Evangelism and church growth are inseparable entity. The birth of a church is the result of effective evangelism and the growth of a church determines the effectiveness of its evangelism. This is proven in Paul’s evangelism and church planting at Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica and many other places during his missionary journeys. His preaching of the gospel not only witnessed many conversions, but those churches that he planted also witness fruitful ministry and growth. Hence, the Thessalonica church, which was established by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9), set it as a classic example of evangelism and church growth to other churches. When we study Paul’s epistles to Thessalonians, especially chapter
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Paul wrote that “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (v3). Their faith produces work, love produces labor and hope produce patience. Faith, love and hope – three essential components of the Christian faith that resulted from Paul’s evangelism. One thing we have to note here is that Paul preached the gospel in the midst of various oppositions and the converts live out their faith in the midst of many sufferings. During this hard time, they also “were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (v7). Paul, the great evangelist lived an exemplary life in which Christ is revealed through him and thereafter the converts follow his footsteps in doing the same. Living an exemplary life to other believers and to other churches is regarded as an obligatory …show more content…
4:12). With the Holy Spirit enablement, every believer should preach the gospel regardless of where they are – carrying out the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). Now, the church shouldn’t neglect this ministry because if evangelism is neglected, then the church has not fulfilled its duty as a church – “who represent God to the world and who attract others to God” (Christopher J. Wright, The Mission of God’s People). Proclaiming the gospel should be the chief end of a church. If each and every one committed to this task, the church will grow in numbers and faith – “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (Rom.
Paul wrote that “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (v3). Their faith produces work, love produces labor and hope produce patience. Faith, love and hope – three essential components of the Christian faith that resulted from Paul’s evangelism. One thing we have to note here is that Paul preached the gospel in the midst of various oppositions and the converts live out their faith in the midst of many sufferings. During this hard time, they also “were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (v7). Paul, the great evangelist lived an exemplary life in which Christ is revealed through him and thereafter the converts follow his footsteps in doing the same. Living an exemplary life to other believers and to other churches is regarded as an obligatory …show more content…
4:12). With the Holy Spirit enablement, every believer should preach the gospel regardless of where they are – carrying out the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). Now, the church shouldn’t neglect this ministry because if evangelism is neglected, then the church has not fulfilled its duty as a church – “who represent God to the world and who attract others to God” (Christopher J. Wright, The Mission of God’s People). Proclaiming the gospel should be the chief end of a church. If each and every one committed to this task, the church will grow in numbers and faith – “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (Rom.