This evening on "3ABN Today" there was a profound statement made.

The reason we need mass evangelism is because the masses are not doing anything. That is... we need one person to reach 1,000 people because we have 1,000 people that are not reaching anyone. If everyone would do a little, we wouldn't need one person to do a lot.

Thanks for sharing! That is a great thought and one that we all need to think about!

The reality is that often the most successful "mass evangelistic meetings" have had many unnamed workers who were invovled in bringing them to that point...

That is something to think about. I'm not very big on public evangelism. It seems like a tremendous amount of work and money, only to have half of them leave within a few months. But on the other hand, I do know people who came into the church by that means and stayed, so I think there is certainly a place for it. And obviously God has gifted some people for that work, so I don't think we can throw it out. I think those are some valid points, but I also think there are cheaper, more effective ways to evangelize that we don't utilize nearly enough.

The very best evangelism is a personal one on one evangelism.We are ALL called to minister. But too many of us do not do our duty. So out of neglect ... the invention of mass evangelism came. It is not as personal so the results are not as good. But needed? YES unfortunately.

Perhaps a new thread on WHY we NEGLECT ... would be good. And WHAT can we do to solve the problem. I would propose that a new thought process needs to be promoted. And that is ....

We do not need to compartmentalize Evengelism. WE ALL need to do it. The job is NOT just for Pastors or Evangelists.

Go out and FISH ...............

While most of us would agree on friendship evangelism, there is a Biblical precedent in using meetings to introduce the gospel. This historical precedent throughout the Apostolic era identifies mass evangelism as a method of the Lord, rather than a meager substitute for the ideal (Acts 2:6; 3:12; 10:24; 13:44). A place exists for both, wouldn't you say?


oG

I would refer you to my post above you for the answer.

Just tagging on here, not a direct response to any one person...



Some are called to preach the gospel to large numbers of people.

Others, who have a different temperament and for whom public speaking is a fate worse than death, are called to minister one-on-one to people as they go about their daily business.

Some are even called just to give a cup of cold water to a person who is thirsty, (Matt. 10:42), but Jesus assures these that they, too, have their reward.

There may even be those who are confined to bed by illness or disability who can only contribute to evangelism by their prayers.

I don't think it is necessary, or helpful, for those on either side to put down the contribution of others, or accuse those who are not doing as they do, of neglecting the Great Commission.

aldona

Great point Sherman! There are many who were friendly neighbors and invited those neighbors to come to the meetings, that ran the sound booth, that babysat the kids in the meetings so their parents could listen etc. Such people need recognition because the evangelist, no matter how good, has to have them or he would not have an audience.