Theology of Evangelism_CHPL655

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Theology of Evangelism Rebecca Leigh Bannister CHPL 655: Chaplain Evangelism and Discipleship January 27, 2024

Contents Defining Evangelism ...................................................................................................................... 1 Building A Theological Foundation ............................................................................................. 2 The Mandate to Evangelize ................................................................................................. 3 God’s Heart for the Lost ...................................................................................................... 3 The Role of the Holy Spirit ................................................................................................. 4 Proclamation of the Gospel ................................................................................................. 4 Discipleship and Follow-up ................................................................................................. 5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 6 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................... 7 ii

1 Evangelism is a central and indispensable aspect of Christian ministry, involving sharing the transformative and life-giving message of Jesus Christ with others and actively participating in the process of making disciples (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15, English Standard Version). The purpose of this paper is to build a comprehensive theology of evangelism, through exploration of its theological foundations based on the Scriptures. This theology of evangelism is rooted in God’s perfect plan and purpose to reflect his love for humanity and the desire for all his children to return back into his presence, through Christ’s salvic work, and the continual sharing of the Good News through discipleship. By applying the theological foundations and the true biblical approach to evangelism, Christians can effectively fulfill the divine mandate to go and make disciples of all nations, carrying out the Great Commission as faithful disciples of Christ. Defining Evangelism Evangelism is the Church’s mission to encourage every individual to radically reorient their lives. 1 This involves freeing oneself from worldly influences, accepting Christ as Savior and Lord, becoming a part of the body of Christ, serving in reconciliation, peace, and justice, and aligning with God’s purpose under the rule of Christ. 2 Furthermore, a theology of evangelism is a comprehensive understanding and framework for the practice of sharing the true message of the gospel (Rom. 1:16; 2 Cor. 5:20; 1 Peter 3:15). Its foundation is based on the teachings of the 1 Darcey Lazerte, “Toward a Theology of Evangelism for the Pluralistic West,” Toronto Journal of Theology 38, no. 1 (2022): 57–71. “… evangelism is an essential part of the identity of the church in all its varied contexts; that it is offered, not coercive, and is invitational in nature; that it has substance that results in an opportunity for people to reorient themselves around the witness, teachings, and life of Christ; and that it involves an active engagement as a member of the church.” 2 David J. Bosch, Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1991), 420. “Evangelism is that dimension and activity of the church’s mission which, by word and deed and in light of the particular conditions and particular context, offers every person and community, everywhere, a valid opportunity to be directly challenged to a radical reorientation of their lives, a reorientation which involves such things as deliverance from slavery to the world and its powers; embracing Christ as Savior and Lord; becoming a living member of his community, the church; being enlisted into his service of reconciliation, peace, and justice on earth; and being committed to God’s purpose of placing all things under the rule of Christ.”

2 Scriptures and revolves around God’s plan to bring all people into a personal relationship with him and to fulfill his mission (John 3:16, 10:10, 14:16). In Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel Wholly by Grace Communicated Truthfully Lovingly , Will Metzger writes, “the foundation upon which one can build a life of evangelism is on God’s sovereignty alone. Christians witness the seamless collaboration of the Triune God working together in providing salvation. The Father devised the plan, Christ executed it, and the Spirit applies it.” 3 Building A Theological Foundation The imperativeness of the truth found in the Word of God and evangelism cannot be overstated. By embracing and faithfully following a biblical theology of evangelism, believers can effectively share the truth of the gospel with confidence (Eph. 6:19-20; 1 Cor. 16:13). Primarily, the Word of God serves as the ultimate foundation of absolute truth upon which to anchor oneself (Pss. 119:105; Matt. 4:4; John 1:1; Heb. 4:12; 1 Tim. 3:16-17). As stated in Matthew, chapter seven, verses twenty-four through twenty-seven, let us build our lives upon the Word of God, which serves as an unyielding foundation that remains resistant to change, consistently enduring without faltering. This theology places an emphasis on the Great Commission, to go make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:16-20). This solid foundation and the guiding principles found within God’s Word aids in effective evangelistic efforts, ensuring that the message of the gospel is communicated in a clear, authentic, loving, and transformative manner. 3 Will Metzger, Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel Wholly by Grace Communicated Truthfully Lovingly , Fourth Edition. (Westmont, IL: IVP Books, 2012), 40.

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