Evangelism and my Christian walk Essay

Evangelism is a passion of mine and this semester has helped me to develop more as a person and strengthen my passion for evangelism. Usually when you hear the word Evangelism most of the time, you will start to fear because of rejection. During my Christian walk, sometimes I have experienced the fear of rejection as it relates to Evangelism. However, this semester has taught me not to fear.† Evangelism is standing up for your faith even if everyone else remains seated 1(Earley and Wheeler p.32)†. This semester I have learned and developed new perceptions and challenges about evangelism, which has challenged my way of thinking. At first glance, when you hear or see the word evangelism you immediately think about sharing the gospel and that is true. That is only one part of Evangelism because listening is very important as well. This has caused me to think differently about Evangelism because now I understand how important it is to listen to people while witnessing. Evangelism can be challenging but the way I look at it now is that I have a part in fulfilling the great commission at all cost. Evangelism is about relationship building that involves changing a person ability to trust and receive the gospel. This course has reminded me that Evangelism does not come without great sacrifice. It requires you putting forth effort and work to share gospel with someone that does not believe. Anytime you deal with people and sharing the gospel you have to be patient. It has challenged me to become an effective witness for Christ because as I grow spiritually it is a reflection of Christ. This semester has reminded me that there has to be a balance between the incarnational and information Apologetics. Many people say that Christians are hypocrites because their lifestyle does not line up with what they are professing. My lifestyle should reflect what I am professing in my Christian walk. The scripture tells us in James 1:23-24 and it says: 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 2Therefore, many times people will not pick up a bible and read it but they will look at my lifestyle of a Christian. As you go through a course like this, it will cause you to look within to see if you are doing your part to help further the Kingdom of God. This semester has challenged me in so many ways to seek God more than ever and pay closer attention to the needs of others. God has called each one of us to spread the gospel whether it is in the workplace, community or other countries. Sometimes we forget the importance of evangelism and just leave it to the Pastor or other ministers. However, as part of the body of Christ, I have to be willing to hold myself accountable and be willing to meet the needs of others. Learning to love people where they are is very important and this course has showed me that I have to go where the needs are. Evangelism is investing your time to minister to others and there is a great reward seeing someone gives their life to Jesus. At times, I have taken the need to listen to others for granted but listening is important to the lost. â€Å"Never underestimate the role of listening in building an evangelistic relationship,†3 (Earley and Wheeler, p. 123).The scripture teaches us in James 1:19: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. 4Through this course, I have found that barriers can hinder you from being effective in servant evangelism. As it relates to my Christian walk, I have found that I have to confront those barriers that hinder me in my serving. Sometimes we can think we are super Christians and do not have any problems or need help. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to be transparent to those that do not believe and let them know you can relate to them and love them where they are. This semester has been  a revelation for me in my spiritual walk and building relationships with others. I have taken what I have learned in this class to bless others and encourage them that they can make it because God loves them. During the times of witnessing and servant hood, I have found so, many people that just want someone to listen and love them. My perception of people has changed because now I feel that I am more compassionate now, sensitive to the needs of others, humble, loving, and willing to be servant. My Vision for Evangelism My vision for evangelism is denying self to serve and be reflection of Jesus as I minister and love others. I would like those attributes to be a part of my daily life and walk in the fruit of the Spirit so, that other people will feel the love of God. I have gained so much knowledge from this course that I can take what I have learned and apply it in my own life to become a better person and to help others. In my Christian walk, my vision is to look for ways to be a blessing to others and to make an impact in my family and community. Also, ministering the word of faith thereby, changing mindsets and lives. Therefore, to help equip the believer so that it will cause them to live according to the word of God. However, there are a few changes I feel that I need to make in my life to be more effective as a witness for Christ. Some of the changes include reading the word of God more, seeking God’s way, being obedient, and trusting God. I can make an impact in my family by living the word of God before them and