The Theology of Evangelism: Introduction and Biblical Principles of Evangelism — Dr
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
CTSJ 4:4 (October 1998) p. 28 The Theology Of Evangelism: Introduction And Biblical Principles Of Evangelism — Dr. John C. Beck, Jr.* [*Editor’s note: John Beck earned his B.A. at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), Th.M. at Dallas Theological Seminary, and his D.Min. at Western Seminary. Dr. Beck is the director of Discovery Ministries, which offers seminars that help to equip churches to “do the work of evangelism.” His office number is 310–829-4355. John teaches Systematic Theology at CTS, has been an interim pastor, and frequently does pulpit supply.] Introduction … He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–12). When it comes to telling others about Jesus Christ, many Christians have had an experience similar to that of the following businessman. I would cross the street to avoid meeting someone who might ask me a question about my faith in Jesus Christ. If people started to talk about religion, I did everything I could to change the subject, because I was afraid they were going to ask me a question that I could not answer. Over the years I learned to sidestep witnessing situations because I knew that I was not prepared. The ministry of evangelism takes on special interest when each Christian considers what would have happened to him if someone had not told him about Christ. This realization should increase one s awareness of the plight of those around him who still do not know the Savior. Even when motivated, Christians are not always successful in their efforts to reach the lost. This lack of success can be traced to fear and lack of information. Lack of success can convince even the most optimistic Christian that evangelism should be left to the professionals. CTSJ 4:4 (October 1998) p. 29 The businessman, mentioned above, achieved success in the business world by applying diligence and preparation to his job. Time was invested in learning the answers to the possible questions, that a potential client might ask. This man s problem m the area of witnessing was quite simple. Knowing he was unprepared, he avoided the embarrassment that lack of preparation would bring. To emphasize the importance of preparation, six months after this businessman began evangelism training, he saw two business associates and one relative place their trust in Jesus Christ. The Theology of Evangelism When Lewis Sperry Chafer defined “systematic theology” he said, “Systematic Theology is: the collecting, scientifically arranging, comparing, exhibiting, and defending of all facts from any and every source concerning God and His works.”2 In this paper, the method of Systematic Theology will be applied to the subject of evangelism, thus The Theology of Evangelism. Sources of Information When one commences a study of the theology of evangelism there are many sources of information. Today the responsibility to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry” primarily falls upon pastors, teachers and lay leaders or ministers of evangelism. Many who begin down the path of evangelism have learned from personal experience that there are potholes, roadblocks, and detours along the way. Preparing for this journey takes time, patience, and hard work. This article will start with the writings of well-known theologians. Finally, it will examine the real foundation: the Scriptures themselves. After a review of ten of the more popular evangelical texts on systematic theology,3 it became apparent that they only introduced the student to the concept of evangelism. Most often the subject of evangelism was found in the context of Ecclesiology, being referred to as the gift of evangelism. CTSJ 4:4 (October 1998) p. 30 Chafer defines evangelism as “the act of presenting to the unsaved the evang,,el or good news of the gospel of God s saving grace through Christ Jesus”.4 He also comments on 2 Corinthians 5:18–20. God… gave us the ministry of reconciliation … and.., has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are 2 Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology. (Dallas TX: Dallas Seminary Press, 1947. Reprint Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1993) vol. 1, p. x. 3 Lewis Sperry Chafer, Walter Elwell, Paul Enns, Millard J. Erickson, Wayne Grudem, Charles Hodge, Robert Lightner, Charles Ryrie, Augustus Strong, and Henry Theissen are noted in the Annotated Bibliography on p. 45. 4 Lewis Sperry Chafer Systematic Theology: Volume Seven (Dallas TX: Dallas Seminary Press, 1947 Reprint Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1993), 143. ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ be reconciled to God. Regarding this important passage, Chafer states, “Probably the most arresting fact related to this ministry is that it has been committed to every individual who may be saved … This commission rests on all believers alike.”5 Now Paul’s words to the Ephesians tell us that the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Whereas many Christians see the pastor as the “professional” evangelist of the gospel, Paul says that His leadership gifts are for preparing the membership of the church to do the work of the ministry, including evangelism. Chafer again emphasizes Each believer is, upon being saved, constituted a witness to the unsaved; but all believers are in need of such instruction, counsel, and direction as a God-appointed and well-trained pastor and teacher may impart.6 Chafer lists four areas in which the Christian should be trained, “[1] discipline in the plan of salvation, [2] the terms of the gospel, [3] the use of the Scriptures, and [4] the manner and method of effective work.”7 Again, the importance of every believer is repeated, “It can thus be demonstrated that personal evangelism on the part of all who are saved is the New Testament plan of evangelism”.8 CTSJ 4:4 (October 1998) p. 31 With the exception of Louis Sperry Chafer, theologians have been brief in their discussion of the subject of evangelism. However, there is much that has been written in popular form that continues to be available in Christian bookstores. Over the years, many books have been published by evangelists elaborating the four themes that Chafer mentions. The Place of the Local Church in the Theology of Evangelism If the New Testament plan for evangelism involves every Christian, then a study of the theology of evangelism should be integrated into the curriculum of every church education program. An understanding and mastery of this subject would go a long way to the involvement of the local church membership in the work of evangelism. Either a lay person or a staff person committed to the ministry of evangelism may incorporate the theology of evangelism into the local church ministry. The understanding of the theology of evangelism will encourage 5 Ibid. 143 6 Ibid. 143. 7 Ibid. 143. 8 Ibid. 143. the participation of a greater proportion of the membership of the local church, using their God given gifts, in the work of evangelism. Implications of a Study of Evangelism We may note four implications of this study: First, evangelism takes work. When man was cast out of the Garden of Eden, he inherited an earth that would not produce fruit without hard work. The one who undertakes the work of evangelism is not exempt from this rule. Second, evangelism is not a program per se, but is a Christian. willing to enter the. lives of unbelievers with the truth of the gospel. Third, some people will not respond to the Gospel regardless of the attractiveness of the presentation. Fourth, some Christians will not respond in obedience to participate in the outreach of the church regardless of the opportunity and need for evangelism. Path for the Church in Evangelism The church needs a model. When discussing this subject one pastor commented, Our local church does want to be faithful but they have no history, therefore no model, of doing evangelism. There needs to be a balance between “programmed” and “non-programmed” evangelism. The church needs to follow the example of Christ. Jesus treated each person individually. The church needs a strong pulpit ministry, which reflects the zeal of the pastor for evangelism: The membership needs to. be encouraged to take advantage of the training and opportunity for involvement available to the church. Christians need to try “on the job training” and be willing to learn from their mistakes. CTSJ 4:4 (October 1998) p. 32 Dividing the Theology of Evangelism into its Parts Chafer lists four areas in which the Christian should be trained, “[1] discipline in the plan of salvation, [2] the terms of the gospel, [3] the use of the Scriptures, and [4] the manner and method of effective work.”9 For the purpose of this study the manner and method of effective work will be considered first under the title, “The Biblical Principles of Evangelism.” The other three areas that Chafer lists will be covered in two separate articles titled “The Presentation of the Gospel” and “Apologetics.” The three parts of the theology of evangelism will appear thusly: 1. The Biblical Principles of Evangelism: the scriptural instruction to Christians on evangelism. 2. The Presentation of the Gospel: the plan of salvation, the content and terms of the gospel, and the use of the Scriptures.