There is a sure promise that there will be a day when all such things will end forever and we will be in a place where there will be no more sickness and no more suffering. Many pastors are asking how to be on mission as traditional avenues of face-to-face outreach and serving are no longer viable. The pandemic may rage on, but we long for others to know the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). If you'd like you could kick off the conversation with the coronavirus and then lead them to the three power points in Hebrews 2:14,15. Most evangelical leaders agree that the current COVID-19 epidemic and quarantine provides churches with wonderful opportunities to do community outreach and share the good news of Jesus. Hebrews 2:14, 15 gives us a healthy perspective, "Because Gods children are human beingsmade of flesh and bloodthe Son also became flesh and blood. A study from Japan showed that suicide rates among 10-to-19-year-olds rose during the early months of the pandemic. This is all qualified upon whether or not they choose to put their faith in Jesus or not. Please make sure all fields are filled out. The gospel provides the only satisfying answer to these . We who know Christ have unchanging hope in the gospel and confidence He is working all this out for His sovereign purposes, for our good and for His glory. She expressed a desire to start exploring other religions. And yes they will see Christ in how we serve (Matthew 5:16). In 2020, Pulse shared the Gospel with over 120 million households from 140 countries during Easter Week alone, Hall said. He doesnt turn his back on us, but he draws near. The cards leave room for members to give their name and phone number to request assistance. Copyright 2023 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. Everyone knows K-pop. There will be more emphasis on small-group gatherings and less emphasis on large-group gatherings. Paul Tripp is the author of Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesnt Make Sense. Jesus took death upon himself so that all of humanity could live forever with him. His lament is so relevant to the suffering that were going through right now. Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. I planned times of going out on campus to strike up gospel conversations, and even organized group events for evangelism. A hybrid model of participation will continue to emerge. Young people are listening to the same voices, hearing the same music, watching the same Netflix episodes. What a beautiful thing that is. Toll Free: 800-746-4422, Coronavirus: 7 Direct Ways to Evangelize in a Crisis. So believers need not fear death. But as waves of COVID-19cases, also called outbreaks, happen, it's important to stay flexible with your plans. Take the extra steps to be available for conversations that lead to the hope we have in Christ. Certainly we need to pray for evangelism and the spread of the gospel. Paul David Tripp (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a pastor, award-winning author, and international conference speaker. The goal is to deepen those relational ties we already have with people far from Jesus as well as to shepherd our own flock. Of those people, 130,556 became Christians. Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here. Start With A FriendshipHere's How - Catholic-Link Church size or tight budgets should not be an obstacle; Mosaic is a church of about 50. We must point them to the only One who can deliver/rescue us. Odds are youve heard this phrase, especially if youre a Christian. Others are simply phoning or Facetiming with church members and former worship guests to inquire if they need prayer or assistance. 10 Simple Ways to Evangelize During a Pandemic - The Gospel Coalition Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. Some are partnering with their city or a local food bank for obtaining supplies. But what if you took time to reflect Jesus to others? Rodney Stark, author of The Rise of Christianity, demonstrates that some of the striking growth of the church in the early centuries can be attributed to the compassionate care the first Christians showed for the sick. Many pastors are asking how to be on mission as traditional avenues of face-to-face outreach and serving are no longer viable. When he died he destroyed death and defanged the Devil. Effective churches will adopt a new apologetic, taking on more of a Mars Hill flavor, where seekers and believers meet near the altar of the unknown god to discuss the meaning of life. LCMS Disaster Response provides four downloadable devotional booklets which include Bible passages, meditations, prayers and hymns to bring Gods comfort and peace during a crisis. In Maryland, a study found that suicide rates decreased by 45 percent for white . Drop off household cleaners or a sealed package of food, order a pizza to their home, leave an encouraging note on their doorstep. The spread of COVID-19 has convinced the world to consider the imminence of death and the purpose of their lives. Hall is the leader and founder of Pulse, an evangelistic organization that reaches young people around the world with the Gospel. Ask how to sharpen our prayers for their situation. Devotional booklets to use during crisis situations, Bringing Gods Comfort and Peace in Tragedy, Spiritual Care Companion for Times of Disaster, LCMS President Harrison video: Much cause to rejoice and give thanks, A Chaste and Decent Life: CTCR updates 1981 report. As you move your services to an online format: Remember that more lost people may view it, so be intentional about presenting a clear gospel presentation at the end and be clear on how someone can respond. Ive never met anyone who was offended by an offer for prayer. Death is hard, and suffering is hard. Instead of focusing on the what-ifs, how about meditating on those promises of future glory? We must tie in current events with the timeless truth of Scripture to help our teens have a Biblical worldview of, well, the world.

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