Words'nTone

I have spent years thinking about this, and more recently, months researching, more specifically, the concepts of “evangelism” and “social action” and especially the parables found in Mark chapter 4. I know I am getting a little ahead of myself, but I have arrived at my thesis regarding “wasted evangelism.” In order to actually be biblical the concept of evangelism first must find its foundation and basis in the New Testament understanding of both the Kingdom of God and the person, life, and events of Jesus Messiah and be outcome-driven in order to accomplish and fulfill the goals and objectives of biblical evangelism. I offer the following as a preliminary understanding of biblical evangelism:

The basis of New Testament, Christian era evangelism is the arrival and inauguration of the Kingdom of God. Evangelism’s content is formed by the meaning of the events and activities of the person “Jesus Messiah, Son of God” (Mark 1:1). Evangelistic strategies, actions and activities, as well as evangelistic proclamation, seek to employ, enact, demonstrate, fulfill, and advocate for outcomes consistent with God’s rule and reign over all the realms of mankind.

Therefore, it is consistent to include social action in the definition and activities of biblical evangelism. Evangelism in the form of social action might and might not necessarily have conversions as outcomes; but, such social action ought to seek to align the social structures, systems, and actions of people toward God’s dominion and expectation of His kingdom. It is incorrect to posit that evangelism is social action, for social action should be consistent with God’s reign and expectation of His new creation/renewed creation in order to be consistent with biblical evangelism. However, evangelism can be social action when it seeks to demonstrate, fulfill, and advocate outcomes consistent with God’s rule and reign over all the realms of mankind.

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