EVANGELISM SUNDAY

MUSIC & WORSHP RESOURCES

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Michelle Riley Jones, Lectionary Team Liturgist

Church is important, but all Church activity is secondary in importance to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with people. Sharing the love of Jesus is much more important than church services, programs, or activities because it is the relationship people have with Jesus that will determine whether or not they are saved. In sharing the gospel—Jesus’ love to others—you share that he is the answer to their needs too.

God commanded Israel to invite the nations to join in declaring his glory. Zion is to be the center of world-winning worship (Isaiah 2:2-4; 56:6-8.) “Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord...so the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the Lord” (Psalm 102:18). Psalm 105 is a direct command to believers to engage in evangelistic worship. The psalmist challenges them to “make known among the nations what he has done” (v. 1). How? “Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of his wonderful acts” (v. 2). Thus believers are continually told to sing and praise God before the unbelieving nations. (See also Psalm 47:1; 100:1-5.) God should be praised before all the nations, and as our Sustainer is praised by his people; the nations are summoned and called to join in song.

To “make known” the gospel (Psalm 105:1) is also another way of describing one facet of evangelism. Webster’s Dictionary defines Evangelism as “the promulgation (or “making known”) of the gospel” or “the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ.” Our being a witness, sharing the love of Jesus, so that others make a commitment is what evangelism is all about! Not everyone is called to be an evangelist—to go out preaching to the world. But, everyone is called to do evangelism—to share your faith with unbelievers and lead them to Christ whenever the opportunity presents itself. There are opportunities that are given to us EVERY DAY that we can use to share Christ with others. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5, NIV).

Sharing the gospel—or being a witness—is not mainly something we do—it is someone we are! Jesus asks us to “be witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Some people think we should just live our lives, be examples, and love people unconditionally while we meet some tangible need they may have. They think the Church should only be a witness in its social and humanitarian programs. But have you ever stopped to think that our calling is different than just influencing people positively? Think about this—even people who don’t believe in Jesus can be a positive influence while doing good for others. Our calling is so much more. We are called not only to go, not only to love people, and feed the hungry, help the poor, etc., but also to share the gospel and make disciples for Jesus Christ.

When our corporate worship is forced to carry the load of the congregation’s ministries—to be the primary outreach arm of the congregation—none of the objectives of worship can possibly be accomplished. However, the worship service can be a major factor in bringing people along the continuum from unbelief toward knowing God. With the added factors of hearing biblical truth and having people who can personally interact with them, worship is a powerful tool for convincing and convicting people of God’s existence and his love for them. Worship must finally become, as Paul reminds us, more life than event (Romans 12:1-2). People who are not regularly fed on the word and table of Christ cannot be expected to live in the world as faithful evangelists. In like manner, seekers who respond to the good news will not receive the nurture they need if they are not formed by regular participation in worshipping God through word and table.

The goal of this evangelism emphasis then is not to produce “better worship.” The goal is to refocus the congregation on engaging the community and accepting their personal duty to do evangelism.

Suggestions for Worship Planning

1. Litany, Responsive Reading, or Invocation
Songs for Gathering
(a) I Am Your Song. By Jonathan Nelson

(b) Draw Me Nearer. By Lesley-Ann G. Valley

(c) O Zion Haste. Arr. by Craig Courtney. For congregation and choral SATB, optional brass

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) I Love to Tell the Story. By A. Katherine Hankey. Tune, (HANKEY), by William G. Fischer

(b) Throw Out the Life Line. Text and Tune, (LIFELINE), by Edward S. Ufford

(c) Rescue the Perishing. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune by William H. Doane

(d) Seeking the Lost. By William Ogden

(e) Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ. By Fred Kahn. Tune, (LINSTEAD), Jamaican folk medley; adapt. by Doreen Potter

(f) O Zion Haste. By Mary A. Thomson. Tune by James Walch

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Children Go Where I Send Thee. Spiritual. Arr. by Uzee Brown, Jr. For SATB
Audio: http://resources.giamusic.com/mp3s/5777.mp3

(b) Ride On King Jesus. Spiritual. By Adolphus Hailstork. For TTBB chorus, a capella

(c) This Little Light of Mine. Spiritual. Arr. by Howard Helvey. For SATB Choral
Audio: http://www.beckenhorstpress.com/audio/1691.mp3

(d) Precious Lord. Arr. by Nathan Carter

(e) I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Spiritual. Instrumental

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs and Praise Teams
(a) I Love to Praise Him. By Milton Biggham

(b) O Great One. By Wess Morgan

(c) Shine the Light. By Raymond Wise. For SATB

(d) Praise on the Inside. By James L. Moss

(e) Said He Would Be with Me. By Isaiah D. Thomas

(f) Closet Religion. By Dottie Peoples

(g) The Battle Belongs to God. By Cornelius Young

(h) Everything That Has Breath. By Malcolm Williams

(i) Lift Him Higher. By Christopher J. Watkins

(j) Mighty to Save. By Reuben Morgan

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Capacity. By Jonathan Nelson, Justin Savage

