Do you have questions about evangelism and how to approach it in practice? Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions to get you started.
Questions on evangelisation
Many congregations immediately think: we have to do something. Evangelisation, however, does not start with talking or organising, but with listen. By listening, you discover what is really going on in your environment, what people are longing for and where God is already at work. This way, you avoid coming up with solutions too quickly that do not fit.
Paul too looked and listened to the culture in Athens before he spoke.
Four-way listening helps churches to properly discover their vocation. It means listening in four directions: to God, to each other, to the environment and to the church.
For a full explanation, visit the quadruple listening module‘ of the online learning environment pioneering.
Start small, with a group of people who are motivated. Don't focus directly on the whole congregation. Think relationally: relationships are more important than activities. Think in possibilities: look at what God has already given in the congregation in terms of gifts, people and opportunities. Be inspired by practical ideas.
Being missional is participating in God's mission and that is broader than just talking about faith. It is also about being present, helping where needed, doing justice and caring for people and environment.
Discover opportunities in the infographic on the five characteristics of mission.
Focus on what you already have (your ‘five loaves and two fish’) and use existing activities to deepen relationships, such as coffee mornings and relationships in daily life. Presence and prayer for the neighbourhood is more important than projects.
Experiment, if necessary, with small actions, such as Neighbours' Day or actions with the Present foundation and ensure follow-up for people with whom contact has been made. Take small steps.
Discovering gifts and talents can be done in very practical ways: observe what people get excited about, engage in conversation about what someone likes to do, let people try things out and encourage each other.
In small municipalities, this is often easier because you already know each other well.
Many church members think it is important to be open to the outside world, but do not easily take the step themselves. Support church members in their embarrassment and provide training or instruction. Make participation accessible, for instance by offering the possibility to participate once a quarter and/or by dividing tasks into smaller sub-tasks. Share good stories and experiences to inspire others.
Not everyone participates and that is normal. What helps:
- Start with a small group that is motivated,
- Share stories of what you are experiencing,
- Invite others lowly to join in.
Stories inspire and make others curious.
Start with those who will. Pray together and listen to what God is already doing. For example, use the model of quadruple listening (to God, each other, the context and the wider church). Be patient and realistic in your expectations.
Expand existing habits. For example, order two bunches of flowers for the weekly flower greeting: one for the congregation and one for people in the neighbourhood. Think relationally: how can an activity lead to contact? Then invite people to follow-up activities.
The key is relationship, relationship, relationship. Through genuine interest, people start sharing their stories. Practical examples: having a chat while walking, sitting outside with coffee and addressing people, just being present and approachable in the neighbourhood.
Listen to the neighbourhood, e.g. through meetings on Neighbours' Day or a survey. Be visible and approachable as a church. Tune activities to the neighbourhood: you don't put up a bouncy castle in a neighbourhood with mainly elderly people.
The Spirit works through prayer, proclamation and relationships. Relationships are often the channel through which the Spirit works in the Netherlands. The Spirit opens eyes to opportunities in the neighbourhood. Listening and praying are essential.
These are good ideas, as long as they are linked to the possibility of relationship. Handing them over in person therefore often works better than distributing them anonymously. Be transparent and friendly, without pressure. Try it out to discover what works in your context.
There are several options:
- A missionary year theme.
- Tailor-made guidance.
- Starting with pioneering.
Is your question not listed or would you like the missionary consultants to think with you? Feel free to contact them.