The Roles Of Evangelism In Church Growth

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
      According to the New Strong Expanded Exhaustine Concordance of the Bible, GREEK word "Evangelism" means preacher of the gospel which make clear the distinctiveness of the function in the Church.¹
      From the beginning of the world, in the garden of Eden God was the first person to do the work of an Evangelist and first Church grower.² He said "It is not good for Man to be alone", So God made a help mate suitable for him by causing a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he took one of his ribs, bone and closed up its place with flesh, Adam said this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called woman.³
      Therefore, when God perfected man by making him a complete man, God was the first Evangelist and the first Church began with the family. God usually visit them to have fellowship with them before they eventually fell (Sin against God). And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and gave birth to Cain and his brother Abel. So Evangelism and Church growth proceed to the days of Noah, when God Instructed him to preach to them so that they might change from their bad ways but none of them listened. God destroyed the world then, and saved Noah and his family with various of animals. The Church continued to grow up, the tower of Babel.⁴
      Genesis 11 vs 1 Says: "And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech, as the Journeyed from the east they found a plain in the Lord of shiner, they dwelt there, and they said to one another, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly to build a tower, whose top may reach unto hsaven. After their decision they were working towards the achievement of their plan, when God saw that they had a strong determination, He turned them against one and other through the scattering of their language.5
      After the incident, God called out Abraham, He obeyed and moved to a land which God told (Promised) him and with the promise that, if he could believe, he will be made father of many Nations. He beget Isaac and Isaac beget Jacob, from Jacob Evangelism proceeded greatly as we have the twelve (12) tribes of Israel to the days of our Lord Jesus Christ with His teaching to the Apostles and after his death.
      Matthew 28:18-20; " Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age". 6

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
      Evangelism, Revivals and outreaches have been going on right from the beginning of the first century and millions of people are being preached to everyday, are these people giving heed to the information of the gospel?
      In the early church we are made to understand that on a daily basis, people who heard the Apostles preaching were added to the Church and thereby making the Church to grow, but today people listen to preachings, Sermons from notable ministers of God, they still remain the same wanting to be aloof to Church growth as it happened in the time of the Apostles, How do we reconciles this?
      Churches are found almost at every nooks and crannies, how do we mean, are they established through Evangelistic directives?
      In the Western world churches are now been converted to Cinema, Houses, Disco hall. etc. What can we say about this? Is it that evangelism is not been done? the way it should be done or done wrongly, since they have the best ministers?

1.3 PURPOSE OF STUDY
       This study is aimed at Identifying the effectiveness of Evangelism. It is also an expansion of the Church. And to examine the Roles of Evangelism on the development and growth of the Church. The study will also enlighten the readers about the Evangelism methods in the early church and the basic needs of a soul winner. It will also examine various church Evangelism tools in both Old and New Testament Scripture

1.4 METHODOLOGY
       Methodology employed for this research work is historical method, which includes gathering Information from books, Journals, commendation, Bibles and so on. The research also consulted Internet sources.
1.5 SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY
       The significant of this study cannot be over emphasizd. This research work will go a long way to stem the tide of the fall out of members in the contemporary Churches. The value system of the work is reforming as it will make a case for getting to the method of church growth in the contemporary Churches.
       The power drive for maximum force to drive for consistent and discipline action on the method of Church growth are pointed out in this study work, the study would also serve as a basis for solutions to further problems that may arise on Church growth policies. The value of the work is solution recommendation. It also serves as a source of Apostlic teaching on how ministers of God, missionary leaders can achieve maximum Impact on Evangelism as key factors to Church growth, It will also serve as awareness to any church that needs growth in order to strive for church growth syndicates as written by Nicolas land; Can also tap from the pragmatic teaching on Evangelism in this project.

1.6 SCOPE OF STUDY
       In the Course of this research work, the researcher will cover the story of what in the light of Matthew 28:19-20. Where we see the great commission. This study also is carried out to examine the Impact of Evangelism on Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Isegun Ifetedo, Osun State.
       The study was however hindered by some constraints such as transport hazards, Shortage of time and finance. The research was also faced with the problem of adequate basic equipment in the library; the library services available were not enough.
       The Study however, will be too broad if the researcher is to carry not investigation in Christ Apostolic Church Oke - Isegun Ifetedo, Osun State.

1.7  DEFINITION OF TERMS
    1. ROLE: The actions or functions of a person in some activity and the purpose or Influence of someone or something in a particular leader listening and bearing his words action and beliefs.
    2. EVANGELISM: Derived from two Greek words evangelize while means Good news. It means announcing good news, and is found 52 times in the New Testamens. The noun evangelism means 'goods news' and occurs 72 times mostly in Paul.
    3. CHURCH: A group of Christians meeting together in a particular location. A building for public Christian worship or a group of Christias considered as a whole.
    4. BELIEVER: Those who belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Saviour of their souls.
    5. DISCIPLE: Followers or group of people following someone as their leader listening and bearing his words action and beliefs.
    6. APOSTLE: Someone who has a strong belief in an idea and tires to get other people to support it.
    7. SPIRITUAL: Religious or related to religious issues.
    8. PARABLE: A simple story with a moral or religious purpose, especially one told by Jesus Christ.
    9. DISPERSE: To spread or make things spread in different directions over a wide area.
    10. SWEEPING: A sweeping change or development has a major effect.
    11. EVANGELIST: A person who preaches Christianity especially at a large gathering
    12. GROWTH: The act or process of growing, Increasing, developing. etc.
 
   








ENDNOTE
    1. J.R Kohlen benger, New Strong's Expand Concordance Bible (U.K. Strong's publishing co, 1998). P. 308
    2. The Holy Bible K.J.V. Gen. 2:18
    3 Ibid 2:23 (Gen)
    4. Ibid 4:1-2 (Gen)
    5 Ibid 11:1-8 (Gen)
    6. Ibid Matthew 28:18-20









CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 WHAT IS EVANGELISM
      The theology of Evangelist must be derived from the original setting in which the word was used. The Greek verb "evangelizes" that means "to announce good news; and occurs 72 times, mostly in Paul letter. The noun evangelists meaning "evangelist" appears only three times¹ (Acts 21:8; Eph 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:5).
      Evangelism then is to share or announce the good news; And as such. It is not to be defined terms of particular methods. Methods may vary widely, provided only that their style matches message to be proclaimed ² (2 Cor. 2:7, 4:2,5).
      Evangelism should not be defined in terms of sccessful results.³ The New Testament shows that wherever the good news is proclaimed some will respond with repentance and faith, while others will be indifferent and still others rejected it⁴ (e.g. Acts 17:32-34, 2 Corinthians4:3-4). Recent debates have concerned the scope of the good news. All would agree that the central message is salvation in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:35, Romans 1:1-3), but differences occur over what is crucial and what is peripheral and explanation of his salvation. Traditionally, evangelism was addressed to individuals and exclusively concerned the forgiveness of sin. However, the gospel set evangelism in the context of the Inauguration of the kingdom of God; and so some have agreed that the dimensions of the gospel are Integral. The result is that some emphasize God's concern to create a new community, while others argue that there cannot be a strong divorce between evangelism in a narrow sense, and social action. Yet others for similar reason, have argued that the proclamation of the good news of Jesus should merely be verbal, but must be accompanied by supernatural signs and wonders as a demonstration of God's power and a sign of Satan's deflation. Evangelism is the act of witnessing or spreading the gospel (good news) of the Lord Jesus Christ to others that are yet to recognize Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour. Evangelism is the act of a Christian trying to turn the sinners from unrighteousness living and preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2.2.  TYPES OF EVANGELISM
         There are different types of evangelism which can be used in communicating the gospel of Christ to the unsaved in order to win them for Christ. Each of this method as its own strategies which differ from the others. The work ability of each method solely depends on the Holy Spirit and how effectively the strategy is applied. All types of evangelism are equally Important in winning souls for Christ for the expansion of the body of Christ (the Church).¹
         It should be noted that unbelievers are found in every place. They are numerous in their houses, on the streets, in the buses, in the trains, in the schools, in the hospitals, in the prison yards, and in their various offices of merchandize. It is the responsibility of every believers to take the gospel of Christ to these people at the places where they can be found at a particular point in the time in order to win them for Christ. This will lead us in to a brief discussion on the types of evangelism existing for soul winning.
I.   PERSONAL EVANGELISM
        This seems to be the most effectives type of evangelism which allows direct and personal contract with the people in preaching the gospel of Christ. Jesus is our best example in personal evangelism and soul winning. Jesus evangelized to a Samaritan woman and won her soul unto himself who in turn went into the city of witness Christ to the unsaved people and brought them to Christ. Here, Jesus had engaged in personal evangelism with the Samaritan woman (John 4:5-42).
        Personal evangelism is the type of evangelism individual are directly involved in presenting the message to those who have not heard it. This occured when the disciples were persecuted in Jerusalem, this made them to be scattered and evangelized every where throughout the land. In recent times many have been encouraged to go put individual to "win souls" and number of churches have concentration on personal evangelism in connection with visitation, contacting and talking to people in their homes.
II. MASS EVANGELISM
        Mass evangelism is the preaching of the message in a very large gathering. The first mass evangelism was described in the New Testament as occuring spontaneously since the time of the reformation of open air meeting which happens on the day of Pentecost.
        White field aided Wesley, in the frontier camp Meeting in America and highly organized campaigns during the last two centuries come to mind. Mass Evangelism reached large numbers of people at a time where there had been extensive and prior preparation as occurred in the New Testament among the Jews, and later following a period of dead orthodoxy.
III. CHURCH EVANGELISM
        Church evangelism is a church meeting. Although the church was designed for worship, prayer fellowship, communication and hearing the words of God, it had become a place for evangelism and preaching the gospel. However the truth function of the church is for the building of the Saint's not continuous evangelism crusade. ²
IV. CRUSADE EVANGELISM
        Crusade evangelism is popular in Africa, and Nigeria in particular. This is a type of evangelism which pulls larger crowd as compared with other types of evangelism. An Evangelist or Revivalist would have prepared a stage for the open air crusade in a place with adequate publicity through posters and handbills distribution and radio and television announcements in order to draw a large crowd to the crusade venue.
        Through the preaching of the gospel by the evangelist, many people will end up giving their lives to Jesus Christ. It consumes a lot of money but it is very profitable.
V. TELEPHONE EVANGELISM
        Telephone is another channel we can use to evangelize the world. Although most people have access to personal telephone yet, those that are Christians from among people who use it judiciously to preach Christ when ever they call on their friends, relations and in order to win them for Christ. It is very possible for a believer living in Nigeria to evangelize and win the soul of his or her friend or relation who resides in America for Christ, telephone evangelism. Although, telephone evangelism cost so much yet a soul is much valuable than any gold or silver, for it has eternal value. Telephone can be used as another personal direct link between a believer and unbeliever for the purpose of Evangelism in order to win them for Christ irrespective of distance.
VI. SCHOOL EVANGELISM
        There is high level of Immorality, misconducts, social vices and Juvenile deliquencies among students beginning from primary, secondary to university level to the extent that many of them know about Christ the only way, and solution to every life problem now, when it is easier to catch them young, they will not, after their graduation, they constitute because a terrible moral decadence and unbearable problems to the society at large thereafter. Living churches are therefore advised to map out prayer and evangelistic strategies to reach the unreached in all our Institutions in order to win them for Christ and become useful for all.
VII. LITERATURE EVANGELISM
       Book directing people's attention to the truth of all message are published since the time of Puritans, who were the Inventors of evangelistic literature with encouragement. People will read and consider things that they would have otherwise disregarded.
       This lmpersonal character of literature is of value where there is a lack of trained witnesses or in conjunction with other effort, the possibity of a full explanation of the message literature open up another avenue for those who read it.

VII. SUNDAY SCHOOL EVANGELISM
  By enlisting children in Sunday school, Bible study and teaching them the word of God, it is found that many of them turn to Christ. It is reported that from one of the three to one out of five respond out of those who have been enlisted and success had led to this being extended to adults.
   Sunday School evangelism potential provision for an extended presentation of the truth and the possibility of answering individual question in relation to it. The difficulties include finding enough qualified teachers to reach lost people in a teaching situation in which a considerable amount  of the time ought to be spent training Christian in things that are of no interest to non Christian. Further more than ninety percent of those contacted cannot be enlisted and 60-80% of those enlisted do not respond.
 IX. PRINT MEDIA EVANGELISM
    Print media system of evangelism had been very effective in communicating the gospel to the unreached as it is another popular channel to reach out to millions of  people who often read various newspapers. A column in any newspaper although a lot of money yet is very accessible to reach the unreached for Christ, for example punch, vanguard, The Nation, The Sun, Daily times, Alaroye and in the Nigerian Tribune on every Friday there is a column for Zero Hour gospel message of Late Pastor (Dr.) ELIJAH.H.L OLUSHEYE of Christ Apostolic Church restoring of backsliders and for the unification of the body of Christ in preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus which is very Imminent. All gospel preachers are advised to make use of our Daily
X.  TRACTS DISTRIBUTION
       Tract distribution is not very popular as an evangelizing method but powerful in effect in converting souls for Christ.
        A believer who is prayerful distributes tracts to an unbeliever especially where there is not enough opportunity for preceding will surely have many souls won for Christ. Men of God like Evangelist Kayode Williams and several others gave their lives for Christ after they read Bible tracts and ever since then, there never relent, in the preaching of the word to the receivers. Where there is not enough opportunity to preach, such believers should effectively pray for the Holy Spirit Intervention and conversion of those that receive the tracts.

2.3  THE MESSAGE OF EVANGELISM
        The evangelistic message is centered uniquely on a person, that is Jesus Christ. He is the way and the truth and life (John 14:6). The Scripture says that when Philip the evangelist encountered the Ethiopian eunuch, he "preached unto him Jesus" (Acts 8:35), Paul's own testimony to the church at Corinth was "for I determined not to know any thing among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified" ³ (1 Cor. 2:2) Paul was thoroughly trained in the Tarsus, his one and only concern was to bear witness to Jesus Christ and His death upon the cross for the sake of all people.
        The evangelistic message offers a remedy for man's alienation from God. The goodness is that the death of Jesus has become a bridge between an Holy God and sinful people (1 Tim. 2:5-6), and that His blood propitiates God's grace for those who accept Him with a saving faith. (Heb. 9:28)" So Christ was ones offered to bear the sins of many". Jesus himself said, "for this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matt. 26:28). Romans 3:25 says of Jesus Christ whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sin. The good news is that we sinners do not have to die eternally since Jesus Christ died for us. The New Testament use three prepositions when speaking about Christ's death. "Peri" for us, "anti" - in place of us; and "hyper" - In behalf of us. Christ died for us, and in behalf of us. The evangelist makes much of Christ's death upon the cross the message that, man is lost, undone and without hope and Jesus Christ acted on our behalf by His death, buriah, and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Christ took upon himself the penalty rightly belonging to us so that through believing in Him, we are freed from the Penalty and guilt of Sin.
       Jesus offers pardon and forgiveness to all who receive him through faith (Acts 14:38-39), repentance (Acts 2:38), and baptism (Mark 16:16). One who accept the new life in Christ, submit to him as Lord; Hate is transformed in to love, selfishness into sacrifice, and pride into humbleness. The evangelistic message leads to the transformation of Individual that receive it.

