The Great Commission describes a continuum of outreach from the local community to peoples around the globe. The local church should be as concerned about the lost around the corner as around the globe--and vice versa. The resources at our disposal to achieve local and world evangelism are unmatched in church history. Never before have so many organizations been devoted to evangelism--setting off an explosion of books, workbooks, publications, videos, seminars, and training ministries. The electronic church has more outlets--including cable, satellite, and now even the Internet--to spread the good news. An astounding variety of Christian music, computer games, and other entertainment is available to attract unbelievers of every age and interest. Instant E-mail communications allow workers around the globe to support each other with the click of a mouse button.
Christians are enjoying enormous successes in evangelism and church growth. A generation ago, a church of 1,000 would have been considered a megachurch. Now churches of 20,000 members are not unknown. Breakthroughs are occurring worldwide. Missions outreaches have seen churches with literally thousands of members spring up in regions such as Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
A TIME OF TALL BARRIERS
Despite the resources at hand and promising breakthroughs, pastors and evangelical leaders are seeing a virtual forest of barriers arising to keep churches from effective evangelism. Many churches are noticing signs of burnout when it comes to evangelistic activity.
Barriers to evangelism outreach can include.... Keep reading
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