Global Evangelism — Strategy and Methodology

• Strategy is a biblical concept that describes carefully crafted and Holy Spirit-led plans for accomplishing God’s mission.
• Strategy needs to be developed for specific settings. What works in one place may not work elsewhere. We need adaptable, context-sensitive approaches.
• It’s important to think in terms of “harvest fields” — areas ripe for the Gospel — particularly in the 10/40 Window, where enormous numbers of unreached people live.
• Paul’s ministry shows how contextualized strategy was crucial to his effectiveness. His approach varied from city to city.
• Strategy is not unspiritual. Strategic thinking can be empowered by the Holy Spirit and rooted in prayerful obedience.

What does "strategy" mean in a missions context?

The Greek roots of the word strategy refer to the planning and directing of a campaign. While some may worry that talking about "missionary strategy" sounds too military or too businesslike, strategy in a spiritual context simply means seeking to be intentional and Spirit-led in how we approach the global task of sharing the Good News.

Jesus clearly had a strategy. He focused His efforts primarily on the lost sheep of Israel and often withdrew from certain areas to concentrate on more receptive audiences. He also gave His disciples step-by-step instructions for ministry trips.

Contextualization: Adapting to the harvest field

The Apostle Paul modeled adaptable strategy. In Thessalonica, he began in the synagogue. In Athens, he started in the marketplace and used a different kind of message. Paul did not use the same method everywhere. He adapted to the local context while never compromising the message.

In today’s world, effective evangelism requires us to similarly adjust to local cultures and worldviews. A strategy that works in rural Africa may fall flat in urban Tokyo. Strategic thinking allows us to ask, “What are the obstacles and bridges to the Gospel in this specific context?”

Thinking strategically about global evangelism

Imagine a globe with a band stretching from West Africa to East Asia. This area, known as the 10/40 Window, contains a high percentage of the world's unreached people. Thinking strategically means prioritizing efforts where the needs are greatest.

Some churches and mission agencies prayerfully target unreached people groups and adopt long-term strategies to reach them. This may include Bible translation, leadership development, and creative access methods in restricted areas.

The role of the Holy Spirit in strategy

Being strategic doesn't mean relying solely on human wisdom. Acts 16 tells of how Paul and his team were kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching in certain places and were redirected to Macedonia. This was strategy guided by the Spirit.

When strategies are prayerfully formed and Spirit-empowered, they can open the way for people movements toward Christ — whole communities and people groups turning to the Lord.

Conclusion

Strategic thinking in global evangelism means being intentional, adaptable, and obedient. The task is too great and too urgent to do otherwise.

See also: Unreached People Groups | Thinking in Terms of Harvest

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