“Ultimately, our lack of eagerness to evangelize is not because of the challenges it poses. We do not lack apologetic arguments or methods for sharing our faith. We lack eagerness not because we’re unconcerned about the grave predicament of the lost or even because we’re thinking about ourselves too much. We lack eagerness because we’re not thinking about God enough.
“Our faithfulness in sharing the gospel will come from an enduring and enchanting vision of the God of the gospel. Before we ‘pass Go’ in the task of evangelism, let’s set our sights on the beating, throbbing heart that gives life to our evangelism: the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
Jeff Schlieder, “Our Theology of Evangelism” in The Sovereign Grace Journal, Issue 9: Evangelism
“We long to share the good news that destitute beggars, who cannot move themselves closer to God and whose sins defile and disqualify them from being in his divine presence, can be carried into his arms, welcomed home into his family, by the grace of the One who helps those who cannot help themselves.”
Bob Donohue, “The Motivation of Eternity on Evangelism” in The Sovereign Grace Journal, Issue 9: Evangelism
“We share the gospel knowing we may face all manner of opposition and rejection. We desperately need strength and courage. But strength doesn’t arise from a pep talk and courage isn’t an injection we take before a conversation. Strength and courage spring from the guarantee that God goes with us and fights for us. How does he go with us except by his Spirit? How does he fight for us except warring over our hearts and the hearts of our hearers by his Holy Spirit?”
Cale Benefield, “The Role of the Spirit in Evangelism” in The Sovereign Grace Journal, Issue 9: Evangelism
“Brothers and sisters: do not lose heart. As one of my fellow pastors often says, God gives grace for what He commands. We are to appeal to unbelievers to be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20), that they may experience the same joy we already have in being reconciled to God (Col. 1:22). We are to urge condemned sinners to flee from the wrath to come by running to Christ, hiding in Christ (Ps. 27:5). As his redeemed people, we are to proclaim his excellencies to a world perishing in darkness (1 Pet. 2:9). We may have fear but he has graciously given us all we need for life and godliness in his Son, our risen Savior and reigning Lord (2 Pet. 1:3).”
Timon Lau, “Evangelism Strategy for Smaller Churches” in The Sovereign Grace Journal, Issue 9: Evangelism
“The gospel is too valuable a message for us to be sent out into the world as lone rangers: a gospel message in our hands, the Great Commission in our hearts, and every man for himself. No, the beauty of God’s great plan is that he not only saves individuals but also brings people together. He not only justifies, he joins people together in the community of the church (Eph. 2:19-22). Together in the local church, striving side by side in the gospel, we display the manifold wisdom of God to the heavenly places (Eph. 3:10-11) and God’s glory to those around us (Matt. 5:14-16).”
Dave Taylor, “Evangelism & Missions: The Shared Value of Church Planting, Outreach, & Global Missions” in Our Shared Values (June 2022)
Question 71: What is the mission of the church?
Answer: The Church exists to worship God, edify his people, and bear witness to Christ. Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by proclaiming the gospel and teaching believers to observe all that Christ commanded. (Matthew 28:19-20)