The Exceptional Power of Grassroots Evangelism

Wilbert Blandon

What's Grassroots Evangelism? Grassroots Evangelism is a fresh endeavor of evangelism for reaching the lost that's facilitated by the Black Evangelism Ministries of the United Pentecostal Church International. It is a bold step forward in taking the gospel of Christ off of the lofty shelves of the church, board room debates and religious pedigree. It is simply taking the gospel to the streets (Grassroots), where the ministry of Jesus Christ is most effective and appreciated.

Grassroots Evangelism in a nutshell is the fulfillment of Matthew 28:19 where Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost." It is not just going out and inviting people to church but it is going out to baptize, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out devils, and to see God pour out His Spirit upon all flesh while we're going. It is reaching people right where they're at--- outside the church walls.

Grassroots Evangelism has already been tested in several churches in Arkansas and North Carolina respectfully. The preliminary results have been very encouraging. In the last twelve months at least 60 brand new converts have been baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost. At least over 300 first time visitors have attended the participating churches since the inception of this powerful outreach ministry.

One of the reasons why Grassroots Evangelism has proven to be successful thus far is because Grassroots Evangelism is undergirded by the progressive nature of strategic evangelism insight. The preparation process, strategic evangelistic services, and the post follow-up strategies are intentional, practical, and measurable. No part of the process is left to chance and nothing is done in a random, aimless manner.

The preparation process is designed to accurately assess and identify the needs of the participating churches; while providing the practical tools, training and Spiritual insights needed to reach into the African-American community. The post follow-up strategies are designed to take place in 30-60-90-180 and 365 day intervals up to one year after the Grassroots Evangelism Services. This way the overall project can be measured accurately and without exaggeration.

These specific measures of accountability will address the specific areas of diversity readiness in cultural intelligence, relevant worship styles, realistic retention goals, numerical conversions, and ministry involvement. The Grassroots Evangelism team will be available throughout the entire year to provide support, encouragement, and ministry consultation to the participating pastor and authorized church staff. In other words, the Grassroots Evangelism team is there to serve that church and pastor until they are empowered to reach into their community with the greatest maximum effectiveness possible.

In conclusion, there is an exceptional power to being involved in the Grassroots Evangelism ministry because the moment we focus our energies on the harvest that Jesus has already declared to be ready and plenteous; we will see Him confirm His word with signs following. In Mark 16:20 the Bible declares, "And they went forth preaching everywhere and the Lord working with them confirming the word with signs following." Let us go forth in highways and byways (Grassroots), and see Jesus show His mighty and glorious power through the Apostolic church in this hour!