A Grateful Mind works by faith.

...Ask any of our seasoned volunteers or team members and they will tell you that our outreach spans far beyond our goals to simply share the Love of God through our actions!

QUESTION: So what is the difference between outreach and evangelism?

ANSWER: Well outreach is "The Act" of reaching out to communities in need to provide a service or program them that will aid in meeting their needs, be it immediate or long term. We do this on a consistent basis...to meet people where they are and provide life saving necessities. However, it doesn't stop there. Then there's evangelism (which is often second nature when we aim to encourage someone who feels helpless and hopeless)...Evangelism which has the root word evangel, is derived from the Greek word euangelion which is translated to " Good news." Now from that same word, derives the word "gospel." We also find that many English words we use are in reality synonymous evangel(ism), gospel and good news all speak of the same thing and find their root from and in the same word. They all speak of the act of spreading the gospel (good news) within the content of the message that is given. Knowing this is vital, as they both refer to the method and the message!   

Let's explore the "modes of evangelism"...knowing where you stand within these modes are just as important as how you personally may or may not choose to approach (or maneuver) within your mode of evangelism. Mr. William (Bill) Hybels explains it best:

        The Direct Approach:

This approach is what we see in Acts 2 where Peter addresses the crowd on Pentecost. He boldly proclaims the Gospel to those who are present. It is very direct. Those who have this gift get straight to the point. They preach Christ and they seek a response. The issue isn’t forced but the person with this approach directs the conversation to a discussion on faith. In Becoming a Contagious Christian, the direct approach is described as “redirecting conversations to Christ.”

         The Intellectual Approach:

The biblical person who best exemplifies this approach is Paul. In Acts 17 Paul reasoned with philosophers and deep thinkers in Athens. Today this is practiced by apologists and other logical thinkers. The intellectual evangelist is challenged to have an excellent knowledge and understanding of the Gospel. Intellectual roadblocks can be a significant barrier to belief. These roadblocks can include questions and objections that cause doubts about the veracity of Christianity. However, this approach is becoming more important in today’s world. Hybels says, “This style of evangelism has become more and more important as our society has become increasingly secular. So many seekers need to hear the Gospel not only declared but also defined and defended.” As it says in 1 Timothy 3:15, “Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

I'm sure your thinking about carriers of the gospel with big voices and large congregations of parishioners. Perhaps one or both of the descriptions listed above have piqued your interest, because you already have some of those characteristics.However, we are not all gifted in those approaches and these two might not fit for you - and that is fine! There are four more approaches for us to discover. Everyone has been gifted to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. I know one will describe your style....so let's keep exploring.

        The Testimonial Approach:

The most effective way to describe this approach is with one word: Storytelling. Storytelling has been an effective method of teaching since the beginning of humanity. This approach uses a very natural, conversational way to evangelize. It is sharing our story. Sharing personal stories of one’s own walk with Christ often carries unique weight. They often do things that facts alone cannot provide. One of the best Biblical examples is the story of the blind man in John 9 healed by Jesus. When he was asked who healed him, he replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind, but now I see.” Many people might not respond to a challenge or an argument about faith. In fact when approached in those manners they might put up a wall. They might respond to something more personal to which they might relate. Our stories do not have to be dramatic or miraculous. In fact, it could be as simple as sharing that one changed from being a “religious person” who attended church regularly to one who now has a deeper relationship with Christ.

        The Relational Approach:

This approach is exactly as the name describes. Some people’s evangelistic abilities come from the natural ability to relate to people. This person loves being with others, and it is a wonderful way to share Christ. The story of the calling of Matthew in Luke 5:27-29 is a great biblical example of this approach. Jesus sees Levi in his tax collecting booth and calls him saying, “Follow me.” Levi (Matthew) follows him and invites a number of guests to his house for dinner that night with Jesus. This approach places a high value on building relationships. It requires a commitment of time because relationships take time and energy to build trust. There are all kinds of areas where this approach is effective: work, home, sports, hobbies and social and community activities. The friendships developed there are fertile places for evangelism.

Perhaps one of these two approaches might be a better fit than the Direct or Intellectual. They were certainly a little more comfortable for me. We still have two more to go. The goal is for us to find the approach or approaches that speak to our soul and quicken our spirits to share God’s love.

        The Invitational Approach:

This approach is similar to the Relational approach. However, it is characterized predominantly by inviting people to church events such as services, retreats, bible studies, and other faith based activities. It is definitely one of the most natural and easiest ways new believers can reach out to others. It is particularly helpful to those who feel they don’t have the right words. Bill Hybels, the author of Becoming a Contagious Christian says, “There are many people who would take great strides in their spiritual journey if someone would go to the effort of strategically inviting them to a seeker-oriented church service or outreach event.” It is all about extending the invitation.

        The Service Approach:

This is another way to share our faith with people. If you are a person who naturally notices the needs of others, this might be the perfect way to share your faith. A person who prefers this approach enjoys sharing the love of Christ through deed over word. They find this approach to be easy because it is the way God made them. Actually service evangelism is at the heart of the Christian faith. Most of us have been made by God with gifts and talents that call us to be kind to others and assist those in need. At the same time, a service evangelist knows that it is not by our good deeds only but by God’s grace that we are truly saved.

Now, we have reviewed all six approaches to evangelism. Where do you find yourself? It is obvious that God has given us all gifts and abilities to serve him in one or more of these evangelistic styles -- knowingly or unknowingly, ha!  Either way, we all should desire to know a little more about ourselves as we serve others and take a moment to reflect and identify our modes and use them in our communities. If we will take the opportunity and use the gifts God has given us appropriately, we will see great things happen! And even greater things - together.

During our outreach domestic or global we strive to always cover both outreach, and evangelism...not aggressively, not loud or intrusive...but with sincere intentional actions that we choose to use to show God's love through our actions. Through our words of encouragement, literature and request of prayer from those that we serve. We have been blessed to be a very diverse organization that continues to have the pleasure of serving along side of and with our community members of all races, color, creeds, genders  and religions. We do not discriminate and cast judgement. It is never an obligation to think as we think or even believe as we believe to serve with us or be served by us, we ALL just simply do as we have done...operate as ONE HUGE HEART that desires to see people that have dire needs, including you - on the path to being whole, thriving with dignity and the powerful purpose that our Creator intended.