2.4   IMPORTANCE OF EVANGELISM
         There is one work of the church that is so important but that is often given up service or is over looked... That is, evangelism.
         Evangelism, or proclaiming to the masses the good news of Salvation in Jesus Christ is the number one priority of the church of Christ. Jesus said in Matt. 16:18 "I will build my church" Jesus laid the foundation of the church with His ministry, training of His disciples, and eventually with His own life. Jesus did a number of things during His earthly ministry. He served, He healed and encouraged.
         However, His focus was on seeking and saving the lost Lk. 19:10, That is what the mission of the church was as well. Peter's sermon in Acts was primarily to preach the news about Jesus and to encourage all to respond. The great commission in Matt. 28:19-20 was all about evangelism. So, the importance of evangelism in the church cannot be over emphasized.
         People are saved by the Gospel and expected by God to teach others how to be saved. Sadly, statistics today show that very few members of the Lord's church are doing anything in evangelism. I am so encouraged that the church here is very involved in overseas mission I think it is a good use of our money. There are many in the world who are thirsting for the message. That being said, I believe that we as a body are not doing enough locally to reach the lost. Our sign is great, but only few will be saved because of a catchy quote.
        They will need purposeful and personal contact with the believers here. There are several new tools that can help the average member reach out to those in our community. Let's all propose to take our individual responsibility to reach the lost seriously. Let's all attende the classes, be involved in the discussion, and get equipped to get the message out.⁴
      Also, Paul says, how shall someone call on God who has not believed in God in the first place? And how would they even be able to believe in Him and much less believe Him if they had not heard of Him. How can they ever hear or comprehend without someone giving them the message, the preacher is needed. Also, how is there going to be a carrier of the good news unless that person has been sent. Do you see how Important it is for someone to be sent from God to give the good news to the people who walk in the darkness?5 Teaching how to follow Jesus and this is not just in words, but by example too is what discipleship is. Discipleship also Involves being willing to learn from someone and follow what they are telling you.

2.5.  EVANGELISM IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
          Evangelism in the Old Testament is the classic study on evangelism in the ancient life. Noah had always served as a case study of Old Testament evangelism. Noah was the first evangelist mentioned in the Bible. And so it was stated by the Lord Jesus Christ. "As the day of Noah were, so also will the coming of the son of man be, for as in days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them away. So also will the coming of Son of man be (Matt. 24:36-39 NKJV).
          The analogy is very Instructive. Just as most people to day do not believe Jesus is coming back at all. The people of Noah's day did not know when the flood was going to happen. However, they were Informed that there was Indeed going to be a flood. Their Information came from the fact that Noah was actually building an Ark as Instructed by God's according to Gen. 6:3 "And the Lord said my Spirit shall not strive with man forever for he is indeed flesh. Yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty year's: God had chosen Noah because he dedicated himself to God.
       By faith, Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with coldly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of the world and his household by which he condemned the world and became heir of righteousness which is according to faith.
      During the decades of mankind's last days, Noah was working on the Ark. As it grew, it must have been a potent symbol of those living nearby. One can Imagine that Noah was often asked about his construction project. Indeed, it is likely that he was mocked for such an enterprise. In 2 Peter 2:5 Noah is described as a preacher? The Greek word 'kerux' refers to a heard, or "One who announces" even when he wasn't saying anything, his labour on the Ark would been his witness, "Be ye turned from your evil ways and works, less the waters of the flood come upon you, and cut off all the seed of the Children of men".
      The tradition shows Noah giving both a warning and a means of Salvation. If the extra biblical source has any truth in it, then Noah is asking for people to repent, which would certainly pit with his own Salvation through Christ. By this, great early evangelism in the Old Testament, Noah by word and action, declared justification by faith, the people of his time and day had no excuses, because they had heard the word.
      God also used Moses to evangelize the children of Isaac from the land of Slavery to the forefathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). When Moses had taken them out from the land of Egypt he now outlined specific Instructions for the children of Isaac as they entered the promised land in Deuteronomy 30. He stressed the Importance of being faithful to Jehovah God and God's law. He gathered them together and preached God's law so that people may Listen, learn, and fear God through their Obedience to His word and follow Him.
     Those who were to be assembled were the Lord's people and all other's living in the land including aliens and those who worship others god's, they must learn God's law and obey them.
     The Prophets were sent by God to the people, often to heads of nations. It was a difficult assignment the prophets never the less felt compelled to do, a difficult and dangerous ministry. They were the means by which God sought to bring back an erring people to Himself. Lois said, the astonishingly creative method used by Ezekiel to communicate God's message to his people in Babylon must have been Incredible ministry to perform but the clarity of the vision given to him sustained him.

2.6.  EVANGELISM IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
         In the New Testament, evangelism started from John the Baptist, the Son of Zachariah in the wilderness he was not ashamed to repeat his message "Behold the lamb of God" (John 1:29-36). His disciples began with Andrew and John, and they were so convinced by "Jesus Christ" message that they followed him. John the Baptist was bold in his evangelical message, and pointed out sin clearly explaining the urgency for repentance.
        The Christian is sent into the world as God's shepherd and Christ's ambassador to preach the message as widely as we can. Matthew 9:35 shows how Jesus gave priority to evangelism went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom healing every sickness and every disease among the people.6 Jesus did not only evangelized through teaching and preaching to crowds, he also witnessed to individuals, he plainly explained the spiritual birth when he told Nicodemus that he must be born-again. Jesus challenged people with an Immediate choice. His word "follow me presented a distinct decision to each individual. Such offer for eternal life deserves to be concluded by the call of response. The early disciples of Jesus Christ adopted some principles which led to growth of the church during their own time. The church of Christ being a living organism exists for the purpose of gathering together of the selected people from the world of sin and evil practices into a new life experience in Christ. Jesus Christ said, "but you shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and you shall be witness unto me in Jerusalem, In Judea, In Samaria and unto the utter - most part of the earth (Acts 1:8). After that when the power of Holy Ghost had fallen upon them, the early Apostles unanimously preached the gospel of Christ with boldness, in spite of various oppositions and confrontations from many people, and multitude of unbelievers were added to the church on daily basis. There was rapid growth indeed in the early church.7
       The early Disciples of Christ (the apostles) did not only preach the gospel to the people but were very strategic in meeting their spiritual and physical needs through the gospel. They sincerely preached to win souls for Christ and He ministered to their needs, physically and materially.
2.7.  THE ROLE OF EVANGELISM IN CHURCH GROWTH
         Evangelism perform tremendous role in the church. The definitions of evangelism Christ the subject for critical and comparative study. Evangelism according to its definition means presenting Christ Jesus and his work in relation to the need of the falling men and women out of the wrath of God as a Judge. It also means to present Christ Jesus to them as the Hope in this present world or the world to come, or exhorting sinners to accept Christ as their Saviour.
        The explanations according to Packer give the insight about the role of evangelism, as a part from it to be the tool for the church growth and expansion.
        Evangelism is a tool used to present the Gospels to the people. The following are roles in modern day evangelism according to parker, author of evangelism and the sovereignty of God.
        Evangelism brings hope for the hopeless. It removes darkness and bring light to the world. It perfoms a role of allowing people to use their talent to benefit the world in general. It is the way to use nine spiritual gifts for the perfection of the gospel. It allows a believer to intercede for those who are in trouble. It is the way to draw people to the kingdom of God and save them from Hell fire. It performs the role of adding more souls to the growth of the church which leads to expansion.

2.8. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND EVANGELISM
         Before we consider the relationship between Church and Evangelism, the meaning of church and Evangelism must be known. According to the New Testament part of the Bible, "The Church is the body of Christ which include the call-out ones or the redeemed of all the ages. While evangelism means good news or joyful news.
         Therefore, it is the spreading or preaching of the good news. Having known these. What is the mission of the Church?
        The gospel is the mission of a church to make known the manifold wisdom of God. Presenting Jesus Christ, who He was, who He is, and who He will still be; what He has done, what He is doing and what He will still do. Since the two definitions has been considered above, the relationship between the Church and evangelism is to go and make disciples for Christ Jesus and make them grow both spiritually and carnally. i.e. both inwardly and outwardly in Jesus Christ.8 Therefore, church and evangelism are inseparable, if the church would obey the commandment of the head of His Church (Jesus Christ).


