We must point them to the only One who can deliver/rescue us. Christians need not fear death but we must fear for what death in hell will do to everyone who has not yet put their faith in Jesus. As this pandemic has spread from country to country until the entire globe is affected and is shutting down in an attempt to squash its power and its spread, were reminded that there is an even greater, darker, more dangerous pandemic. Although only 2 percent of churches say they've had to cut an outreach ministry due to COVID, many pastors report pandemic-related difficulties including personal exhaustion and concern about the safety and well-being of members. He sent his son to live as we could not live, to die an acceptable death, and to rise againconquering sin and death so that there would be a cure for the ultimate disease. Although church attendance has declined, more people are looking for God now, he added. He will shoulder our burdens because he really does care for us. 2. Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. God has used COVID-19 to create the greatest evangelism opportunity in history, said evangelist Nick Hall. Turn your church into a daycare specifically for healthcare and safety workers (in cooperation with the city in order to comply with the essential expectation). We asked our followers on Instagram if they agreed: "Covid has made people more open to conversations about the big issues, like death and loneliness." 66% agreed. As COVID-19 has swept across our nation and the world, the Duke Divinity community has engaged in theological reflection and conversation about faithfully responding to this global challenge. There will be more emphasis on small-group gatherings and less emphasis on large-group gatherings. Evangelism in a Time of Social Distancing. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? | Website Please click here to learn how. Help families pursue the relationships that matter most. Below you'll find articles, sermons, and sermon illustrations that can provide ideas and inspiration as you prepare . Church Planting Discipleship Evangelism Global Leadership Megachurch. OPINION: Views expressed in Baptist News Global columns and commentaries are solely those of the authors. Drop off household cleaners or a sealed package of food, order a pizza to their home, leave an encouraging note on their doorstep. The Importance of Lament in the Midst of COVID-19. With so much common ground, Christians have a great opportunity to reach others for Christ. Surely COVID-19 will reveal much about our churches, including would-be elders. Everyone knows Justin Bieber. Hell be inviting her to join our online groups this semester. In Maryland, a study found that suicide rates decreased by 45 percent for white . For more information on Dare 2 Share and their upcoming conference tour and training resources, please visit, RFK Jr. says he opposes allowing men to compete in women's sports, Kirk Cameron cries tears of 'gratitude and hope' at story hour event, Charles Stanley's grandson apologizes for auctioning off late pastor's items on eBay: 'My family was pretty upset', Courage is fear that has said its prayers, The End Times battle calls for Spirit-led living, 5 reasons why prayer must accompany evangelism, What people use WhatsApp, Telegram for in Iran, Afghanistan might surprise you, Myth 18: Divorce is the unpardonable sin and 'God hates divorce', Evangelical woman: New immigration bill will increase human trafficking risk, Coronavirus: Millions on lockdown in China as virus spreads worldwide, Coronavirus death toll, new cases in the US: 5 latest developments, Most adults in 17 countries say belief in God not necessary to be moral, have good values: study, New Jersey churches excluded from historic preservation grant sue county for discrimination. With the readily accessible tools of social media, many congregations are learning how to leverage online technologies like Zoom, Facebook live or Microsoft Teams to create weekly interactive evangelistic Bible studies and gospel-rich daily devotionals. Yet as leaders we must seize and maximize the open doors the Lord of harvest has given usand mobilize our people for caring outreach. Some are partnering with their city or a local food bank for obtaining supplies. Ask how to sharpen our prayers for their situation. This moment is a physical trouble, a trouble that can infect, weaken, and for some of us, destroy the body. And how will they hear without a preacher? Today, we must deliver that saving message! Theres such an opportunity for those who can get their eyes lifted beyond their own circumstance and realize that God is over it. April 30, 2023. Most evangelical leaders agree that the current COVID-19 epidemic and quarantine provides churches with wonderful opportunities to do community outreach and share the good news of Jesus. Persons of Peace in their community, who know the young church plant genuinely cares about people, are passing on the names of