In many contemporary churches, evangelism appears to have strayed from its scriptural moorings. A reliance on theatrical gimmicks—such as emotionally charged altar calls and concert-like music events—often substitutes for the substantive teaching and preaching of the Gospel. This drift not only reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of evangelism but also diminishes the sovereignty of God in salvation. As we assess the state of evangelism within the church, it is crucial to revisit what the Bible for guidance on how we are to convey the truth of Christ to a fallen world.
The Problem with Gimmicks
In the quest to fill pews, modern evangelistic methods have increasingly adopted the trappings of the world—seeking to entertain or emotionally sway rather than preaching the gospel and allowing the Holy Spirit to convict and convert. Such methods can undermine the Gospel's power by suggesting that human techniques can influence what is ultimately a divine work. God's Word emphasizes God's sovereignty in all things, including salvation (John 6:44, Ephesians 1:4-5), and insists that genuine conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit, not the product of human ingenuity or emotional manipulation.
Biblical Evangelism: Proclamation and Predestination
If you are a biblical Christian then you should hold to a high view of Scripture and its directives for evangelism. Central to this view is the proclamation of the Gospel as a means ordained by God to bring His elect to salvation. This task is not about clever methods or strategic marketing; it's about faithful witness. As Paul writes in Romans 10:14-17, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. The emphasis is on the clear, unadulterated communication of God's Word.
Furthermore, understanding predestination leads to a profound reliance on God in evangelistic efforts. Knowing that God has chosen His people before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) should not make us complacent; rather, it should motivate us with the assurance that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). We evangelize diligently because God uses means to achieve His ends—the preaching of the Gospel being one such ordained means.
True Evangelism: Love, Obedience, and Urgency
True evangelism is driven by love for the lost, a desire to obey God, and an urgency informed by the reality of eternity. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) compels us to go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded. This commission is not optional; it is an expression of our love for God and His glory.
Christians, grounded in a theology that recognizes the depth of human sin and the grandeur of divine grace, are uniquely positioned to approach evangelism with both humility and boldness. We are humble, knowing that we cannot convert anyone through our own efforts; we are bold because we trust in the sovereign power of God to regenerate hearts.
Conclusion: A Call to Faithful Witness
The current state of evangelism in many churches calls for a reformation—a return to the principles of Scripture. Rather than relying on worldly gimmicks, we must embrace the plain teaching of the Gospel and trust in the Holy Spirit to do the work of regeneration. Let us be passionate about evangelism not as a display of our cleverness or an emotional spectacle, but as a faithful witness to the truth of God’s Word.
As we endeavor to share the Gospel, let us do so with the confidence that comes from knowing that God is sovereign, His Word will not return to Him empty, and that He delights in using His people to declare His salvation from generation to generation. Let's obey and go, not in our own strength, but in the power of the Spirit, for the glory of God and the good of those He is calling to Himself.