Let's Talk Modern Evangelism in the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Jason Alexis

Digital Strategist for PastorsLine and co-author of reTHINK.Ministry. ​​

We know the best way for people to learn more about Jesus is through friendship (a.k.a. friendship evangelism). One figure suggests that as many as 79% came to know Jesus through a friend. Many times an evangelist was involved at some point, but the most powerful reason for that friend showing up at the meeting or church was the friendship.

So, can we scale this?

Truthfully, if every one of us [who says we're a Christian] actually reached at least one person, we probably wouldn’t need technology or require a digital strategy. However, wishing or hoping for this to take place might not be the best option. Prophetically speaking, the number of workers don’t match the requirements of the harvest.  

What's the alternative?

Whether your church is doing it or not, we should reach people within our spheres of influence. In fact, you are reaching people now through your living testimony whether or not you are aware of it. And if you are alive with a social media account, your testimony is living through that means as well. So this is personal evangelism and an area in which you can get creative. And to reiterate, whether you really really love knocking on doors, giving out books or prefer using technology, what you do personally is totally up to you and God. You have freedom here.   

What about the church? Can churches scale friendship evangelism into a cycle of discipleship?

The answer is yes—by using digital tools. Friendship evangelism is always going to be critical (and an outgrowth of your personal ministry), but digital tools can help you scale your social interactions with others. It’s even more important as many Adventist churches struggle to muster up a team of people who will directly be involved in church evangelism. We are not talking about just volunteering at your church but also being very deliberate about how you use your time, resources, and position to reach more people for Christ.

So what can we do?

A huge part is what our pastors all over the world have done and are continuing to do—preach, teach, and encourage churches to pray, study and serve. But while we let the Spirit do His work, part of the privilege afforded to us is using the existing resources to multiply the time and energy of the few who are willing and able.

It was prophesied that “knowledge would increase” in the last days and we will be going “to and fro.” It’s a sign, an opportunity and a means God set in place for us fulfill our commission.

Besides, the use of technology within our churches isn’t new at all. The printing press is a technological tool which allowed God’s word to spread throughout the world. Radio ads, print ads, flyers, mailers, etc. are all technological tools or products we used—and continue to use—in evangelism.

So what's the push back with many Seventh-day Adventist churches?

Most Seventh-day Adventist churches don’t use more digital tools—despite the fact that the top ministries we follow do—because:

1. The church is “lukewarm” or doesn’t think the “newer” “digital” technology has a place in the gospel. (Another sermon but not our focus at the moment.)
2. The church doesn’t know how to amplify friendship evangelism using technology. They see it as an administrative tool only. ​​

You see, digital tools and a digital strategy aren't separate from evangelism. It’s one gospel, one savior, the same great controversy but multiple ways to reach a more digitally-connected world. 

In fact, this world is more accessible because it’s digitally connected. When used properly, digital tools amplify personal friendships. ​