Lesson 11: Evangelism & Church Growth
Winning Souls and Building a Growing, Thriving Church
By Apostle Howard Tundu
1. Introduction: The Heartbeat of God
Evangelism is not a church program; it is the heartbeat of God. Jesus' final instructions were evangelistic: "Go and make disciples…" (Matthew 28:19). A church that does not evangelise eventually dies or becomes stagnant.
Church growth is a natural outcome of consistent evangelism, discipleship, and healthy leadership. For those preparing for ministry, this lesson is foundational. However, those who are mature leaders will still gain great insight through this lesson.
2. What Is Evangelism?
Evangelism is the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ with the aim of bringing people into salvation, discipleship, and the fellowship of the church.
Key elements of evangelism:
- • Telling the message of Christ
- • Demonstrating the love of Christ
- • Inviting people to receive Christ
- • Incorporating new believers into the church
- • Raising them into disciples and leaders
Biblical Foundation: Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:14–15; Acts 1:8
3. Why Evangelism Is Important for the Church
- ✓It fulfils the Great Commission
- ✓It expands the Kingdom of God
- ✓It rescues people from eternal separation from God
- ✓It grows the local church spiritually and numerically
- ✓It revives the church atmosphere
- ✓It helps believers grow in boldness and faith
Evangelism is both a ministry and a spiritual discipline that matures believers.
4. Types of Evangelism
4.1 Personal Evangelism
One-on-one sharing of Christ through conversation, testimony, and relationship. Every church member should be encouraged to participate.
4.2 Lifestyle Evangelism
Living in a way that reflects Christ—people are drawn to the gospel through your conduct.
4.3 Public / Open-air Evangelism
Crusades, outreaches, street preaching, public gatherings.
4.4 Digital Evangelism
Social media, online content, messaging platforms, virtual meetings.
4.5 Servant Evangelism
Acts of kindness—food distribution, charity work, community assistance.
4.6 Church Invitation Evangelism
Inviting friends, family, colleagues to church services or small groups.
Each style matters if it communicates Christ effectively.
5. The Message of Evangelism
The gospel message must remain clear and Christ-centered:
- a. God loves humanity.
- b. Sin separates us from God.
- c. Jesus died and rose for our salvation.
- d. Salvation is received by faith, not works.
- e. Believers must repent, follow Christ, and grow in a local church.
A confused message produces confused converts; clarity produces committed disciples.
6. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism
Evangelism without the Holy Spirit becomes human persuasion. The Spirit:
- • Convicts hearts (John 16:8)
- • Empowers witness (Acts 1:8)
- • Gives boldness (Acts 4:31)
- • Confirms the Word with signs (Mark 16:20)
Dependence on the Spirit makes evangelism fruitful and impactful.
7. Obstacles to Evangelism
- • Fear of rejection
- • Lack of knowledge or confidence
- • A busy lifestyle
- • Spiritual coldness or loss of passion
- • Poor understanding of the gospel
- • A judgmental or harsh approach
Leaders must help believers overcome these hindrances through training, encouragement, and prayer.
8. Practical Evangelism Training for Mentees
8.1 Share your testimony to win someone to Christ
Everyone has a story. Testimonies are powerful tools.
8.2 Use Scripture effectively
Key verses include John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9–10.
8.3 Lead someone in prayer for salvation
8.4 Build relationships
Evangelism grows through consistent connections.
8.5 Identify open doors
Look for life events—crisis, change, questions—that open people to the gospel.
8.6 Minister with love
Your tone matters as much as content. Kindness opens hearts.
8.7 Follow-up and nurture
Evangelism does not end at altar call—new believers must be discipled.
9. What Is Church Growth?
Church growth is the healthy increase of a church in:
- • Numbers
- • Discipleship depth
- • Influence
- • Leadership capacity
- • Community impact
Church growth is not just bigger crowds; it is stronger spiritual foundations.
10. Biblical Elements of Church Growth
The Book of Acts gives four pillars:
10.1 The Word was preached continually
Acts 6:7 - "The Word of God increased…"
10.2 The Holy Spirit empowered the church
Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31
10.3 The believers walked in unity and love
Acts 2:42–47
10.4 The church was evangelistic and disciple-making
Acts 2:47 - "…the Lord added to their number daily."
Where these pillars stand firm, growth becomes natural.
11. Drivers of Church Growth
- • Strong prayer foundation
- • Consistent evangelism
- • Intentional discipleship systems
- • Healthy relationships and community
- • Clear leadership vision
- • Spirit-filled worship
- • Relevant and biblical preaching
- • Excellent follow-up and nurturing
- • Active small groups / home cells
- • Empowerment of youth and women ministries
A church grows when every member finds purpose and contributes.
12. The Pastor's Role in Church Growth
A pastor must:
- • Preach the Word faithfully
- • Cast vision for evangelism
- • Train and equip workers
- • Maintain a healthy spiritual atmosphere
- • Model humility, love, and prayer
- • Build systems for discipleship
- • Deal with conflict and sin biblically
- • Mobilize the church for outreach
Pastors don't grow churches alone; they grow people who grow the church.
13. Your Role in Church Growth
We must understand that church growth is everyone's responsibility. You must:
- • Be witnesses
- • Invite people to church
- • Serve with excellence
- • Support church programs
- • Mentor new converts
- • Strengthen small groups
- • Represent Christ in workplaces and homes
- • Carry the burden for souls
A church grows when its members stop being spectators and become co-laborers.
14. Integrating Evangelism and Discipleship
Soul-winning without discipleship leads to shallow believers. Discipleship without evangelism leads to stagnant churches.
Healthy churches combine both:
- • Win souls
- • Develop them into disciples
- • Raise them into leaders
- • Send them into ministry
This cycle produces sustainable church growth.
15. Strategic Outreach Methods for Church Growth
- • Home-cell evangelism
- • Family and friends Sunday
- • Youth outreaches
- • Community service projects
- • Hospital and prison ministry
- • Door-to-door evangelism
- • Social media campaigns
- • Revival meetings
- • Music and drama outreaches
- • Charity-based outreach (food, clothing)
Each method opens a different door to different people.
16. Follow-up: The Secret to Retaining Growth
New converts need:
- • Phone calls and visits
- • Encouragement
- • Bible classes
- • Small group involvement
- • Prayer support
- • Mentorship
Evangelism brings people in; follow-up keeps them growing.
17. Signs of a Growing Church
- ✓ Members are actively evangelizing
- ✓ Atmosphere of love and unity
- ✓ Spirit-filled services
- ✓ Testimonies of transformation
- ✓ Strong discipleship structures
- ✓ Growth in ministries and volunteers
- ✓ Consistent influx of visitors
The ultimate sign: changed lives.
18. Conclusion: Evangelism Starts With a Heart on Fire
Evangelism is not a department—it is the lifestyle of a believer. Church growth is not a mystery—it is the fruit of a church committed to prayer, the Word, the Holy Spirit, evangelism, and discipleship.
If you embrace this lesson, you will not only grow the church, but you will also grow the Kingdom.