Community Service vs Direct Gospel

Something has been plaguing me for some time now. How do we actually affect change in our communities? How do we actually share the Gospel? I’ve read two books on the matter: Bob Pierce: This One Thing I Do, by Franklin Graham and Jeanette Lockerbie, as well as Revolution In World Missions by K.P. Yohannan. Both take diverse views on the matter.

Bob Pierce’s whole mission was action. He flew from place to place, meeting needs. He founded World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse. His whole ministry revolved around doing good for others as a way to open the door to the Gospel. He would many times even risk his own money by writing a personal check from his own account, only to ask the board of his mission agency for approval for the funds afterwards – with no guarantee that he would get it. He even gave guitars to a Muslim school because they needed them. It didn't matter that they might be used for singing Islamic songs - it was a way in to open the door to otherwise closed hearts. He filled needs all over the world - whether or not they wanted to hear the Word. I'm reminded of the old phrase: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

K.P. Yohannan takes a different stance in his book. Here's an excerpt:

“What is the greatest need for people? Is it that they have their bellies filled? Is it that we give them a cup full of rice? No.... their greatest need is to know and be saved by the Living God! Give them the gospel of Jesus Christ and all their needs will be met!”

Throw Jesus at them and they will accept Him and suddenly everything they need will be taken care of. His stance, in one sentence. True, the whole gist of any mission should be the opportunity to share Jesus. If we meet needs all over the world without sharing our faith, we are merely doing community service - not evangelism. There is a bit of truth in making sure that people accept Christ. But what happens to those villages that we evangelize a few years after we up and leave? Are they still worshiping our risen Savior? Have they lapsed into their old ways because their status in life has not been bettered?

You're probably thinking that I'm just here to bash K.P.'s book. I'm not. I'm here to talk about one word: balance. There were two major commands that Christ gave while he was on this earth.

The First:

So love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second most important commandment is this: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these."
(Mar 12:30-31)

The Second:

So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. "And remember that I am always with you until the end of time."
(Mat 28:19-20)

Basically, evangelism comes down to the golden rule and the great commission. Bob Pierce followed the first, K.P. Yohannan the latter. Truth be told, they are inseparable. If we are to effectively reach people. There must be balance between meeting needs and making disciples. Christ did this throughout his recorded lifetime. He healed the sick, lame, and blind. He fed thousands with just a single meal. He met needs again and again, and it opened doors for the Gospel to be shared. In this life, we are to be His hands as feet, as well as His voice to the lost and hurting.

I urge every pastor, youth pastor, leader, or individual that wants to effectively evangelize. Balance it. Meet needs and share the Gospel. Not one, but both. And let God do the rest... ;-)