Evangelism and Social Action - Meeting the Needs of the People

Evangelism and Social Action are two separate ministries of the church. Both are vital to our answering the “Great Commission” You cannot eliminate one for they “complete” the calling of the Body of Christ. For example, Matthew 3:1 tells of John the Baptist, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent because the kingdom of heaven has come near!” (HCSB) Evangelism comes from the Greek word, “euangelion” meaning to announce the good news. At Pentecost after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit Peter stood and preached the good news. In Acts 2:38, Peter gives what we today might call “an invitation” when he said, “Repent and be baptized, each of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” (HCSB)

            Jesus did not send the disciples out just to proclaim the gospel, they were to heal the sick and care for the people. Jesus was concerned about the spiritual and physical well-being of believers and unbelievers. “Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” (Matthew 15:32 NIV)  Social Action puts Christians in the midst of non-believers. If we are share Christ with a family who has not food, would not God command us to care of their physical needs first?

            When social action is missing the evangelism is hindered and the message of Christ is compromised. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 NIV) The Body of Christ is called to minister to the people through Evangelism and Social Action. Both are a vital part of that ministry. One cannot be effective without the other and we must allow the Holy Spirit to direct us in their application.