...Evangelism in the Early Church [Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, November 14, 1985] by Joel L. Pless The primary mission of the Christian Church is to preach the gospel to all nations, it is to win souls for Christ. The fact that there are approximately one billion at least nominal Christians in the world indicates that Christ’s Great Commission has been at least partially carried out. This monograph will research how and by whom was the Great Commission enacted in the “early days” of the Christian church, during its first four centuries (100-500 A.D.) This research paper will not contribute creatively to the study of theology or methods of evangelism, but it will rather compile from a representative bibliography facts concerning evangelism in the early Church. Granted, research on this topic has been undertaken before by individuals with far greater academic credentials than the writer of these lines. But this monograph will attempt to condense the vast amount of material written on this topic into a monograph on evangelism in the early Church which is long enough to adequately cover the subject but still short enough to be interesting. This essay will approach the topic by asking the basic questions, why?, what?, who?, to whom?, and how?( William C. Weinrich, “Evangelism in the Early Church,” in Concordia Theological Quarterly, vol. XLV, (January-April 1981), pp. 61-74.) When possible, primary sources from the early Church fathers will be quoted in translation. The ultimate...
Words: 4172 - Pages: 17
...EVAN525 – D20 Contemporary Evangelism by Richard Dennis November 17, 2014 In their book The Great Commission to Worship: Biblical Principles for Worship-Based Evangelism, authors David Wheeler and Vernon Whaley contribute their respective expertise in evangelism and worship in an attempt to synthesize the two categories by showing each fundamental imperative of the Christian disciple to be integral to and an outflow of the other. The impetus for evangelism par excellence is the “great commission” found in Matt 28:19-20, while the “greatest commandment” is described as providing the fundamental basis of the nature of and motivation to worship: “‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.’” (Matt 22:37-40, ASV) The authors argue that evangelism is a natural outflow of fulfilling the second part of Jesus’ instructions: ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself…’” God is love and desires relationship with and flourishing growth for his children of “all the nations.” Therefore, we can never rightly see worship as merely something else we do. once a week. Wheeler emphatically asserts that worship is obedience in all aspects of life and part of being obedient is fulfilling God’s will that all people should be saved. Worship is “a passionate response to the heart cry of God that includes active participation in the Great Commission.” And as such, worship drives evangelism. Likewise, evangelism is not just something that...
Words: 2353 - Pages: 10
...Terry wrote a concise history of the church’s work of evangelism from the time of Jesus until the modern day. Inspired by a chapter on the history of evangelism in Delos Miles’s book, Introduction to Evangelism, he set out to write a longer, fuller treatment of the subject. The book was written primarily for ministry students in colleges and seminaries in North America. He said the book was designed as a supplemental text for introductory courses in evangelism or as a primary text for courses on in the history of evangelism. The book was written in chronological order from the time of Jesus until the modern day. The first two chapters dealt with Jesus’ own practice of evangelism and the evangelistic work of the New Testament church. In the chapters, he discussed the characteristics of their evangelism and the strategies they used. The third and fourth chapters of the book covered the history of evangelism from the Second Century through the Middle Ages. He noted the change in methods as people were forced by governments to convert to Christianity. Chapters 5 and 6 described the work of evangelism before and during the Reformation. Chapter 5 unpacked information leading up to the Reformation, emphasizing the preaching of the Bible, ministry to common people, the importance of preaching over the sacraments, and the relatively new communication of Bible truth in the common language of the people. Chapter 6 covered the evangelism of Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists. He...
