The Local Church is Still God’s Method to Reach the World
A church in Manitoba, Canada
By Tom Shanklin
I was a local church pastor for 22 years, and as you would expect during that time I was passionate about God’s plan for the local church. But now that I have been in a traveling ministry focusing on evangelism for the past seven years, I see more than ever that God’s vehicle for reaching the world is the local church. His plan is to unite believers in a local church and reveal His truth to them and then to use them to reach their area and the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The five ministries listed in Eph. 4.11 (the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) are all called to have a part in building the local church. Our roles are different, but the goal is the same, “…the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12, NKJV. All believers have a part in building up Christ’s body, the Church.
Last year (as you may know) I wrote a book called “You Can Touch the World,” which was about how individual believers can reach the world for Christ. I’m excited to see that this book is going out, not only in our own nation, but also to the nations of the world. As we receive requests, we are sending free copies out to hungry ministers in countries like Kenya, Liberia, Pakistan and India, who are in turn using the book as a tool to train others in the work of evangelism.
I’ve been working on another book focusing on how local churches can impact the world with the Gospel. The title is “Your Church Can Touch the World.” I’d like to ask your prayers for this new book. I’ve been preaching on this subject in some of the churches and writing when I have time. It’s time to wake up the sleeping giant and unleash the power of the local church to reach the world for Christ.
Also, I encourage you to pray about your relationship with your own local church. Pray that you can be a blessing and help to your pastor, the other members, and to those who visit your church. It’s time for the Church to come alive and reach this world for Jesus Christ.
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