Evangelism

Evangelism, as I understand and live it, is not merely an event to be hosted or a script to be followed. It is a posture of presence. It is the slow and purposeful work of proximity, trust, and invitation similar in the way Jesus consistently moved toward people long before He ever called them to follow.

​

At the heart of my evangelistic philosophy is the conviction that reaching people includes both those outside the church and those within it who feel unseen, disconnected, or spiritually distant. Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10), and that includes those sitting quietly in the pews just as much as those far from any religious community. This form of evangelism reflects His gentle invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened” (Matthew 11:28). It creates emotionally safe environments where people can rediscover faith without fear, where honest questions are welcomed, dialogue, even disagreement and curiosity are encouraged. In this environment, transformation unfolds slowly and hopefully deeply. It trusts the promise that those who seek will find (Matthew 7:7) and echoes Paul’s longing for Christ to be formed in every believer (Galatians 4:19), including those who grew up in the church but never truly encountered Jesus for themselves.

​

Flowing naturally from this conviction is the belief that evangelism cannot be contained within church walls. Jesus had a rhythm for meeting people in ordinary places, around tables, along roads, in crowds and quiet conversations, listening to their stories and revealing God’s love in everyday moments (Luke 5:29–32). In the same way, evangelism unfolds today in grocery stores, parks, community events, coffee shops, and online spaces. It is lived out through Spirit-led interactions that offer front-row access to faith through the attitudes, compassionate acts and responses, and integrity of believers. This is how light shines in the darkness, through love embodied and made visible (Matthew 5:16).

​

Central to all of this is a clear and loving invitation to Jesus Himself. Evangelism is not simply an invitation to programs, events, or church spaces, though those play a crucial role in building community. At its core, it is a heartfelt call to “come and see” the Savior (John 1:46). It includes sharing distinctive biblical truths that lead to freedom, healing, and lifelong discipleship. When truth is shared with humility and grace, it speaks directly to the deepest longings of the human heart, offering freedom from guilt and shame, restoration from broken cycles, and a renewed sense of purpose. As Jesus declared, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

​

This vision of evangelism is shaped by mingling with people, meeting real needs, and inviting them into relationship with Jesus as they encounter His kindness, the very kindness that leads to repentance and transformation (Romans 2:4). It is patient, relational, and deeply hopeful.

​

This conviction came to life through The Gathering, a community-centered praise and worship ministry that began on Friday nights in the living rooms of church members and neighbors. These were not polished stages, but shared spaces, homes filled with music, prayer, honest conversation, and the quiet reverence of Sabbath. Over time, the Spirit led us outward into local coffee shops, partnering with business owners who opened their doors after hours, allowing worship to exist in secular places. In these settings, worship became accessible to many who would never have entered a church sanctuary. Non-Adventists stood shoulder to shoulder with Adventist young people, witnessing a community that praised God, honored the Sabbath with no buying or selling, and shared Adventist distinctives such as salvation through Christ’s sacrifice, the hope of His second coming, the great controversy, the state of the dead, and the authority of Scripture. These beliefs were not merely explained, they were embodied.

​

Evangelism also took shape through intentional relationship building beyond worship spaces. By partnering with the local public middle school in Stone Mountain and its administrators, supporting school events, providing monthly food bags for students experiencing poverty, and creating safe spaces for academy and public school girls to gather, pray, learn about Jesus, and belong, faith became tangible. Annual experiences like A Day with Jesus invited young people into encounters marked by curiosity, proximity, and hope. In every setting, whether classrooms, cafeterias, or living rooms, the goal remained the same, to make Jesus visible, accessible, and trustworthy.

​

Ultimately, evangelism is never meant to rest on the shoulders of leaders alone. Scripture affirms that every believer is called into this work. God “gave us the ministry of reconciliation” and appointed all believers as “Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). The Great Commission was spoken not to specialists, but to ordinary disciples representing the whole body of Christ (Matthew 28:19–20). Evangelism flourishes when every member understands their unique role in pointing others to Jesus. As a pastor, it is my sacred privilege to equip the saints for this work, so that together, the church becomes a living witness of God’s love in the world.