What If Your Church Is Already Doing Evangelism (and Just Doesn’t Know It)?
Many church leaders feel caught between uncomfortable extremes when it comes to how to evangelize – either instrumental strategies that feel manipulative or avoiding evangelism altogether out of fear it will drive people away. In this episode, Luther Seminary professor Andy Root offers a third way through his new book “Evangelism in an Age of Despair.” Andy shows how to evangelize through what he calls “a theology of consolation” – recognizing that the caring relationships churches naturally build actually constitute authentic evangelism when grounded in the conviction that Jesus Christ is present in our shared sorrows.
Rather than learning new programs or strategies, Andy helps church leaders recognize the evangelism they’re already doing. When congregations sit with people going through cancer treatment, help neighbors clean out a deceased parent’s home, or simply take walks with those who are grieving, they’re practicing presence-based evangelism. This conversation will transform how you think about how to evangelize by moving from strategy-based approaches to authentic ministry that flows naturally from Christian care and consolation.
Here Are 3 Key Takeaways from this Episode:
1️⃣ Your Congregation Is Probably Already Doing Evangelism – Many churches are engaged in authentic evangelism through their natural caring ministries when these relationships are grounded in the conviction that Jesus Christ is present in our shared sorrows.
2️⃣ Move From Strategy-Based to Presence-Based Evangelism – Instead of trying to find the right evangelism program, focus on being present with people in their sadness and brokenness through a “theology of consolation” that flows naturally from Christian care.
3️⃣ Ask a Different Question About Evangelism – Rather than asking “How do we get people to come to church?” start asking “How do we join people where they’re already experiencing life’s deepest realities?”
