'Event Evangelism',

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'Event Evangelism', or... 'Servant Evangelism'
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Based on a presentation by the Revd Dr George
Martin, who specialises in congregational growth
and church planting, through effective
communication.
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What makes evangelism effective? It's in a
language that people understand. It's relevant
and contextual. It's answering real questions.
It's offering something that is important
and necessary.
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Which set of tools?
Argument. Logic. Reason. Persuasion.
Expectation
Demonstration. Joy. Love. Compassion.
Humour. Time. Presence.
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Asking a whole new set of questions about the
Gospel
Modern mindset Can you prove it? Where can I
read more about it? I want to
understand more about it. I want to think more
about it.
Post-modern Can you live it? Where can I see it
in action? I want to experience it.
I want to be in a conversation
and have a relationship.
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How do we relate to people outside the church?
On a regular basis? Taking time to be with
them? Gently and consistently loving them?
Earning their trust and friendship? Penetrating
the walls of resistance, hostility
and fear? Looking into their eyes and seeing
Jesus?
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Where are we most needed?
Inside the church nestled in a community that
sometimes loves and accepts us as we are, which
nurtures us? Or also outside serving in such a
way that there's a chance that God's love is
revealed through us, and that someone hunkered
down inside thick walls, begins to discover grace
and mercy?
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What is Event Evangelism?
Those occasions when Christians make
friends with those outside their church. When
the church supports the life of the wider
community. When Christians do something for
others that is not primarily self serving.
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Event Evangelism
When love of neighbour gets put into action.
When we break out of the walls of the church.
When we announce ourselves to the community in
a way that surprises and pleases those we serve.
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Two Dimensions to Event Evangelism
A 'Happening Celebration' When your church
creates or participates in an event or
celebration which is offered to the wider
community to celebrate some important aspect of
life. Service What you do that is not expected
or even rewarded but which most closely reflects
a deep and joyful understanding of service in the
name of Christ.
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How people expect to see Christians in action...
With a bible. With pamphlets. With words of
condemnation. Words about the
end of the world. Demands and
rules. Asking for money.
What if... Giving something away for
free. Doing something just for the love of
doing it. Serving with a smile. Actually
seeming to be happy and carefree.
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The essentials of Servant Ministry
Do something free and meaningful for the
community. Tell people where you come from.
Expect no payment and no attendance.
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10 Strengths of Servant Evangelism
1. It is effective in reaching people in today's
culture it is easily
contextualised. 2. It is personal evangelism in
a corporate setting. 3. It is low risk/high
grace evangelism. 4. It can become an essential
part of the church's mission.
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10 Strengths of Servant Evangelism
5. It is fun! 6. It can involve everyone. 7.
Servant evangelism follows the model of Jesus.
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10 Strengths of Servant Evangelism
8. Servant evangelism allows people to use their
creativity to initiate ministry opportunities. 9.
Servant evangelism takes very few resources and
can be done anywhere in any setting. 10. Servant
evangelism is extremely attractive.
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Some examples...
Sponsor cycle safety programme for children.
Special service for people who have lost pets.
Blessing of pets do in conjunction with local
vets and pet supply companies. Blessing of
backpacks before new school year. Gold Guitars
service in Gore. Singing carols in shops, malls,
care homes, for those confined to their houses.
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Some more examples...
Monthly 'Generosity' giving, suggested by
parishioners, Green Island. Such as school camp
fees for a family that finds it difficult to
afford the money. Combined churches in Wanaka,
providing a 'free feed' for young people in town
during the ski season. 140 fed last week.
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'Water of Life' project free, like God's gift
of life.
600 500ml bottles of spring water purchased with
donations from St Stephen's Presbyterian, Sacred
Heart Catholic and All Saints Anglican,
neighbours in the Waikiwi, Grasmere,and Gladstone
community in Invercargill. Given away free by
the three churches at the WaiTri triathlon, held
around the Waihopai River tracks in the centre of
the community served by the three churches.
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What the label says
Wai Ora the Water of Life. Jesus says 'The
water I give you will become a spring within you,
welling up to eternal life'. A gift to you from
the people of the churches around the Waihopai
Sacred Heart Catholic, St Stephen's Presbyterian
and All Saints Anglican.