What is the best program for evangelism? None!
This is how the Early Church did evangelism:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
This was not any program. Programs are designed to attract people. Today’s churches are seeking new people. People may be turnoff by past church experiences. They may never have read the Bible. They may not have had the opportunity to grow up in a Christian home. Young people are often captives of the culture. In many cases, Church has had little influence on them.
We live in a difficult age. The Early Church was formed in a difficult period. What was different then? The Holy Spirit was given free rein. The Church was not seeking people. People were seeking the Church. They were witnessing the power, healing, and deliverance of the Holy Spirit. The Church had what the people needed.
Our churches today need to become more like the Early Church. They were a loving community. Love attracts. No, this was not socialism. People gave to others out of their own free will.
Notice the Early Church was being fed by the apostles and by the Holy Communion. Take note, Evangelical churches: Word and sacrament.
The Early Church spent much time in prayer. We need to pray for revival today. We need to repent. We need to ask Jesus to take over. He is the head of the Church as well as its cornerstone. We need to seek his presence, not just his blessings and gifts.
Do we need people, or do people need us?
Preaching the Lectionary 