The Nature of Evangelism (Part 2)

Today’s reading is a continuation of Section 4 of the Lausanne Covenant - The Nature of Evangelism. Read Here.

Our Christian presence in the world is indispensable to evangelism, and so is that kind of dialogue whose purpose is to listen sensitively in order to understand. But evangelism itself is the proclamation of the historical, biblical Christ as Saviour and Lord, with a view to persuading people to come to him personally and so be reconciled to God.

The Prelude to Evangelism

Evangelism never happens in a vacuum—it always takes place in a real context. There is a situation that comes before it, and results that follow it. The Lausanne Covenant speaks of presence, proclamation, persuasion, and dialogue.

• At its heart, evangelism is the proclamation of the historical, biblical Jesus as Saviour and Lord. The only Jesus we can proclaim is the Jesus of history and the Jesus of Scripture—‘our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ (2 Peter 3:18). We cannot faithfully preach his salvation without also preaching his lordship, nor his lordship without his salvation (1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 4:5).
• But how can we share Christ with people if we have no contact with them? The answer is simple—we can’t. The first word in Jesus’ Great Commission was not ‘preach’ but ‘go.’ Effective evangelists are those who take the step to go, to have a presence in the world, drawing alongside others.
• Yet presence alone is not enough. Being present is not a substitute for proclamation. We must speak the truth about Christ. Dialogue is needed too. True dialogue means we both speak and listen seriously, engaging with people in a way that respects them while faithfully presenting the gospel.
• In this, the Apostle Paul is a powerful example. He entered into people’s worlds, listened carefully, and clearly proclaimed Jesus Christ, ‘reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God’ (Acts 19:8). His approach reminds us that evangelism involves both genuine relationship and bold witness, grounded in the truth of who Jesus is and what he has done.

Reflection:

How can you be intentionally present with others this week while clearly proclaiming Christ?

Prayer:

Lord, help me go where you send me, listen with compassion, and speak your truth with courage and love.