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
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1
Building A Theological Foundation
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2
The Mandate to Evangelize
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3
God’s Heart for the Lost
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3
The Role of the Holy Spirit
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4
Proclamation of the Gospel
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4
Discipleship and Follow-up
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5
Conclusion
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6
Bibliography
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ii
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
3
The Mandate to Evangelize
The Word of God serves as the ultimate guide for all Christians to live by. It reveals the truth about God’s character, his plan for salvation through Christ, and how to live a life in accordance with his will. Through evangelism, disciples of Christ have the opportunity to share the life-transforming truth with all individuals. The biblical foundation of a theology of evangelism can be witnessed in the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20. This
passage emphasizes the command, to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. The mandate to evangelize is more than making disciples, it is teaching and building up mature believers in the body, to impact the body of Christ and the world, by living a life that exemplifies Christ, and sharing the good news of Jesus and his salvic work on the cross.
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God’s Heart for the Lost
The truth found in God’s Word is unchanging and stands as a firm foundation in a world filled with uncertainty and shifting values. It reveals the principles in which God leads us towards a life of righteousness. The theology of evangelism is rooted in God’s love for humanity
and His desire for all to be saved (Matt. 18:10-14; Luke 15:4-7). John 3:16 states, “that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” As a result of the Fall in Genesis 3, mankind is marked with a sin nature, thus, a part from God. However, out of his love for his children, God provided a way to return to him (1 John 4:9-10). Metzger emphasized that “God is blamed for salvation, in the sense that he is totally responsible. He organized a rescue operation within the Trinity—designing, supplying, 4
Metzger, Tell the Truth
, 56. “Our task is to faithfully present the gospel message by our lives and our lips.
There are three primary words in the New Testament for proclaiming the Christian message: euanggelizesthai
(tell good news), kēryssein
(proclaim) and martyrein
(bear witness). The English words evangelism and gospel come from the same Greek word: euangelion. This word is composed of two words meaning “good” and “news.” Therefore, to evangelize is to set forth the good news.
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accomplishing and restoring those who were in peril. Our triune God is the Author and Fulfiller, the Originator and Consummator, the Creator and the Redeemer.”
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The message of evangelism is
anchored God’s sovereignty, in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, offering forgiveness and salvation to all who repent and believe. The Role of the Holy Spirit
Effective evangelism is not reliant on human obedience or effort, but on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:4-5). The role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism hold utmost significance in the spreading of the message of Jesus Christ and the conversion of individuals to faith. Through the empowerment and equipping of believers, the Holy Spirit enables the effective communication of the gospel and the conviction of hearts (John 15:26-27, 16:8). Additionally, Acts 1:8 highlights the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judean, Samaria, to the ends of the earth. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts and draws people to Christ, which enables believers to share the gospel with boldness and clarity. Proclamation of the Gospel
A theology of evangelism emphasizes the proclamation of the gospel message. Romans 10:14-15 highlights the importance of preaching and sharing the good news. A theology of Evangelism involves courageously proclaiming the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ (Gal 2:20; Col 3:1-2; Heb. 2:1-4). In “Freed to Proclaim: Evangelism and Discipleship,” Sara A. Funkhouser, wrote that evangelism is an invitation to share our experience of God’s life-giving gift through both word and action, for the benefit of others.
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“It is not about earning salvation 5
Metzger, Tell the Truth,
22.
6
Sara A. Funkhouser, “Freed to Proclaim: Evangelism and Discipleship,”
Currents in Theology and Mission
49, no. 2 (2022): 40.
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through ones own merit, but revealing the truth in God’s Word, sharing his will for all individuals. This is achieved by living out our faith in Christ, acknowledging the universal human condition of din and the brokenness of the world around us.”
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This involves a deep understanding in topics such as the nature of God, the fallen state of humanity, the redemptive work of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Grasping these theological truths will aid in expressing the significance and urgency of evangelism, as well as the biblical principles involved. Discipleship and Follow-up The act of evangelism is simply not about making converts but engaging in intentional discipleship. Metzger states simply, “We plant and water; God gives the increase” (1 Cor 3:5–
9).
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Thus, evangelism does not stop at the sharing of the gospel, it also requires action and follow
through. Believers are called to love one another, to disciple one another, and share in worship and fellowship together (Prov. 27:17; Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 2:42; Rom. 1:11-12; Gal. 6:2). Matthew 28:20 instructs believers to teach new disciples to obey everything Jesus commanded. This theology highlights the significance of discipleship that is achieved by sharing life in the community with other believers. In addition to sharing the gospel message, evangelism involves walking alongside others in their faith journey, providing guidance, and nurturing spiritual development.
Conclusion
Recognizing the imperativeness of the truth found in the Word of God and actively engaging in evangelism allows us to experience the transformative power of God’s truth in our 7
Funkhouser, “Freed to Proclaim,” 40.
8
Ibid., 56.
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own lives and with the lives of others. Building a theological and biblical foundation of evangelism based on the Scriptures is a response to God’s love, his sovereignty, and participation
in his redemptive plan. It emphasizes the Great Commission, the role of the Holy Spirit, the proclamation of the gospel, and the significance of discipleship. By understanding and actively pursuing these biblical foundations, one can embrace the role as an ambassador of Christ, proclaiming the gospel with boldness, compassion, and a desire to lives transformed by the power of God. Bibliography
Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission
. Maryknoll, NY:
Orbis Books, 1991.
Funkhouser, Sara A. “Freed to Proclaim: Evangelism and Discipleship.”
Currents in Theology and Mission
49, no. 2 (2022): 38–41.
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Lazerte, Darcey. “Toward a Theology of Evangelism for the Pluralistic West.”
Toronto Journal of Theology
38, no. 1 (Spring 2022): 57–71.
Metzger, Will. Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel Wholly by Grace Communicated Truthfully Lovingly
, Fourth Edition. Westmont, IL: IVP Books, 2012.
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