Servant Evangelism and its Connection to Neighboring

 

The estimate is that about 10 percent of Christians are gifted for evangelism. That word brings to mind a dynamic person speaking to large crowds about Jesus and giving an invitation for salvation. But the truth is there are many approaches to and strategies for evangelism. 

Servant evangelism is sharing God’s love by simply serving others in practical ways without asking for or expecting anything in return. (Like showing love and kindness to a neighbor in practical ways!)

I have been reading "Conspiracy of Kindness" by Steve Sjogren. The book is all about servant evangelism. Sjogren says servant evangelism "connects people to people in a natural, easy, low- risk, high grace way." That means it is a perfect fit for neighbors!

If you want some ideas, Steve offers a list of 94 servant evangelism ideas on this website.

By definition, the focus of servant evangelism is doing acts of kindness for anyone and everyone. 

“As we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people” (Galatians 6:10). 

An example of servant evangelism could be something as simple as handing out free water bottles on a hot day or taking bags of food to needy families at Christmastime. The possibilities are endless, but the common denominator is that nothing is asked for in return. The perfect option for reaching neighbors!

The Bible tells us that God’s kindness leads people to repentance. "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" Romans 2:4.

There are many benefits of servant evangelism, both for those being served and for those serving. Servant evangelism reaches people where they are and exposes non-Christians to Christians showing God’s love in unmistakable and non-threatening ways. 

Servant evangelism has the potential to soften people’s hearts, enabling them to hear and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a good way to “water” seed previously sown (see 1 Corinthians 3:6).

Servant evangelism benefits those serving, as well. Serving others gives Christians the opportunity to tell about God’s love. When someone asks why they’re doing what they’re doing, those who are serving can point to Christ—it’s great training ground for other types of evangelism! 

Engaging in servant evangelism puts Christians in situations where the Holy Spirit can minister through them. Jesus commanded His disciples and, consequently, Christians today to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19–20). Jesus didn’t say, “Wait inside your church buildings for the lost to come to you”; He said to “go.” 

Through servant evangelism the church can show people outside the church -- starting with your neighbors -- that God cares and give them a reason to want to come inside.

To complete the process of evangelism—to bring someone to accepting Christ as Savior—we need to speak “the word about Christ.” Servant evangelism can be effective in opening that person’s heart to receive the message once he or she hears it.

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Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.

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