WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW AN EVANGELIST PERSONALLY?

Many pastors are reluctant to invite an evangelist they do not know or have not heard preach. I was a pastor for many years and I understand these reservations.

I have been honored by the many invitations I have received from pastors who I did not know initially but who became wonderful friends and who have been kind enough to invite me back.

Pastor, when you are considering an evangelist you do not know personally or have not heard preach please consider the following suggestions.

1. Contact pastors with whom the evangelist has been. On our web site I have listed many of the outstanding pastors I have had the joy of being with over the past six (6) years. You are encouraged to contact any of these should you be interested in inquiring about our ministry.

2. Listen to a sermon by the evangelist. On our web site are a number of sermons I have preached in revivals recently. They are in Real Player format which is a free download. If, for any reason, you are unable to listen to a sermon on your computer, you may call or write me requesting a complimentary tape and I will be happy to send you one.

3. Determine the heartbeat and focus of the evangelist’s ministry. God has given us a ministry of encouragement and exhortation as well as evangelism. I am primarily an evangelist for the church. While we have the joy of seeing precious souls saved, our greatest effectiveness is in the areas of encouraging pastors and leadership, helping them renew their vision for ministry, helping the church in the area of restoring broken relationships, providing hope for those who are wounded and discouraged, helping people re-discover their lost joy in the Lord, and re-establishing biblical priorities in ministry. Evangelism is the "Good News" of hope and healing for broken hearts and lives. It is my desire that churches love each other, love their pastor and staff, love the work of ministry, and love the Lord Jesus more than before I came.

4. Determine the needs of your congregation. There are times you need a great harvest emphasis. There are other times you feel a greater need for spiritual renewal, revival, and restoration.

5. If you are still undecided, visit with the evangelist by phone or arrange to meet him personally to help you get to know him and to decide whether this is God’s man for your church.

6. Pray. Ask God to give you a peace about who you invite. He knows you, your church, your needs, and the evangelist.