Easy Evangelism Ideas #2

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“Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

I once heard a preacher say that he tries to write a short note each weekday to a different member in the congregation, just to let them know that they are appreciated. While this is a great idea it can be a challenge to do each weekday if you work full-time or have children to care for. However, it is still a practice we can strive to do at least once a week. Don’t be alarmed if your vocabulary (like mine) does not overflow with eloquent words. Your brothers and sisters in Christ will appreciate a simple note just as much as an articulate one. The thought is what matters.

Just last week, I received a note from one of the children we have the pleasure of attending services with. It didn’t contain flowery words or even a meaningful picture, but she signed it with her name. It holds a special place in my heart (and on my wall) because she thought of me.  

“The gifts we treasure most over the years are often small and simple. In easy times and in tough times, what seems to matter most is the way we show these nearest to us that we’ve been listening to their needs, to their joys, and to their challenges.”

-Fred Rogers in The World According to Mister Rogers

Work-To-Do-Wednesday-Easy Evangelism & Benevolence Ideas #1

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“So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.”

Galatians 6:10 KJV

If you missed your congregation’s sign up list to prepare meals for those in need, drop off some snacks such as sausage balls, banana bread or fresh fruit. Many times families dealing with these life-changing events don’t really sit down to a meal but they will snack when they feel like it. When my grandmother passed away, a dear sister brought our family a loaf of blueberry bread for breakfast the day of the burial and another congregation left a tray of lunchmeats, cheese and crackers in the break room of the funeral home since the visitation was in the evening. When my grandfather had surgery, a precious friend brought a bag of BBQ and fixins' for sandwiches to the waiting room. Another brought a basket full of goodies, such as peanut butter crackers, small candy bars and peanuts. Their thoughtfulness touches me to this day.

(If those you are taking this too are not members of the Lord's church, include a couple of tracts with information about it and business cards with the local congregation's contact information.)

“Everything the local congregation does should be evangelistically oriented, for our real goal is the souls of men and women.”

-Ira North in Balance

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Motivational Monday-Let's Get With It.

         Do you know what the fastest growing religion was in the US in 2012? It wasn’t Christianity. According to this article, Islam is the fastest growing religion in America. How much did the church of Christ grow in 2012 you may ask? According to the Christian Chronicle, the church of Christ is declining, with approximately 102,000 fewer people than 2003. Why is it on the decline? We’ve quit growing because we’ve quit working!

What are you doing right now in service of our Lord? Are you working and serving everyday or are you just professing to love the Lord? The phrase “faith without works” occurs in the book of James three times. Now, in this writer’s opinion, if our Lord took the time to mention something once it is important, but if he mentioned THREE TIMES I really sit up and take notice because this is obviously something that is extremely important. Obviously it is easy to have faith and proclaim to love the Lord, but do you actions show that love? James tells us they must.

To make a list of everything we can do in service of our Lord is beyond my realm of capability, so I will name just three.

1.      Attend! Be supportive by attending worship services and activities of your local congregation. We are not to forsake the assembly (Heb. 10:24-25). You may not always feel like going, but when you spend time with your spiritual family, you will be uplifted and encouraged. If you are feeling down, remember that others cannot read your mind so ask for their prayers and encouragement.

2.    Exhort and encourage! Point number one mentioned, that there may be those among us who need our encouragement (Jude 1:3; Acts 14:21). Recognize their need and uplift them (Heb. 10:25). Pray for them! Obviously, this requires a closeness to one another. It requires us to know what is going on in the lives of our brothers and sisters, so don’t be afraid to share your struggles and accomplishments, but be sure to encourage others to do the same.

§  Send a card to the sick and widowed each month to let them know they are thought of.

§  Visit those who must remain at home and take a basket of goodies to them. Need frugal basket ideas? Check out my Pinterest board here.

§  Prepare and take food to those who have recently lost a loved one or have a new baby (also remember those who adopt or are foster parents-they need help too!)

3.     Teach! This is nonnegotiable (Mark 16:15). We should desire to tell EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. we come in contact with about the one who can save them-the one who died for them. We need to train our minds to carry this out. How long has it been since you had a personal Bible study with someone? I know what you’re thinking…”No one is interested in hearing about the Savior.” You’re wrong.

§  Place your name & phone number or email in an informational tract. Leave them on the table when you go out to eat, in the waiting room of doctor, dentist & vet offices. Mail them out with the bills you pay. Hand one to the boy who helps you carry out your groceries. Give them to the air conditioner repairman and the pest control inspector when they visit your home.

God told us to sow the seed. Interested souls may be harder to find, but they are out there. We just need a refresher course on finding them.

“Evangelism is not a talent; it’s a command.”

-Steve Higginbotham