needy families. To locate a specific ministry, use the site map on the home page. We must point them to the only One who can deliver/rescue us. Request info today! Return to homepage. Ive heard of churches using their parking lots or drive-in movie theaters to provide drive through virus testing and/or food pantries for the needy. Paul is the author of Tips for Starting a College Ministry and the co-author, with Steve Shadrach, of The Fuel and The Flame: Igniting Your Life and Your Campus For Jesus Christ. They selflessly move toward the sick and dying, knowing that their intervention can make a difference between life and death. Sure, were going to wonder, Why? When we are weary and we are distraught, we have a place to go. So Why Are Luther Bibles Selling So Well? Should you find any, invest your time in training and equipping them. Hebrews 2:14, 15 gives us a healthy perspective, "Because Gods children are human beingsmade of flesh and bloodthe Son also became flesh and blood. the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing Church size or tight budgets should not be an obstacle; Mosaic is a church of about 50. God bless you as you do that. RFK Jr. says he opposes allowing men to compete in women's sports, Kirk Cameron cries tears of 'gratitude and hope' at story hour event, Charles Stanley's grandson apologizes for auctioning off late pastor's items on eBay: 'My family was pretty upset', Courage is fear that has said its prayers, The End Times battle calls for Spirit-led living, 5 reasons why prayer must accompany evangelism, What people use WhatsApp, Telegram for in Iran, Afghanistan might surprise you, Myth 18: Divorce is the unpardonable sin and 'God hates divorce', Evangelical woman: New immigration bill will increase human trafficking risk, Billy Graham prayer line seeing spike in calls amid fears of uncertainty, 117K people express need for Jesus after hearing Gospel through ministrys virtual Easter events, Lets make engaging the next generation our New Years resolution, 'We are going to survive': 5 ways the Church is innovating amid COVID-19. Yet many of us are wrestling with how this is to be done wisely and winsomely with government mandated restrictions upon us. Letting people know that you care deeply enough for them to pray for them is a perfect place to start a gospel conversation. You can set up a phone or Zoom call and share the gospel with those who expressed interest in spiritual things. The world is rightfully consumed with answering the pandemic. Calling/texting neighbors when doing a grocery run to see if they need anything. Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic Churches will be more community oriented. Plan regular times to spend with lost friends. Paul is the author of, How J. K. Rowling Played, then Lost, the Polarization Game, GAFCON IV: Lessons from a Communion in Birth Pains, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Christian Nationalism, What to Do When Your Child Is Addicted to Video Games, Radical Christian Gentleness in an Era of Addictive Outrage, The FAQs: Anglican Group Calls on Church of Englands Leader to Repent, Whats the Earliest Evidence for Christianity? How Do I Pray for My Children When a New School Year Arrives? Hall is the leader and founder of Pulse, an evangelistic organization that reaches young people around the world with the Gospel. Responding Faithfully: COVID-19 | Duke Divinity School Gods Word invites us to trust in Gods power and strength, and not our own. One of my favorite evangelism tools is discovery groups where unbelievers can explore what Christians believe and ask spiritual questions without judgment. Bought a Bible with super giant print for a non-Christian neighbor who we offered to read the Bible with. The spread of COVID-19 has convinced the world to consider the imminence of death and the purpose of their lives. His lament is so relevant to the suffering that were going through right now. It is clear that church growth will continue to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic for a long while to come. Copyright 2023 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. The question now is, what step will we take today? Deliver sanitized iPads to nursing homes quarantined from visitors so they can connect with family and church services. How Can We Care for Our Church Members During COVID-19? Talking about God's love for people isn't enough during catastrophic events . Invite them to accompany you on visitations. Here are 10 simple ideas for leveraging this season to advance the gospel. Creative Evangelism Ideas | Cru Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com. Id love for you to join us.. Over the last few months, life has radically changed all over the world. Once youre on the call you can use a three-story outline: (1) their story, (2) your story, (3) Gods story. 