loving people where they are. Sometimes reaching your family can be hard but I believe that if I will be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and trust God, I can make a difference in their life. Evangelism is a way of life for me and it is priceless. I count it an honor to take part in what God is doing in some else life because at some point I was where they were. I remember that someone took time out to witness to me and let me know that there is hope in Jesus. Therefore, I am thankful to God for allowing me another opportunity to change and get on the right course. Role as a servant Servant hood is about demonstrating the character and qualities of God. Taking on the heart of servant requires unselfishness, not looking for promotion or pay, honors God, and reflects Jesus. My role as a servant  requires humilty, sacrifice and it breathes the very heart of God. We can consider the humblest servant of all; Jesus despised, mocked, and rejected. Serving can be hard but it means I am putting God’s plans and purpose above my own. Being a servant can affect my ministry in so, many ways by having these characteristics making myself available to God to serve, do what is needed, even when it is inconvenient, see interruptions as an opportunity to practice serving others, pay close attention to the needs of others, and no task is beneath me. The scripture says in Matthew 23:11-12, 11 but he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.12 and whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.5My attitude as a servan t will determine how I see things and the effectiveness of my servant hood. You should be able to identify a servant with Jesus because of the lifestyle he or she lives. Another important Characteristic of a servant is that I need to be open and teachable and sharing the gospel with joy. â€Å"True ministry to others, ministry that was modeled by Jesus Christ, requires you to minister as a servant†6 (Leach and Wheeler, p.5) A servant must have a willingness and desire to serve so, do not miss an opportunity to serve and provide some immediate relief for someone else. Many hurting people need what God has placed inside of you so you can be a blessing to others. Vision for future ministry God has placed some abilities in me that I can contribute to ministry, community and the marketplace. My future vision is to teach and empower believers in the state, surrounding areas and the nation in making disciples for Christ. I must lead by example in order to make disciples and it should be the responsibility of everyone to make disciples. I envision more unity in the body of Christ so; we can make an impact as we allow the Holy Spirit to change people’s heart and mind. The Scripture teaches us to tell others about Jesus Christ. In addition, while sharing the gospel is wonderful, it is simply not enough. We should continue to encourage and invest in new believers because many do not know where to begin to seek God. Evangelism will always be a part of my ministry and should be for other ministries as well. The way I look at evangelism is that if we stop evangelizing then the church stops growing both spiritually and naturally. God has commanded each of us to be a witness for him and we should not hesitate at this opportunity  to do his will. Some of my plans for evangelism include going out in the community and building relationships with people and lead them to Jesus. I would like to start a small group that will meet on a regular basis and have a nice fellowship but encourage each other. Sharing the gospel requires us loving as Christ has commanded us to do. I believe I have to stay focus on what God has given me to do. Most people are busy but not effective due to a lack of focus. Therefore, I cannot let someone else negative opinions of me become my reality. That is very important in evangelism because you may not always be received everyone all the time but I must stay focused. In the book Family to Family, it put emphasis on the family and individuals developing their relationship with Christ through some basic principles such as; spending time alone with God, prayer life, studying the word of God, accountability, and discipleship (Pipes and Lee, p.13)7 In conclusion, evangelism is a joyful experience, telling the good news; meeting people and helping them exchange their religion for a relationship with Jesus. It is my desire to spread the gospel with a passion to reach the lost with confidence and love. I believe as I continue to follow Jesus and be humble I can make a lasting impression on someone. I truly, have been blessed by taking this class and interacting with my classmates. Bibliography Earley, Dave, and David Wheeler. Evagelism IS†¦How to Share Jesus with Passion and Confidence. Nashville, Tennessee: B&H Academic Publishing Group, 2010. Fay, William, and Linda Evans Shepherd. Share Jesus Without Fear. Nashville, Tennessee: B&H PublishingGroup, 1984. KJV Holy Biblbe. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1987. Leach, Richard, and David A. Wheeler. Minister To Others. Nashville, Tennessee: LifeWay Press, 2009. McRaney Jr., Will. The Art of Personal Evangelism Sharing Jesus In A Chaging Culture. Nashville, Tennessee: B&H Publishing Group, 2003. Pipes, Jerry Dr., and Victor Lee. Family to Family Leaving A Lasting Legacy. Lawrenceville,Georgia: Jerry Pipes Productions, 1999.