Putting the “GO” in the Gospel

“Go” is the first part of the word gospel. Even when we translate to the definition, “go” is the first part of good news. The Great Commission, in Matthew 28 (go and make disciples) and Mark 16 (proclaim the gospel) both give the command to go. It is a built-in call to action.

Throughout Scripture, God tells his people to go. After Moses died, God told Joshua to rise and go (Joshua 1:2). He told Philip the Evangelist to go join the Ethiopian at his chariot (Acts 8:26, 29). After Peter’s vision, the Spirit told him to go join them, for I have sent them (Acts 10:20). God told Jonah to “arise, go to Nineveh” (Jonah 1:2, 3:2). After healing the lepers, he told them to go show themselves to the priest (Luke 17:14) and to go his way for his faith had made him well (Luke 17:19). And the master told the servant, go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in (Luke 14:23).

Regarding evangelism, here are 8 reasons and ways to put the “go” into the gospel.

Going is not staying. We are not to be confined to our churches or homes; also arise and go share the gospel. We do need time for rest, recreation, and relaxing, but do not let that prevent you from following the Great Commission. Christians gather to worship God in fellowship with others. After worshiping, we are to go into the world and proclaim His name, both in service and in word.

Go, Stand, and Speak. In Acts 5 the angel told them to “Go, stand, and speak…to all the people”; Jonah was not commanded by God to send a letter to Nineveh, but to go there, and speak God’s message. Physically giving a gospel tract to someone or having a face-to-face conversation are very personable ways to reach others effectively. You can have meaningful dialog, ask and answer questions, and explore whatever hesitations they may have.

If we do not go out, we cannot bring them in. Jesus left the 99 to go find the lost sheep. Each church and each individual disciple must have an outward focus to reach the lost in the world. In the endeavor to reach the lost, we face unique challenges that help us grow. A church which does not focus outwardly, often faces inward struggles, even fighting amongst themselves or about those “other Christians.”

Go where they are. Instead of our usual hangouts, we are to go to where the unbelievers are, even the lost sheep. Lost sheep are lost, we must go find them. Go to your town square, farmers market, or wherever people gather near you. Fundamentally, this forms the basis of foreign missions, sending missionaries to places we are not, so they can hear the message of Christ. Foreign missions is an extension of home missions.

Share as you go. Evangelism is not always an event; it is also a way of living. We actively seek and pray for opportunities to tell others about God’s Kingdom, even in our normal routines. Be prepared when the opportunity arises. It has been said, “There’s no such thing as luck. Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” We can make simple micro-opportunities part of our routine, giving a tract to the cashier at the grocery store or the drive-through window. Have tracts with you for when the occasion arises. While you are in any conversation, pray silently for the opening to transition to spiritual things.

Don’t just go, act. Jonah was commanded to go, not just to be in Nineveh, but to do something; to bring God’s message. When we do what we’ve never done, we learn things we would never learn from just reading a book, listening to a sermon, or watching a video. We must put what we learn into practice, that’s when we learn more deeply through practical and experiential knowledge. Sometimes fear or anxiety hinders our desire for action. When I hesitate, I take time to observe and pray, enabling me to jump in with the power of God stirred up in me. The more you do, the easier it gets.

Eliminate great excuses and go. We use beautiful things as an excuse to avoid God’s command. We say, “I did my part,” I prayed for the lost, for the workers, I even gave to support the church, but I’m not gifted at evangelism. These are wonderful things to do, praise God that He has gifted you in those ways. Thank you!

Giving a tract or a Bible to someone is one of the simplest things we can do, it is a great place to start. Nearly everyone can do this. If you truly lack the ability, don’t allow this to become a guilt-trip since you are faithful to what God has given and called you to. God does not expect perfection, he asks you to be faithful. God builds His Kingdom through the gospel by using imperfect people to bring the message to other imperfect people, even in our weakness.

When you go, invite others to come. If you have followed Jesus’ call to “go make disciples,” you have some experience that others do not. Those who have done what they ask others to do are leading by example. They make compassionate leaders who understand the trials others face. Encourage and invite others to come along, answer questions, build assurance and confidence along the way. I have countless stories of Christians who started sharing the gospel because they saw someone else doing it.

There are many ways to make disciples and proclaim His name. Find what works best for you even if you are a bit uncomfortable at first. We can’t spread the gospel if we don’t go.

One great opportunity we provide each year is the Creation Evangelism booth at the Iowa State Fair. We shorten this event name to “Iowa GO!” The “GO” is for Gospel Outreach and Gospel Opportunity. Let the gospel overcome any hesitation and follow His Great Commission. It is a call for every believer to be engaged in making the name of Christ known to the world.