We talk about 'Gospel Outreach' but what do we mean? And do we all mean the same thing?
The first two letters of 'Gospel' should give the clue. Jesus said, "Go into all the world and make disciples...". That is what the apostles did, and as people repented and put their trust in Jesus, many were saved and churches were planted. Firstly in the Holy Land, and then in the Mediterranean islands, and what is now Turkey and Europe.
Eventually, the Christianised West was covered with church buildings and 'going to church' became a social norm, peaking in the 12th and 13th Centuries. Then came the Reformation in the 16th Century - largely affecting Northern/Central Europe and North America. Protestant churchgoing peaked in the 19th Century with the rise of evangelical preaching. That sparked great missionary movements which took the gospel to Africa, India and the Pacific Islands.
But we are now in a post-Christian age. Not only is the assumption of 'Christian England' a thing of the past, but the unreformed churches of Southern Europe are also decimated. Secularism, along with humanism and other Christ-denying world views, now hold sway. And the 'faith' baton which has dropped from Christian hands (sometimes mired by controversy and scandal), has now been picked up by other religions.
Is it all over for Jesus and His people? Certainly not. The Bible teaches that the gates of Hell cannot resist Jesus' true church; its light cannot be extinguished by Satan's dark lies.
Now, we hear of a quiet revival of interest in Jesus among young men, whose unexpected appearance in our churches is turning grey heads. Perhaps we just need to be patient, say some, and the churches will fill again. We must not despise the day of small things: but such youths are only a smidgeon of the millions out there who do not know Christ.
Although we rejoice with heaven over one sinner who repents, is evangelism the call to come to church,as some believe, or to come to Jesus?
Even our language has become unhelpful when we talk about people 'coming back to church' and 'coming to faith'.
Jesus said, "Come to Me". Evangelism is primarily about Jesus, not about us, our community or our church, nor even the good things Christians are doing. And yet it is rare to hear any churchgoer use the Name of Jesus in Christian conversation, let alone in the secular community or workplace.
Are we ashamed of that Name? In theory, no. Are we afraid that if we use His Name, among our friends and family, that we will be regarded as odd and be ostracised? Probably yes.
So how do people come to Jesus? By Christians going out into all the world with the gospel to make disciples. BeaconLight's work is to give such people the resources to do the job. Those who reach out will tell the millions who will never choose to enter a church - that there is hope, forgiveness and eternal salvation only in Jesus.
BeaconLight's work is to provide gospel tools to bring light to dark minds in pubs, prisons, coffee shops and canteens, doorsteps and down-town, clubs and classes, workplaces and warehouses. These are the people who intentionally go out with the gospel with the invitation to 'Come to Jesus', instead of waiting for them to drop into church.
It takes conviction and courage to present Jesus. Our mission partners in the UK and overseas have already committed themselves to this task.
But what about you? Normal New Testament Christianity is to trust Jesus, live for Jesus and share the message about Jesus - ready to answer the questions that authentic Christian living will precipitate.
We are all involved, not just the evangelist or pastor. As the fields are 'ready for harvest', let us all pray to be willing and ready to be sent.