Honey, I got the Job!

Defining Evangelism and Witnessing

by

So it’s your first “real” job and you are really excited or at least thankful – maybe about the benefits you’ll be offered or the location or prestige of the company. For some, it may be what you will be doing that is most important and exciting. But for most, you are probably just glad to be getting a paycheck. But what does your job really entail? What really is your job description?

Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

If asked to explain the verse in 10 seconds or less, I would delineate these two points:

  1. Proclaim the message
  2. Make disciples of men

Yep, that is it. But wait – don’t think that this is a non-profit organization just because it seems religious in nature. The three board members are highly concerned about the bottom line. In one of their promos they specifically requested workers and not volunteers (1 Corinthians 15:58 and 1 Corinthians 16:10).  They give us the option to trade in “fishes” for a heavenly savings bond (Matthew 6:19-21) and fabulous “blinged out” mansions (John 14:2).  We also have the option to take flight without a ticket; universal preventative health care is provided (Revelation 21:4); we receive just rewards according to our work etiquette (Revelation 22:12) and so on and so forth (wow, these benefits are kinda extensive). The eternal life part is a freebie. Imagine that! Eternal life is part of the deal – just for signing on, being faithful and incident free (incidents are forgiven and wiped clean).

God offers us that dream job with superb benefits and with departments that match your skill set a.k.a gifts that match your spiritual experience level. Heard about it? Jesus Christ was here a while ago recruiting for the God Fishery Corporation (GFC). No worries, He left some of the brochures compiled in a nice package; the Biblical Guide. The really good news is that He is still hiring and needs all hands on deck. The best news is that the job description is clear and your rewards are assured. If fact, I have not done justice to what’s at stake.

1 Corinthians 2:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

So how do we actually do the job – what do we have to do? Our Bible tell us that our job is to evangelise and witness. The core lesson tries to define both words. Understanding both gives us two main approaches to completing our mission.

When we look at the relationship between witnessing and evangelism, we can say that they are each essentially different strategies for reaching the goal of winning souls for Christ. Witnessing is more spontaneous and short term, while evangelism tends to be more long term and intentional. Sometimes planned evangelism is enhanced by the personal witnessing of those involved, and sometimes spontaneous witnessing leads people into a more planned program. However it happens, both are vital components in the overall process. When we share what Jesus has done for us, those who are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit will want to know more. It’s easy for people to argue against your doctrines, your theology and your beliefs. It’s not, however, so easy for them to argue against your own personal testimony.

Are you ready to work?

Job Questionaire :

  1. What are the core similarities between the first Christian evangelists (Peter and the gang) and today’s? What are the differences?
  2. How long after accepting Christ should someone wait before sharing their testimony and getting involved with evangelism?
  3. What are some witnessing or evangelising techniques?
  4. How do you witness to someone who does not respect the Bible or the Christian God as the true God?
  5. How do you witness to others? Are you involved in evangelism?

Jason Alexis is passionate about helping churches, ministries and non-profits get their message out to a mobile, global and social generation. Having began his career as an engineer, Jason believes that marketing and communications should be based on hard data, systemic analysis and proven best practices. As the founder of Fluid Ministries, Jason brings this scientific common sense approach to church communications and marketing. He helps churches to spread the age-old Gospel message through modern high-tech communication channels including mobile apps, text messaging and social media.
As a devout Christian, Jason bases his life on solid Biblical principles. That said, Jason recognizes his own imperfections and failure to consistently live out his convictions. Because of this, he knows his need for God's mercy and compassion. He is inclined to extend this mercy to others rather than judge them. Jason strives to run his business and personal affairs with integrity and virtue.

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Categories: Ministry, Personal
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