Words: 931 - Pages: 4
...Methods of Evangelism Anthony Waller Liberty University Online The Romans Road The Romans Road is an evangelistic “Intellectual” method that’s simple and direct in sharing the gospel; utilizing a systematic approach, that formalizes a plan; utilizing Bible verse that’s organized in an outline making it easy to teach those who is in need of salvation, why we need salvation, how God provides salvation, how man can respond to salvation, and the result of man’s response to salvation. Romans Road is a pathway that we can walk towards our salvation. The first path states that “as it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). “For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). But “God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God had raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). When we submit ourselves to God and He forgives us for our sins, or relationship with man ends; because were no longer who we use to be. We’ve been reborn as a new creature in Christ; a newly adopted child that’s righteous in the eyes of God (Romans 5:1, 8:1 and 38-39. [1] The advantage of this...
Words: 1429 - Pages: 6
...How To Mobilize Your Church To Evangelize Introduction The number of people in the world who do not affiliate themselves with a religion of any sorts is at a all time high, and the number continues to grow. “One-fifth of the U.S. public and a third of adults under the age of 30 - are religiously unaffiliated today, the highest percentages ever.” Not only is church identification low among today’s society, but also church attendance and the level of importance emphasized by those same individuals are also at an all time low. Although the statistics can cause an unsteady flood of emotions, there is light at the end of the tunnel. That same research study concluded that of the adults that do not identify or associate themselves with religious group or sect, “Two- thirds say they believe in God. More than half say they feel a deep connection with nature and the earth and more than a third state they are spiritual but not religious. One in five state that they pray every day.” Knowing this information can prompt two different reactions. One could be that we allow this knowledge to intimidate the church and continue to cripple our efforts to reach these unreached people. The other option is to allow this information to act as a challenge to the church and the believers that congregate under the common thread of Jesus Christ and allow these numbers to propel the church to re-evaluate the evangelistic status quo; go back to the biblical basic of the early church and come up with a new...
Words: 3107 - Pages: 13
...EVANGELISM VISION PAPER Herb Tarlike EVAN 525 LUONLINE Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary 3/7/14 INTRODUCTION This course has had a great impact on my walk with Christ as well as my witness for Christ. I pastor a church and teach two classes and for me I thought that I was doing plenty. However this course has helped rekindle my passion for sharing Jesus Christ with people through personal evangelism. This paper will demonstrate what I have learned throughout this course. EVANGELISM AS IT RELATES TO CHRISTIAN WALK In Philippians 1:27, Paul writes; “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” (NKJV) This scripture speaks of our daily lives being lived for God’s glory. Our conduct or the way we live must reflect the gospel by which we are saved. Our lives are a witness to the world about who Jesus is to us. Evangelism is more than just pulling people aside and giving them the heaven or hell speech. We are challenged by Paul to live our live in a manner that is worth of the gospel of Christ. People must be able to see that Christ is presently working in our lives. Jesus challenged the disciples by saying; “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Mat.5:16) (KJV) Our walk with Christ is extremely...
Words: 2560 - Pages: 11
...second coming of Christ, the rapture of the church, how the second coming of Christ affects missions, and I give an exegesis of Revelation 20:1-6. I will also discuss why I believe the pre-millennial view is the correct view concerning the return of Christ. There are three schools of thought in the area of the thousand year reign of Christ. They are the amillennial view, postmillennial view, and the premillennial view. Those who believe in a amillennial view do not believe in a literal or an actual future kingdom of peace and prosperity here on earth that will last one thousand years. Those who hold this view tend to view Scripture in a more figurative way than a literal way. They believe the thousand year reign of Christ is symbolic of the church age between the resurrection of Christ and His return. Most amillennialists believe that a spiritual form of the Kingdom of God is present now. Amillennialism reject the idea of a rapture. They believe good and evil will increase in the world as God’s Kingdom parallels the kingdom of Satan. They believe Satan is bound but yet evil increases. They believe when Christ returns the end of the world will occur with a general resurrection and a judgment of all people. They believe Christ will never reign on earth in a literal way but the Kingdom of God exists on earth in the heart of believers. It was under Augustine of Hippo that the Catholic Church started accepting an amillenial view of...
