Why Evangelism Is Important

Go. It’s the last command Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:18-20. We call it the Great Commission. We also call it evangelism. Whatever we choose to call it, Jesus instructed us to do it.

At its core, the Great Commission, evangelism, is sharing the good news of salvation, forgiveness, and grace. Without those things, we would all be lost without hope, without a savior, and would have to endure the consequences of sin—death.

Our world is bombarded with the consequences of sin. Everywhere we turn, we see the effects of a fallen world and many who live without hope. Someone must share hope with them. Jesus said it’s us. You and me.

We can be pretty good at participating in evangelism events. We go on mission trips. We donate cookies to Vacation Bible School. We financially support missionaries. Those are all great ways to further the gospel and are most definitely used by God for His glory. But we can’t stop there. Do we, personally, tell others the good news of Jesus Christ?

It’s not that we don’t want to. It’s that some of us think we don’t know how. Or think we have to memorize a certain acronym in order to share the good news of salvation, forgiveness, and grace, and if we do it wrong God can’t use it. Others feel confident in sharing the good news but don’t know how to inspire others to do the same. It’s time for that to change.

We can become confident in and passionate about sharing our faith as we go about our daily lives. And as we go, we can inspire others to do the same. Places like our offices, the grocery store, and the ball field are our daily mission field. We will change the world with the good news of the gospel of Christ when we are faithful to share with others.

Small groups are a great place to learn, encourage, and equip Christ followers to share the good news of salvation, forgiveness, and grace. Bible Studies for Life offers small group materials to remind us why evangelism is important and equips us to share with others. It can also give us a jump start in encouraging us to be passionate and consistent in telling others the good news. And what better place to practice sharing our own personal gospel story than in a small group of believers?

Take some time in your small groups to focus on Jesus’ command to go. Evaluate together your personal passion for sharing salvation, forgiveness, and grace, and discuss practical ways to share hope in your daily life.

Dr. Ronnie Floyd has been a pastor for over 38 years. Since 1986, Pastor Floyd has served as the Senior Pastor of Cross Church, Northwest Arkansas. In June 2014, Dr. Floyd was elected President of the Southern Baptist Convention, and in June 2015, Dr. Floyd was nominated and elected to a second term. Dr. Floyd’s ministry as a local church pastor has been one of commitment to evangelism, discipleship, and the advancement of the gospel to America and around the world. Beyond his church and denomination, Pastor Floyd has spoken at many national and international conferences such as Promise Keepers and has been featured on numerous television and radio programs including Focus on the Family. Pastor Floyd has authored 20 books including The Power of Prayer and Fasting, 10 Things Every Minister Needs to Know, Our Last Great Hope: Awakening the Great Commission, and FORWARD: 7 Distinguishing Marks For Future Leaders. He and his wife, Jeana, have been married for 38 years. They have two sons, Josh and Nick, and seven grandchildren.