The mission field can be an exciting yet unpredictable experience for both the novice and experienced Mission Evangelist. However, the person or group who is led by God to be a part of missions at home or abroad must have a clear focus, purpose, and be open to change. Yes, even with the best plan for the work of missions, change will surely occur without one’s permission.
Do you think the church struggles with an identity crisis? What is God’s design for the church historically, biblically, and theologically? To address these questions, congregations must grapple with the purpose of their own context, especially in light of mission evangelism. One of the major purposes of mission evangelism is to remember the claim of Jesus in John 12:32 “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all humanity unto me.” Mission Evangelists understand that the call on the mission field is to lift Jesus up while doing no harm.
The mission evangelism purposes are the same, whether sharing the Gospel in small towns, rural, urban, or suburban communities, to lift Jesus up! We have members and pastors who have not experienced growth in ministry and may not have been part of a growing church when they accepted the call to ministry. Only a small fraction of people walk into a church to join on their own. Most people become members because of existing relationships in the local congregation. Many of these relationships were developed through mission evangelism. Then, those members become disciples of Christ once they are connected to the body of Christ at the local Church.
The motivation for Mission Evangelists must be greater than self-gratification. Each church has its own personality, and with that personality, the church attracts people who want to know more about Jesus. Give them Jesus! We have many methods of sharing and lifting Jesus up. Here are a few suggestions.
• Share the Gospel.
• Share your story.
• Create a prayer list for soul winning.
• Demonstrate the Love of God through Christ.
• Be thankful.
• Share your faith.
• Celebrate the victory of others.
• Give of your time, talent, or resources.
Again, all this can be done on the mission field as a Mission Evangelist and everyone is a Mission Evangelist. It is both needed and necessary to build sustainable relationships in the mission field. Yes, we generally call the international work the mission field. But contrary to widely held beliefs, the mission field is wherever you find yourself. Therefore, you must “Lift Jesus up!”
We are the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church recognizing the importance of Christ in our daily lives.
Rev. Dr. Leon C. Moore, Jr.
General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions
Pleasant Hill CME, Conyers, GA
