Evangelism: A Scary Word with a Beautiful Purpose

Let’s begin with a word that might make you uneasy. Ready? Evangelism.

There it is—spoken aloud!

For some, it’s a word that feels old-fashioned, awkward, or even a bit daunting. 

It’s no longer sung about much these days (remember Graham Kendrick’s “Make Way,” anyone?), and in many circles, it’s quietly fallen out of fashion. But for those of us who grew up with it, evangelism wasn’t something to fear — it was simply part of being a Christian.

So why do so many of us struggle with it now?

Some people are natural evangelists. They’re extroverted, chatty, and seem to radiate a contagious enthusiasm for Jesus. But let’s be honest—that’s probably only one in a hundred. Most of us, myself included, struggle to find the right words. We trip over what to say, uncertain how to express our faith, especially in everyday conversations. 

And yet, inviting someone for coffee or to a birthday party? That’s easy. So why does inviting someone to church feel so difficult?

Maybe it’s fear—fear of rejection, of awkwardness, or being met with excuses. But today’s reading offers us a new perspective—one that’s both challenging and deeply encouraging. 

It invites us to reflect on three simple questions:

1. Who is invited?

Jesus says, “Go out to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” He’s not calling the elite or the influential. He’s calling the overlooked, the hurting, the ones who feel furthest from belonging. 

These are people who couldn’t even bring themselves to the banquet—they had to be found and brought in.

This is the heart of the gospel: it’s for everyone. Not just the polished or the pious, but the broken, the weary, the ones who think church isn’t for them. So if someone says, “It’s not for me,” don’t be discouraged. That’s exactly who Jesus is inviting. 

The gospel is a free offer, a wide-open invitation—and we get to be the messengers.

2. How are they invited?

Verse 23 says, “Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.” That word—compel—is strong. But it doesn’t mean coercion or manipulation. It means persuasion with love and urgency.

We’re not frogmarching anyone into church. But we also shouldn’t be so casual that our invitation feels like an afterthought. 

Charles Spurgeon once preached a sermon titled “Compel Them to Come In,” and his passion was unmistakable. He said, “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies.” That’s the kind of urgency he carried—not guilt, but deep compassion.

So what does compelling look like today? It might mean offering a lift, walking with someone, or simply saying, “I’d love for you to come with me.” It’s not about pressure—it’s about presence.

3. Why should they be invited?

Because it’s a banquet. Not a lecture, not a guilt trip—a feast. And the host is generous beyond measure. People are hungry—for meaning, for hope, for connection. And God is eager to welcome them in.

“There is a greater willingness on God’s part to save sinners than there is on the part of sinners to be saved.” That truth should stir something in us. The doors are wide open. The table is set. And we are entrusted with the message of reconciliation. 

Paul writes, “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.”

So let me ask: Do you see yourself as an ambassador? When was the last time you shared your story or simply invited someone to church? 

Maybe you’re thinking, “I wouldn’t know where to start.” That’s okay. Start small. Start with kindness. Start with courage. If someone’s been hurt by the church, listen to them. If it’s a stranger, be gentle. If it’s a friend, be honest. Practice makes perfect—and grace covers the rest.

The banquet is open. We know about it because we’re here, reading this. But how we respond matters. Evangelism isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life. It’s in our words, our actions, our invitations. 

If we want our church to thrive in the years ahead, now is the time to be brave. To ask someone, “Would you like to come to church with me?”

Some Prayers you can use

Lord, thank you for the people who first welcomed us into community here. We celebrate Your goodness in providing friendships in our lives. Thank you for that one person who was kind enough to say hello. Help us to remember how that felt and to imitate them.

Open our hearts to have the willingness to get to know others as brothers and sisters. Open the door to new friendships that are founded on you and help us to be prepared get to know new faces and people around us we do not know that we may reach out and see You at work. Enable us to have open hearts.

We pray we may not isolate and ignore those who come back to church. For confidence to reach out and love others with our words and actions. We confess where we have been cliquey and selfish at times. Forgive us for making “our” churches and neglecting Your church. Please help us not to show partiality or favouritism. Help us remember that we are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Help us go the extra mile and be prepared to share ourselves and our time. Lead us into creative ways to be community. Help us to see that when we get to know others we get to be a better picture of what You intended us to be. Help this to not be an individual effort, but a church-wide movement to multiply and grow. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.