COMMUNAL EVANGELISM

COMMUNAL EVANGELISM

OCTOBER 5, 2024

TEXT: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18 )

In our previous lessons, we discussed the importance of evangelism to God’s kingdom and its responsibility for all believers. Today, we’ll delve deeper into “Communal Evangelism” – a strategic approach to reaching people indirectly by serving them and meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

WHAT IS COMMUNAL EVANGELISM?

Communal evangelism is about demonstrating God’s love through tangible actions, building relationships, and fostering a sense of community. It’s about showing the world that our faith is not just about words, but about deeds.

EXAMPLES/FORMS OF COMMUNAL OUTREACH

1. Food banks and stores: Providing food items can open doors for sharing God’s word. (John 6) A hungry person is an angry person; meeting physical needs first can make them receptive to the gospel.
2. Tutorials/Academic programmes: Using academic gifts to benefit the kingdom. Sharing knowledge and expertise can build bridges and establish credibility.
3. Medical outreach: Offering free medical services (e.g., eye tests, blood sugar tests, blood pressure tests) while sharing God’s love. Jesus healed many and led them to Himself (John 9).
4. Teenagers and Youths sports retreat: Reaching young people through sports. Utilizing sports as a platform to share the gospel and build relationships.
5. Scholarship schemes: Funding education while sharing the gospel. Investing in the next generation and demonstrating God’s care for their well-being.

BENEFITS OF COMMUNAL OUTREACH

1. Demonstrates God’s love tangibly: Showing the world that our faith is not just about words, but about deeds.
2. Fosters good relationships: Building bridges and establishing credibility.
3. Eases gospel work: Creating an environment conducive to sharing the gospel.

SEARCHLIGHT
Modernization offers various strategies for evangelism beyond conventional methods. Shyness is no longer an excuse. We all have a role to play in the Great Commission. Let’s explore innovative ways to serve and share the gospel.

PRAYER
LORD, on the last day, let me not be a castaway in your kingdom. Give me the courage and creativity to share your love with others. In Jesus’ name.

BIBLE READING
Jeremiah 33-35, Matthew 8

PST. MICHAEL OMOLE