Evangelism Resources

Originally published at Offering Christ Today Online , a publication of GBOD

We are approaching the beginning of a new year in the Christian calendar. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ again into our world and into our lives — for some, maybe the coming of Christ for the first time. We look to Christmas when God came in Christ Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us. What a gift — this time of year when we remember again and focus on the message of the angels:

The good news is Jesus Christ himself.

Advent and Christmas are times for sharing the good news. What are the special activities and ministries you plan during this season? How will your church decide what to do? Do you look at the list from the past and ask people to be in charge of planning those events again? In what way does each of them really tell the good news? How will you invite others “inside” the church to “hear” the good news, the “old” story, maybe as though for the first time? What will you plan for those “outside” who are seeking a relationship with God? How is the evangelistic task of the church made an integral part of the planning for all Advent/Christmas ministries and activities?

Take a look at how one church examined some of the celebrations they had during the Advent/Christmas season and reflected on the reasons these had been included on their calendar.

The Christmas Pageant

Why?

• We have always done it.
• The children are cute and all the families and congregation enjoy seeing them perform.

Or …

• It is the retelling of the story of the birth of Jesus. Just as in Jewish tradition at Passover, where questions are asked and children participate in the retelling of the story of their people, so in a Christmas pageant we help children participate and rehearse this part of the story of our faith.
• The story is retold to help us focus on God’s gift to us.
• We retell the story so others may be invited to seek God in Jesus Christ.

The Choirs’ Services

Why?

• We’ve always done it.
• The choir will be upset if they don’t have their own time.

Or …

• Music is another medium for retelling the story of the birth of Jesus.
• Persons outside the church may “hear” the story in music and may experience God in Christ in ways that invite them to seek God.

The Candlelight Service

Why?

• We’ve always done it that way.
• The candlelight is beautiful and most people find this an emotional experience.

Or …

• Christ came as light to the world and candles are a way of reminding us of God’s light in Jesus.
• It is a ritual and symbol for retelling the story that helps us see the light of Christ in the midst of the darkness.

What are you planning that will help people remain focused on the story and find alternative ways to celebrate other than the frenzied pace of activities and consumerism that usually takes place? How are you helping the church and households reflect on ways to remember the sacred in this holy season? How are you helping the groups and households in the church continue thinking of ministry to those in need as an ongoing part of their lives?

Maybe this year you will invite your church council to start with a clean slate and ask, What can we do during Advent and Christmas to help people inside the church focus on the story, to invite people outside the church to hear the story, and to create settings where all can experience God?

Copyright General Board of Discipleship. www.GBOD.org Used by permission.