His sister died of cancer in February, he said. The gospel provides the only satisfying answer to these . [Todays youth] have been raised by the internet. He hears. Although church attendance has declined, more people are looking for God now, he added. Prayer aligns us with the work of God and allows us the privilege of participating in his unfolding plan. With today's population literally 6x's bigger, if a similar flu bug spread globally today it could potentially kill hundreds upon hundreds of millions of people. What a beautiful thing that is. But make no mistake, to be effective in the next chapter of ministry, churches must navigate many cultural changes. So believers need not fear death. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had[the power of death. He draws near to the weak. All this is done while still observing social distancing. When many families are reorienting their lives and schedules around more time at home, we hope you will find these resources helpful in grounding you in the hope of the gospel. Evangelistic Movements: An Outcome-Based Analysis. It's seen as life and death. But the locations with the most interest were India, the continent of Africa, and Russia, he noted. Hebrews 2:14,15. Most evangelical leaders agree that the current COVID-19 epidemic and quarantine provides churches with wonderful opportunities to do community outreach and share the good news of Jesus. A study from Japan showed that suicide rates among 10-to-19-year-olds rose during the early months of the pandemic. Philip Ryken: Defining and Proclaiming Our Shared Gospel Message . It is my contention that leaders will need to be creative and think out of the box to discover new strategies and platforms for these challenging times. Jesus died to break the power of death and the Devil. KJV. We who know Christ have unchanging hope in the gospel and confidence He is working all this out for His sovereign purposes, for our good and for His glory. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. As local churches will become more collaborative and less competitive, many churches will discover they do not need to go at it alone. Formal and informal partnerships between churches may evolve as networks between groups of churches that will share ideas, resources, assignments and in some cases even staff members or campus space. Im encouraging our student leaders to reach out to friends and set up times to catch up. Find out if they have immediate needs and take the opportunity to share Jesus with them. No doubt we can all identify at least one unsaved person whom we can engage with the gospel. What about trashing your talk for this Sunday or next Wednesday and talk about life and death. The gospel will be presented positively as good news. Click Here for Large Map & Driving Directions, Georgia Baptist Mission Board With COVID-19vaccinations, testing and treatment, events and travel are coming back in many places. In 2020, events have shaken many institutions that people once considered invincible, said Hall. 2003 2020 The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod. We dont always know why he does what he does, but we know who he is and we know what he has promised his children. Outward-focused churches that embrace their communities will be more likely to flourish. When people see that the economy, the government, and modern medicine cannot give them inner peace, they turn to God. Ministers will take on a more biblical model of a coaching/discipling role of being encouragers and equippers of the congregation for their work of ministry. Hell should light a fire underneath us and our teenagers when it comes to evangelism. They risked their lives to care even for non-Christians, demonstrating radical biblical values quite unknown in Roman culture of their day. Ask how to sharpen our prayers for their situation. Tripp lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Luella, and they have four grown children. Paul recently founded, with the goal of training leaders to multiply ministries and churches around the world. Create Covid-19 Kits filled with toilet paper, hand sanitizer and dried goods; distribute these in low-income neighborhoods. Faculty, alumni, and students have contributed articles, video, and devotional messages in a range of publications that offer ministerial perspectives and . Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. How Do I Pray for My Children When a New School Year Arrives? Front lawn bbq/picnic with social distancing. A good first step in sharing the Gospel with others, then, is to be in church whenever you can. The goal is to deepen those relational ties we already have with people far from Jesus as well as to shepherd our own flock. ET. This is not something churches drift into naturally or on their own. This is a perfect time to break the ice with non-Christian friends youve not spoken with in a while. He is the national collegiate evangelism director for the North American Mission Board. During COVID-19 it might seem easy to sit at home and fear all the unknowns. Everything will be as its supposed to be and function as it was meant to functionin peace and righteousness forever and ever. The post-COVID church will focus more on spiritual muscle than physical mass. Organize the church into triad groups (three households in each) and train them to focus on caring for each other as well as witnessing and meeting needs in their neighborhood. Christians need not fear death but we must fear for what death in hell will do to everyone who has not yet put their faith in Jesus. Churches connected with the Northeast Collaborative, a new church planting and revitalization network packed with Clarks Summit University and Baptist Bible Seminary alumni, are distributing printed cards to their neighbors offering to deliver groceries, medicine, provide transportation or other practical help for those who need it. Some outreach-oriented leaders are using daily newsletter emails with appropriate Scripture, online links and/or evangelistic YouTube videos. Many are afraid. Your pastors are working hard to serve and love you. Monday Thursday, 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. This is our final and best move. Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. The cure is found in the person and work of the Lord Jesus, through his amazing grace. The Bible says, Gods near. He answers. Yet many of us are wrestling with how this is to be done wisely and winsomely with government mandated restrictions upon us. Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. All Rights Reserved. Calling/texting neighbors when doing a grocery run to see if they need anything. Paul Tripp is the author of Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesnt Make Sense. God looked at his world in awesome mercy and love and decided he would not let us die from this disease. But . All Rights Reserved |, Here are other creative and doable servant evangelism ideas. Toll Free: 800-746-4422, Coronavirus: 7 Direct Ways to Evangelize in a Crisis. In fact, it reminds me that the progress, the move of grace in our hearts and lives, is not from dependence to independence but from independence to greater dependence on God. He has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Christian teenagers through Dare 2 Share events, motivating and mobilizing them to reach their generation for Christ. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. New metrics of effectiveness will emerge. You can set up a phone or Zoom call and share the gospel with those who expressed interest in spiritual things. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. Be sure to share these ideas in the Facebook group. This has understandably made evangelism harder to prioritize in the church. Encourage people to comment or message with questions. As parts of our everyday life evaporate, they reveal a world desperate for deliverance from the effects of sin. Hope in Gods promise is a confident expectation in a guaranteed result. Church campuses will be smaller, more energy efficient and will maximize smart technology. One of my favorite evangelism tools is discovery groups where unbelievers can explore what Christians believe and ask spiritual questions without judgment. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com. There is more openness now than ever before, Hall said. We may never have a more opportune time to proclaim the good news of Jesus. Its more dangerous and more destructive than COVID-19 will ever be. Previously he has served as a church planter and pastor in SW Florida and as the pastor of local outreach and evangelism at Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, California. God has used COVID-19 to create the greatest evangelism opportunity in history, said evangelist Nick Hall. Spaces will be multi-purpose and shared by multiple groups. The risk worth taking is one that is bold enough to confront the spiritual and eternal danger others are already in. In such a challenging time, the world needs bold and compassionate examples of believers serving so that others around us see our good works and will be pointed towards Christ. Follow up personally with those who comment. He has written numerous books, including the bestselling daily devotional New Morning Merciesand Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens. Why isnt he here? Pray daily for open doors and boldly take advantage of them. We asked our followers on Instagram if they agreed: "Covid has made people more open to conversations about the big issues, like death and loneliness." 66% agreed. This document and risk assessment tool provides practical guidance and recommendations to support the special role of religious leaders, faith-based organizations, and faith communities in COVID-19 education, preparedness, and response. Lets go and do it. Others are simply phoning or Facetiming with church members and former worship guests to inquire if they need prayer or assistance. Certainly we need to pray for evangelism and the spread of the gospel. Share your testimony on social media and how knowing Jesus helps you in difficult times like these. 2. Unbelievers should fear thoughand we should fear for them. Encourage church members to visit homes on their street or in their neighborhood asking for prayer requests or needs. Letting people know that you care deeply enough for them to pray for them is a perfect place to start a gospel conversation. If youre already involved in a small-group Bible study and its an open group, why not invite a few friends? As this pandemic has spread from country to country until the entire globe is affected and is shutting down in an attempt to squash its power and its spread, were reminded that there is an even greater, darker, more dangerous pandemic. This is a beautiful desire The Lord has placed on your heart. Reflecting Jesus in a Time of Pandemic. Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. There will be more emphasis on small-group gatherings and less emphasis on large-group gatherings. All Rights Reserved |, Here are other creative and doable servant evangelism ideas. This is a major sea change, an ecclesial paradigm shift, so let us be faithful and flexible as we navigate uncharted waters. Like many others, Hall suffered the loss of a loved one in 2020. Inward-focused churches that exist primarily for the benefit and use of their members will diminish. This is a perfect moment to meet your neighbors and see if they have needs. Most evangelical leaders agree that the current COVID-19 epidemic and quarantine provides churches with wonderful opportunities to do community outreach and share the good news of Jesus. But if done in silence, all of those acts of kindness could be done by an atheist too. Being confined to our homes does not limit the power of the Gospel or our freedom to proclaim it. Talking about God's love for people isn't enough during catastrophic events . Here are five ways Ive been encouraged to reflect upon how this pandemic points us to the gospel. Turn your church into a daycare specifically for healthcare and safety workers (in cooperation with the city in order to comply with the essential expectation). With so much common ground, Christians have a great opportunity to reach others for Christ. Ive heard of churches using their parking lots or drive-in movie theaters to provide drive through virus testing and/or food pantries for the needy. It is the deepest, darkest infection. He told The Christian Post that during the COVID-19 pandemic, people worldwide accepted the Gospel at higher rates than normal. Leaders are focusing on subjects like anxiety, fear, Gods sovereignty and love. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.". Ministry staffs will likely be composed of more generalists and fewer specialists. Barely Anyone Reads the Bible in Germany. We must point them to the only One who can deliver/rescue us. While it is important for churches to live out foundational convictions, most people are not looking for a litany of legalistic dogma. Troup Cares fills healthcare gap with medical home for countys under-insured, MercyMed Clinic provides compassionate healthcare to areas underserved, Georgia Baptist TOP Legislation Being Watched (3/20/23), There are still no good reasons for legalizing sports betting in Georgia. | Website Just as Jesus moved into the lives of those who were experiencing crises, we as a church can be his hands and feet during this time. Run to him with your burdens. Ive heard of churches using their parking lots or drive-in movie theaters to provide drive through virus testing and/or food pantries for the needy. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. When a believer dies he/she is immediately escorted into the presence of Jesus. When we are weary and we are distraught, we have a place to go. Guilt-ridden, judgment-infused, condescending approaches to evangelism will give way to Jesus-centered conversations about deliverance, healing, forgiveness and life transformation. Take the extra steps to be available for conversations that lead to the hope we have in Christ. Pulses online evangelism broadcasts reached young people around the world in 2020. Many pastors are asking how to be on mission as traditional avenues of face-to-face outreach and serving are no longer viable. Be resourceful. It's more dangerous and more destructive than COVID-19 will ever be. People are rarely offended when invited to something. Its an amazing thing, and it reminds us that we were created to be dependentdependent on the Creator. Persons of Peace in their community, who know the young church plant genuinely cares about people, are passing on the names of needy families. No, becoming a contagious church only happens on purpose!. Tell them something you got from the sermon. In 2020, Pulse shared the Gospel with over 120 million households from 140 countries during Easter Week alone, Hall said. There is no story when there is prosperity and it results in good things for people of faith.. She had joy even at the end. Learn more about becoming a Christ-centered, career-ready graduate. Their urgency is an example to us all. Hebrews 2:14. Our goal should be to identify and serve the most vulnerable. With the variety of online programs now available, pastors are seeking the best ways to train/equip (often using how-to videos) their small group leaders to construct/host engaging out-of-the-building gatherings. Here are 10 simple ideas for leveraging this season to advance the gospel. I just think, in a God-ordained way, if my sister hadnt died our team wouldnt have pivoted and put on this program.. Meet a need before it appears. These are great activities, but I discovered its more effective to share Christ as I go. Were forced to turn to something bigger.. Sharing the Gospel Even With a Stranger. Surely COVID-19 will reveal much about our churches, including would-be elders. Technology for all its negatives has also united the world, and were finding ways to use that for good.. The coronavirus is a hot topic among teenagers. Mosaic Baptist in Brooklyn, New York, founded by BBS Master of Divinity grad Stephen Stallard (13), is doing weekly distribution of boxes of essential food items along with information cards about the church, a scriptural gospel booklet and a gospel message. Everyone knows K-pop. The pandemic may rage on, but we long for others to know the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). In his book, Becoming a Contagious Church, Mark Middleburg writes the following: One thing is for sure: without intentional planning, prioritization, decision making and leadership, and a whole lot of course corrections along the way, a church will never experience sustained evangelistic