Are single evangelism events effective? Yes and No.Extracts from BGCT Evangelism Newsletter, April 2008, article by John Randles, “An Open Letter on Event Evangelism”
Events are not effective unless believers have already been cultivating healthy trust relationships with seekers and un-churched persons. In the past, many events have been failures because no relationship building took place in advance of the event. Make friends first, then invite them to events and to a relationship with Jesus.
Events must have effective follow up. Do not do once per year VBS-type events UNLESS you have permanent follow up. Use the event to meet the people then establish and build friendships.
There is a large percentage of the population that must be reached through a post-modern intellectual and cultural paradigm. Be flexible and willing to change, listen to people, plan less and respond more to where God is working. It is not about getting the job done, but about reaching people for Christ.
Events are also beneficial to the believers. The revivals and bring a spirit of camaraderie and encouragement to the church or organization involved. We would not have enough youth pastors, pastors and missionaries if it were not for youth camps. Build up and inspire each other.
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