EDITORIAL
Transformation | Derwin Gray
We live in a gospel-starved world. People are spiritually hungry, chasing after idols in hopes of finding love, identity and purpose. These longings are not random—they are God-shaped. Yet only the cross of Christ fills the missing piece in the human soul.
The Triune God has entrusted us with this message. As Paul said, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Evangelism is not a program we run. It’s the culture we cultivate when God’s people are saturated with the good news. As hearts are captured by Christ’s love, evangelism becomes the overflow (2 Cor. 5:14–21).
A Heart for Evangelism
So how do we lead our churches to have a heart for evangelism? Here are five ways:
1. Preach the Gospel Every Week.
As Tim Keller said, “The gospel is not just the ABCs but the A to Z of the Christian life.” Preach Jesus consistently. When your congregation understands that they are loved, forgiven and sent, they will see evangelism as a privilege. But the pulpit has to set the tone, so preach the gospel like lives depend on it. Because they do.
2. Model Evangelism Personally.
You can’t lead people where you don’t go yourself. Share evangelism stories from your own life. For me, coffee shops often become mission fields. I tell my congregation about conversations I’ve had with baristas or strangers at a table. Sometimes the conversations are smooth, sometimes awkward. But evangelism is not about perfection—it’s about presence.
When your church sees you step into evangelistic moments, it gives them courage to do the same. Share your wins, struggles, prayers. Evangelism becomes normal when it’s embodied by the shepherd.