fruitfulness. Jump on Zoom or some other way you can see them face to face. We have a list of community outreach ideas let evangelism and missions work together! Showing God in action in and through His people. Ben shared his testimony and challenged her to study the Gospel of John. Young people from these countries have a surprising amount of culture in common. As you call, let them know you care for them and are praying for them during this time. In these moments, its tempting to doubt Gods goodness, to doubt his wisdom, to doubt his power, to doubt his ability to control. Why doesnt he answer? Our college ministry uses discovery groups in dorms and in fraternity and sorority houses, discussing what the Bible says about the values of each Greek chapter. Nows the perfect time to invite a handful of your skeptical friends to explore the Christian faith. If you want to take more time to evangelize during COVID, that's great! Those who die without Christ spend an eternity in hell. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s). Were continuing to explore creative ways to have fun together online during this odd time. To do this, we surveyed 3,757 U.S. parents with at least one child younger than 18 (including 3,251 who have a child in a K-12 school) from Sept. 20 to Oct. 2 . Going through that experience of grief and pain it gave me a head start in experiencing what people were feeling, he said. If you have specific questions for a ministry, please use the contact information on the ministrys staff page. In Maryland, a study found that suicide rates decreased by 45 percent for white . Our churches must be willing to take risks and prepare for what lies ahead. When the weather cleared up this week our family took walks and met many neighbors wed never met before. Be sure to share these ideas in the Facebook group. Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach. Let them know youre all in with them. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith. Covid-19 took the world by surprise, but it was no surprise to God. Offer to talk to anyone listening. Most evangelical leaders agree that the current COVID-19 epidemic and quarantine provides churches with wonderful opportunities to do community outreach and share the good news of Jesus. It is the same visceral imperative many of us feel with racial equality. With the country's churches now shut up shop, how can the church continue to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to the nation? Church Planting Discipleship Evangelism Global Leadership Megachurch. There is ample opportunity but now is the time to think innovatively, to work in unity and collaboration, and to remain focused on the mission of the churchto show and share the love of Christ in this and every time., By Dr. Ken Davis, Baptist Bible Seminary adjunct faculty member, Subscribe to Baptist Bible Seminarys Diakonos e-newsletter, 2023 Clarks Summit University. Ive never met anyone who was offended by an offer for prayer. We must point them to the only One who can deliver/rescue us. Obviously, the Great Commission has not been rescinded! In any season, becoming a healthier and more effective church is an ongoing journey. If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals. "For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had[the power of death." As you know, we can use any of these ideas at any time. Evangelism in a Time of Social Distancing. Its particularly important for me because I have a compromised immune system, and I am in the high-risk category for this pandemic that has spread across the globe. A religious liberty newsletter that is a must-read for people of faith. Although it has not killed as nearly as many as the current H1N1 Flu epidemic, many epidemiologists agree that, sooner or later, a sweeping flu virus could kill hundreds of millions of people. April 30, 2023. Practice Hospitality, Especially during COVID-19. Theres no sugarcoating it. Listen well. That same peace guards the hearts and minds of those who turn from their sins and believe in Christ alone for salvation (Romans 10:9). One young church plant that normally sees just over 200 in Sunday attendance is now delighted to find up to 1,500 viewers to their online services. The more you know about lament, the more things really come alive to you in reading Jeremiah's lament. But the coronavirus is realand dangerous. Theres a lot of people who are now seekers. 65 percent of church leaders say that evangelism hasn't been a priority for their congregations over . Learn more or donate today at, Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesnt Make Sense. One of the most powerful defenses against fear is gratitude. And maybe those questions wont be fully answered here and now; but again, we know who God is, we know what he promised us, and we know that this moment points us to how much we need one who is greater than us, who has greater power than us, who has greater control than us, who directs things we cant direct, who is never weak, who is never tired, and who is never weary. Death is hard, and suffering is hard. Share the link or consider hosting a watch party on Facebook that notifies your friends and invites them to watch. Obviously, the Great Commission has not been rescinded! Pray daily for the unbelievers we know. Guilt-ridden, judgment-infused, condescending approaches to evangelism will give way to Jesus-centered conversations about deliverance, healing, forgiveness and life transformation. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles.
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