command is singular—to make disciples—fulfilled through going, baptizing, and teaching.
Think about it: Christ didn’t save us and then immediately take us to heaven. He left us here with purpose. That purpose includes building up fellow believers, yes, but also reaching those who don’t yet know Him.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul articulates this purpose with powerful clarity:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Notice the sequence: God reconciled us to Himself AND gave us the ministry of reconciliation. These aren’t separate gifts; they’re part of the same package. When you received Christ, you also received this ministry.
The passage continues: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
This isn’t just Paul’s ministry—it’s ours. We are God’s ambassadors, entrusted with His message of reconciliation. We represent heaven’s interests on earth, extending this divine invitation to a world in need of salvation.
Living for Him, Not Ourselves
Why do we often neglect evangelism? Perhaps because it conflicts with our self-centered tendencies. Paul reminds us that Christ “died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.”
Coming to Christ isn’t about enhancing our previous way of life—it’s about dying to our old pursuits and living for different purposes altogether. When we truly grasp that we no longer live for ourselves, evangelism becomes a natural outflow of our transformed priorities.
Many Christians hesitate to evangelize because:
- They fear rejection or confrontation
- They don’t feel adequately prepared
- They believe it’s someone else’s responsibility
- They’re too consumed with worldly priorities
Yet none of these reasons align with Scripture’s clear teaching that all believers are called to participate in this ministry. What God call us to, He empowers us to do. And He promises that He is with us until the very end.
A Call to Action
As we conclude, I challenge you to honestly assess your engagement with evangelism:
- Recognize your calling: Acknowledge that evangelism isn’t optional—it’s central to your identity in Christ
- Equip yourself: Seek training that will help you share your faith effectively and biblically—if you don’t know where to start, contact us… we’d be honored to help you
- Start small: Begin with prayer, asking God to provide opportunities in your daily interactions
- Join with others: Connect with fellow believers who can encourage and accompany you
- Remember Christ’s promise: “I am with you always”—we don’t do this alone
The call to evangelism isn’t a burden but a privilege. It’s an opportunity to participate in God’s redemptive work and witness lives transformed by His grace. As we embrace this calling, let’s do so with enthusiasm and dedication, knowing we’re fulfilling our divine purpose.
When we stand before the Lord one day, may we hear “well done” not just for attending church or knowing doctrine, but for faithfully sharing the good news that changed our own lives. This is what it means to truly live for Him.
“We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20
Howell Bible Church 