Presbyterian Evangelism

[Mountain Presbyterian]

What happened to the Presbyterian evangelists of the past? Are the conservative Presbyterians of today so caught up in doctrinal discussions that they have almost forgotten about evangelism? Coming from a background among the Independent Fundamental Baptists, I know firsthand that where I live the average IFB church seems to put at least ten times more effort into evangelism than the average conservative Presbyterian church. Shouldn't this be something that is a serious concern for Presbyterians about the health of our churches, especially with how many are dying?

 

[Cornelius Van Halen]

We can always do better, but a lack of evangelistic energy hasn't been my experience as a Presbyterian. I've been a member of three Presbyterian churches thus far, and all three have made evangelistic efforts through training and programs. Additionally, as a missionary with the PCA, I had the privilege of visiting quite a few churches in my support-raising endeavors. I found that many of the churches I visited had active evangelism and outreach programs.

Also, if you think the church can do better at evangelism, you could always start going out and sharing the gospel. Bring someone different with you each time you go. Encourage the people who like it to do the same.

 

[jwright82]

We can always do better, but a lack of evangelistic energy hasn't been my experience as a Presbyterian. I've been a member of three Presbyterian churches thus far, and all three have made evangelistic efforts through training and programs. Additionally, as a missionary with the PCA, I had the privilege of visiting quite a few churches in my support-raising endeavors. I found that many of the churches I visited had active evangelism and outreach programs.

Also, if you think the church can do better at evangelism, you could always start going out and sharing the gospel. Bring someone different with you each time you go. Encourage the people who like it to do the same.

Amen brother.

 

[Mountain Presbyterian]

We can always do better, but a lack of evangelistic energy hasn't been my experience as a Presbyterian. I've been a member of three Presbyterian churches thus far, and all three have made evangelistic efforts through training and programs. Additionally, as a missionary with the PCA, I had the privilege of visiting quite a few churches in my support-raising endeavors. I found that many of the churches I visited had active evangelism and outreach programs.

Also, if you think the church can do better at evangelism, you could always start going out and sharing the gospel. Bring someone different with you each time you go. Encourage the people who like it to do the same.

I have suggested door to door evangelism to folks in my church, but most people simply aren't interested in doing that. Many are too afraid of what someone might do to them. I do some of those kinds of things with a Baptist church my family attended years ago, and the Lord gave me the joy of seeing a dear friend of mine saved at a camp meeting that the church helps support about a month ago. You just don't really see the camp meetings and revival meetings among the Presbyterians like you do among the Baptists and Methodists.
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I have suggested door to door evangelism to folks in my church, but most people simply aren't interested in doing that. Many are too afraid of what someone might do to them. I do some of those kinds of things with a Baptist church my family attended years ago, and the Lord gave me the joy of seeing a dear friend of mine saved at a camp meeting that the church helps support about a month ago. You just don't really see the camp meetings and revival meetings among the Presbyterians like you do among the Baptists and Methodists.

I would also say that I am encouraged to hear your experience has been different than mine with regards to evangelism among Presbyterians.

 

[Ploutos]

You just don't really see the camp meetings and revival meetings among the Presbyterians like you do among the Baptists and Methodists.

Just because the revivalist mentality has been less emphasized among Presbyterians does not mean we have been less interested in evangelism. Evangelism is not co-terminous with revivalism, and not all revivalism is real evangelism. This is not to say that the Presbyterian approach has been perfect and I'm more than willing to consider whether any opportunities were lost because of our more stringent insistence on education and proper process. But it's not as if the Baptist and Methodist approach has been without serious problems, and I think it's arguable that some areas are now harder to reach with the true gospel because of the legacy of some of this revivalistic work.

 

[Alexander Suarez]

What happened to the Presbyterian evangelists of the past? Are the conservative Presbyterians of today so caught up in doctrinal discussions that they have almost forgotten about evangelism? Coming from a background among the Independent Fundamental Baptists, I know firsthand that where I live the average IFB church seems to put at least ten times more effort into evangelism than the average conservative Presbyterian church. Shouldn't this be something that is a serious concern for Presbyterians about the health of our churches, especially with how many are dying?

Dear Brock,

As to your first question, what or whom do you have in mind when you refer to "the Presbyterian evangelists of the past"?

Regarding your last question, no, I do not think Presbyterian congregants should be concerned in keeping up with IFB churches and their practices, nor using them as a measure and rule for congregational health.

Hope that helps.

