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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

EVANGELISM 101 (Part 10): Top 10 Evangelism Mistakes

By Brant O'Connor NEW ORLEANS (LBM) -- Our mistakes in evangelism are serious because they affect our churches, reduce our effectiveness in the Great Commission, and harm our relationships with God. MISTAKE #1: NOT SHARING According to Lifeway Research (2022), only 38% of self-identified Christians had shared Christ with a loved one in a six-month period, and even fewer (30%) had shared with a stranger. But according to Scripture, evangelism is not optional (Matthew 28:18-20). It is every believer’s duty. So, ultimately, failing to share Christ is nothing short of rebellion against our Lord! MISTAKE #2: A PARTIAL GOSPEL Some Christians fail to share essentials of the Gospel, then call on listeners to follow Jesus, who has not been fully described, and require a response to a Gospel that has not been clearly explained. When sharing the Gospel, include three key elements: Sin: Sin (Rom.3:23), consequence (Rom.6:23), helpless (Rom.3:20). Savior: Birth (Jn.1:14), substitutionary death (Rom.5:6), resurrection (Acts13:30). Required Response: Repent (Acts 3:19), Trust (Jn.3:16), surrender (Rom.10:9-10). When proclaiming Christ, make it clear, concise, and complete. Neither complicate it nor cut it … [Read more...]

Morris H. Chapman, former EC president, dies

NASHVILLE (BP) – Morris H. Chapman, former pastor, former Southern Baptist Convention president, former SBC Executive Committee president and champion of the Cooperative Program, died Monday, Oct. 20, at age 84. The last SBC Conservative Resurgence president to be opposed by a moderate candidate, Chapman led the Convention to remain focused on the Great Commission as moderates broke away. Under his leadership as EC president, CP giving reached a record high that has yet to be matched. Chapman was given the honorary title of president emeritus of the Executive Committee upon his retirement in 2010. “Morris Chapman led with passion and integrity,” said current SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg. “He was a champion for cooperation and our global mission. He was also a friend who encouraged me for many years – including after my election as president of the EC. We honor him and pray for his family in their loss.” Born in Kosciusko, Miss., on Thanksgiving Day, 1940, Chapman professed faith in Christ at age 7 at First Baptist Church in Laurel, Miss., was called to ministry at age 12 and recognized a call to preach at age 21. After graduating from Mississippi College, Chapman earned master of divinity and … [Read more...]