The Importance of Being Intentionally Evangelistic

Through the previous phases of Your Life Matters... the stage has been set for a spiritual harvest. Trust that the Holy Spirit has brought some people to the point of decision. It is crucial to intentionally seek out those ready to make a decision for Christ.

The Importance of Variety and Options in Evangelism
While it is important to seek out those ready to make a faith decision, it is also important for you to employ the method, or a combination of methods, that works best in your church field.  Some churches may choose to make their revival a time of church renewal, and then follow the renewal revival with a harvest event or evangelistic effort.

The following three categories of Evangelistic Events currently are the ones most used by our churches:

Church Revivals
Revivals are preaching events that pre-Christians and believers alike are invited to attend, hear a gospel message, and respond.

 The following are some thoughts/suggestions that may enhance the event:

• Secure a speaker that is a gifted communicator.
• Plan the music to be heartfelt and exciting.
• Ensure adequate publicity and promotion.
• Enlist your most outgoing members to be greeters in the parking lot, at the entrances, in Sunday School classes, and in the worship service.
• Provide a variety of ways for people to respond during the invitation.
  - Give an opportunity to receive Christ with the pastor at the altar.
  - Give an opportunity to receive Christ in the pew, and then respond in one of two ways:
  1. Come forward during invitation.
  2. Fill out a response card for later follow-up.
  -  Give an opportunity to meet with the pastor after the service.
• Plan for follow up for those making decisions publicly and privately, and for guests who attend.
• Most pre-Christians attend revival services on Sunday, so plan for this day to be intentionally evangelistic.
• Most teen pre-Christians will attend on the night of the usual youth program.
• Enhance your revival through community surveys, door-to-door soul-winning and servanthood evangelism.

Harvest Events
A Harvest Event is an “attracting” event that draws pre-Christians to a special event other than a typical church service. A Harvest Event provides a point of contact for the pre-Christian and the believer. A Harvest Event provides an opportunity to be intentionally evangelistic with those who might attend a special event, but not attend a typical church service.

Similarities and Differences to a First Touch

• A First Touch Event builds a friendship bridge to provide an opportunity for a future Gospel presentation.
• A Harvest Event also may build a friendship bridge, but has the express purpose of presenting the Gospel and seeking a response at the event itself.

Ideas for Harvest Events

• Most First Touch Events may be used as a Harvest Event.
• For ideas, see section on First Touch Events.

40 Days Campaigns
The 40 Days Campaigns are an exciting spiritual development process that facilitates spiritual growth for churches and individuals.  A large number of churches in Arkansas have completed 40 Days of Purpose. Many churches stated this campaign was one of their most effective revival efforts. 

40 Days of Purpose and 40 Days of Community are provided through the ABSC partnership with Saddleback Ministries 

Your Life Matters...When You Share the Gospel!