(b) I’ll Do What It Takes. By Arcel Vickers

(c) Lord of the Harvest. By Kevin Davidson, Antwane Davis, and Robert L. Lucas

(d) Fresh Wind. By Jonathan Dunn

6. Anthems
(a) I Sing the Mighty Power of God. Arr. by Joan Pinkston. For SATB choral, piano and optional brass quintet, timpani and chimes

(b) Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. By Philip Bliss. Arr. by Howard Helvey

7. Modern Songs (Written between 2000–2011)
(a) Love God. Love People. By Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, and Tommy Sims

(b) Fresh Fire. By Praeshea Hilliard, Israel Houghton, and Aaron Lindsey

(c) Sound the Trumpet. By Michael Bereal and Judith Christie McAllister

(d) Even in the Rain. By Brandon Broadnax and Maurette Brown Clark

(e) We Must Tell It. By Daniel Johnson, Arthur Strong, and Aaron Lindsey

(f) Say Yeah. By Evan Brice and Bobby Perry

(g) There’s Something about That Name (with O How I Love Jesus and Glorify Your Name). By William Gaither. Arr. by Dan Galbraith

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Tell Everybody That God Is Good. By Raymond Wise. For male chorus, TTB

(b) Be a Worship. By David Frazier

(c) Get Your Blessing (Look Up). By Percy Gray, Jr.

(d) Through It All. By Andraé Crouch

(e) We Love You Jesus. By Judith Christie McAllister and T.C. Bereal, Jr.

(f) Not about Us. By Gerald Haddon and Tammi Haddon

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Draw Me Nearer. By Fannie J. Crosby. Music by William H. Doane. Arr. by Judith Christie McAllister

(b) More Than Anything. By Rick Robinson

(c) Something Happens. By Kurt Carr

(d) A Touch. By Steven Ford

(e) Mighty Wind. By Andraé Crouch

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) I Won’t Be Afraid. By DeWayne Woods

(b) He’s Been Faithful. By Carol Cymbala

(c) My Tribute. By Andraé Crouch

(d) I Cannot Fail the Lord. By Doris Akers

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Here Am I. Text and Tune, (HERE AM I), by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(b) I’ve Decided to Make Jesus My Choice. By Harris Johnson

(c) Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone. By Thomas Shepherd. Tune, (MAITLAND), by George Allen

(d) Holy Thou Art Holy. By David Frazier. Instrumental, for piano

(e) I Receive Your Love for Me. By Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, and Martha Munizzi

(f) Time to Believe. By Dewitt Jones, III and Kim Jones

(g) Called to Be. By Jonathan Nelson

12. Benediction Spoken or Sung
Sending Meditation

(a) Shine! Sending Meditation from Matthew 5:13-16 (The Message Bible)

“Let me tell you why [we] are here. [We]’re here to be salt-seasoning
that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If [we] lose our saltiness,
how will people taste godliness? [We will have] lost [our] usefulness and
will end up in the garbage.

Here’s another way to put it:
[We]’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be
kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If [He] makes you light-
bearers, you don’t think [He is] going to hide you under a bucket, do you?
[God is] putting you on a light stand. Now that [He’s] put you there on a hilltop, on a light
stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll
prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

So go—SHINE!

Music for Benediction
(b) Go. By Leon Patillo

(c) As You Go, Tell the World. Anonymous

(d) Get All Excited. By William J. Gaither

(e) Let the Church Say Amen. By Andraé Crouch

13. Audio Visual Suggestions

• Evangelism video—Spoken word Artist Propaganda—Dare 2 Share Blaze Evangelism Youth Conference Tour. Los Angeles-based Propaganda lyrically puts together potent, relevant music that reaches across the spectrum of youth and pop culture. His subject matter ranges from staying accountable to God to standing up boldly for one’s faith both in word and in one’s life.
  
  
• Evangelism video—Girl on a park bench.
  
  

14. Additional Methods to Aid in Evangelism

(a) Make worship comprehensible. Avoid unnecessary theological or evangelical subculture jargon, and explain carefully any basic theological concepts used during worship or church gatherings. Allow time for preparation so that your musical offering is of high quality. Good worship and arts do play a major role in drawing non-Christians. Provide explanation for the sacraments or baptism when your church engages in these acts.

(b) Have Testimonies. Encourage people to share their answers to prayer as praise to God. Testimonies are a powerful way to help others see God at work in our lives.

(c) Have Intercession/Focused Prayers:

• Pray for God to give every person a passion for sharing God’s love and that everyone will actively live as witnesses of their faith each day.
  
  
• Ask God which person(s) he wants you to reach out and lead to him this year.
  
  
• Plead for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to bring revival and reformation to our lives and give us a renewed vision of our responsibility to witness to the world.
  
  
• Make a personal commitment to intercede in prayer at least once each week for the lost in your community and around the world.
  
  
• Give people 2-3 minutes of quiet prayer time to find out who God wants them to reach out to and seek to lead to him in this year and beyond. Invite people to share the people God placed on their hearts during a group prayer time by simply having them call out the names.
  