Kind regards,

 

[Solparvus]

Hi brother. I do agree with things that have been said here. While I like the evangelistic fervor itself of the IFB's, many offer a very deficient--and many times legalistic--curriculum of discipleship. (Don't smoke, don't drink, anything besides the KJV is evil) And many times, the evangelism is just how many you got to say the "sinner's prayer."

At the same time, yes, we could use more evangelistic zeal than we have. Myself included. Some Reformed churches I see are actively engaged, and others are not. We all fall short of those tears in Romans 9 where Paul could nearly wish himself accursed for the sake of his Jewish brothers. When have we ever been like that?

And yet don't forget, there's not been a theologian or missionary like Paul in all of church history. It was his deep theology that compelled him to live and suffer as he did. It's the very nature of theology to propel us to action, as it all terminates in living to God through Christ. And part of that is loving our neighbor as our own selves, which is reason enough to long that souls be delivered from hell. After all, is that not a great imitation of Christ regarding us?

I appreciate your sentiments. They do need some rebalance.

 

[jezk]

What happened to the Presbyterian evangelists of the past? Are the conservative Presbyterians of today so caught up in doctrinal discussions that they have almost forgotten about evangelism? Coming from a background among the Independent Fundamental Baptists, I know firsthand that where I live the average IFB church seems to put at least ten times more effort into evangelism than the average conservative Presbyterian church. Shouldn't this be something that is a serious concern for Presbyterians about the health of our churches, especially with how many are dying?

As someone who is still (and shall always be) Baptist, permit me to propose that the issue is likely with your particular congregation. And, considering how there are a number of IFB churches in my area but the next IFB evangelist that I meet will be the first - and I have lived in this area for decades - the issue is not unique to Presbyterians.
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Dear Brock,

As to your first question, what or whom do you have in mind when you refer to "the Presbyterian evangelists of the past"?

Regarding your last question, no, I do not think Presbyterian congregants should be concerned in keeping up with IFB churches and their practices, nor using them as a measure and rule for congregational health.

Hope that helps.

Kind regards,

No, but all congregations should be concerned with fidelity to the New Testament scriptures which includes the imperative to evangelize. "They're doing it wrong" is no explanation for "our not doing it at all." The question should have been worded better but the intent of the writer was easy to discern.

 

[Sam Jer]

What happened to the Presbyterian evangelists of the past? Are the conservative Presbyterians of today so caught up in doctrinal discussions that they have almost forgotten about evangelism? Coming from a background among the Independent Fundamental Baptists, I know firsthand that where I live the average IFB church seems to put at least ten times more effort into evangelism than the average conservative Presbyterian church. Shouldn't this be something that is a serious concern for Presbyterians about the health of our churches, especially with how many are dying?

I have suggested door to door evangelism to folks in my church, but most people simply aren't interested in doing that. Many are too afraid of what someone might do to them.

Regarding your last question, no, I do not think Presbyterian congregants should be concerned in keeping up with IFB churches and their practices, nor using them as a measure and rule for congregational health.

No, but all congregations should be concerned with fidelity to the New Testament scriptures which includes the imperative to evangelize. "They're doing it wrong" is no explanation for "our not doing it at all." The question should have been worded better but the intent of the writer was easy to discern.

One minister by the name of Michael Ives is doing Evangelism in a way that is very much based on Reformed and Presbyterian theology and history. He writes about it on his website, West Port Experiment, including this article: An “open door?” Rethinking door-to-door evangelism.

 

[Alexander Suarez]

No, but all congregations should be concerned with fidelity to the New Testament scriptures which includes the imperative to evangelize. "They're doing it wrong" is no explanation for "our not doing it at all." The question should have been worded better but the intent of the writer was easy to discern.

Dear brother J.E.,

Thanks for the feedback. To clarify, I am ambivalent towards the kind of "imperative to evangelize" that is being assumed in this thread. The reason being, "to evangelize" has been taken as synonymous in this thread with every-member committing to "door to door evangelism" along with "camp meetings and revival meetings."

I agree that every Christian has a duty to bear testimony, to give an answer, to walk in wisdom, to hold forth the word of life, to reprove the unfruitful works of darkness, to be ready with gracious and seasonable speech, shewing forth the praises of the Lord, telling their neighbors of the great things the Lord has done for them, and how he has had compassion on them, etc.

That granted, none of these are imperatives for every member committing to door-to-door evangelism or for going out and passing out tracts. Is a believer free to do so? Sure, all things being equal. Every Christian ought to be greatly disposed to doing their neighbors good.

