Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare, Mentor's Guide, MG08

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E V A N G E L I S M A N D S P I R I T U A L W A R F A R E

Those Who Have Ears to Hear

A gentle struggle has begun to develop between two distinct groups in church. One group is convinced that the historic practice of the church for the last 25 years of being blunt and hard hitting with the Gospel from the pulpit is the only responsible way to share the faith. Others, who have been persuaded by the “seeker sensitivity” models of outreach, are suggesting that we can attract more people first through our works of love and charity, and then explain the details of the Gospel once the people know that we care for them. The pastor can see the problem brewing, but is at a loss to determine which “style” his church should adopt. How might he approach the issue to solve this challenge between the two groups in his church? Evangelism is not only what we say but who we are and what we do (i.e., evangelism must be rooted in solid character and genuine spirituality). We prove to be faithful stewards of God’s Gospel when we back up our witness with a credible walk with God, loving relationship with our families, and solid reputations with outsiders. This stewardship is known by the demonstration of a zeal for good works, especially on behalf of those who are poor and most vulnerable. Such an effective evangelist prepares by prevailing intercessory prayer, personal soul-winning and public preaching, and focuses on the concept of the household network or oikos in urban evangelism. If you are interested in pursuing some of the ideas of Evangelism: Methods to Reach the Urban Community , you might want to give these books a try: Arn, Win and Charles Arn. The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples . 2nd Ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1998. Snyder, Howard A. Community of the King . Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1977. ------. Liberating the Church: The Ecology of Church and Kingdom . Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1983.

Restatement of the Lesson’s Thesis

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Resources and Bibliographies