WORSHIP EVANGELISM

            Have you heard that term before now? Or this one- “Relationship Evangelism?” and (for me, too many years ago- ) “Personal Evangelism?”  First century Christians simply “went everywhere preaching the word!” (Acts 8:4)  No adjectives necessary! They just “evangelized.”
            Today it seems in all religious groups professing faith in Christ there is a great deal of talk, concern, and debate about “worship services.” Should we have the “traditional songs” or the “more modern” songs? Both sides have their point. The church from its beginning on Pentecost has “come together” to sing, pray, hear the Word read and taught, and to take the Lord’s Supper on the Lord’s Day.1  Such meetings were designed not only to praise and glorify God but also to reach the lost with the message that Christ died to save us from sin.
            In an article written by Mike Stine, he suggests the term “Worship Evangelism.” This term is derived from his own experiences and the scriptures (I Corinthians 14:24-26.) In commenting on Worship Evangelism, he states,  “Every week we meet and unbelievers are among us! Why do they come? Except in rare instances of mega-churches, they do not come for entertainment, the excellent music, or a presentation of high drama. They are there to attempt to fill an unsatisfied need! If you were to take a survey of visiting unbelievers, you would find very few come because of the “worship style.” So does our worship matter in respect to the unbeliever? It matters a great deal because this is the time they see God in the lives of many Christians at once. There is a unity here that cannot be found in politics, the workplace, T.V. or anywhere else. There is a sense of purpose  that is shown through the worshippers. And, in the words of the song,” There’s a sweet , sweet spirit in this place!” Any nonbeliever is going to ask from where does it come, this unity, this sense of purpose, this gentle spirit? The answer is Jesus Christ our Lord! Lost souls who wander in looking for something to fill the emptiness in themselves will realize they have found what they are looking for.”2
            When nonbelievers enter the Hendersonville church of Christ how will our worship affect them and cause them to want to return  and be a part of this family?. They will come back if they see people with changed lives who enjoy worshipping God. The Apostle Paul said they will “declare that God is certainly among you!” 3 This is worship evangelism! It has nothing to do with “worship styles.” It has everything to do with giving God the glory he deserves!