By: Monique Hudson Green, Recording Secretary, Connectional Lay Organization
When we think of evangelism, various concepts and practices come to mind, depending on context. Generally, evangelism refers to the act of spreading a particular set of beliefs, often religious with the intention of converting others to that belief system. It can take many forms, including personal conversations, preaching, community outreach, literature distribution, social media campaigns, and various events designed to engage people and share the message. Evangelism should be motivated by deep commitment to our faith and the desire to share what we perceive as life-changing truths. We must see our work as a calling or a command from God.
As laypersons, we also bear the responsibility of bringing souls to Christ. The concept of being a witness for Christ is found in various passages of the Bible. For example, Acts 1:8 states, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Being a witness for Christ involves authentically sharing one’s faith through both life and words, demonstrating the love of Christ to others, and actively engaging in spreading the message of the Gospel. We should be living in a way that reflects Christian values, such as love, compassion, honesty, and integrity. This lifestyle can speak volumes about one’s beliefs and serve as an example to others.
“When the pew becomes the pulpit” embodies the idea that every Christian can and should participate in the life of the church and the mission of spreading the Gospel. It reflects a vision of a more inclusive and vibrant community of faith, where all members are encouraged to live out and share their beliefs actively. This shift encourages laypersons to recognize their own ability to minister and teach others, highlighting that everyone has a role in evangelism and discipleship, not just those in ordained positions. In turn, this will enrich the church’s ministry and foster a deeper sense of community.
The message of Christ should not be solely confined to the pulpit because the teachings are meant to be lived out in all areas of life, not just in a church service. Let us continue to use the uncommon pulpit, the pew, in our own spheres of influence, where we can apply biblical principles and live out our faith.
