Six Big Rocks For Your Evangelism Training for Church Planters
By: Gary Rohrmayer
In a recent study of a major association of churches, they saw a 60% drop in their evangelism stats from their church planters across the board from 2012-2022. How is your organization training your church planters (and or pastors) in the skill of communicating the message of Jesus to their communities one life at a time?
Here is a brief overview of the Six Big Rocks needed for your Evangelism Training Process for your Church Planters.
1. Deep Understanding of the Gospel: Titus 3:4-7; Titus 2:11-14; Romans 1:16-17
The foundation of effective evangelism is a deep, thorough understanding of the Gospel. Church planters must be able to articulate the core message of Christianity clearly and compellingly. This includes the nature of God, the problem of sin, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and the response of repentance and faith. Training should focus on:
Biblical Literacy: Familiarize planters with key scriptures that outline the Gospel message.
Theological Clarity: Ensure they understand essential doctrines and can communicate them effectively.
Personal Testimony: Equip planters to share their own faith journey as a way to illustrate the transformative power of the Gospel.
2. Contextualization: Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21; Acts 1:8
Contextualization involves adapting the presentation of the Gospel to the cultural, social, and linguistic context of the audience without altering its core message. Church planters need to understand the cultural dynamics of their target community. Training should include:
Cultural Exegesis: Teach planters to study and understand the culture, values, beliefs, and practices of the people they are trying to reach.
Effective Communication: Develop skills in using local language, metaphors, and stories that resonate with the audience.
Relevant Applications: Guide planters on how to apply the Gospel to the specific needs and issues of the community.
3. Relational Evangelism: Luke 10:1-24; John 4:28-42
Building genuine relationships is crucial for effective evangelism. Church planters should focus on creating and nurturing relationships within their communities. Training should cover:
Hospitality: Encourage planters to open their homes and lives to others, fostering an environment of trust and openness.
Listening Skills: Teach the importance of listening to understand people's stories, struggles, and spiritual questions.
Spiritual Conversations: Moving from memorized monologs to meaningful dialogs is a critical shift in effective evangelism today.
Long-term Commitment: Emphasize the value of consistent, long-term relationships over quick conversions.
4. Prayer and Spiritual Disciplines: Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2; Acts 2:42; 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Evangelism must be undergirded by prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Church planters need to develop strong personal spiritual disciplines. Training should include:
Prayer Strategy: Encourage regular, intentional prayer for specific individuals, communities, and evangelistic opportunities.
Spiritual Formation: Promote practices such as fasting, meditation on Scripture, and solitude to strengthen their spiritual life.
Holy Spirit Dependence: Teach planters to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and the power to witness effectively.
5. Apologetics and Answering Objections: I Peter 3:14-16; Proverbs 11:30
Church planters should be prepared to address questions, doubts, and objections to the Christian faith. Training should cover:
Common Objections: Equip planters with answers to common questions about Christianity, such as the problem of evil, the reliability of the Bible, and the uniqueness of Christ.
Respectful Dialogue: Teach how to engage in respectful, thoughtful conversations that foster understanding rather than confrontation.
Resources: Provide access to books, websites, and other materials that offer deeper insights into apologetics.
6. Discipleship and Follow-up: Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2
Effective evangelism doesn't end with a conversion; it continues with discipleship. Part of the Great Commission is to “teaching them to obey”. Church planters need to have a clear strategy for disciplining new believers. Training should include:
Mentorship Programs: Develop structures for one-on-one or small group discipleship that help new believers grow in their faith.
Biblical Teaching: Ensure planters can teach the fundamental doctrines and practices of the Christian life.
Community Building: Focus on integrating new believers into the church community, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Establishing these six Big Rocks will be critical for equipping and inspiring your church planters (and or pastors) spreading the message of Christ effectively. By focusing on these areas, church planters can build strong foundations for their evangelistic efforts, resulting in lasting spiritual impact within their communities and the healthy growth of your fellowship of churches. Remember the future of every church and every movement is in the harvest.