My church is huge... and our pastor is not an evangelist. He can preach evangilistic sermons, but he doesn't very often. Every Sunday we get discipleship sermons. "How to" sermons that teach us about christian living and growth.
Last year my church was #2 in the State of Oklahoma for number of people baptised because of professing faith in Jesus Christ. Even with a pastor that is preaching discipleship sermons. I believe my church has well taught members who can share their faith with people. We have a contemporary music service that attracks "seekers". (much to the disdaine of the older set) :) And then we combine it with a pastor that is deeply rooted in the word and an excellent teacher. So a non-christian attending our church has most likely been invited by one of our 6000 members. That is where the evangelism starts. They hear praise and worship songs like "Shout To The Lord". And then they get a message from the bible teaching us how to live a christian life. And they realize there is a difference. And they receive the full picture that tells them what that difference is.
Is a deeper understanding of God or his word useless knowlege? Is understanding Justification useless? Is it useless to see how Peter or Paul evangelized in the early church?
It seems to me that scripture speaks to teaching the MEAT of the word and not the milk. I left a church after 15 years.I got sick to death of "God loves you sermons" I had moved beyond that in 6 months of scripture study. If a Christian of a few years still need basic how to live and walk sermons something is very wrong!
Excuse me but if I hear one more sermon on being a good neighbor or selecting Godly friends or tithing I will vomit.That my friend is milk ..suitable for a brand new Christian.
I would rather see fully equipped mature Christians talking about Christ at work...teaching a neighborhood Bible study...Show me in scripture your example for church service evangelization? We were told to GO and Tell...
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Equip the Saints..that is what Church is for...
One question for you is ALL scripture inspired? Is all scripture able to generate saving faith?
That is wonderful. I wish more churches would understand their responsibility to feed the sheep. Denton Bible church (in Denton, Texas) has about 4000 members, and has become huge because of sound, often quite complex Biblical teaching. They do not have an altar call.