Lecture Note on Introduction to Mission
Lecture Note on Introduction to Mission
1: Introduction
Effective Evangelism
Effective evangelism involves several key principles:
1. Prayer
Prayer is essential for effective evangelism.
Prayer plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of evangelism. Here are some ways
prayers can help:
Pre-Evangelism Prayers
1. Preparation of the heart: Prayer helps to prepare the evangelist's heart, making
them sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and guidance.
2. Intercession for the lost: Prayer for the lost, asking God to open their hearts
and minds to the Gospel, can help to soften their resistance and make them more
receptive to the message.
3. Guidance and wisdom: Prayer can provide guidance and wisdom on how to
approach evangelism, what to say, and how to say it.
Pre-Evangelism Prayers
1. Boldness and confidence: Prayer can give the evangelist boldness and
confidence to share the Gospel, even in the face of opposition or fear.
2. Clarity and simplicity: Prayer can help the evangelist to communicate the
Gospel clearly and simply, avoiding confusion or misunderstandings.
3. Demonstration of God's power: Prayer can demonstrate God's power and
presence, making the Gospel message more credible and attractive.
Post-Evangelism Prayers
1. Follow-up and discipleship: Prayer can help to ensure that new believers are
properly disciple and followed up, helping them to grow in their faith.
2. Protection from spiritual attack: Prayer can protect new believers from spiritual
attack and temptation, helping them to remain strong in their faith.
3. Continued growth and maturity: Prayer can help new believers to continue
growing and maturing in their faith, becoming effective witnesses for Christ.
Biblical Examples
1. Jesus' prayer for His disciples (John 17:1-26): Jesus prayed for His disciples,
asking God to protect and empower them for their evangelistic mission.
2. The apostles' prayer (Acts 4:23-31): The apostles prayed for boldness and
confidence to preach the Gospel, despite opposition and persecution.
3. Paul's prayer for the Colossians (Colossians 4:2-4): Paul prayed for the
Colossians, asking God to open doors for the Gospel and to give him boldness to
preach.
Practical Tips
1. Make prayer a priority: Set aside time to pray for evangelism, both personally
and corporately.
2. Be specific in your prayers: Pray for specific people, places, and situations,
asking God to open doors and hearts to the Gospel.
3. Pray with faith and expectation: Pray with confidence, expecting God to answer
and to move in power.
2. Love:
We must demonstrate the love of Christ in our evangelism.
Love plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of evangelism. Here are some ways
love can help:
Biblical Examples
1. Jesus' love for the woman at the well (John 4:1-42): Jesus demonstrated love
and acceptance towards the woman, who was an outcast, and shared the Gospel
with her.
2. The apostle Paul's love for the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 13:1-13): Paul
demonstrated love and concern for the Corinthian church, despite their flaws and
weaknesses.
3. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): The Good Samaritan demonstrated love
and compassion towards the injured man, showing that love is a fundamental
aspect of God's character.
Practical Tips
1. Demonstrate love in practical ways: Show love and care by meeting physical
needs, listening to people, and providing emotional support.
2. Be genuine and authentic: Be genuine and authentic in your relationships,
demonstrating love and concern for others.
3. Pray for love and compassion: Pray for love and compassion, asking God to fill
you with His love and to demonstrate it through you.
3. Clarity
We must communicate the Gospel clearly and concisely.
Clarity is essential for effective evangelism, as it enables the evangelist to
communicate the Gospel message in a way that is easy to understand, relatable,
and impactful. Here are some ways clarity can enhance the effectiveness of
evangelism:
Clarity in Communication
1. Clear language: Using simple, concise language to communicate the Gospel
message, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar.
2. Defined terms: Defining key terms and concepts, such as "sin," "salvation," and
"faith," to ensure understanding.
3. Concrete examples: Using concrete examples and illustrations to help explain
abstract concepts and make the Gospel message more relatable.
Clarity in Presentation
1. Logical flow: Presenting the Gospel message in a logical, easy-to-follow
sequence, making it easier for listeners to understand and respond.
2. Visual aids: Using visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, or videos, to help
illustrate key points and make the message more engaging.
3. Storytelling: Using personal stories, testimonies, or biblical narratives to make
the Gospel message more relatable and memorable.
Clarity in Contextualization
1. Cultural relevance: Contextualizing the Gospel message to the listener's cultural
background, making it more relatable and relevant.
2. Personal relevance: Helping listeners see the personal relevance of the Gospel
message, connecting it to their needs, concerns, and aspirations.
3. Current events: Using current events, trends, or issues to illustrate the timeless
relevance of the Gospel message.
4. Sensitivity
We must be sensitive to the needs and concerns of others.
