22: Is evangelism dead?

Converge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss strategies for creating a culture of evangelism in your church plant.

0:50 Danny talks about the shift he’s seen of emphasizing discipleship over evangelism.


1:45 Lee says the church planters who are coming to Converge’s assessment center aren’t as evangelistic as they used to be.


2:30 Danny discusses his personal experience with evangelism.


4:25 Lee talks about how evangelism has to be a driving factor in the church plant.


5:35 Lee and Danny say church planters need to be modeling evangelism in their daily lives.


7:25 Lee discusses how to create a culture of evangelism during the launch phase.


9:45 Lee says it’s important to help our people understand that lost people are not projects: You’re called to love them, and that means even if they reject your Christ.


11:25 Lee talks about helping people in your church understand their role in evangelism – it’s not just the pastor’s responsibility; we’re all commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples.


14:25 Danny and Lee discuss the importance of planning intentional times when people will be able to respond to the gospel message (communion, baptisms, special Sundays).


17:00 Lee and Danny talk about what to say when people complain about the gospel being presented too frequently or about the way people are being asked to respond (“Will you say yes to following Jesus?”).


18:25 Lee shares his final thoughts: As a pastor and planter, you have to be doing evangelism. You have to be out in the community, building relationships and letting people know who you are and why you’re there.

Share the gospel and share your stories, including your failures. Create the expectation that everyone needs to share their faith.