When did you last witness for Christ?
The lifeline of the ministry is volunteers. People like to hear about new media and creative ways to invite the lost to learn more about Jesus. The ministry has also invested in technology to allow us to talk with people all over the world in a safe, secure, and seamless fashion. However, the heart of the ministry is conversation. Specifically, patient and loving conversation that shares the Gospel.
“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
– Matthew 9:37-38
So it goes without saying that in order for the ministry to keep growing there must be more people willing to share the Gospel. The challenge is many Christians are becoming less intentional about sharing the Good News. Recently, one of our board members shared a story about how his church is searching for a new senior pastor. One of the questions the search committee asked candidates is when was the last time they led someone to faith in Jesus Christ. This board member was shocked that less than half of those interviewed could remember when they last prayed with someone to accept Jesus as their Savior.
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
– Mark 16:15
Evangelism is difficult. Satan loves to plant seeds of doubt making it seem even more daunting. The biggest mistake we make is to try to do this through our own power. Whether you are considering volunteering, or how to have a conversation with someone lost, we must trust that the Holy Spirit is with us and wants to use us in fulfilling the Great Commission. The reality is we don’t often pray for opportunities to share the Gospel. We also start believing those lies that Satan is constantly spreading. Do any of these sound familiar to you?
“I am afraid and don’t have all the answers.”
“I do not know everything about the Bible.”
“I am not confident I can get someone to believe.”
“My gifts are elsewhere so I will let others do that.”
“I am not sure where to start.”
“I don’t want to upset anyone.”
“I have some things I need to work on myself before I am ready.”
We have heard all of these and remind each volunteer that God does not measure us on the results, but instead we are measured only by the faithfulness of our effort. God brings about salvation and not us. We should think of ourselves as His instrument and not the determining factor. When we buy into these excuses we create an unwinnable equation where we will never be ready. Jesus did not say we all must save someone but he did command each of us to share the Gospel. If you know the Gospel then you can do this.
If you are not involved in regular evangelism we encourage you to pray about joining us. We can provide a steady stream of opportunities to share. We will provide training and resources to help you feel confident and capable. You can find out more about volunteering on our web site at https://needhim.org/get-involved/. Once you do this your walk with Christ will take on a new perspective and you will never be the same.
“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:19-20