2023 Baptist News Global. Their people are being encouraged to invite friends and neighbors to join in. Whats true all the time is that we arent actually in control. Others are simply phoning or Facetiming with church members and former worship guests to inquire if they need prayer or assistance. The pandemic may rage on, but we long for others to know the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). God has used COVID-19 to create the greatest evangelism opportunity in history, said evangelist Nick Hall. Our goal should be to identify and serve the most vulnerable. Here are five ways Ive been encouraged to reflect upon how this pandemic points us to the gospel. One young church plant that normally sees just over 200 in Sunday attendance is now delighted to find up to 1,500 viewers to their online services. Let your church leaders know youre willing to follow up with those who completed a virtual connection card. It has become a ghost town: churches have been shut down, businesses have been shut down, restaurants are closed, families are separated from one another, friends cant gather anymore. We hope you will! It's seen as life and death. Christians need not fear death but we must fear for what death in hell will do to everyone who has not yet put their faith in Jesus. Jesus took death upon himself so that all of humanity could live forever with him. Consider answering questions live or take the conversation deeper via a direct message or by phone. He told The Christian Post that during the COVID-19 pandemic, people worldwide accepted the Gospel at higher . Evangelistic Movements: An Outcome-Based Analysis. This is the day to make that phone call, send that email, write that letter explaining the hope we have within us (1 Peter 3:15). LCMS Disaster Response provides four downloadable devotional booklets which include Bible passages, meditations, prayers and hymns to bring Gods comfort and peace during a crisis. 65 percent of church leaders say that evangelism hasn't been a priority for their congregations over . It is the same visceral imperative many of us feel with racial equality. Ive met kids in Russia who learned English by playing 'Call of Duty,' said Hall. Meet a need before it appears. We are now six months into dealing with coronavirus concerns, and we are still discerning the impact the health pandemic will have on the church in the short term and the long term. Heres what it means and where it came from! The coronavirus and evangelism | Voice - The Christian Post The Gospel Coalition supports the church by providing resources that are trusted and timely, winsome and wise, and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible says, Gods near. Four common approaches to church after COVID separation He is the national collegiate evangelism director for the North American Mission Board. He doesnt turn his back on us, but he draws near. They all speak the language of the internet. Our college ministry uses discovery groups in dorms and in fraternity and sorority houses, discussing what the Bible says about the values of each Greek chapter. There will be a timeits hard to imaginewhere we will look back on this as a brief moment of trouble as we are experiencing a perfect world, perfect bodies, perfect hearts, and perfect relationship with God. He answers. In this season of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Preaching Today wants to offer you a word of encouragement and point you towards resources that will help you prepare life-giving sermons that illuminate God's comfort and presence. Death has lost its bite and Satan has lost his teeth. The strength of a church will be manifest in small group connections, rather than crowd size. In 2020, Pulse shared the Gospel with over 120 million households from 140 countries during Easter Week alone, Hall said. Launch a website aimed at caring for the community (e.g. Rebecca McLaughlin: No Greater Love. She mentioned shed been struggling with serious family issues and felt broken and lost. Outreach Strategies. At all times, especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it is comforting to hear God's enduring words found in Scripture. Run to him. Were meeting on Zoom this Thursday night, and I can share the link with you. Mosaic Baptist in Brooklyn, New York, founded by BBS Master of Divinity grad Stephen Stallard (13), is doing weekly distribution of boxes of essential food items along with information cards about the church, a scriptural gospel booklet and a gospel message. Hope in Gods promise is a confident expectation in a guaranteed result. Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? Create Covid-19 Kits filled with toilet paper, hand sanitizer and dried goods; distribute these in low-income neighborhoods. coronavirus, Evangelism. But, if you haven't also made more time to pray, you need to do that ASAP. Prayer aligns us with the work of God and allows us the privilege of participating in his unfolding plan. Paul Worcester and his wife, Christy, lead Christian Challenge at California State University, Chico, where they seek to introduce college students to Jesus and raise up multiplying disciples. Covid-19 took the world by surprise, but it was no surprise to God. Barry Howard serves as pastor of Wieuca Road Baptist Church in Atlanta, and he serves as a columnist and leadership coach with the Center for Healthy Churches. He is the definition of everything thats wise, good, true, holy, righteous, and almighty, and he is in careful control of his world. April 28, 2023, 6:28 a.m. All Rights Reserved. