Evangelism
The word evangelism comes from the Greek word euangelizo (transliterated “evangelism”). In English, it means to proclaim the good news.
You may ask what good news? The good news is that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so we may experience forgiveness for our sins. This is truly news that needs to be shared!
In fact, Jesus commanded us to share this good news in portion of the Bible that is sometimes called the Great Commission. It is found in Matthew 28:16-20, and says:
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We are commanded to go and make disciples, that much is clear. The first step is to share with others who Christ is. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
At River of Life, we are asking God to raise up a generation sold out for Jesus, and committed to being obedient witnesses for Him. He has commanded us to go and to share with everyone we encounter the truth of His salvation. It is up to us to obey.
At the Berlin Congress on Evangelism John R. W. Stott said: “We engage in evangelism, not necessarily because we want to, or because we choose to, or because we like to; but because we have been told to. The church is under orders. The risen Lord has commanded us to go, to preach, and to make disciples, and that is enough for us.”
Ministry Leaders
Denise Johnson
Denise is a busy home schooling mother of twelve, who has been happily married to Randy for 24 years. She read Ray Comfort’s book, Way of the Master, just before going on a missions trip to NYSUM (New York’s Street Urban Ministry) in New York City in May of 2004. The book completely changed Denise’s outlook, thoughts, and approach to sharing the gospel! Denise subsequently began watching The Way of the Master on TV, and taking Adult Bible Fellowship classes on The Way of the Master. She has been following in Jesus’ footsteps of using the law to share the gospel since 2005. Truly, like Paul, she is compelled to share with people. God has opened many doors for sharing about the way of the Master, both at home and abroad. Denise would like to encourage all believers to read The Way of the Master, whether you are comfortable sharing the gospel already or not!
Carol Phifer
Carol is a professional artist, a wife, and mother of two adult children. Since she learned how to effectively witness using The Way of the Master a few years ago, life has not been the same! Witnessing is an adventure that never gets old- every encounter is a new thrill and draws her closer to the Lord in a way she had never before experienced. Carol is blessed with a introvert personality and is still not always comfortable approaching strangers, but she has experienced deliverance from fears, as well as wonderful freedom and boldness through this training. She has had the opportunity to minister to a wide variety of people; from backslidden Christians, to atheists, to new agers. One of her greatest joys is teaching the basic training classes and watching as others learn how to fish!