Words: 3332 - Pages: 14
...Ronald Hammer EVAN 101-B19 October 5, 2011 “Methods of Evangelism Paper” Part ONE - Evangelistic Method #1 - The “Intellectual Method” that I have chosen is the Roman road. The Roman Road method is a very simple method that utilizes seven verses of salvation taken from the book of Romans in the New Testament. While many people believe they will go to heaven because they have done charity work, been baptized as a child, attended church, or treated others fairly, the Bible declares that none of us can live up to God’s standards of righteousness. Therefore, we need a road to God that doesn’t rely on anything we do, but rather, relies on the gift of His grace alone. The bible verses that are utilized are Romans 1:20-21 “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.” Roman 2:23 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 5:8 “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess...
Words: 1763 - Pages: 8
...EVAN101-B12 October 10, 2011 Methods of Evangelism Part ONE – Evangelistic Method #1 – The Romans Road. The Romans Road lays out the plan of salvation through a series of Bible verses from the book of Romans. When arranged in order, these verses form an easy, systematic way of explaining the message of salvation. There are many different versions of Romans Road with slight variations in Scriptures, but the basic message and method is the same. Many evangelical missionaries, evangelists, and lay people memorize and use Romans Road when sharing the good news. Some of the Scriptures generally used in Romans Road include: Romans 3:10, 3:23, 5:8, 5:12, 6:23, 10:9-11, and 10:13. Romans 3:10 states: “As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one.” Romans 3:23 states: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 5:8 states: “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:12 states: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 6:23 states: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 10:9-11 states: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth salvation is made...
Words: 1262 - Pages: 6
...RESEARCH PAPER “The Theology of the Emerging Church” THEO 510 LUO Dr. Sanders Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Joseph M. Yarbrough November 10, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………1 History of the Church……………….……………………………………………………………2 Church Doctrine…………………………………………………………………………………..3 The Emerging Church…………………………………………………………………………….4 Beliefs of the Emerging Church…………………………………………………………………..5 Methodologies of the Emerging Church………………………………………………………….8 Strengths and Weakness of the Emerging Church………………………………………………..9 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………….10 Works Cited……………………………………………………………………………………...12 Introduction Churches all across America are working hard in their attempts to increase the kingdom of God with all kinds of innovative and inspirational ministries. Many of these churches are tuning their worship services to make them more attractive and exciting to reach a new generation. According to George Barna, “Millions of dollars flow from church budgets into events each year in an effort to influence people’s thinking and behavior. Literally billions of dollars are spent every year maintaining, upgrading, and expanding buildings and facilities to provide the space and equipment required for the ministries planned by the church. To appeal to people who have thus far turned a cold shoulder to God, churches and denominations launch sophisticated marketing campaigns that are designed to reposition...
Words: 3487 - Pages: 14
...Methods of Evangelism Joseph DiDiana Liberty University Methods of Evangelism Evangelistic Method #1: Four Spiritual Laws The four spiritual laws are an “intellectual” method. These laws are a guide to what you need to do to accept Christ as your Lord and savior. These spiritual laws help us manage and strengthen our relationship with God. The first spiritual law is “God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life” (Campus Crusade for Christ, 2007). The second spiritual law says that “Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God's love and plan for his life” (Campus Crusade for Christ, 2007). The third spiritual law is “Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin. Through Him you can know and experience God's love and plan for your life” (Campus Crusade for Christ, 2007). The fourth and final spiritual law is “We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives” (Campus Crusade for Christ, 2007). The four spiritual laws allow for Christians to be more effective witnesses for Christ. Believe This method has a couple of advantages. First, these laws start out in a positive manor. It lets everyone know that God loves you and wants you to come to Him as you are no matter what stage of life you are in. Secondly, it attracts to a group of people that rely on a principle model to explain life around them. These laws give direction, meaning and...
