Preaching to the Choir
Eighty percent of church growth is transfer grow. Eight-ty. I’m just saying. For all the talk of reaching the lost, we’re not doing as much of it as we would like- or could. There may be many reasons for this, and not all are within our control. In the first place, evangelism is tough in today’s world. Secondly, people make up their own minds, and we cannot abridge that plain fact. What bothers me is whether we thirst to see the lost brought to Christ or merely want to count church attendees.
Most Christians would say that they want to see many converts, and I believe they genuinely do. I believe the majority of pastors and other Christian workers have this lofty goal. A lot of folks are so sincere they hurt. It is not my desire to be judgmental in this area. I would like to see more fruit in my own life. I don’t, however, believe the great salvation I speak of is possible until the search for the lost becomes our consuming passion. Wishin’ and hopin’ won’t get it done.
The salvation of the lost will remain theoretical until we master its practical application. We preachers may find ourselves holding forth eloquently on points all our hearers agree on but don’t seem to be able to make work in their own lives. A word of encouragement comes to us in the biblical admonition to keep working in down time so that we can see gain when the tide turns back home. Consistency and patience will stand us in good stead. Don’t ever give up in the search for souls.
All believers can learn to clearly, convey their faith. That’s the first step. Even the best at this are not very good, so that’s not a consideration. The power is God’s, but His people need to speak up. A sincere witness does well every time because God is working in them. As we share our faith, our confidence grows. A clear witness grows into a confident witness, and a confident witness makes maximum usage of opportunities. Some great soulwinners are naturally shy. The Holy Spirit empowers the available.
Learning the best and most effective ways to spread the gospel is work for a lifetime, so I’ll only give one other tip. Use the church. Get the lost around the saved. Let the hungry and hurting observe the happy. God uses the church like a hammer to break the veneer of sin. There should be a great, concerted effort to fill the church with the unchurched. If we only bring more individuals to the table, more will be fed and filled. The plan is simple, straightforward and scriptural.
Instead of gathering to discuss the needs of the lost, you and I can participate in God’s great plan for salvation by learning to communicate our faith and bringing our friends to church. It’s not that hard. Sermon after sermon is preached to those who already believe. As wonderful as it is to hear the old story over again, there are many who have never heard it in language they can understand (foreign or otherwise) even once. We can help in that pursuit. The choir is assembling but spaces remain.
Sterl
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