Sensitivity is a crucial aspect of effective evangelism. Being sensitive to the needs,
feelings, and cultural backgrounds of others can help build trust, establish
connections, and facilitate a more receptive audience for the Gospel. Here are
some ways sensitivity can enhance the effectiveness of evangelism:
Sensitivity in Communication
1. Active listening: Listen attentively to people's concerns, questions, and
objections, and respond in a way that addresses their needs.
2. Clear communication: Communicate the Gospel clearly, concisely, and
respectfully, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar.
3. Empathy and compassion: Show empathy and compassion when sharing the
Gospel, acknowledging people's struggles and offering hope and encouragement.
Immediate Follow-up
1. Clarify misunderstandings: Address any questions or concerns the person may
have after the initial evangelistic encounter.
2. Reinforce the message: Reiterate the Gospel message and provide additional
resources or support.
3. Build relationships: Establish a connection with the person, showing genuine
interest in their life and spiritual journey.
Ongoing Follow-up
1. Discipleship: Provide guidance and support as the person grows in their faith,
helping them to develop a deeper understanding of Christian teachings.
2. Accountability: Encourage the person to stay committed to their faith, offering
support and encouragement during challenging times.
3. Community integration: Help the person connect with a local church or
Christian community, providing a sense of belonging and support.
Long-term Follow-up
1. Mentorship: Pair the person with a mature Christian who can provide guidance,
support, and encouragement.
2. Leadership development: Identify and develop leadership potential in the
person, empowering them to become evangelists and disciple-makers
themselves.
3. Prayer support: Continue to pray for the person, asking God to guide and
strengthen them in their faith.
Effective Follow-up Strategies
1. Regular communication: Schedule regular meetings, phone calls, or video calls
to stay in touch.
2. Personalized approach: Tailor follow-up efforts to the individual's needs,
interests, and learning style.
3. Use of technology: Leverage digital tools, such as email, social media, or
messaging apps, to stay connected and provide resources.
4. Involvement of local church: Encourage the person to connect with a local
church, providing a supportive community and opportunities for growth.
Conclusion
Evangelism is a critical aspect of the Christian life, and it is essential that we
understand the biblical foundation and principles of evangelism. As we seek to
share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others, let us remember to pray,
demonstrate love, communicate clearly, be sensitive, and follow up with those
who have made a decision for Christ.
Recommended Reading
"The Master Plan of Evangelism" by Robert E. Coleman
"Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus" by J. Mack Stiles
"The Gospel for Real Life" by Jerry Bridges
Discussion Questions
1. What is your understanding of evangelism, and how does it relate to the
Christian life?
2. What are some common obstacles to evangelism, and how can we overcome
them?
3. How can we demonstrate the love of Christ in our evangelism?
4. What are some effective ways to communicate the Gospel clearly and
concisely?
5. How can we follow up with those who have made a decision for Christ?
Key Biblical References
Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission
John 3:16: God's love for the world
Acts 1:8: The command to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the
ends of the earth
Romans 10:14-15: The importance of preaching the Gospel
1 Peter 3:15: The command to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope
that is in us
Discipleship: The process of helping new believers grow in their faith and become
mature followers of Jesus Christ.
Church Planting: The process of establishing new churches in areas where there is
no existing church or where the church is weak.
Contextualization: The process of adapting the gospel message to the local culture
and context.
Types of Missions
Foreign Missions
Missions work that takes place in a foreign country or culture.
Foreign mission, also known as international mission or cross-cultural mission,
refers to the sending of missionaries or mission teams to other countries or
cultures to spread the Gospel, provide humanitarian aid, and establish churches
or communities of believers.
Urban Missions
Missions work that takes place in urban areas, often focusing on issues such as
poverty, crime, and social injustice.
Urban missions, also known as urban ministry or urban outreach, refer to the
efforts of churches, organizations, and individuals to spread the Gospel, provide
humanitarian aid, and establish churches or communities of believers in urban
areas.
Rural Missions
Missions work that takes place in rural areas, often focusing on issues such as
isolation, poverty, and limited access to resources.
Rural missions, also known as rural ministry or rural outreach, refer to the efforts
of churches, organizations, and individuals to spread the Gospel, provide
humanitarian aid, and establish churches or communities of believers in rural
areas.
Conclusion
The Urgency of Missions: The need for missions is urgent, as there are still
millions of people around the world who have not heard the gospel.
The Opportunity of Missions: Missions provides an opportunity for Christians to
obey the Great Commission, to share the gospel with others, and to make a
difference in the world.
The Privilege of Missions: Missions is a privilege, as it allows Christians to
participate in God's plan of redemption and to play a role in the expansion of
God's kingdom.
Psalm 96;3, Isaiah 49;6, Mathew 28;19-20, Act1;8