by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to the Tri-State Defender

Personal evangelism for many Christians extends well beyond their comfort zone. But talking to strangers about “the gospel of Jesus” is second nature for pastors. Right?

Pastor Larry S. Lewis, founder of Wisdom, Knowledge & Understanding Ministries in Orange Mound, said is vital for pastors to engage in personal evangelism and church members must be trained to also go out and tell others “how their faith has changed their lives.” (Photos by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell.)

Sharing a meal after every service is an important part of evangelistic outreach at Wisdom, Knowledge & Understanding Ministries.

Not according to a recent study involving 800 pastors. Nearly 40 percent did not feel comfortable sharing their faith with a neighbor, co-worker or a stranger in line at the grocery check-out counter.

“If nearly 40 percent find it hard to evangelize, there is little wonder why we are so ineffective in our communities,” said Dr. William Young of The Healing Center. “The time is long past for us to devise more effective, updated strategies, but personal evangelism is vital to   future growth.”

Findings also revealed that only 25 percent felt at ease when sharing their faith one-on-one. The survey was conducted by LifeWay, one of the world’s largest suppliers of religious products and books.

“Actually, pastors admitting they find personal evangelism difficult doesn’t really surprise me,” said Pastor Larry S. Lewis, founder of Wisdom, Knowledge & Understanding Ministries in Orange Mound. “We are not influencing our communities; they are influencing us. Our people are hungry for what we’ve found in Jesus, and our failure to share that as pastors and Christians is inexcusable. God will hold us accountable.”

The 30-question survey also revealed that African-American pastors do not make effective use of media resources to evangelize those who are “un-churched.” Results of the study were released in a recent publication, “Reconsider,” the quarterly magazine of LifeWay.

Pastor Pam Addison of Kingdom Life Baptist Church understands why laymen might be reluctant to share their faith one-on-one, but feels evangelism for pastors is essential to fulfilling their office and ministry.

“That’s a terrible commentary on pastors when we don’t engage in personal evangelism,” she said. “Sometimes we may feel inadequate to share our experiences with God because we fear being rejected by those who don’t want to hear any ‘God talk.’

“We must love God and show compassion for those who need Him,” Pastor Addison said. “Pastors must forget their comfort zone and do what God called them to do – go into all the world and build God’s kingdom. Our job is to nurture souls already in the church, but also to go out and bring them in.”

“I work with a lot of young folk at school and right here Orange Mound,” said Pastor Lewis. “And I know from experience that it’s not just enough to preach from the pulpit, but we mix the word of God with faith (and) obey the ‘Great Commission.’”

Lewis is in his 16th year at Ridgeway High School where he teaches math. His ministry began in nursing homes, hospitals, and prisons. Personal evangelism is a cornerstone of Wisdom, Knowledge & Understanding Ministries.

“Not only is it vital for pastors to engage in personal evangelism, but church members must be trained to also go out and tell others how their faith has changed their lives,” he said.

Dr. Young agreed that pastors should lead by example in sharing the ‘gospel of Jesus’ at every opportunity.

“Every morning, I walk around the track or go out to Audubon Park to get my two miles in,” said Dr. Young. “Some of our members at The Healing Center first met me on my morning walk. I told them my story and how God saved me from myself. And if they want to pray right there to receive Christ, that’s what we do. You don’t have to be in church to give your heart to the Lord.”    

Evangelism – the ‘real work’ of the church

Pastor Lewis set out to replicate the love and caring demonstrated in the early church.

He and a faithful few have stomped Orange Mound, knocking on doors, leaving flyers, and witnessed to guys hanging out on the corner. Lewis bought an old building at 2915 Park Ave., and refurbished it with his own money.

“Since that very first Sunday in 2003, we have served dinner after service and meal after Tuesday night Bible study,” Lewis said. “I didn’t take up an offering for three years, and I have never drawn a salary. We want people to know they are welcome at our church even if they’re broke. They can eat freely of both spiritual and physical bread.”

Because media outlets expand the reach of church evangelism, all three pastors plan to make use of such tools.

“I want to expand to radio and television broadcasting as we grow,” said Addison. “Print ads, Internet social networking, and online magazine ads can also be effective. Our salvation is free, but it costs us everything in terms of commitment. I think every pastor should use the media if the resources are available.”

According to Lewis, pastors must lead by example and explore every avenue made available to reach more people for Christ.

“We, as pastors, teach by precept and example,” he said. “The church must take advantage of every opportunity to spread the Gospel – personal testimony, radio, television, newspapers, Internet – all of those can be effective tools.”

Dr. Young warns of churches being involved in “busy work” and forgetting about “their real purpose.”

“Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in church work. We serve on this auxiliary, or we sing in the choir. But church work is not necessarily the work of the church. Jesus called us to preach the Gospel near and far – the Great Commission. Media outlets assist us to that end.  And where God guides, He will provide.”