2.9. WHAT DOES CHURCH GROWTH DENOTE
        According to Webster Dictionary, Growth is "increase in size" but growth biologically is "an Irreversible increase in the size of an organism brought about by the synthesis of a new Cytoplasm". 9 Pastor/Prof E.O. Babalola classifies church growth to two kinds " (a) Qualitative Growth; This means the quality of what you are talking in (b) Quantitative Growth; This emphasizes numerical increase in size.

         DIMENSION OF CHURCH GROWTH
In the word of Pastor Stephen Toyin Ajayi: Not all growth is good as Jesus often pointed out (e.g. the growth of leaves instead of fruit, or weeds, or plants without roots). Churches can also grow in wealth, popularity and in many activities, which may not be pleasing to God (e.g. the church of laodecians Rev. 3:1 or a church which is racist or tribalistic to die which suggest that numerical growth should probably not be our first objective.
    Four dimensions of growth recommended according to Pastor Ajayi.
1. Conceptual growth: Growing up to maturity Acts 2:42-47 Christians grow in understanding and they change, like Peter did in Acts 10, and the whole Church after him.
2. Organic growth: Growing together in relationship Acts 2:4-48 Christians of different views and cultures grow in fellowship and love as Jesus and Gentiles learned to do. Romans 15:17.
3. Incarnation growth: Growing out into society. Christians grow in service to the world by doing good relieving need and changing society.
4. Numerical growth: Growing more in number, Acts 2:41. New Christias join the church through Evangelism. This growth in number has been the church growth movements main concern ideally¹0 every local church should have an equal concern for each of these four dimensions just as Jesus himself grew in four distinct ways Luke 2:52. In practice however, most churches specialize in some of them and neglect the others.

THE PILLARS OF CHURCH GROWTH
The factors, which make the church to grow, are referred to as the pillars of church growth.
    The unavoidable growth factors in animals are food, mineral salts, vitamins, water and growth substances, light, moisture; we also have other factors like winds chemicals and other organisms. Plant growth hormones are auxins, Gibberalings, and other organism. Plant growth hormones are auxins, Gibberalings, cytokinins etc. So, also the churches use some factors to grow.
    "R.E Harlow writes factually that, it is important that the churches should grow. This means that every believer should grow strong in faith. They will then reach out and lead others to Christ. These now believers will be added to the local church which in this way grows stronger. Some of the Christians may want to start a new work in another place. This new Church should also keep on growing. But church growth must be according to God's plan. After all, it is His church, the church of God. The pillars of church growth may be summarized to four namely: (1) Praying (2) Fasting (3) Using God's word and (4) Holiness." 11 nevertheless, Prof E.O. Babalola declares: There are eight principal factors for church growth one they are as follows:
    1. God's factor: Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:47. Jesus Christ is the master builder and He has committed Himself to the growth of His body the church.
    2. The Pastors factor: II Tim. 2:15, Acts 20:28. The more rightful a leader is the more he achieves.
    3. Purity factor: Isa. 55:1-2 God's power is not free. There is a price to pay for it and the price is purity. Psalm 45:7.
    4. Supernatural factor: Acts 1:8, Matthew 10:1. The supernatural attract as well as compels followership. When you take the supernatural out of Christ. It becomes like any other religion.
    5. The prayer factor: Gen. 20:7. In dealing with mankind, nothing is more important to God than prayer Acts 6:4, failure to pray is failure in all aspect of life.
    6. The word factor: Acts 6:4. The biggest barrier to effective learning is pride of heart. Nothing is better than a teachable spirit. To have church growth you must invest in having a good message.
    7. The Evangelist factor: Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15. For a church to grow it has to be evangelistic. The Bible says, "Go ye into the world and preach the Gospel; Mark 16:15.
    8. The Holy Ghost factor: Acts 1:8, The greatest factor for church planting and church growth is the anointing of the Holy Ghost. The Church planter must be anointed with Holy Spirit.
    We must add faith, good organization, selfless leader and motivation to our efforts to make the  church grow. Matt. 21:17-21, Matt.17:20.
    The factors for motivation for God's church include:
    I. Praising members of the church for their good contributions.
    II. manifesting love for one another.
    III. Recognizing the church's members.

2.1.0. THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN EVANGELISM
         No church is complete without the presence of youth in it. A Church that has no youth has no future. Youth play major role in the growth and development of the church. In other to contribute to the growth of your church as a youth you must do the following:
1. Embrace the vision of Church (Pro. 29:18): Understand the vision, goal and purpose of your church and align yourself with it.
2. Participate in Evangelism (Matt. 28:19): Always be in the fore front of the evangelism group of the church.
3. Prayer support (II Cor. 10:4-5; Eph. 6:10-18): The growth of any church is answers to prayer. Your prayer for the church and its leadership will strengthen the church. Do warfare prayers that will frustrate the counsel of evil ones against the church. God is looking for youth who can pray when others are sleeping, fast when others feast and fear nothing but sin.
4. Be Committed: Commit yourself to the progress, success and growth of the church. Make yourself available all the time.
5. Believe in your Pastor: You must love your Pastor or leaders. Believe in him. Stand by him in whatever situation the church finds itself.
6. Live a Godly Life: The way you live outside the church will either attract or detract people from coming to the church. A spiritual and holy life. Style will make you spiritually matured and enhance the growth of the church.
7. Use your Gift (1 Cor. 12:7-10; Col. 4:17): You have at least a gift in you. Discover and harness your potential for the edification and growth of the church.
8. Be Baptized in the Spirit (Acts 2:7): "No matter how Intelligent, dynamic, creative and smart you may be without the In - filling of the Holy Spirit you can do nothing". ¹² Being filled with the Holy Spirit automatically releases His fire upon you. His fire will make you to be on fire. Holy Spirit fire does this:
i. It will make your life shine for his glory.
ii. It will destroy the yoke of the devil in your life.
iii. It will burn every curses in your life.
iv. It will purify you.
v. It will separate you from unnecessary exuberances.
vi. It will refine you and make you more useful.
      In every society, community or church there are four kinds of youth. It is important to understand this in order to know how best to work with them and what tools to use to attract the necessary kind to the church for lasting growth. If you don't come to terms with this truth, it will be difficult to get the desired result from the youth. The four kinds of youth are:
1. The parasite youth
2. The prodigal youth
3. The passive youth
4. The productive youth

1. The Parasite youth: Parasite by nature is a destructive agent and useful to itself. Like wise, a parasite youth is destructive in every sense. He is less concerned about progress anywhere he found himself. Rather, he seeks its destruction through organized crime with his cohorts. He often ends up as drug addict, armed robber, a cheat and vagabond.


Characteristics of a Parasite Youth:
- Immoral: He has a passion for Immortality. He breaks God's moral laws at will.
- Violent: The only language he understands is violence. He enjoys unleashing terror on people.
- Drug dependant: He lives on drug to stimulate himself and giving him false sense of security.
- Disobedient: He enjoys disobeying authority particularly his parents.
- Vagabond: He has no manners and does not enjoy being under anybody's control at any point, he can deny his family especially when under the Influence of hard drug.
- Selfish: A Parasite youth is only concerned about himself and nobody else. To him it is I; ME and MYSELF. He is always self centred
- Lazy: He does not work. He just prefers to feed on others. He does not contribute anything to any cause. He enjoys people serving him.

Effect of Parasite Youth in the Church:
- Way wardness: He lives anyhow. Wild, rude and careless.
- Negative Influence: A Parasite youth is a negative influencer any where anytime. He will influence other serious minded youth to do his biddings. His influence knows no bounds.
- Ungoldly living: He becomes carnally minded easily. He does not care what God or His word thinks or feel about him. He lives in perpetual sin.
- Useless: Since he is not useful to others, he will equally not be useful to himself. He can't make any progressive contribution to the growth of the church. He becomes a misfit to say the least.
- No future: Any church that has this set of youth in its fold does not have a future. Such is as good as dead now already. If nothing is done fast, the church will go into oblivion.

