EVANGELIZE [Equipping Witnesses]

Evangelization is bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those around us. Jesus himself commanded us to evangelize. The Church exists to provide witness to the Gospel. All around us are individuals that have never ever heard that God loves them and also desires abundant life for them.

Generally there are six styles of evangelism: Direct, Intellectual, Testimonial, Relational, Invitational, as well as Service. Every individual has God-gifts and abilities that fall into one or more of these six methods. A church community will certainly have every one of the styles present. The members, using their gifts as well as working together, can become really efficient at sharing the message of Christ in their local community.

The Direct Approach: Referred to as “redirecting conversations to Christ”. This method is what we see in Acts 2 where Peter addresses the group on Pentecost. He boldly announces the Gospel to those that exist. It is extremely direct.

The Intellectual Approach: The biblical individual who best exhibits this method is Paul. In Acts 17 Paul reasoned with theorists, philosophers and also deep thinkers in Athens. The intellectual evangelist is challenged to have a superb knowledge, expertise and understanding of the Gospel. As it states in 1 Timothy 3:15, “Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

The Testimonial Approach: The most reliable method to explain this approach is with one word: Storytelling. This strategy utilizes a very natural, conversational way to evangelize. It is sharing our story. Sharing individual stories of one’s own walk with Christ carries unique weight. Among the best Biblical instances is the story of the blind guy in John 9 healed by Jesus. As a matter of fact, it could be as simple as sharing that changed from being a “religious person” who attended church routinely to one who currently has a much deeper “spiritual relationship” with Christ.

The Relational Approach: This technique places a high value on building relationships. It calls for a commitment of time due to the fact that relationships require time to build trust. The friendships created here are fertile for evangelism. This person likes being with others, as well as it is a fantastic means to share Christ.

The Invitational Approach: It is characterized mainly by inviting individuals to church events such as services, bible studies, retreats, and other faith based activities. It is most definitely among the most natural and simplest ways new believers can connect and reach out to others. It is especially useful to those that feel they don’t have the appropriate words to spread the Gospel.

The Service Approach: If you are an individual that naturally observes the needs of others, this might be the best way to share your belief. Actually, service evangelism goes to the heart of the Christian faith as well as spreading the Gospel (Good News). A service evangelist recognizes that it is not by our kind deeds, but by GOD’s grace, that we are truly saved. God wants you to take the blessings you have gotten as well as share them with others that you come across, specifically those who are in need. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

It is obvious that God has actually given us the gifts and also capabilities to serve him in several of these evangelistic styles. We are called to identify them and use them in our daily life, workplace and community. As a reasonable service, we are called to be kind to others and assist those in need. If we will seize the opportunity and use the gifts God has actually provided us properly, we will see great things happen in our life and that of others.

Now, having briefly reviewed all six approaches to evangelism, the HCF community whilst in some way utilizes all six approaches, our main focus is the service approach in healthcare. We would like to refer to it as “Health Evangelism”.

Health Evangelism

Health evangelism focuses on ‘Christ centred’ assistance incorporated with a healthcare. The evangelistic component of health evangelism introduces individuals to Jesus. Lasting behaviour change is difficult for many, but a relationship with Jesus can make a difference – mentally, physically, and spiritually.

In healthcare evangelism, a person is introduced to the Bible and Jesus Christ as a useful source for total wellness. The Holy Bible has many instances of the help that Jesus gives to those who are seeking better health and wellness. A person is taught how to pray. Prayer is the way a person contacts Jesus. By prayer, a person can request aid, express gratefulness for success, as well as enjoy fellowship with Jesus.

When conducted properly, it provides an opportunity for people to experience daily contact with a Christian caregiver for encouragement, and social and spiritual support. Health caregivers can share their very own experiences with Jesus. They can pray with those who are struggling to change. They can develop friendships. The bonds that are developed may open up doors for future opportunities to share Jesus Christ.

“More people pass through the hospitals of the world than through its churches.” – Francis Grim (HCFI Founder). HCF Trinidad and Tobago strives to inspire and equip Christians serving in healthcare to manifest Jesus Christ in their daily life and work. To accomplish this goal, we train health caregivers to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of their patients and fellow workers.

This is materialized through two (2) programs:
– Medical Outreach (Taking Physical & Spiritual Healthcare to communities), and the
– The Saline Process (equips healthcare workers to impact their workplace for Christ by being SALT and LIGHT).

Effectively implemented, these programs provide opportunities for the community to become familiar with the Gospel (Good News) — assisting people to feel comfortable in their local church environment. Then, hopefully, they will be inclined to give their lives to Christ, join other programs and maybe local church services.

In this day and age where healthy living is being stressed in lots of cultures, we have to be willing to seize these wonderful evangelistic opportunities. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, need to prayerfully take into consideration every means to share Jesus’ love with others. In Jeremiah, God said, “Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth” (Jeremiah. 33:6, NASB).

This assurance offered to Judah as well as Israel is within our grasp as well. God has actually supplied a map to living healthy in Him; let’s share it with the world.

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– Medical Outreach (Taking Physical & Spiritual Healthcare to communities).
– The Saline Process (equips healthcare workers to impact their workplace for Christ by being SALT and LIGHT).