SDA Evangelism Today

[Gregory Matthews]

I realize that some of you do not think highly of Adventist Today.  However, the current issue (Summer 2016) is focused on Evangelism.

 

I believe that this current issue of Adventist Today may have some articles that are of value to all of our congregations.  This does not mean that I think that every article in this issue would be thought to be of the same value.  The first two articles, I believe are worthy of consideration by all of our clergy:

 

1)       Monte Sahlin, “What We Know and Don't Know About Evangelism and Church Growth."

 

Monte Sahlin  spent 44 years working for the denomination. He trained to be a pastor and took graduate work in sociology.  Much of his employment for the denomination has been in doing research. 

 

One of his profound statements in the article is:  “Unless new members have six or more personal friends each by the end of their first year in a congregation, there is a high chance they will not stay for the  long term.”

 

2)      Russell Burrill, “Why We Shouldn’t Give Up On Public Evangelism.”  I find it interesting that he advocates that large public evangelism has a place in Adventist ministry. But, hi is clear that such only reaches a select group of people and that our evangelism must have other centers of focus which may include developing relationships.

 

 

If you can, I suggest that you obtain this issue and consider its articles.  I believe them to be of value.