Simon Sinek, in his book “Start With Why” argues that many people, organizations, and companies know WHAT they do and some even know HOW. But a very few know WHY. WHATs are our products or services we provide. HOWs are meant to communicate what makes us special or sets us apart from others who do something similar. WHYs are the purposes, causes, or beliefs that drive us to do what we do.
Likewise, many churches and Christians know what they do and even know how they do. But a very few ponder on why. I find that many Christians struggle with Gospel witness and evangelism, not because they do not have right tools and programs. The real issue lies in our hearts; we do not share because we are often afraid of rejection or because there isn’t strong motivation to share the Good News with others. At least that’s where I was.
Start with why. Why should people come to your church? Why is Christian faith so important that you need to share it with others? Answering these questions should not just be an intellectual exercise. You need to involve your heart. Before looking for good evangelism programs or tactics, start with your heart. Learn to be moved by God’s compassion for your city and weep for lost souls. I suggest you start by dwelling in the Scripture and discover God’s heart for the world and why the Gospel is so essential and relevant to all human souls. Having a regular prayer meeting to pray for your city may be a good idea as well.
Once you identify your why, finding how is easy. Once we are moved by God’s compassion, not our human motivations (e.g. “We need to invite people because our church membership is declining and/or we are struggling financially”), it becomes clear that God needs to initiate and provide us plans to reach other souls and cities. So, you pray; prayer becomes your major strategy and plan for your evangelism and outreach. You also begin to focus less on your own resources (e.g. your amazing choir, praise band, or church facility), but more on what matters most: God’s grace and presence. The churches that are effective in Gospel witness may or may not have great music programs or church facility, but they sure know what people need to receive through all these means: the grace and presence of God.
Then, what shall we do? I believe God’s words to Moses in Exodus 4:2 are helpful: “What is that in your hand?” What resources are available to you? Who do you have in your congregation? Everyone has gifts and talents that God has given to use for his glory. Also, study your neighbourhood and city and find out what needs you can meet.
Lastly, I believe that the Alpha program is one program worth mentioning to help us become effective in sharing the Gospel. You can check more details at www.alphacanada.org.
May God bless His church to share His glorious Gospel effectively. Amen.