It is about developing a missional culture. We constantly reinforce that evangelism is not just a program or single event but is part of our blood as a church. We teach everyone that we see ourselves as “missionaries” where we live every day. And we stress it in practical terms as a lifestyle and something we “are” (missional) rather than something we “do.”
We call our membership class “Church and Mission Class” to emphasize that we are a church on a mission. As people finish the class, we are actually commissioning them just as we would with a missionary going overseas, but instead for our local community. As a leader, I also need to set the pace. I try to give examples of being missional as they come up in my own life.
We constantly remind everyone how easy it is to get stuck in a Christian bubble and suggest ways to break out of it. For example, instead of getting your hair cut by a Christian, go to someone outside of the church with whom you can build a friendship. Or instead of going to a movie with all your Christian friends, think of non-believers you know of to hang out with. It sounds silly to even have to say this, but we do.
This kind of relational evangelism also takes time and prayer. When we have prayer nights or prayer stations as part of a worship gathering, we directly ask people what non-Christians they are praying for. Prayer shows our hearts, and we challenge people to remember non-believers alongside their own needs.
But then we also stress that any missionary needs care and community, and that is why we have mid-week community groups (small groups) and other smaller settings where Christians can be encouraged, cared for, and prayed for. Christian community left to itself can be narcissistic, but when we remember that we are on a community on a mission, then the support of the church serves the right purpose.