Kind regards,

 

[Rom]

I agree with the brothers who say that there is no imperative for every member to go out and evangelize. Though all are called to give an account for the hope that they have been given in Christ and to speak to others of what great things the Lord has done for their soul.

However, the church (corporately) is called to evangelize. If a congregation is not seeking to bring the gospel to its community there is something off. The one who has the greatest responsibility in this is the minister of the gospel. He should be actively evangelizing his community. What form that takes may vary depending on the man's gifts and graces - but part of the ministry entrusted to him involves seeking and saving that which is lost. The congregation, as able, ought to be involved in such work with him.

Thankfully, many Presbyterian ministers are involved in evangelism - and my observation is that it is growing. Ryan Denton (Vanguard) has been blowing this "trumpet" on Presbyterian evangelism for some time and he is actively engaged in promoting the need for evangelism. The ministers of my own denomination are all actively involved in their communities. We just released (at our yearly Family Conference) a resource for our congregations (and others who would like them - they are not branded with our denomination) called "One Thing Needful" to hand out in our communities. We have printed over 1,000 copies for each congregation to hand out to their community.

One Thing Needful » Grange Press

www.grangepress.com

I am thankful that a hunger for evangelism is increasing in conservative Presbyterian circles once again. May the Lord cause our communities and our nation to know his saving grace.

Lord, bless and pity us,
shine on us with thy face:
That th’ earth thy way, and nations all
may know thy saving grace.

Let people praise thee, Lord;
let people all thee praise.
O let the nations be glad,
in songs their voices raise:

Psalm 67:1-4a, Scottish Metrical Version

 

[Ploutos]

As someone who is still (and shall always be) Baptist, permit me to propose that the issue is likely with your particular congregation.

I see what you did there. Are you also a Star Trek fan?

 

[WithinThePale]

One minister by the name of Michael Ives is doing Evangelism in a way that is very much based on Reformed and Presbyterian theology and history. He writes about it on his website, West Port Experiment, including this article: An “open door?” Rethinking door-to-door evangelism.

You had my hopes up that there was confessional Reformedness in County Mayo

 

[Mountain Presbyterian]

Dear Brock,

As to your first question, what or whom do you have in mind when you refer to "the Presbyterian evangelists of the past"?

Regarding your last question, no, I do not think Presbyterian congregants should be concerned in keeping up with IFB churches and their practices, nor using them as a measure and rule for congregational health.

Hope that helps.

Kind regards,

The main example I think of when I talk about Presbyterian evangelists of the past is Rev. Dan Graham of Blountville, TN. I doubt there is much on the Internet about him, but he organized about 30 churches across East TN and Southwest VA out of revival meetings, many of which are PCA churches today. One time after revival meetings he held in Boone, NC, the Three Forks Association of the Southern Baptists sent him a letter thanking him for how many Baptists were converted in the meetings.

 

[Alexander Suarez]

The main example I think of when I talk about Presbyterian evangelists of the past is Rev. Dan Graham of Blountville, TN. I doubt there is much on the Internet about him, but he organized about 30 churches across East TN and Southwest VA out of revival meetings, many of which are PCA churches today. One time after revival meetings he held in Boone, NC, the Three Forks Association of the Southern Baptists sent him a letter thanking him for how many Baptists were converted in the meetings.

I see. Thanks for sharing. Looks like Al Baker is also a fan: https://fnohb.home.blog/2022/02/03/we-need-more-preachers-like-dan-graham/

 

[Mountain Presbyterian]

One minister by the name of Michael Ives is doing Evangelism in a way that is very much based on Reformed and Presbyterian theology and history. He writes about it on his website, West Port Experiment, including this article: An “open door?” Rethinking door-to-door evangelism.

Thank you for sharing that article; it was very encouraging to read.

 

[WithinThePale]

I'd say that it's a mix of 2 components:
1. Having ordained men with time available. I've seen a lot of men move from missions organisations into positions as pastors across a variety of denominations as the supply of pastors has dried up. It is churches cannibalising missions, and that's sad. It's also a reflection of the state of the elders of churches, how they allocated their time and how they are skilled. Most elders can't preach terribly well in my experience, and that has an impact on how they work.
2. Suspicion of revival-type meetings. I distrust them, and I reckon a lot of conservative evangelicals do too. I find them to be tropey (I expect to hear a lot about potentially dying that night), formulaic, and of little to no profit to the believers attending them. I distrust the theology of those who do pop-up tent missions outside of local churches.