  
• Pray for all the missionaries, pastors, and lay members who are sharing God’s message around the world in word and especially via deeds.
  
  
• Pray for the gospel to spread rapidly to unreached people and groups.
  
  
• Plead for the barriers to be removed so the gospel can be preached in closed neighborhoods or groups.
  
  
• Pray for your church’s outreach efforts to be successful.
  
  
• Pray for increased evangelism by church leaders.

(d) Drama Ministry. The drama team may well want to show a witness in action through a short vignette that encourages the congregants to think about how they can witness in their daily lives and as a church. Sometimes it’s not a question of people questioning the power of the Holy Spirit, but perhaps it’s one of knowing how to witness about the love of Christ, which we are called to do through words and deeds as we live out the gospel daily. The Spirit guides us into knowing what to do if we will pray and listen, she will tell us what to say, when to say it and what to do and when to do it.

(e) Celebrate the Church’s Value to the Community. The deeds of the church in the community have far greater impact on non-believers than just our words. What we do brings before non-believers the impact of the gospel on people’s hearts and the impact of lives poured out for the world. Have a sign-up sheet for the next community project: Draw attention to it during your announcement of opportunities for further service. Some people want to help others and may get involved in service projects before they become disciples of Christ, so make sure they know how to get involved in service opportunities.

15. Other Resources

Christian Education Ministry
(a) Have persons skilled in giving Bible studies hold classes to teach interested persons how to share their faith in their daily lives, and/or to give Bible studies.

Social Media/Digital Media Outreach
(b) Use social media tools to reach your community.

• Chirbit.com is a tool that enables you to record, upload, and share your voice or audio files easily. Record your voice using a webcam or microphone connected to your computer, or upload an existing audio file. You can then share your chirbit on twitter, Facebook, e-mail, your blog, or smartphone. Here is a link to one related to the topic of evangelism that was published on September 19, 2011 by Michelle Riley Jones, Lectionary Team Liturgist
  Audio Devotional: http://chirb.it/9gHnw
  
  
• Facebook. For your visiting guests, add a checkbox on your visitors’ log for your guests to indicate if they wish to be invited to be a “Friend” on Facebook. Use Facebook to share the practical ways the congregation is serving the community.

Ministry Review
(c) Do a yearly review of your church ministries to: (1) identify specific things the ministry can do to ensure that evangelism is an intentional thrust of all ministry efforts; and (2) evaluate evangelistic outcomes. This task should be assigned to a person who is a trained evangelist. The best outcome will likely be achieved if a person is paid to do your yearly review.

Books and Articles
Below are some interesting articles and books on worship and evangelism.

(d) Article: Worship That Supports Evangelism. By Paul A. Rydecki
Online location: http://www.wlstheologia.net/files/RydeckiEvangelism.pdf

(e) Article: Evangelistic Worship. By Tim Keller
Online location: http://www.redeemer2.com/resources/papers/evangelisticworship.pdf

(f) From Zero to Eternity: Influencing Others for Christ at a Moment’s Notice. By Wendell C. Smith

Smith shares a few tips on making preparations to share the gospel:

• We should know the Word of God, especially the essential Scriptures about the gospel (2 Timothy 2:15);
  
  
• We must stay filled with the Holy Spirit. She is our helper and the power we need to be an effective witness (Acts 1:8);
  
  
• We ought to stay “prayed up,” daily asking the Lord to lead us to people who need Jesus (Acts 4:31, 1 Timothy 2:1-4);
  
  
• We should not get caught up in temporal things but stay ready to witness to people about eternal matters (Psalm 51:12-13; Mark 4:19);
  
  
• We should be ready to give a defense of our faith and declare the lordship of Jesus in our lives (1 Peter 3:15); and
  
  
• We should be active in our local church so discipleship can be systematically and successfully achieved (Matt .28:19-20; Hebrews 10:25).

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

Worship Planning Notes

Suggestions for Worship taken from the following sources:

• Article: “Evangelistic Worship.” By Timothy Keller. Used with permission. Online location:
  http://www.redeemer2.com/resources/papers/evangelisticworship.pdf (accessed 15 January 2012)
  
  
• Paper: “Worship That Supports Evangelism.” By Paul A. Rydecki Online location:
  http://www.wlstheologia.net/files/RydeckiEvangelism.pdf (accessed 14 January 2012)
  
  
• Blog: By EvangelismCoach.org. Online location:
  http://www.evangelismcoach.org/2009/worship-and-evangelism/ (accessed 14 January 2012)
  
  
• Evangelism Sunday by PCUA.org. Online location:
  http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/evangelism/pdf/evangelismsunday.pdf (accessed 15 January 2012)
  
  
• Seventh-day Adventist Evangelism Intercession resource: “Passionate Witness/Mission to the World.”
  Online location: https://gcmin-rnr.s3.amazonaws.com/docs/ogr/2012%20-%20OGR%2010%20Passionate%20Witness.pdf (accessed 15 January 2012)