We all believe in it. When you embrace the truth of God s Word, it s pretty difficult to discount its call to reach lost people. It s on our bulletins, in our hymns, and throughout our creeds. It s posted on our marquees and peppered throughout our statements of faith. It s emphasized in our theology books, praised in our seminaries, and encouraged in our pulpits.
Most Christian leaders list it as one of their ministry s top priorities.
There is little ambiguity or doubt that evangelism is central to what we re supposed to be about. The irony is that while many of us are in churches and denominations that have a rich heritage and strong reputation for evangelism, in many cases, precious little is actually happening. 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. This mandate was given for all churches of all time, so it includes every one of us who is a part of those congregations. A mere fourteen percent of pastors claim that their churches are heavily involved in evangelism.