 

[jezk]

I'd say that it's a mix of 2 components:
1. Having ordained men with time available. I've seen a lot of men move from missions organisations into positions as pastors across a variety of denominations as the supply of pastors has dried up. It is churches cannibalising missions, and that's sad. It's also a reflection of the state of the elders of churches, how they allocated their time and how they are skilled. Most elders can't preach terribly well in my experience, and that has an impact on how they work.
2. Suspicion of revival-type meetings. I distrust them, and I reckon a lot of conservative evangelicals do too. I find them to be tropey (I expect to hear a lot about potentially dying that night), formulaic, and of little to no profit to the believers attending them. I distrust the theology of those who do pop-up tent missions outside of local churches.

1. It is a task for everyone and not just ordained men.
2. If others are doing it wrong - and not all are by the way - then those who know better should do it correctly.

 

[Cals2lip]

I'm a little late to the party, but I think the Vanguard Presbytery is doing a fantastic job with evangelism and church planting. I feel like the PCA and OPC should take note and follow their example of regular and fervent prayer meetings, door-to-door outreach, and open air preaching. Its not that historic presbyterianism is anti-evangelical, rather the only reformed denominations that seem to care are either young startups or small localized organizations.

 

[jezk]

I'm a little late to the party, but I think the Vanguard Presbytery is doing a fantastic job with evangelism and church planting. I feel like the PCA and OPC should take note and follow their example of regular and fervent prayer meetings, door-to-door outreach, and open air preaching. Its not that historic presbyterianism is anti-evangelical, rather the only reformed denominations that seem to care are either young startups or small localized organizations.

"rather the only reformed denominations that seem to care are either young startups or small localized organizations."

Isn't that the Acts model? Aren't the other approaches modern innovations?

 

[WithinThePale]

1. It is a task for everyone and not just ordained men.
2. If others are doing it wrong - and not all are by the way - then those who know better should do it correctly.

1.Preaching is limited to the ordained. I think that puts limits on who does some evangelistic activities.
2.What if the right way is to plod on with the Ordinary Means of Grace? I'd like to know if there are specific ordained means of evangelism. No matter the answer, it doesn't include Finney's innovations

 

[jezk]

1.Preaching is limited to the ordained. I think that puts limits on who does some evangelistic activities.
2.What if the right way is to plod on with the Ordinary Means of Grace? I'd like to know if there are specific ordained means of evangelism. No matter the answer, it doesn't include Finney's innovations

While preaching is limited to the ordained, the Acts model includes personal evangelism. Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch was an example of personal evangelism. As the laity significantly outnumbers the ordained, it should be the primary method. A major task of discipleship by the ordained is training, equipping and motivating the laity to peform personal evangelism. Inasmuch as Finney belongs in the conversation on a Reformed forum at all, this presupposes that the ordained will train the laity to evangelize properly. Is there anything amiss with D. James Kennedy's Evangelism Explosion? And is Will Metzger's seminal "Tell the Truth" book on personal evangelism fatally flawed?

 

[Alexander Suarez]

While preaching is limited to the ordained, the Acts model includes personal evangelism. Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch was an example of personal evangelism. As the laity significantly outnumbers the ordained, it should be the primary method. A major task of discipleship by the ordained is training, equipping and motivating the laity to peform personal evangelism. Inasmuch as Finney belongs in the conversation on a Reformed forum at all, this presupposes that the ordained will train the laity to evangelize properly. Is there anything amiss with D. James Kennedy's Evangelism Explosion? And is Will Metzger's seminal "Tell the Truth" book on personal evangelism fatally flawed?

Dear brother J.E.,

If I may offer a couple of questions mixed with feedback on your last post:

• In the case of Philip (an ordained officer in the church) and his special engagement with the Ethiopian eunuch (which he baptized), what part of this narrative are you comparing to personal evangelism?
• When you say the "Acts model" as it concerns personal evangelism, what do you have in mind (besides the above mentioned case of Philip)?

Kind regards,

 

[jezk]

Hello @

Dear brother J.E.,

If I may offer a couple of questions mixed with feedback on your last post:

• In the case of Philip (an ordained officer in the church) and his special engagement with the Ethiopian eunuch (which he baptized), what part of this narrative are you comparing to personal evangelism?
• When you say the "Acts model" as it concerns personal evangelism, what do you have in mind (besides the above mentioned case of Philip)?

Kind regards,

You are correct that Philip was ordained. I will thoughtfully consider your erudite reply and see if I am capable of a response worthy of it. Thank you.