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.". Phone: 770-455-0404 In 1918 the Spanish Flu killed between 50-100 million people worldwide. 1. Regardless, with the vaccine widely available, many are relieved that restrictions are less necessary, opening doors to in-person interaction again. Theres a lot of people who are now seekers. People around the world face fear, isolation, and loss of their regular flow of life. Coronavirus: 7 Ways to Evangelize in Crisis - Georgia Baptists 12 trends for being church in a post-pandemic world Volunteering to serve will mean a lot to your church leaders during this season. Guilt-ridden, judgment-infused, condescending approaches to evangelism will give way to Jesus-centered conversations about deliverance, healing, forgiveness and life transformation. The old six-point envelope system from my childhood, which included being present, on time, studying your lesson, bringing your offering, staying for worship and reading your Bible daily will become completely obsolete as a way of measuring spiritual fidelity. Here are 10 simple ideas for leveraging this season to advance the gospel. Stay safe, hunker down, and remember Jesus and the glories of his gospel of grace. How about intentionally looking around at all the things for which, today, you can give thanksall the evidences of Gods provision, all the evidences of his care, all the people that love you, all those things that you would take for grantedhow about counting your blessings? Preemptive giving. Church size or tight budgets should not be an obstacle; Mosaic is a church of about 50. Let your church family know that now is a great time to have people to their house to livestream a message your church or partner church has put together. The risk worth taking is not one that endangers someones physical wellbeing by violating the spatial separation we must maintain. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. Outward-focused churches that embrace their communities will be more likely to flourish. You can call or message them and say something like, One thing thats keeping me encouraged and connected during this time is my small group from church. The cure is found in the person and work of the Lord Jesus, through his amazing grace. I used to think evangelism was primarily something you go and do. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. Hall is the leader and founder of Pulse, an evangelistic organization that reaches young people around the world with the Gospel. The early church was known for sacrificially serving the dying and unselfishly embracing the sick, wounded and destitute who were often abandonedand so must we. But there is a sure promise that there will be a day when all such things will end forever and we will be in a place where there will be no more sickness and no more suffering. Click Here for Large Map & Driving Directions, Georgia Baptist Mission Board "My sister had hope. Join the movement of #ReflectJesusWithMe. Sharing the Gospel Even With a Stranger. As God that payment for sin was infinite. No, becoming a contagious church only happens on purpose!. CP VOICES do not necessarily reflect the views of The Christian Post. Those who die without Christ spend an eternity in hell. Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic - MSN Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. Obviously, the Great Commission has not been rescinded! Challenge your church members to watch No Sweat Evangelism(www.nosweatevangelism.com) to learn how to share Jesus in their context. These are only a few examples of the trends I see emerging for effective ministry in a post-pandemic world. Others are simply phoning or Facetiming with church members and former worship guests to inquire if they need prayer or assistance. Ministry staffs will likely be composed of more generalists and fewer specialists. To whatever extent possible, serve in such a way that demonstrates the selfless love of Christ. He draws near to the brokenhearted. Effective churches will adopt a new apologetic, taking on more of a Mars Hill flavor, where seekers and believers meet near the altar of the unknown god to discuss the meaning of life. All Rights Reserved |, Here are other creative and doable servant evangelism ideas. Christians know that the dread of death can only be met by the redemption in Jesus Christ, so we need to proclaim Christ into a COVID-19 world. Yet many of us are wrestling with how this is to be done wisely and winsomely with government mandated restrictions upon