In response to Terry Smith’s “Numbers Decline” in the February NZ Baptist, I wish to thank him for the first reason he raises: “we are not doing enough effective evangelism.”

I know that it is true in my own life. Here I am, someone who loves the Lord, who has not, I think, for many years shared the gospel message with anyone. I am happy that Christ has saved me from the consequences of sin, but I am not willing to go out of my comfort zone to share this good news with others?

Realising that I have not been obedient, and desperately wanting to fully surrender to Jesus Christ, I jumped at the opportunity to attend a training day on “How to Create a Church with a DNA of Evangelism” run by Evangelism Strategies International (www.esisite.com). I was in the right place, having my eyes opened to what evangelism is and isn’t. It is the priority of Jesus (Mark 1:14-15; Mark 16:15 – the beginning and end of Jesus’ ministry on earth), and therefore I will make it my priority. Not only is it clear what Jesus wants me to do, he has given me the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission (Acts 1:8).

We must come back to the primary task of evangelising the world. Our main focus needs to be “sowing the seed” – sharing the gospel. Other activities are useful in preparing the ground for the seed, and watering the seed after it is sown. Discipleship is an important part of the process in fulfilling the Great Commission. But it can only happen if the seed is sown in the first place.

Those of us on the boat must do everything we can to throw a lifeline to those who are drowning (most don’t even know that they are). Time is short.

Let us not concern ourselves so much with the decline in our denomination, but with passion and urgency let us share the gospel with the lost, and let God build his kingdom.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

So as Terry Smith suggests, let’s get training for our leaders at the outset, but not only that, let us all take responsibility right now for becoming equipped, fulfiling the Great Commission. I am.

– Carolyn Mackey
Wanganui