2. The Prodigal Youth (1 Sam. 8:3; Luke 15:13)
       The word prodigal will not be difficult to understand. Prodigality is a state of being wastefull, thought less, careless with wrong attitudes. "These are youth born and raised in good and godly homes but chose to go their own way to satisfy themselves".¹³

       Characteristics of Prodigal Youth:
- Desire to taste of the Word: He often feels the church is too rigid with its laws. He believes peers outside of the church are doing better. So he longs for " freedom" which he thinks is missing in his life.
- Indulges in Clandeshne sin: A prodigal youth will practice abortion, fornication and other immoral vices that could affect his relationship with God.
- Wastefulness: A Prodigal Youth is always a waster. Any resources committed to or invested on him will be a monumental waste. Resources to him is be a monumental waste. Resources to him are to be squandered, since he did not work for it.
- Easily carried Away: At a slight manifestation of his gift and potential, he believes he has been formally sent forth to start ministry.
- Keep ungodly Friend: He enjoys flocking around with people that will not advance his spiritual, moral and physical progress service in the church. He is not committed to anything that has to do with God and his work.
- Effect of Prodigal Youth in the church: Shallow spiritual living: A church full of Prodigal youth will always have its spiritual activities Jeorpadised. They will be rising to day, falling tomorrow.
- Disobedient to Leadership: A Prodigal Youth will be Disobedient to his leadership because he just wants to satisfy himself by doing his will.
- Absence of Growth: Youth anywhere usher in growth. Their absence in the ministry, due to their migrating nature will retard growth and put a question mark on the future of the church.
- Corruption: A Prodigal Youth can corrupt other youths in the church if care is not taken to arrest the spread of his influence. In a bid to show his "freedom" might convince them his lifestyle is better.
- Rebellious: A Prodigal Youth becomes rebellious due to his independent heart always wanting to have this way without consideration for anybody's advice.

3. The Passive Youth:
     To be passive is to be indifferent, unconcern and uninvolved. Many of today's churches are saturated with youth but majority of them are not really contributing anything to the growth of their church. Sometime this problem is caused by their pastor who knows how to turn their passivity to activity.

   Characteristics of Passive Youth:
- Excuse making: Passive youth can give one thousand and one reason why he will not be available for any assignment in the house of God. Excuse is always a trademark.
- Less enthusiastic church: "A passive youth is not always excited to go to church. He feels so reluctant about regular attendance.
- Laziness: A lazy youth will always be passive and a passive youth will always be lazy.
- Weak prayer base: He believes in prayer. But he hardly engages in it. He does not believe in making things happen. He believes things will happen whenever they should happen.
- Unreliable: To commit in a serious task into the hand of a passive youth is to put life on the line. Unreliability is in his greatest weakness. He is not dependable at all.

      Effect of Passive youth in the Church:
- Slow progress: The church will witness unimaginable sluggishness in its undertaking.
- Negative atmosphere: A passive youth will always be negative since he is not concerned about anything, he will strive to discourage people by making them free, nothing can be done.
4. Productive Youth: To be productive is to be useful, efficient and result oriented. The productive youth are everywhere, although in short supply. Productive youth have passion for whatever responsibility given to Him. He is alway's contributive, multiplying expanding and growth conscious (Gen. 41:32, 46; 1 Sam. 2:26;3:1; II Tim. 1:5, 3:15, II Chron. 34:1-3, Joshua 2; I Sam. 17:13,37).
   
                                        Characteristics of Productive Youth:
1. Acquainted with God: One thing you can't take away from a productive youth is his spiritual relationship with God. He is so spiritual and strongly committed to God and His work.
2. Grow in Grace: As his commitment and dedication to God increases, so also God's grace upon him will be growing.
3. Focused Lifestyle: He is focused. Nothing disgresses him. He keeps his focus in mind. He lives a purposeful life. He is not carried away by anything.
4. Obedience and Teachable: He is so obedient and possesses an equaled teachable spirit. He takes correction and rebuke with an unbelievable expression of joy, knowing well that they meant good for him.
5. Purity: He has a penchant desire to always subdue the flesh and live victoriously over it. He is clean, pure and holy. He does not allow anything to stain his spotless garment. He avoids sin like a plague.
6. Self - development: He seeks to develop himself beyond his limit. He studies, grow and work on his character in other to be the best in life. He expands himself and contributes to the church of God.
       Effect of Productive Youth in the Church:
- Outpouring of God's power: "God will pour out His power upon the church and there will be mighty a revival. The youth will be on fire for God.
- Fruitfulness: For being productive, the youth will be fruitful in all their undertakings, academically; spiritual; financial; materially; and physically.
- Inspiration to others: A productive youth will always inspire other youth in the church to greater heightes and achievement. He will become their mirror all the time.
- Growth and Expansion: When a church is blessed with productive youth, there will be a strong resolution on their part to see to the growth and expansion of the church. They will be restless until growth and increase is seen in the church.
- Increased Prayer: The church will witness and reap the benefit of Increased prayer activities by the youth. Regular prayer gathering becomes a daily habit for a productive youth. Prayer becomes natural for them because they know it is the foundation for any worth while growth. ¹⁴

2.1.1. THE RESULT OF EVANGELISM IN THE CHURCH
        We could see great result brought through evangelism in the early church, in the book of the Acts of Apostles (Acts 2:27) So, the major points below would be considered as a result of evangelism in a church.
1. Evangelism as a badrock of the church brings genuine repentance of heart. Acts 2:37 Says, Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, 'Men and brethren; What shall we do?
2. It exposes the doctrines of the church to the new converts through the good teaching of the Bible.
3. It also causes the power of God Almighty to break forth in a church.
4. It brings about daily increase in the number of genuine worshipers in a church.
5. Evangelism brings about daily growth in a given church.
6. Steadfastness to the spiritual life of Christian is the work of Evangelism.
7. It produces mature product of Christ disciples in a church. 15
















ENDNOTES
1 C.W. Watley: Personal Evangelism on Church Growth (Osward press 1986) Pg. 4
2J. Faala: Evangelism and its Effect (Tomiwa Printing Press 1998) Pg. 18
3D.L Larsen: The Evangelism Mandate (Crossway Books, 1992) Pg. 8
4Nathan Wolfe: The Importance of Evangelism in the Church (Istanbul: Charles dogged press a publisher Ltd 2007) Pg. 33
5.Holy Bible (KJV)
6.O.J. Smith A Soul Winner (Warley press 2001) Pg. 8
7 E.Delve To Bodily Go (Hodder and Stoughton Publisher 1994) Pg. 11
8Michael Green Evangelism in the early church (Grand Rapid: Books 1970) Pg. 282
9The New International Webster's Comprehensive Dictionary of the English Language (Florida: Trident press Int. 2004) Pg. 559
10S.T. Ajayi: Effective Church growth (Ibadan: Omolola press NW4/66 Lemonu street Ekotedo) Pg. 2-3
11R.E Harlow Church Growth: (Toronto Canada: Every publications Inc. 230 Glebemount Av. M4CsT4)
12Ibid Pg. 11
13E.O Babalola: CAC Conference Lagos, CAC Printing Press Ltd. 1999) Pg. 13
14J.O Babajide "Evangelism" course handout at CAC Babajide School of Prophets and Evangelists first Semester 2017.
15Ibid Pg. 230














