So the first task of a church in preparation for evangelism is to help people recognize the Good News that we experience and have to share. We need to reflect on and provide concrete examples of how the Body of Christ feeds the hungers of the world.
For example, in a world marked by greed and excessive materialism, the church provides a means to reflect on stewardship. In a world that hungers for experiences of intimacy, the church has a unique vision of community which cuts across age, economic, racial and cultural divisions. In an age whose spirit has been numbed by the artificiality of high-voltage entertainment provided by specialists, the church offers the experience of worship that enables ordinary participants to offer praise to a different audience.
In an age that exhibits a fear of commitment and mistrust of community, the church offers the concept of covenant. In a time when people feel crushed by the pressures of time, the church proposes a rhythm which centers on the issue of the Sabbath. In a world which is continually torn apart by conflict and violence, the church is invited to witness to how a people are able to confront difficult issues united by Christ as their peace. In a world that often is in such a rush that it does not pause to dip below the surface, the church provides the opportunity to explore the deeper issues which give life meaning and hope.