us. Churches connected with the Northeast Collaborative, a new church planting and revitalization network packed with Clarks Summit University and Baptist Bible Seminary alumni, are distributing printed cards to their neighbors offering to deliver groceries, medicine, provide transportation or other practical help for those who need it. LCMS Disaster Response provides four downloadable devotional booklets which include Bible passages, meditations, prayers and hymns to bring God's comfort and peace during a crisis. With the readily accessible tools of social media, many congregations are learning how to leverage online technologies like Zoom, Facebook live or Microsoft Teams to create weekly interactive evangelistic Bible studies and gospel-rich daily devotionals. Here he shares some of his experiences and ideas for evangelism under lockdown. Worship services, small groups gatherings and committee meetings will offer in-person and virtual options for participation. With total views of people hearing the Gospel last year, we had more people in a single year hear the Gospel than weve had in the last 15 years combined, he added. But what if you took time to reflect Jesus to others? Everyone is online now, and most have more time on their hands, so going live has great potential. Let the urgency of this current crisis provoke us to contact those who will hear with Christs message of hope. A Local Pastors Perspective: What is BCM to You? It's a ripe time to do evangelism. Nows the perfect time to invite a handful of your skeptical friends to explore the Christian faith. It is the ultimate disease. Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here. Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. Ive never met anyone who was offended by an offer for prayer. Evangelism has changed But while the gospel remains the same, the way we reach people with it has had to adapt. There is more openness now than ever before, Hall said. A hybrid model of participation will continue to emerge. Our college ministry is planning creative online events for students to fellowship, have fun, and invite new people into our community. We who know Christ have unchanging hope in the gospel and confidence He is working all this out for His sovereign purposes, for our good and for His glory. Previously he has served as a church planter and pastor in SW Florida and as the pastor of local outreach and evangelism at Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, California. Turn your church into a daycare specifically for healthcare and safety workers (in cooperation with the city in order to comply with the essential expectation). There is ample opportunity but now is the time to think innovatively, to work in unity and collaboration, and to remain focused on the mission of the churchto show and share the love of Christ in this and every time., By Dr. Ken Davis, Baptist Bible Seminary adjunct faculty member, Read more articles found in past issues of Diakonos., 2023 Clarks Summit University. As you know, we can use any of these ideas at any time. Practice Hospitality, Especially during COVID-19. 5 Ways the COVID-19 Pandemic Points Us to the Gospel Hebrews 2:14. COVID-19 Shouldn't Stop Evangelism But May Change It Be sure to share these ideas in the Facebook group. This is a perfect time to break the ice with non-Christian friends you've not spoken with in a while. Short and simple is best. Like the early church, we must boldly step into the challenge of caring for the vulnerable and sick. The coronavirus is a hot topic among teenagers. 2003-2022 The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod All Rights Reserved. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. But this is whats amazing: there is a cure. In such a challenging time, the world needs bold and compassionate examples of believers serving so that others around us see our good works and will be pointed towards Christ. The selflessness and tenacity of the medical response to the physical crisis is heroic. Let that be the word others hear from us. Certainly, they are glad to see people in-person, yet they are not very happy about . When a believer dies he/she is immediately escorted into the presence of Jesus. Church Planting Discipleship Evangelism Global Leadership Megachurch. Tugis life was full of dignity and worth. The majority churches will continue to have a Sunday worship service, but effective churches will create multiple options to connect on days other than Sunday. She expressed a desire to start exploring other religions. Thousands of churches have now successfully transitioned into livestreaming or broadcasting pre-recorded weekend worship services and have learned that this is a wonderful platform for gospel proclamation. Many churches will have online members from different communities who connect with worship and mission virtually. Many pastors are asking how to be on mission as traditional avenues of face-to-face outreach and serving are no longer viable.