CHAPTER THREE
ROLES OF EVANGELISM IN CHURCH GROWTH
3.1 THE EFFECTS OF EVANGELISM ON CHURCH GROWTH
1. Soul - Winning: Every member should be Instructed by the church leader on how to bring others to Christ "for the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10) and he that winneth soul is wise (Pro. 11:30) One should partner with Jesus in His
great work of saving lost souls. How does the church do it? It has to be done through television, radio, electronic communication. etc.
2. Role Model: Modeling after a leader in the reviving of sinner is very essential. A leader must revival himself and provide the leadership in words and examples. He cannot effectively demand that the people do something that he is not doing himself. His members must be able to emulate his role.
3. Repentance: Repentance means godly sorrow. Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. God commands all men everywhere to repent. This scripture says "Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. The Holy spirit is poured out upon the penitent (Acts 2:38). Repent and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
4. Love: The Bible commands the leaders and members to love one another love is able to suffer. Love envieth not, love is not boastful. Love is not rude. Love thinketh no evil. Love is not easily provoked. There are faith, hope and love. The greatest of them is love.¹
5. Regeneration: Regeneration is a change in our nature. Regeneration shows the fruit of a justified life. We need to be sanctified for our saviour was sanctified. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is separation. The Biblical meaning of regeneration is sanctification or to be set a part by God from sin and unto a Holy life (Heb. 12:4) for God. For beluevers, it carries a twofold meaning: (1) Separation from evil (2) Separation unto God.
6. Hearers and Doers of the Words: The Bible declares that "whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock. The rain descended, and the floods came and the winds blew, and beat upon that house and it felt not for it was founded upon a rock. Every one that hearth these sayings of mine and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. The rain descended and the flood came, and the wind blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:24-27).
7. The Spirit filled life: The church needs spirit fill members. If the church is lacking spirit filling, the church will be plagued with disorders, dissensions, strife, backbiting, jealousy and Scandal, every member of the church must be spirit - filled, the Pastor, Elders, Deacons, Sunday School teachers, Singers, Choir members and Ordinary communicants. The results of being Spirit - filled are: (1) Power to live a victorious Christian life (Acts 20:22-24) (2) Power to witness (3) Ability to speak in tongue is the proof of the spirit - filling.
8.Holiness: Jesus revealed God as a spiritual being who is holy, blameless and pure (Heb. 7:26). God is the man who committed no sin, Jesus is the man who the demon called "the Holy one of God (Mark 1:24, Luke 14:34). To defilement. A Christian who is holy is said to be perfect faultless, pure and free from all defilement by sin. The Scripture says "But he which has called you is holy, so be ye Holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written, Be ye holy for I am holy" ( I Peter 1:15-16).
9. Separation: The word Separation is meant to set a part from the world, to be God's holy people. As one becomes more holy, we become more like God. God wants people to be holy like Himself. Thus sanctification is the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in Christian's life and holiness of characters is the result of this work. The Scripture enjoins Christians not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, wherefore we are told to come out from among them and be separated (2 Cor. 6:14-17).

3.2. THE IMPACT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON CHURCH GROWTH
        Nobody can cause conversion growth in the church without the dynamic power and presence of the Holy Spirit. CH growth is dynamic in nature. The dynamism is the power and blessings of God at work. It is not possible to achieve growth by human efforts and struggles. Rather it is dynamo and dunamis power of the Holy Spirit of God that leads to conversion growth and kingdom expansion.
     The Holy Spirit is the vicar of the church. His time is now. He is the Lord of harvest. It is His mighty workings that usually results in the dynamic growth of the church. If he doesn't work, nothing will really work. In the actual fact, it is His various ways of working in the church that has made the church to grow. So therefore, dynamic church growth is the result of dynamic presence and power of the Holy Spirit.²
      As ministers we are called into all strategic planning, programming we employ to carry out these ministries make no difference in our lives and other people's lives if the Holy Spirit is not in action. Paul says "Our gospel did not come to you only in words but with power". He declared to the Corinthian church that his Evangelistic work was carried out by demonstration of the Spirit and power. (1 Core. 2:4, Rom. 15:19).
     Where there is no power encountered in evangelism there can only be intellectual believers because they are not saved by the witness and Influence of the Holy Spirit. The Operation of the Holy Spirit determine the survival of the church growth.³
     The Holy Spirit cannot be neglected or punch aside if we really want our churches to grow. Therefore, we need to call on God for the rekindling fire of the Holy Spirit, So that our evangelistic work would prosper and our churches would grow.

3.3. THE DUTIES OF AN EVANGELIST IN CHURCH GROWTH
        As seen in the discourse above, One can easily conclude that the ministry of an Evangelist is very important in every church that desires growth. The Evangelist therefore has some vital roles to play, if the church would grow. Those roles would be taken to cognizance in this part of the research work.
      The army of Christ must arise to rescue the perishing by taking note of the following:
1. You must see the vision of harvest a fresh. Without catching the vision afresh, we cannot be an agent of transformation that we are expected to be.
2. During the time of harvest, all hands must be on deck. If you have truly been saved, you must rise up for the Salvation of others.
3. Harvest time is not forever. This is because, un-reaped harvest will go bad and be and be lost forever if it is not attended to on time.
4. The time of harvest is a time of very serious hard work, it is not a time to play.
5. Every labourer must use his 'sickle' during the time of harvest. You must use your time, talents and treasure.
6. Intensive prayers must be raised for both the labourers and the harvest field.
7. Labourers must set goals for the harvest they intend to reap.
8. Labourers must be strategic in their harvesting efforts.
9. All harvest that are reaped must be assimilated into a living church, they must not be left unattended to. They must not be left to waste away.
10. You cannot reap the harvest if your heart is bad. A labourer who who is carnal, wicked, polluted. etc.cannot reap good harvest for the Lord.
     "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness and from all your idols, will I cleanse. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will I put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my judgements, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I give to your fathers: and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God". Ezekiel 36:25-38.⁴
     The researcher has also observed that, so many Evangelist's efforts are failing today simply because the guiding principles for life and ministry are not being followed. Such guiding principles are listed above, should be followed strictly to ensure a great success in the evangelist's ministry.

3.4. THE WAYS IN ENHANCING CHURCH GROWTH
1. Church Discipline: One of the roles expected of a leader in reviving the church is exercising discipline to any erring members. There is no doubt that discipline is to exercised in the church in order to revive any conflicting brothers. When a brother or sister adopts a sinful life - style, the church is to follow a procedure that aims at his or her restoration to holiness.
   Leaders should emphasize restoration to holiness. After a series of confrontations, if the sinning person refuses to repent, then the church refuses to fellowship with that person. Through this isolation, the body acts out on earth the reality of loss of fellowship with God that scripture says comes when a believer walks in darkness. Discipline in the church, seems to lnvolve (1) Judging or evaluating behavior (2) Attempting in unmistakable ways to influence or control behavior, and (3) Restoring to holiness so that God's name will be glorified and the church edified and in harmony.
    The purpose of discipline is to help the one under it discover the reality of his or her position, face the reality and make a personal decision to reject such sin and return to fellowship. In this sense, discipline is designed not to pressure but to reveal the reality of the sinner's condition, so that the choice to be made is unmistakable and clear.5
    Prominent among charges that could be brought against church ministers are dereliction of duty, refusal to go on posting, fornication, adultery, heresy, and teaching of false doctrine, membership of secret societies and cults, disloyalty, participation in food or drinks offered to idols, imbibing alcoholic drinks and embezzlement. However, if a minister or member relapses repeatedly into the same offence of fornication, adultery or abortion he would be sanctioned with dismissal. The concerned culprit may be subjected to any of these punishments depending on the native and the gravity of his offence. Causal warning, official reprimand, withholding of annual increment, suspension, demotion, disrobing, forfeiture of rank and offices, retirement, dismissal, and excommunication.6
    2. Obedience: There is no doubt that there is a bond of obedience laid on members of the body of Christ in their relationship with leaders. The idea of submission in scripture is, first mutual and second, in terms of the freely chosen response of love to love. There is a similar loving tone to "Obedience". For Instance, the book of Hebrews first exhorts believers; " Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and intimate their faith" (Heb. 13:7). It would seem that here is a clear cut case of the very kind of authority that this section suggests spiritual leaders must reject. Here is a demand for Obedience. Leaders seem to have at least some right to control. And here, his a reference to an "authority" that leaders have. Obedience is the basis for following Jesus. Henry Nouwen and his co-authors Observed this about Jesus life.
3. Love: The Bible teaches about love in various dimensions. We are not only to love those who love us but also to love our enemies. We are also told to beware of love of money because it is the root of all evil. If we love Jesus Christ, we should keep his commandments. Husbands should love their wives even as Christ also loves the church, (Eph. 5:25). We are told in the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 that love suffers long, and is kind. Love envieth not, love vaunts not itself, love does not puff. Love does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own. Love is not easily provoked, does not think evil. Love does not rejoice in Iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. There are faith, hope and love, but the greatest of them is love. (1 Timothy 6:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8,13) whosoever hates his brother is a murderer, and no murderer has eternal life. Jesus loves us so much that he laid down his life for us. (1 John 3:15-16)7
4. Holiness: God told Abraham "walk before me and be thou perfect" (Gen. 17:1-2). God desires perfection from all His children. To be perfect is to be in complete conformity to God's word. It denotes a state of being faultless, blameless or spotless and a state of being excellent (Daniel 6:3). If God could help Abraham to be perfect, could He not also help believes in Christ to be perfect? Holiness is His heartbeat, and His desire is that we should be like Him in holiness. The first step to perfection is willingness and Obedience. Genuine repentance is an Indispensable condition for perfection. Whosoever wants to be perfect must first, and foremost repent from sin and be saved. (1 John 3:17). He or she must also live a holy life by abstaining from all appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). What God requires of you on daily basis is perfect Obedience to His will. We should therefore stand perfect and complete in all His will.
5. Watchfulness: Christians must be watchful not to be tempted by the devil. There are two principal actors on the stage of history. These are Jesus Christ and the devil. Jesus was able to overcome the devil through compassion, love and humility: the objective of Jesus Christ is to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). As Christians, the church must identify and destroy all the works of Satan and his collaborators. Satan and his demons have the ultimate goal of torturing mankind, causing catastrophes, destroying lives and at last, making humanity partake in the eternal fire which he and his cohorts are destined for. The scripture enjoins us to "be sober, to be vigilant, because our adversary the devil, as a rearing lion, walking about seeking whom he may devoured" (1 Peter 5:8).8

