Combating Evangelism Resentment

It would be nice if more church members participated in evangelism.

If they were asked whether evangelism is important or not, many would strongly agree. The majority would probably feel that evangelism ought to be a high priority…as long as somebody else was doing it.

Even good, faithful members who are active at church are often afraid to proclaim the gospel. 

Why is that?

Evangelism is 100% contrary to our human nature.

Here is a good example:

What would happen if your pastor announced after worship that he was going out next Saturday to proclaim the gospel, and asked members to come with him. How many would raise their hands?

Some people have physical limitations, others have conflicting schedules, or a few active members may suffer from evangelism fatigue.

But, if we were honest, our human nature would quickly come up with excuses. 

“Maybe I should visit my sister across town that day.”
“Maybe I will go to cousin’s wedding after all.”
“I wonder if my dentist would allow me to schedule an emergency root canal.”

Instead of raising our hands with glee at the prospect and the privilege to tell others about Jesus, the human nature of redeemed members of Christ would rather not.

Wrestling with evangelism guilt can cause evangelism resentment. How do we combat this?

It was only a generation ago that families had strong denominational loyalty and it was taboo to talk about religion or politics. In some cases, members were cautioned that it might be better to remain silent due to saying something wrong.

Our next generation is struggling with evangelism discomfort in a different way.

According to a Gallup poll, almost half of Christian millennials believe “it is wrong to share one’s personal beliefs with someone of a different faith in hopes that they will one day share the same faith.”

For a variety of reasons, church members could be secretly resenting invitations to participate in evangelism activity due to church culture, societal pressure, or feeling ill-equipped.

Or, perhaps, our hearts are not really into it.

Redeemed believers in Christ are not obligated to tell others about Christ to earn a ticket to heaven – but a lack of participation could be a result of a heart condition.

In my work with Praise and Proclaim, I believe it has been helpful to confront common myths about personal evangelism that stokes our fears to participate.

Myth #1: “I don’t know what to say?”

Perhaps we can use Jesus’ suggestion to the healed man in Gerasenes – “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39)  Answer the question, “So, what has God done for you?”  Your answer proclaims the gospel.

Myth #2: What if a person asks a tough question?

First, rejoice that they ask a question. And if you don’t know the answer, it’s okay. Tell them that you will talk to the pastor, and he will gladly help. You have just set up a great follow-up visit!

Myth #3: What if the person rejects me? What if I appear a fool?

When you treat people with love and respect, and state what Christ has done, most people will be politely indifferent. Rejection can happen. We can feel like a fool. But whenever rejection happens, you have been counted worthy to suffer for the sake of the gospel. (Acts 5:41)

Breaking myths is helpful, but isn’t necessarily the answer., because participating in evangelism is a matter of our hearts.

Joy, thanksgiving, and peace found in Christ alone, prompts us to share the treasure of what Christ has done with others. It means believing that God keeps his promises whenever we step out in faith to do what God asks us. It means trusting that God’s Word works whenever we proclaim it, despite feelings of inadequacy.

Evangelism means trusting God’s ability to work through his Word rather than our ability to proclaim it.

These promises allow us to embrace invitations to participate in evangelism rather than resenting them. It prompts us to prayerfully consider our willingness to step outside of our busy schedules, be inconvenienced, and show up to help spread the Word.

It’s a great day to be God’s messenger!

Thoughts from post taken from blog post, “Do We Secretly Resent Evangelism.”