- Outreach
- Mission to the World
- Theology of Missions
- Short-term Mission Trips
- Local Outreach & Evangelism
- Why Word & Deed
- Church of Irresistible Influence
Peter’s Vision Initiatiates Mission to Gentiles (Acts 10). Artist unknown, from an illustrated Bible.
Evangelism in Word and Deed
Evangelical churches often are known for their word-centered approach to the Christian life. Our worship services emphasize the sermon, our small groups emphasize Bible study, our spiritual disciplines emphasize Scripture memory, and our evangelism emphasizes speaking the truth of the gospel. None of these is necessarily wrong.
We scratch our heads, however, to hear Peter insist that a godly woman can win her husband to the faith without a word, simply by her respectful and pure conduct (1Peter 3.1-2). And we are uncomfortable with St. Francis’ well-known line: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.” Is it the word that God uses to convert and build up, or is it our works?
We believe part of the answer is to stress evangelism in both word and deed. Biblical evangelism has a verbal element – there is content which must be stated and explained. Biblical evangelism also has an action element – there is a life which must be lived and shown. Proclaiming the gospel requires that we be Christlike for others to see and that we explain who is this Christ that is our hope of glory. It is not that our words are unimportant, but that words without life are empty. As Francis Schaeffer noted: “We live before a watching world.” The world watches because they want to see evidence of the reality of God, not simply hear us claim that he is real.
Irresistible Influence
Pastor Robert Lewis calls a church that loves not just in words, but also with deeds, a “church of irresistible influence.” Rather than remain preoccupied with ourselves, God calls us to love our neighbors, to be such a blessing to the community that they will see our good works, and with thankfulness for our presence, give glory to God.
You can read more about our theology and practice of outreach through the links on the left side of this page. As you explore, please ask God if he would have you join with us in the adventure of gospel witness in word and deed.