3.5. THE IMPACT OF EVANGELISM ON CHURCH GROWTH
        Christ's commission to his church to reach the entire world and spread the gospel could have over whelm the Apostles. However, they believed him and made a good start along the way, and that without rapid transportation or electronic media facilities. Regardless of facilities, God used, and is still using willing human who will go to near or far places teaching people who will teach others until his kingdom is like the mustard tree, that grow from small and tiny seed as started in one of Jesus parables.
       The new Testament record shows that believers organized themselves into congregation and became churches. The scriptural account relates how these congregation grew; for believers were added to the church until the disciples became multitudes of Men and Women. The number of churches continued to increase, and these was a decipering of commitment and spiritual growth of believer. The growth was phenomenoal considering the small number of believer at the time of Jesus ascension and the opposition and presentation they endured, first from Jewish leaders and later from others.9
      According to Paul the Apostle, in the scripture he explained church growth by comparing it to the process of agricultural cultivation. "I planted, Apostles watered, but God gave the growth", just as careful planting, watering, discipline, and training made growth and an abundant harvest of souls. It is a cooperative efforts. Man does his part guided by the Holy Spirit, and God gives the growth.
      The work of evangelism has grown the church through the person and the laid example of Jesus Christ by the disciples and the believers grew in numbers, from one hundred and twenty people in the upper room in Jerusalem to five thousand one hundred and twenty on the day of Pentecost. 10 They were never timid and continued as they used to be, they were enthusiastic and committed soul winners. They preached Christ, even though they were oppressed and persecuted. As they went forth they preached, and on they preached multitudes were added to the faith, even the priests.
      Growth accelerated, and the term for " growth" changed from addition to multiply. We note that the disciples were increasing in number, "the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem". In the eight chapter of Acts, it is recorded that the disciples were scattered abroad and went about preaching the word. This led to an increase in number of believers in many different places. The account of Philip baptizing both men and woman, many believed in Joppa. A great number of Greeks, believed the gospel reached over the sea to Philippi, and Lydia and her household believed and were baptized the growth, continued until the missionaries from various area met in Jerusalem to report that many thousand of Jews had believed.
     Churches were extended to other places. In the beginning there was one church in Jerusalem which grew as believers were added. They as the disciples multiplied, they were dispersed?
    And on the day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria, except the apostle.
    The disciples did not go into hiding as they might have done before Pentecost. Their activities are described " Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word". This caused the growth pattern to explode, not only in multiplication of disciples, but in the planting of new churches everywhere.
    From this point on, both the book of Acts and New Testament Epistles underscored the multiplication of churches as well as members. New churches were planted in every Pagan centre of the then.. Known world in less than four decades. Multiplication of churches took place in Judea, Galilee and Samaria.
    There was a transition from the mother church to emerging congregations. Branches of growing churches kept stretching out the process going on an on, the term CHURCH (Singular) is changed to CHURCHES (Plural) Indicating rapid growth as churches were planted, they spread like a creeping vine. The records of those local churches can be found in Acts, and following outline gives the account of Christianity beginning in Jerusalem and sweeping across the known world ¹¹.
    The atmosphere of major and waiting for spiritual power prepared the disciples for the leading of the Holy Spirit in developing methods and strategies for spreading the gospel. Their methods without Spiritual power would have failed, just as spiritual fervor active. The New Testament believes apparently had both and were willing to make use of all available means, places and Opportunities to spread the gospel.
    The disciples used homes, synagogues and the open air as place to witness. They taught, Preached, Performed miracles, demonstrated Christians living and gave personal testimonies. They witnessed to all kinds of people, the rich, the poor, educated, kings and commoners, as well as various languages groups.
    They evangelize in Paris, large groups and singly. Their methods and strategies were adapted to each particular situation under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. ¹²

3.6. THE IMPACT OF EVANGELISM ON CAC OKE - ISEGUN, IFETEDO
        Evangelistic outreach is a great tool in the present gospel to the people. And have a tremendous impact in Christ Apostolic Church as a whole, Even in the society and Christendom as whole. Evangelistic outreach has a positive impact in the development of Christ Apostolic Church One - Isegun, Ifetedo.
      Virtually all peoples of Ifetedo know the role that God played and they could not forget the mighty hand of God which destroyed the demons that gave people sleepless nights and made the place a forbidden Area, taken less of Night time where all the demons within Ifetedo used to have their regular meetings there, Now become peaceful because of the presence of God through prayers, fasting and Word of God.
      Even this generation cannot forget the tremendous impact in Ifetedo and as we are passing from one generation to another, it is evident that almost 10% of the whole congregation know how Christ Apostolic Church Ifetedo came to stay in a prohibited area in the heart of the largest city in West African. And this brought a lot of positive development in terms of social amenities, Infrastructure. etc. In Ifetedo.
      Christ Apostolic Church Ifetedo had built up and trained renowned ministers of God got their calls and can now boast of about 30% of CAC ministers and members of the church now becoming the corner stone of the mission. And some of the Pastors and Evangelist who were relevant in Christendom like Pastor Joel Famuyide, Pastor Roy Akinyinka, Pastor Goke Adedigba, Pastor Arasanlu, Pastor Iseniyi, Pastor Kunle Famuyide, Pastor Isaiah Ogundipe, Pastor Nani, Pastor Odewale, Evangelist Ogunwusi Opeoluwa, Evangelist Afolabi Ayomide.
      Through her tremendous impact in Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, many problems were solved through fasting and prayer. It promotes the love for prayer. It promotes the love for prayer and they conduct a lot of revival outreaches and crusades. etc. and many people were converted into the fold. There are over three thousand worshippers and activities that so much growth and expansion came through evangelism. The expansion brought many churches as many Assemblies were founded by Christ Apostolic Church Oke - Isegun, Ifetedo though spreading and her revivals outreach Assemblies like CAC Pillar of fire, CAC Oke - Ayo, CAC Oke - Igbala, CAC Oke - Iyanu, CAC Rehoboth prayer center. etc. In Ifetedo and its environment.
       During an Interview granted by Elder Ibrahim Oluwafemi, who was the Secretary of Christ Apostolic Church Oke - Isegun, Ifetedo.He gave an insight about the vision and goals of Christ Apostolic Church Oke - Isegun, Ifetedo and how they followed the vision in order to grow and expand Christ Apostolic Church, Ifetedo and its environs. The goals are as follows:
1. To make Heaven
2. To have a member of Christ Apostolic Church Oke - Isegun, Ifetedo in every family of all nations?
3. To accomplish the above, the church plant branches within five kilometer walking distance throughout the nation.
4. The church try to pursue these objectives until every place is taken for Christ.
       In other to evangelize and win souls for Christ a particular area will be chosen as a venue and the area to be used will be the area that Christ Apostolic Church have not existed before.
       Evangelism has had a very great impact on CAC Oke - Isegun, Ifetedo in the recent time. As we all know that evangelism is the bedrock of the growth of the church. Without any vision for  evangelism, the church should not expect any numerical growth. The vision for evangelism in the past has greatly affected the growth of the church positively. Numerically the church has drastically increased to about 1000 people both men and women including children.

