Do people know we are here

[Withdrawn]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I think we're loosing the battle as we focus on mass evangelism. Sure, mass evangelism has it's place. However, we must realize that we're sent one by one into our own everyday routine with the commission to share the gospel. I've had more success with one on one individual evangelism than mass efforts to reach large groups of people. 85% of those who come to church come with a friend or relative. Out of that number the majority who state establish friendships and deep relationships within the body. We need to get out and befriend people, form relationships, bonds, similar interests, etc. Also we have to be sensitive to the Spirit. God's Spirit hasn't chosen the entire community. Out of the majority that are called only a few are chosen. We have to be sensitive enough to tell when we are dealing with a soul that the Lord is drawing so that we can nurture them to salvation. Winning the lost isn't like spraying machine gun fire into large crowds...it's more like being a sniper. It takes time, preparation, patience, and focus. At least, that's my experience.

Amen!

We were at one time trying to get in touch with Matt Maddix to get a SWBC hosted at our church. After repeatedly trying to contact him, leaving message after message, receiving no response or return call, it became evident that this was not the path Jesus wanted us to take. We were dazzled by the numbers - they hype and the sensational news of hundreds being baptized in Jesus' Name and receiving the Holy Ghost baptism in a single weekend. But then you get down to reality, though, and have to sit back and wonder how many of them actually made the leap into a real walk with God and fellowship with their brothers and sisters.

I'm not trying to be antagonistic to Bro. Maddix or any of the others associated with SWBC. They are great men and are doing a wonderful work. I believe, though, that the church needs to do a better job of getting to where these people are and ministering to them where they are. Just because people have a powerful initial experience one weekend does not automatically transfer to an understanding of what has happened to them, in them, nor by extension a real relationship with God and His church. This is where we need to step out of our comfortable, institutional churchianity paradigms and start ministering to people one-to-one. Mass evangelism might stir up some excitement and hype, but afterward, when everyone thinks it's all done, is when we really need to do the hard work... the self-sacrificing work... the loving and feeding and clothing and ministering... THE SERVING.