Baptist Faith and Message Article 11

Evangelism and Missions

A Sourcebook for Baptist Heritage Committee on Baptist Faith and Message

XI. EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Gen. 12:1–3; Ex. 19:5–6; Isa. 6:1–8; Matt. 9:37–38; 10:5–15; 13:18–30, 37–43; 16:19; 22:9–10; 24:14; 28:18–20; Luke 10:1–18; 24:46–53; John 14:11–12; 15:7–8, 16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26–40; 10:42–48; 13:2–3; Rom. 10:13–15; Ephes. 3:1–11; 1 Thess. 1:8; 2 Tim. 4:5; Heb. 2:1–3; 11:39–12:2; 1 Peter 2:4–10; Rev. 22:17.

Evangelism and missions are closely intertwined concepts in Christian practice. Evangelism is defined as sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, while missions refers to where this sharing takes place, often involving crossing cultural boundaries[1]. The Bible does not separate these concepts, though some church structures do. Evangelism can be thought of as "the talking" (what is said) and missions as "the walking" (where one goes)

Theme: Fulfilling the Great Commission Main Idea: Evangelism and missions are the heartbeat of the church, flowing from God’s love for the world and His command to make disciples.

Introduction (5 minutes)

Illustration: Share a story of a missionary or evangelistic success (e.g., Hudson Taylor or a modern missionary).

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission).

Transition: The Baptist Faith and Message defines evangelism and missions as the duty and privilege of every believer to proclaim the gospel and disciple the nations.

Point 1: The Mandate for Evangelism and Missions (10 minutes)

Scripture:

Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands us to "Go therefore and make disciples."Acts 1:8 – "You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth."

Subpoints:

The Authority of Christ:

Jesus’ command is rooted in His authority as Lord (Matt. 28:18).

Illustration: A military leader’s command carries weight because of their authority. How much more so with Christ!

Application: Are we submitting to His authority by sharing the gospel?

The Scope of the Mission:

The gospel is for all nations, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries (Acts 1:8).

Illustration: The story of William Carey, who said, "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."

Application: Consider how you can support global missions through giving, praying, or going.

Point 2: The Message of Evangelism and Missions (10 minutes)

Scripture:

John 3:16 – The gospel is the message of God’s love and salvation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – Believers are ambassadors of reconciliation.

Subpoints:

God’s Love and Salvation:

The gospel begins with God’s love for humanity (John 3:16).

Illustration: Imagine a lifeguard rescuing someone from drowning. God’s salvation through Christ is the ultimate rescue.

Application: Are we sharing the message of salvation with urgency and clarity?

The Role of Reconciliation:

We are tasked with reconciling others to God (2 Cor. 5:20).

Illustration: A mediator bringing peace between two estranged parties.

Application: Think of someone in your life who needs to hear about God’s reconciling love and plan to share it with them this week.

Point 3: The Means of Evangelism and Missions (10 minutes)

Scripture:

Romans 10:13-15 – The gospel is spread when believers go, proclaim, and send.

Colossians 4:2-6 – Be watchful, prayerful, and wise in evangelism.

Proclaiming the Gospel:

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).

Illustration: A missionary bringing the gospel to a remote tribe where they hear it for the first time.

Application: Are we making the gospel known in our local community and beyond?

Supporting the Mission:

Prayer and financial support are vital for missions (Col. 4:2-4).

Illustration: The church in Philippi financially supported Paul (Philippians 4:16).

Application: How can we support missions through prayer, giving, or serving in our church’s outreach programs?

Conclusion (5 minutes)

Summary:

The mandate for evangelism and missions comes from Jesus.The message centers on God’s love and reconciliation through Christ.The means involve proclaiming, sending, and supporting.

Challenge:

Reflect on your role in fulfilling the Great Commission.Pray for boldness, wisdom, and opportunities to evangelize.

Closing Scripture: Romans 1:16 – "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."

Illustration: End with a quote from a missionary or evangelist like D.L. Moody: "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him."