3.7. THE OUTCOME OF EVANGELISM ON CAC OKE - ISEGUN, IFETEDO
         The Outcome of Evangelism on CAC Oke - Isegun, Ifetedo, made changes to the church and it also made the church grow and develop, and it made most members of the church to see themselves as clergy, not laypersons. Because, before the application of this method, most members of the church see themselves as laypersons, not clergy.
     The methods used in Evangelism met the requirement of reaching every individual person, First, it ought to be recognized that many of the effort require much advertising in this age. The emphasis in the appeals is almost always on things rather than on Christ, and this ought to suggest a fault from the start. It does not "herald" or announce Christ, but an Evangelist, a speaker, Entertainment, a church programme, Friendship, or something attractive to the natural man. The outcome in the case of Church related efforts is that some may be encouraged to come into the church without being changed through the regenerating work of God. The outcome is a pervasive deadness in the church instead of Christianity in other words, the church and Christians should be careful, by all means, to make clear to people that the object of primary concern is their relationship to Christ. Until this is clear, preaching, it will not communicate the Gospel as it ought to. The method used in the church also makes members often tend to leave the task of evangelism to those few trained ones.
      However, in Matthew 28:19; the Great commission was not directed at only the clergy. The Lord spoke to all His disciples. It also made most members of the church to understand what the task involves. Before the application of this method, they felt that it is sufficient just to live out the Christian life. They thought that through that alone unbelievers will know the Gospel. But when they are now been trained for it. Often and often, ministers who urge them to witness have specially trained them on how to witness. And it also assist the church to win souls for Christ. As such, the church is expanded tremendously.
     The Outcome of Evangelism also brings genuine repentance of heart. It also increases the number of genuine worshippers, and exposed the new converts to the doctrines of the church through good teaching of the Bible. It brings stead fatness to the spiritual life of the Christians. And it also brings a period of love / care among the Christian in the church. It also brings daily growth into the church. And also produce good disciples for the church.






ENDNOTE
1Alban, Douglas One Hundred Bible Lessons. Mokola, Ibadan: Thank God Publication (Big.,) 2017, 169.
2Francis Bola Akin - John: 22 Dynamic laws of Church Growth (Church Growth service Inc, Lagos 2012) Pg. 16-17.
3Pastor Dr. A.A. Balogun: A Lecture note on Church Growth (Unpublished) Pg.6.
4.Elijah O. Awosope: Evangelist Ministry and Church Growth (Church Growth services Inc., Lagos, 2011).
5Calvin, Miller. The Empowered Leader (Nashville, TN. Broadman And Holman Press, 1995) Pg.17
6Ralph, Mahoney. The Shepherd's staff. Bur bank: World map, 1993, 122
7E.A. Adeboye, 207.
8Ralph, Mahoney. The Shepherd's staff. Bur bank: World map, 1997. 211.
9 The Holy Bible King James Version: 1 Corinthian 2:6.
10Ibid: Acts 2:41-47
11Ibid: Acts 15:14
12Ibid: Acts 1:8
     

CHAPTER FOUR
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1. SUMMARY
       This study is essentially carried out with the intention to present a vivid analysis of the roles of Evangelism in Church growth.
       This study observed that vibrant Evangelists have great Influence in determine the growth of the church since the inception of the church, with Evangelistic mission in Samaria as a reference.
        The research study is divided into four Chapters. Chapter One is the Introductory part of the study and it discusses the background of the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, scope of the study, research methodology and definition of operational terms.
       Chapter two deals with the review of related literature that is relevance to the research topic. In this chapter, the research discusses extensively on the Evangelism in the church. i.e. What is Evangelism, Types of Evangelism, The Message of Evangelism, Importance of an Evangelist, Evangelism in the Old Testament, Evangelism in the New Testament, The Role of Evangelism in Church Growth, The Relationship between the church and Evangelism, What does Church Growth denote, The role of youth in Evangelism, and The Result of Evangelism in the Church.
       Chapter three discusses the Roles of Evangelism in Church Growth. In the Chapter there was explanation on the Roles of Evangelism in Church Growth, The effects of Evangelism on Church Growth, The Impact of the Holy Spirit on Church Growth, The duties of an Evangelist in Church Growth, The ways in Enhancing Church Growth, The Impact of Evangelism on Church Growth, The Impact of Evangelism on CAC Oke - Isegun, Ifetedo, and The Outcome of Evangelism on CAC Oke - Isegun, Ifetedo.
      Chapter four deals with the Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations.

4.2. CONCLUSION
       Finally this long term paper or research work has shown that Evangelism is the "Petra's" which means bedrock or parent rock for the growth of any church. So, all church in the world whether big or small have one mission to fulfill which is much more Imperative than any other things for church planters and leaders to quickly strategize on how this mission would became a reality and one of the major thing is to strive hard in Evangelism.
       Evangelism has a lot of roles in contemporary church and it is the heart beat of our Lord Jesus Christ. Based on this fact, Evangelism is the only way to populate the kingdom of God, and also it is the only way to depopulate the kingdom of the devil. We all know that it is the commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ before He ascended to the right hand of God in Heaven. "Go ye and preach the gospel" Despite this great commandment, many of them are only preaching prosperity, miracle and organize unnecessary programmes contrary to the will of God. Many ministries do not budget any money on evangelism. Those on the mission field are suffering from abandonment and rejection.
      Churches have to go back to the source and obey the commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ. This will assist the church to fulfill it mandate before the second coming of Christ.

4.3. RECOMMENDATIONS
         The following point below are recommended and this will serve as useful suggestions that would help Churches, Evangelists, Leaders, in fact Christians in the evangelism field.
.1. Church planters and leaders should accept evangelism as a must as Jesus had given the command.
2. The Holy Spirit should be given the chance to lead the church, as this will aid rapid and sustainable growth in the church.
3. There should be a change for thorough follow-up after evangelism had taken place so as to encourage new converts in the church.
4. Evangelists should receive adequate trainings that will aid their call and should be filled with the passion for the lost souls.
5. All Church leaders should set goals based on the area to be evangelized, and determine the kind of people that are residing there, whether rich or poor, literate or illiterate, young or old, also the nature of job they are involve in, to know an effective means of reaching them.
6. Prayer and Orientation should be administered from time to time on the evangelism team in order to be always inflammable for Christ and also Evangelism team must live a prayer and fasting life together with evangelism ideals so that things will work together in season.
7. Youths are to be encouraged in evangelism as it accommodates people from all ages, as a divine mandate.
8. Evangelism requires much money to succeed. Therefore, Church planters and leaders must spend more money on evangelism more than other programmes in the church.
9. The Church should act with love to propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with the aim of winning souls, and making them grow spiritually.
10. Adequate preparation should be carried out before going out for evangelism especially, mass evangelism and the church leaders must imbibe the attitude of giving youths chances to make use of their spiritual gifts and talents.




BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Michel Green Evangelism in the early church (Grand Rapid: Books 1970).
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