When you hear the phrase "seek and save," what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a firefighter charging into a burning building, a rescue team searching for someone lost in the wilderness, or a lifeguard diving into dangerous waters to pull someone to safety. These images capture a sense of urgency, courage, and purpose.
That’s the mission Jesus described when He said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
The Gospel isn’t just a message—it’s a rescue mission, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Jesus didn’t wait for us to find Him. He came for us, and now He’s inviting you to join Him in the greatest mission on earth.
You might feel unqualified, hesitant, or unsure where to start, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Jesus equips the willing. All He asks is for you to take a step of faith. Let’s explore three ways you can step into His mission and live out the call to seek and save the lost.
Visitation Evangelism: Stepping Into Someone’s World
Think about the story of the shepherd in Luke 15. When one sheep wandered off, the shepherd didn’t wait for it to find its way back. He left the ninety-nine and went searching for the one. That’s what visitation evangelism is all about—stepping into someone else’s world to bring them back to the safety and hope of Christ.
You’ve probably experienced moments when you’ve felt God nudging you to reach out to someone. Maybe it’s a lonely neighbor, a coworker going through a hard time, or someone who can’t make it to church.
True love doesn’t wait—it steps into the mess, the hurt, and the brokenness to bring hope and healing.
Throughout history, visitation evangelism has transformed lives. Think of D.L. Moody’s team at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, who visited homes, hotels, and even saloons to share the Gospel. Thousands came to Christ because someone cared enough to meet them where they were.
You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. A simple visit, a listening ear, and a heart willing to share can change someone’s life forever. Who in your life needs you to step into their world this week?
Seasonal Evangelism: Making the Most of Opportunities
Life has a rhythm, and God has woven opportunities for the Gospel into its very fabric. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Some seasons are natural times to share the Gospel because hearts are already more open. Christmas and Easter are the most obvious, but they’re just the beginning.
Think about Christmas and Easter. These aren’t just holidays—they're invitations. Invitations for the world to hear the greatest story ever told.
Even people who rarely think about God are singing carols, attending services, and reflecting on life. The story of Jesus is woven into the culture during these times, and hearts are often more open to hearing the good news.
But seasonal evangelism doesn’t stop with the holidays. Personal milestones like weddings, baptisms, and even funerals can be powerful opportunities to point people to Christ. When Jesus delayed going to Lazarus, He wasn’t ignoring His friend’s need—He was creating a moment to proclaim, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Even in grief, Jesus used the occasion to bring many to faith.
What moments in your life could you use to share the Gospel? Hosting a Christmas gathering? Inviting someone to Easter service? Maybe it’s as simple as sharing a heartfelt word during a family milestone. God has built these opportunities into the seasons of life—will you recognize them and make the most of them?
Church Growth Evangelism: Reaching More Together
Sometimes, evangelism happens on a bigger scale. While personal and seasonal evangelism focus on individuals, church growth evangelism looks at how believers can come together to expand the reach of the Gospel.
The early church didn’t stay in one place. Jesus told His disciples, “You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). As the Gospel spread, churches adapted to the needs of their communities. Paul planted churches across the Roman Empire, raising up leaders who could continue the work and expand the mission.
But church growth isn’t about numbers or buildings—it’s about broken lives being made whole in Christ.
The mission isn’t to fill pews; it’s to fill heaven.
Think of how the Gospel can reach someone who might never come to a traditional church. Whether it’s starting a small group, creating ministries for underserved populations, or planting a new congregation, church growth creates opportunities for more people to encounter Jesus.
Even if you’re not in church leadership, you have a role in church growth. Could you invite a friend to church? Serve in a ministry that meets a community need? Start a new Bible study or small group? The Gospel spreads when ordinary believers take extraordinary steps of faith.
Living It Out
You’ve read about these three ways to share the Gospel. Now it’s time to ask yourself: "What’s my next step?"
For visitation evangelism, think about the people in your life who might need a visit. Is there someone who’s lonely, grieving, or hurting? God might be calling you to reach out, listen, and share the hope you’ve found in Christ.
For seasonal evangelism, consider the opportunities coming up in the natural rhythm of life. Could you invite someone to a Christmas service or host a gathering where you share the Christmas story? Think about the milestones in your life—weddings, baptisms, even funerals—and how those moments could point others to Jesus.
For church growth evangelism, reflect on how you can help the Gospel reach more people. Could you invite someone to church, serve in a ministry, or even lead a small group? Every step you take to grow God’s church expands His kingdom and brings the lost closer to Him.
This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being faithful.
The mission of the Gospel is clear: Seek the lost. Save the hurting. Build the Kingdom. And it all starts with one step of faith.
The Urgency of the Mission
Sharing the Gospel isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. When Jesus came to seek and save the lost, He did so with urgency and purpose. And now, He’s inviting you to do the same.
Think of the firefighters who ran into the Twin Towers on 9/11. They didn’t wait for the lost to save themselves. They ran toward the danger because lives were at stake. Eternity is at stake, and you have the privilege of stepping into someone’s life to share the greatest news they’ll ever hear.
The opportunities are all around you. Whether it’s visiting someone in need, sharing the Gospel during a seasonal moment, or helping your church reach more people, there’s always a way to live out this mission.
So, take a step of faith. Seek the lost. Save the hurting. Build the Kingdom. God has called you, and He’ll equip you. Together, we can bring light and life to a world in desperate need of hope.
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