Why Should We Still Do Evangelism?

By Ted Esler

Happy New Year and I trust this year will be a “big year” for you! 

Whenever I get the chance to speak to groups I often throw out a question with the intent of getting people talking. I have learned that a great “starter” like this is to ask, “What comes to your mind first when you hear the word, “evangelism?” 

Responses are quite varied as you might expect. The first few responses typically give the name of some sort of gospel presentation, like “The Four Spiritual Laws,” or “The Bridge,” or “Evangelism Explosion.” Soon thereafter, a budding theologian in the group will make a disparaging comment about these tools, something along the lines of, “I really don’t like these reductionist approaches.” Somebody usually mentions a friend who has the “gift of evangelism.” Finally, after this banter, Bible verses make their appearance. 

Evangelism evokes a wide range of reactions. Yet, along with discipleship and planting churches, it is one of the primary activities necessary to disciple the nations. Highly contextual, often aligned with acts of love, evangelism is core to the missionary task. While the outcome is supernatural, we are commanded to do evangelism.  

Just this past month I heard a church planter say, “We don’t do evangelism. We get people reading the Word of God.” Well, brother, that is evangelism. Evangelism is the communication of the gospel message to those who are not disciples of Christ. It can take many forms but without evangelism, the gospel cannot progress. 

This year, the Missio Nexus community will be highlighting the topic of evangelism. You will see it in webinars, articles, events, and at our annual conference. What have we learned about evangelism? What mistakes have we made that need correction? How can we be more effective in proclaiming the gospel? What does the future hold for evangelism? 

I hope you will join us and the broader community as we look at this foundational topic and work together to see the gospel ECHO throughout the nations. 

Ted Esler
President, Missio Nexus