Evangelism in a Small Town
Kenneth Vetters and Cindy Vetters Lanning
Witnessing involves all that we are and therefore do; it goes far beyond what we say at certain inspired moments. So the question is not will we witness, but how will we witness?
Paul Little
Let's face it: small-town evangelism is especially tough. Most of the people in small towns are well established as either saints or sinners. And trying to change individuals even in the second category may be seen as a disruption of the comfortable status quo.
As Kenneth Vetters, pastor of East Columbus United Methodist Church in Columbus, Indiana, knows from firsthand experience, there are indeed difficult obstacles. But as you read this chapter, you can learn from someone who's already been there, who identifies the hazards and points the way around them.
Small-town evangelism sounds like an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. With no municipal arenas to rent for crusades and precious few new residents to call on, how does a church pursue evangelism? Don't "revivals" attract only the solidly saved? A few wayward teenagers might be threatened into attending one or two nights, but they usually slip out at half time to smoke in the parking lot.
Most people in the five small Midwestern towns where I've pastored have appeared to be either clean-living church members or well-certified nonbelievers. The lines are clearly drawn and memorized, raising a valid question: What does evangelism mean in a place with fewer than three stoplights?
The Needy Are with Us Always
The starting point is to remember that every community has people with needs; some just hide theirs better than others. No village or rural area is without the following three types:
1. Active church members who are not in a right relationship with God. Unless these are evangelized, ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,358 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
