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GIVE ‘EM JESUS!
It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly five weeks since the Shelter-at-Home Order was issued in Georgia. With the end being unpredictable, many churches have settled into a weekly routine and are now offering their services online. Others have taken the next step and are encouraging their groups to meet in online forums.
What’s next? Where do we go from here? Scott Sullivan, Discipleship catalyst, recently said, “This is not a time for the church to evacuate; it’s time for the church to advance.” How do we advance? The church advances as it boldly proclaims the truth of the gospel and calls people to hope in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
In times of disruption, fear, and confusion, the directive of the church remains the same – give ‘em Jesus!
Our commission has not changed. Our calling has not been suspended. In fact, the opportunity for gospel advancement has increased. History reminds us that revivals and awakenings in the past have almost always occurred during times of great disruption and social upheaval. Ed Stetzer recently stated, “Fear and anxiety during times of disruption are to be expected, but what we choose to believe and how we respond to disruption makes all the difference in the world. We need to remember that we are loved and that we are called with a purpose and to a purpose!”
The church’s response to disruption must always be to proclaim the gospel.
How do we give ‘em Jesus in a time of social distancing and shelter in place?
Take advantage of modern communication methods to tell the Old, Old Story.
Use social media platforms to initiate spiritual conversations. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. are excellent tools for connecting with friends and neighbors during a time of social distancing. You can find details about Facebook Groups and other tools like GroupMe and Marco Polo in these articles. Be open and transparent about your struggles during COVID-19 while pointing others to the hope you have found in Jesus Christ.
Invite friends and family to join you for online worship. Although it might have been a struggle to get some of your friends to attend church with you, people are open to watch streaming services online. Take the initiative and invite them to join you for a watch party and use the comment section to answer questions and initiate deeper conversations.
Equip your members to give ’em Jesus.
Pastors and church leaders, while people are “sheltered in place,” consider using online forums such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout, etc. to train members to share their faith. Individuals can also log in at home and do the training in accordance with their own schedule. Check out these excellent resources for training on how to share your faith:
- 7 Ways to Evangelize in Crisis: https://gabaptist.org/7-ways-evangelism-coronavirus-crisis/
- No Sweat Evangelism: http://nosweatevangelism.com/
- http://lifeonmissionbook.com/
Begin planning now for Comeback Sunday.
Make Comeback Sunday evangelistic. Because we miss fellowship and church members long to be together, it will be easy to think only of ourselves when we return to on-campus worship. Don’t forget the guests who may very well join you those next few weeks. Be prepared for their arrival. Clean house in preparation for guests who will attend. Create a culture where everyone feels welcome!
Plan your services accordingly. I recently heard one pastor tell of a family member who attended a church services for the first time following 9/11. The church was packed. Many were there for the first-time seeking answers. The Pastor’s topic? “Tithing.” Ugh!
Meet needs and share Christ.
Be attentive and alert to opportunities that are presented. Even a casual glance at the gospels reminds us that Jesus would often meet physical needs before initiating spiritual conversations. Never waste an opportunity to share with others the “reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Here are some ideas: https://gabaptist.org/ways-love-community-covid-19/.
Don’t completely abandon old school methods.
Not everything has changed. People still love a phone call from a friend or neighbor. A card or handwritten letter in the mail still melts the heart. The key is to be intentional. Whatever method you choose to use, may your mission still be to give ‘em Jesus!