Episode 194 - Overcoming Evangelism Inertia In Your 200church

The evening had gone perfectly until then!

My girlfriend and I had just pulled into the driveway when I looked over at her awkwardly. She sensed the tension and asked me directly "what is it?" 

I was the opposite of smooth: "Well... umm... I just have a question. Are you... well... are you, you know, a Christian?"

I'd be lying to you if I said that conversation went well. And, looking back, I'm not surprised that it didn't. But somehow, despite THAT being my best effort at "evangelism," my girlfriend was gracious and kind. So kind, in fact, that she eventually became my wife!

(And, yes, she was a Christian)

Why am I telling you this embarrassing story? Because to my 17-year-old mind, THAT was an appropriate way to talk to someone about faith. Completely unnatural. Completely out of the blue. And completely without tact.

And yet, that's still how some churches approach outreach today: Unnatural. Out of context. Tactless.

On today's podcast, Dave Jacobs joins us for the first time in three months to discuss why churches are struggling with outreach and evangelism, and what they can do about it. If you're new to the podcast, you might not know that Dave is a pastor's coach who specializes in small churches of all denominations. He's a great friend of the show and has some keen insight on today's episode!

For even more episodes with Dave, check out his Podcast Series page on our website or hit him up at his website or personal blog. And if you want some more ideas on outreach, give a specific listen to Dave on episode 82 of the podcast or episode 137 with our friend Rob Tarnoviski who pastors a church doing amazing things in Philadelphia, PA. 

We hope you've been encouraged by the podcast this week. If you are enjoying these weekly emails and episodes, please considerheading over to iTunes and subscribing, then leaving a rating and review!

Have a great week,

Jonny (and Jeff)