Words: 1471 - Pages: 6
...The early Church’s zeal for worship and their love for one another was contagious and helped the Church to grow in numbers. They broke bread together sharing all they had so all could benefit from God’s gifts. The Wesley’s gave the example making and maintaining a healthy community that attracts people to Christ. Wesleyan’s evangelism requires more than just knowledge of God, it requires proclaiming the good news of the gospel. Being a evangelist by word and deed means more than just believing in God, it means a willingness to sometimes rick an openness to others that is often uncomfortable and even scary. John Wesley took this risk sharing his Aldersgate experience with others in writing about it in his journal in May 24, 1738. Taking risks,...
Words: 291 - Pages: 2
...unsophisticated mass evangelism with the Enlightenment. In 1842, Joseph Tracey came up with the term “Great Awakening.” This widespread social movement grew because of dissatisfaction in the White American community. The community had a deterministic and formalistic Protestantism style, which denied a lot of people salvation. Basing on the fact that America was a Protestant nation; the Anglican Church purged emotional Christian Faith. Christianity at that time in America was ceremonial. The Great Awakening, following a new commitment that dictated religion in the heart- a personal and emotional Christianity, united the American people. John Edwards, a Congregationalist in western Massachusetts, began a participatory and emotional ministry that purposed to bring more followers to the church. This ministry began in early 1730s. Edwards became a remarkable intellectual personality in America whose main message was love. He believed love was fundamental for any religious experience. Remembered through his encouraging wisdom; one should do Good, live a Godly life and at the same time assist others in attaining the same. Later in the same decade, an Englishman George Whitefield together with John Wesley, carried the evangelical Christianity style to the colonies in the mainland and founded the Methodist Church. Whitefield’s sermons were emotional, preached to both the Black and White races and offered all Christian believers salvation. Prior to the Methodist Church, Anglican churches...
Words: 873 - Pages: 4
...Evangelism in the early church was based of off Jesus Christ’s example. Now Jesus evangelized differently, many people, including his disciples were confused at they way he did things. The disciples did not prioritize the spiritual needs of others like Jesus did. In the case of the Samaritan women, Jesus stepped out of His comfort zone and took the initiative to start the conversation with her. He also broke barriers and turned the conversation to spiritual matters. In this example, Jesus moved from the physical water to her need for the living water. He would boldly and wisely address the issue of sin and refused to be sidetracked. Comparing with Jesus, the disciples struggled with evangelism. They failed in every aspect. They overlooked the woman, ignored what Jesus was doing, failed to see the harvest ripe before them, and the underestimated the power of one. Luckily, by the mercy of Jesus, after they saw Christ resurrected they radically changed! They noticed people and their needs, and they acted to meet those needs. As a result a vast number of souls came to Christ. In today’s church I see some similarities and differences. One similarity is the breaking of barriers; churches today in my opinion are doing a great job of this. Many churches go on mission’s trips all over the world to spread the message of Christ, and there efforts are not going overlooked. Now a difference I believe is the some churches ability to get the message out. I think some individuals in churches...
Words: 301 - Pages: 2
...Empowering Youth Focusing on Salvation and Service Missions Leadership Discipleship Evangelism Prepared by the General Conference Youth Department Layout by Ludi Leito A General Conference Youth Department publication. Please specify title when re-ordering. This material may be translated, printed, or photocopied by any Seventh-day Adventist entity without securing further permission. Republished documents must include the credit line: “Youth Department, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, used by permission. © 2001 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA Contents Introduction...................................5 Introduction Chapter 1 Salvation and Service for All Ages ............................9 Chapter 2 OUTCOMES.....................................13 OUTCOMES Chapter 3 Discipleship Chapter 4 Leadership Chapter 5 Mission Chapter 6 Evangelism Strategies.................21 Strategies Strategies Strategies...................31 Strategies.........................37 Strategies Strategies..................41 Strategies “With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Savior might be carried to the whole world!” (Education, p. 271). 4 Introduction It’s probably Ellen White’s best-known statement about...
Words: 10878 - Pages: 44
