Creating a culture of evangelism doesn’t happen by accident. It happens as pastors and leaders intentionally and strategically call their people toward God’s mission.
As people in your congregation share the gospel with others, cheer them on. Here are three practical ways to encourage them.
1. Celebrate Obedience
Highlight every step of faithfulness.
Spiritual leaders help people move away from their own agenda and toward God’s agenda. I learned that from Henry Blackaby in his book Spiritual Leadership. That means every step in that direction—no matter how small—deserves to be celebrated.
When you hear stories of obedience in your congregation, shine a spotlight on them:
- Someone who never prayed for the lost now keeps a consistent prayer list
- A member who was hesitant to engage unbelievers is now building intentional relationships with neighbors or coworkers
- A believer who wasn’t sharing their faith is now intentionally speaking up with gospel conversations
Celebrating obedience doesn’t just honor the person who stepped out. It creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to take their next step toward living on mission.
2. Celebrate Impact
Point to the power of the gospel at work.
Never underestimate the encouragement that comes from telling stories of transformation within your church family. God is saving and restoring people, and your congregation needs to hear it.
Look for every sign of gospel impact:
- A person recently came to faith in Jesus
- Individuals are being baptized as a sign of new life
- Marriages are being restored, relationships are healed, and old wounds are mended
- Families are experiencing peace and purpose as the gospel takes root
When God changes a life, the whole church should rejoice. Sharing stories of impact reminds believers that the gospel still saves, still restores, and still redeems. It motivates them to tell others.
3. Celebrate Results
Let numbers remind your people of changed lives.
While ministry isn’t about numbers, numbers can help us tell the story of what God is doing if we remember what they represent. Behind every number is a name, a soul saved, a life transformed.
Healthy metrics matter, especially for those who are passionate about seeing people come to Christ and follow Him in baptism.
Celebrate results like:
- The number of people who have professed faith this year
- The number of baptisms in your congregation
- Any measurable indicators of gospel movement in your ministry context
When your church hears how God is moving, they’re reminded that evangelism works, not because of their ability but because of God’s power. And that encouragement fuels even more obedience and boldness.
If you want to cultivate a congregation that naturally shares the gospel, start by celebrating every sign of gospel movement—obedience, impact, and results. Each moment of celebration becomes a strategic invitation for your people to join God in His mission.
Let your church hear and see what God is doing. The more they celebrate His work, the more they will long to participate in it.
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This article was adapted from a session of the “Creating a Culture of Evangelism” online training course. To learn more or take the course, click here. Also available in Spanish.