Encouraging a Calvinist Church to be more involved in evangelism

[evangelist6589]

The local Calvinist church where I attend the men's group has no outreach program. Although they do have a tract wall and some good gospel tracts there is no organized outreach events. One of my evangelism partners and myself spoke to one of the teachers about this, but he said that they have not had much success with outreaches and gave it up. When I speak of outreach I am speaking about going door to door with the message of the gospel. We have not yet spoken with the senior pastor so should we and what should we say?

 

[Don]

The local Calvinist church where I attend the men's group has no outreach program. Although they do have a tract wall and some good gospel tracts there is no organized outreach events. One of my evangelism partners and myself spoke to one of the teachers about this, but he said that they have not had much success with outreaches and gave it up. When I speak of outreach I am speaking about going door to door with the message of the gospel. We have not yet spoken with the senior pastor so should we and what should we say?

Should you? Can't answer that.

What should you say? That you want to start an outreach program.

But don't be surprised if the senior pastor says something about being a member.

 

[Revmitchell]

You can take him to scripture and point out that it is not an option to do or ignore. A pastor worth his salt should know this.

 

[evangelist6589]

Should you? Can't answer that.

What should you say? That you want to start an outreach program.

But don't be surprised if the senior pastor says something about being a member.

He may not.

 

[evangelist6589]

You can take him to scripture and point out that it is not an option to do or ignore. A pastor worth his salt should know this.

I could and do so in gentleness and respect. After all he is a Calvinist so I want no conflicts with them.

 

[Don]

He may not.

Didn't say he may or may not; said don't be surprised if he does. Just trying to prepare you for possible outcomes.

But the answer is definitely "no" until you ask.

 

[Don]

I'm curious to hear what the pastor says....

 

[Revmitchell]

I could and do so in gentleness and respect. After all he is a Calvinist so I want no conflicts with them.

...but you want conflicts with those who are not Calvinists?

 

[ReformedBaptist]

The local Calvinist church where I attend the men's group has no outreach program. Although they do have a tract wall and some good gospel tracts there is no organized outreach events. One of my evangelism partners and myself spoke to one of the teachers about this, but he said that they have not had much success with outreaches and gave it up. When I speak of outreach I am speaking about going door to door with the message of the gospel. We have not yet spoken with the senior pastor so should we and what should we say?

Is this the whole story? There are some who feel that door-to-door methodology is ineffective. However, this does not mean they are not doing the work of an evangelist. For example, I just completed a business conference for a few days and had the opportunity to speak of Christ many times. Is this not evangelism? Of course it is and I doubt anyone would disagree.

My comment is to say that just because a church doesn't have a door-to-door ministry doesn't mean its not evangelistic. Our congregation doesn't have one. But no one is prohibited. You want to go knock on doors and share the Gospel, what is preventing you?

 

[evangelist6589]

...but you want conflicts with those who are not Calvinists?

Did I say that?

 

[evangelist6589]

Is this the whole story? There are some who feel that door-to-door methodology is ineffective. However, this does not mean they are not doing the work of an evangelist. For example, I just completed a business conference for a few days and had the opportunity to speak of Christ many times. Is this not evangelism? Of course it is and I doubt anyone would disagree.

My comment is to say that just because a church doesn't have a door-to-door ministry doesn't mean its not evangelistic. Our congregation doesn't have one. But no one is prohibited. You want to go knock on doors and share the Gospel, what is preventing you?

I disagree with this statement. God brings the converts, God calls the elect to salvation. Effectiveness is a relative term and we need to not worry about results, just be concerned with obedience.

 

[ReformedBaptist]

I disagree with this statement. God brings the converts, God calls the elect to salvation. Effectiveness is a relative term and we need to not worry about results, just be concerned with obedience.

I think you misunderstand what I wrote. I wrote there are some the believe door-to-door is ineffective. I was not making a qualitative statement about this method. There are some who believe open-air preaching is ineffective. I disagree with them. Nor do I have anything against someone going door-to-door. I believe all means should be used, that are within biblical bounds, to bring people to Jesus.

 

[evangelist6589]

I think you misunderstand what I wrote. I wrote there are some the believe door-to-door is ineffective. I was not making a qualitative statement about this method. There are some who believe open-air preaching is ineffective. I disagree with them. Nor do I have anything against someone going door-to-door. I believe all means should be used, that are within biblical bounds, to bring people to Jesus.

Yeah people can be very pragmatic and so results oriented they completely miss out on what the Bible teaches on sovereignty in Salvation.