Week #1: The Urgency of Evangelism: A Call to the Harvest
Blog Series Intention Recap
When you ask someone what they think about the church, be prepared for any response. What they say may inspire feelings of anger, sadness, joy, or hope, depending on what they have experienced in their dealings with believers. This five-week series explores five congregational values that should define our relationships with those inside and outside the church. When we fulfill our biblical call to the four C’s—commission, community, commandment, and collaboration—we can be the church that glorifies Jesus.
This post is the main page of the series “Our House.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #1:
Commissioned to Share: The Call to Evangelism… In Matthew 9:35–38, Jesus’ compassionate love for the lost stirs in His followers a deep responsibility to evangelize. The call to share the gospel is not just a duty—it is an invitation to live out the heart of Jesus, bringing hope to the hopeless. Evangelism is a crucial part of the Great Commission. As believers, we must not only improve the present but also share the eternal hope of the gospel. This week, let's refocus on our call to share the good news with those around us, bringing them into the eternal hope of life in Christ.
Why it Matters:
Jesus’ Compassion for the Lost: Jesus’ heart of compassion for the crowds leads to a call for workers in the harvest.
The Great Commission: Evangelism is central to our purpose as believers. The call to make disciples of all nations has never been more urgent.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Evangelism is not done in our own strength, but empowered by the Holy Spirit who equips us to boldly share the gospel.
Living Out the Gospel: Evangelism goes beyond words—it is about living a life that reflects the transformative power of Christ, offering both truth and love to the world.
Go Deeper:
When you hear the word “evangelism,” what comes to mind? For many, it can evoke feelings of anxiety or discomfort. The thought of knocking on doors, speaking to strangers, or awkwardly trying to share the gospel can seem daunting. But the call to evangelize is not just a command—it is a privilege and a vital aspect of our Christian journey. Evangelism is not just about words; it is about living a life that reflects the love and truth of Jesus Christ, inviting others into the eternal hope that we have found in Him.
As we embark on our first week in the "Our House" series, we begin by focusing on the Commission—the call to evangelize. This is a value that should define us as a church, for evangelism is essential to the health and growth of the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 9:35–38, Jesus sets the example for us by showing His deep compassion for the crowds of people who were lost, helpless, and in need of a Savior. His response to the need around Him is a call to action: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” We, as believers, are those workers.
Jesus' Compassion for the Lost
In Matthew 9:35–38, we see Jesus journeying through cities and villages, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the gospel, and healing diseases. But what moves Him the most in this passage is not just the people’s physical need, but their spiritual condition. Jesus’ heart breaks for the lost, the hopeless, and the hurting. Verse 36 says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
This compassionate love of Jesus is the foundation for the call to evangelize. Jesus didn’t just see people in their physical state—He saw their spiritual need. The crowds were not just faces in a sea of humanity; they were souls in desperate need of redemption. His compassion stirred Him to act. And in the same way, our hearts should break when we see the lost around us. Evangelism begins with compassion.
If we are to be effective evangelists, we must first cultivate a heart that mirrors Jesus’ love for the lost. Evangelism is not simply about duty or obligation; it is about being moved with compassion, understanding that those around us are in need of the very Savior we have come to know and love.
The Great Commission: Evangelism Is Our Calling
The Great Commission, as given in Matthew 28:18–20, is a clear and unwavering command to all believers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” This is not an optional part of the Christian life; it is a command. Evangelism is not just a “gift” for certain people—it is the responsibility of every believer. The task is urgent, and Jesus made it clear that we are to be His witnesses in our homes, communities, and to the ends of the earth.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:37 are striking: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” The image of a bountiful harvest is one that calls to mind the urgency of the task. Just as a harvest must be gathered before it rots, the opportunity to share the gospel is time-sensitive. The lost are ready to hear the good news, but the question is whether we are willing to respond to the call to be workers in the harvest field.
This passage challenges us to consider how seriously we take the Great Commission. Are we praying earnestly for workers? Are we, ourselves, stepping up to the task? Evangelism requires intentionality and a willingness to go beyond our comfort zones to bring others into the fold of Christ.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of evangelism. How can we, with our limited knowledge and abilities, be effective in sharing the gospel with others? The answer lies in the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He did not leave His disciples to carry out the task alone. In Acts 1:8, He promises, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…to the end of the earth.”
The Holy Spirit equips us, empowers us, and enables us to share the gospel with boldness and clarity. It is the Spirit who opens hearts to receive the truth, who convicts of sin, and who transforms lives. Our role in evangelism is simply to be faithful in proclaiming the message, trusting that the Holy Spirit will work through us to bring about the fruit.
As we step out in faith to evangelize, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our words, our actions, and our approach. We are not alone in this task. The Spirit is with us, empowering us to be effective witnesses for Christ.
Living Out the Gospel: Evangelism Beyond Words
Evangelism is not only about speaking the right words; it is about living a life that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. The apostle Paul encourages believers in Philippians 1:27 to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Our actions should align with our words. If we proclaim the good news but fail to live it out, our message loses credibility.
In 1 Peter 3:15, we are reminded to always be ready to give a defense for the hope that is within us. But Peter also reminds us to do this with gentleness and respect. Evangelism, then, is about more than preaching; it’s about living in such a way that others see the difference Christ has made in our lives and are drawn to Him. The way we treat others, the way we serve, the way we love—these are all powerful evangelistic tools. Our lives should be a testimony to the gospel we preach.
How does this help me understand, “Our House?”
Responding to the Call to Evangelize
As we conclude our first week of the "Our House" series, we are reminded that evangelism is at the heart of who we are as the Church. It is not merely a task or obligation—it is a response to Jesus’ compassionate call to reach the lost. It is a commission, a command, and a privilege to be His witnesses. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Will you step into the field and join the work?
Let’s reflect this week on how we can be more intentional in evangelism. It might begin with simply praying for the lost, but it must move toward action. Whether it’s sharing the gospel with a friend, supporting missionaries, or living a life that reflects Christ’s love, each of us is called to participate in this great task. Jesus is the Savior of the world, and we are His ambassadors, entrusted with the message of reconciliation.
As we go through this series, let us be encouraged by the words of Jesus in Matthew 9:37–38: “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Let us pray that God would send us and empower us to be faithful workers in His field, making disciples of all nations for His glory.
