Evangelize means to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us. At Flint River, we believe that evangelism is more than a program. It’s a lifestyle. Jesus calls us all to share the gospel with those within our circles of influence ~ our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and acquaintances. We practice this lifestyle when we:
Influence: We want to influence others in such a way that they will exchange their ordinary lives for the extraordinary life that is found in Jesus Christ. We Influence those around us by living a life of spiritual integrity. In other words, if you talk it, walk it. Your life may be the only “Bible” that someone is reading. We want to help you be an infectious influence for Christ. We offer small groups on Sundays and Wednesdays to mature you in your Christian walk. Each week, the messages are designed to help you apply God’s word to your life at work and at home. Our staff and church leadership is always ready to offer guidance and suggest books and other resources to equip you to live a life of influence.
Invest: This involves showing concern and compassion to others and meeting needs, using our own personal resources and time, especially with those who have yet to put their faith in Christ. This is being “Jesus with skin on.” Investing begins by praying for those within our circles of influence and becoming aware of their needs and struggles so that we will be ready to respond as situations arise. People don’t care what we know (about Christ) until they know that we care (about them). Below are a few practical suggestions on how to get started investing in others. Be creative and allow God to lead.
1. Begin to pray daily for 1 person in your circles of influence who does not know Christ.
2. Begin to develop a relationship with a neighbor or a colleague at work.
3. Pray and look for opportunities to share Your Story (testimony).
4. Practice kindness with someone who is sick, depressed, or in need.
5. Invite an unbeliever for dinner, to lunch or to play golf.
6. Pray daily to be an influence for the Lord through attitudes, actions, and reactions.
7. Ask God to make you sensitive and aware of needs around you.
8. Smile and speak words of encouragement to all you meet.
9. Mentor or tutor someone.
Invite: When we desire to be an influence for Christ and we invest in relationships with those who are spiritually empty, then we earn an opportunity to invite them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Many will be responsive to the Gospel because they have seen it in our lives. Most people come to accept Christ because of the influence, investment, and invitation of someone they knew. As Christians, we can pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as He nudges us to share our testimony, invite someone to church or share Christ. We want to help you learn to be comfortable sharing your testimony or sharing the plan of salvation. We will offer classes to help you share the Gospel in a variety of ways. You can learn to share what Christ has done in your life by writing out your testimony and practicing with another Christian friend until you feel comfortable. Sharing how God is presently helping you through a struggle often gets the attention of an unbeliever facing a similar struggle. Be sensitive to God and he will nudge you into those conversations. God has entrusted us with His good news. Let’s be trustworthy to share it!
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