Spencer Clark
Why don’t we evangelize? Maybe it’s fear of rejection, inadequate knowledge, concern about damaged relationships, and other factors. But one reason we may overlook is this: What if we do not believe that people need to hear the Gospel? What if we don’t think the people around us are actually lost?
Most of us would probably say an unrepentant murderer or thief cannot be saved. But what if this person asks for forgiveness yet still lives out their life as a non-Christian? Are they saved? What about morally upright individuals or those who attend other churches? Are they saved? What if they use the same religious terminology as us like “baptism” or “non-denominational”? Are they saved because they talk like us?
Paul stated, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Due to sin, everyone is lost and unable to attain salvation. Salvation does not rely on being a good person or leading a virtuous life. To be saved, individuals must call upon the name of the Lord through baptism (Rom. 10:13; Acts 22:16). However, unless someone goes to them and shares the gospel, they cannot even begin to hear or believe in the good news about Jesus (Rom. 10:14). In essence, those who have not been baptized into the death of Christ will perish in their sins and will not live with Him (Rom 6:1-8). If we do not reach out to them, they will remain lost.
Therefore, who needs evangelism? Everyone who is lost. And who is lost? Everyone who has sinned. The task ahead of us is immense, but God will strengthen us to fulfill His will (Heb 13:21). And we are not alone in our evangelism: the shepherds and ministers are here to provide support, equipping, and work alongside you as we all strive to be more evangelistic in our congregation.