The Means of Evangelism Because of the importance of evangelism, Baptists utilize all legitimate means to urge persons to believe in Jesus. Coercion is an illegitimate means of getting a person to follow Jesus. Jesus did not force persons to follow him (Matthew 19:16-22). To be genuine a response to the gospel must be free and voluntary. Therefore, Baptists insist that both the sharing of the gospel and the response to it ought to be voluntary. Baptists believe that evangelism is every believer’s opportunity and responsibility. Although some people are gifted by God as evangelists (Ephesians 4:11), all followers of Christ are to share the gospel. One aspect of the Bible’s teaching about the priesthood of all believers is that each believer priest ought to minister to others by lovingly sharing the gospel with them. Evangelism is for everyone, not just for pastors, missionaries, and evangelists. An individual’s sharing the gospel with other persons plays a vital role in evangelism. Baptists are urged to prayerfully share a personal testimony of their own faith commitment to Christ, in other words to be a witness (Acts 1:6-8). Churches, associations, and conventions all provide both training and encouragement for individuals to be witnesses. Part of this sharing by individuals involves living a positive Christian life, one that attracts others to the gospel. However, Baptists realize that lifestyle alone cannot adequately communicate the essential truth of the gospel: Jesus’ sinless life, his sacrificial death, his resurrection, and the necessity of a faith response to him in order to be saved. Words are necessary (Romans 10:8-17). Evangelism involves sharing the gospel in both deeds and words. Preaching the gospel (2 Timothy 4:2) is another way Baptists carry out evangelism. Preaching in worship services usually carries an evangelistic emphasis even when the sermon deals primarily with other issues. Baptists preach in special evangelistic services, outside of church buildings in the open, and in encampments to urge people to believe in Christ as Savior and Lord. Teaching (Matthew 28:20) by Baptists also carries an evangelistic emphasis. For example, Baptists consider that a Sunday School has a dual purpose–Bible study andevangelism. Teaching sessions in Vacation Bible School, retreats, and conferences contain an evangelistic element. Baptist schools of all kinds exist not only to educate but also to evangelize. Ministry to human need (Matthew 25:31-46) by Baptists also involves a dual purpose–to meet physical, mental, and emotional needs andto share the gospel. Most Baptists believe that needs are not adequately met until both physical and spiritual needs are met. Baptists provide specific organizations and meetings to encourage and develop evangelism. For example, Baptist conventions often have departments staffed with persons who conduct evangelistic campaigns, “So t faith c by hea andhe by the ofG Roman
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