Chapter Two: Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

To deeply explore the difference between group and solo evangelism, it is imperative to review the literature on the topic of study. Hence, the intention of this qualitative phenomenological investigation the various perspectives regarding solo and group evangelism. The significant areas of the literature review centered on (i) reasons as to why solo evangelists predominate church than a group of evangelist, (ii) impact of solo and group evangelists on the church, (iii) types of evangelism and growth of the church, and (iv) contributing factors to the division between solo and group evangelist. Due to the scarce literature on the topic of study, several closely related research were identified. Nonetheless, church evangelism theories were considered along with the massive growth of the church and the retention of its members. The literature review entails a holistic approach to comprehend the distinction between evangelism and evangelist. Although the literature on the thesis topic is limited, the reviews discussed still illustrate relevant variables of effectiveness between solo and group evangelism.

2.2 Evangelism

Much as evangelism is considered a significant factor in the church’s growth, it has not had an enormous impact on its development. According to Hong (2007), evangelism is simply a phenomenon of the North Americans that originated solely from the convergence of devotion, vestiges of puritanism, and Presbyterianism. Hong further claims that evangelism’s distinct strange features were derived from doctrinal precisionist, individual soul-searching to the puritans, and the pianists. Moreover, Hong continued to assert that evangelism can also facilitate the redemption of a person and several developing churches. The scrutiny of evangelism and the church’s growth cannot be overlooked as regards Christian faith; as such, the survival of the church becomes impossible without it. Indeed, proclaiming the word of the Lord spans to carrying out missions to help Christ’s followers and church members deepen their faith. Hong further says that more emphasis on the close relationship between evangelism and the church’s growth, which can barely be separated, is advanced by Donald McGauran. All in all, the church is the last residence of Christ that plays a massive role in drawing individuals and countries to faith and obedience by effectively advancing the gospel; thus, attracting believers to ongoing churches.

Evangelism is the kind of work that everyone can take upon themselves to do. According to Ongana (2014), effective evangelism and the perception that it is for everyone raises a question of comprehending the term, which meant proclaiming the glad tidings. Nevertheless, an individual who preaches the good news to anyone is proclaiming evangelism in this respect. The concept explains that a person called to preach evangelism possesses the heart of a pastor; otherwise, the reverse is Biblically untrue (Ongana 2014). Ongaga further explained that evangelizing is distributed according to the will of the Spirit and might differ from person to person. As such, an evangelist is a messenger of Christ whether or not he chooses to become a wanderer evangelist, pastor, classroom, and any other form of Godly vocation. Finally, everyone who humbles themselves before God qualifies as an evangelist when they commit to the great mission.

2.2.1 Solo Evangelists

Several studies were conducted by Bible instructors several years ago, and as a result, many people were baptized though most of them have backslidden, thus dragging the congregation behind. Ongana (2014), emphasized in his study that one-on-one evangelism effectively persuades new believers to come to the church other than if evangelists adopted a public form of spreading the word by using the public address system. According to him, the church can convince individuals who are hesitant and skeptical to convene in holy gatherings faster. Remarkably, such public address system has influenced several individuals to accept baptism as a result of receiving the evangelism from a distance. Onganna continued to assert that over the years, there has been considerable misuse of the public address system as it contributes to noise pollution. Thus, the emergence of the need to redesign public evangelism system that can convert and retain members while minimizing the negative impact on the environment. The practice of solo evangelism has had minimal conflict with the laws governing noise pollution. Ongaga concluded in his one-on-one study that solo evangelism plays an enormous part in bringing people to follow Jesus Christ; thus, increasing their faith. The conversion of individuals is not the only importance of solo evangelism, but it also shapes and retains them, which is a positive effect of this method. Therefore, this approach of evangelism is inexpensive and has been practiced every day with minimal requirement of a great public orator; thus, countless people have got involved in the recruitment process.

2.3.1 Biblical Preaching on Personal Evangelism

Over the years, there has been a tremendous development of literature on the growth of the church using a biblical approach through personal evangelism. Many authors have concluded that spreading the word of God using the Bible in the church has created motivation, which improved personal evangelism (Kim, 2000). Kim continued to assert that the good results of biblical preaching lead to the creation of a steady relationship with personal evangelism. Moreover, Kim sighted the significant primary element of this relationship as; acknowledging and respecting the framework the Lord structured for personal evangelism, the rightful bravery that preacher’s exhibit to evangelize, and the guardianship to accomplish God’s work with the help of the Holy Spirit. To defend his opinions, Kim continued to refer to the Bible, particularly Mathew 28:19-20.

Furthermore, he claims that location was not a significant concern of God when structuring themes of personal evangelism. As a result, prioritizing the utmost importance of salvation awareness, sermons and evangelism can win one a place in the world of Jesus Christ. The unique way preachers convey the word of God to the congregation is believed to be the significant apparent reason individuals attend church services. Consequently, subjective preaching of evangelism can establish firm ground for evangelical ministries, thereby winning hearts to Christ.

2.4 Impacts of solo and group evangelists on the church

In a study to ascertain the church as a center of spiritual transformation, the historical repercussions of the church were identified as responsible for propelling change and development and shaping the community. Koenig (2012) argues that during the reformation realm, the church championed the transformation of the cities in this historical error. Koenig continued to claim that extensive exploration of the redesigned dynamics and characteristics of the present church deviates slightly from preaching. He thought that the community plays an essential part in reshaping the church through ministries in today’s world. The study expressly concluded that Christianity has always taken up the community’s transformation as a significant course since it relates closely to the poor and the other minority. Koenig also explained that the church, at one point in time, lost the objective of transforming society. Still, throughout the ages, it has restored this glory of responsibly that portrays the church as evidence of God’s existence. Besides, the church has been identified to hold and continue to execute its duty of transforming the society, thus creating desired change. All in all, the church has structured several strategies of manipulating the gospel to turn the world into a better where justice, peace, and harmony can prevail for everyone.

A current study by Pillay (2017) attempted to assess the significant values of evangelism, which identified that evangelism in American churches has a more profound understanding of the issue. Furthermore, they integrated the methodologies of analyzing evangelism into the concepts of ministries. In this study, Pillay claims that evangelism in America can comprehend by reviewing literature with unique methods, which comprise the best techniques and appropriate words and phrases to use until then a person may not qualify to be a Christian. Following this research’s objective, it was essential to analyze the methodologies of evangelism to discover the values guiding the churches evangelically. Pillay continues to assert that the study focused on establishing evangelistic effectiveness through critical observations of the churches. It has little to do with the methodologies but rather relates more to the core values of these churches. However, the decision to observe these churches was a significant attempt to devise better questions for other religions to improve their evangelism strategy. As a result, evangelism aims at advancing a positive transition on a compelling trajectory that targets the improvement of evangelism.

The literature relating to spirituality issues, religion, and health investigations has resulted in suggestions that have a brief yet comprehensive study focusing on the mental and physical state of health. Hick (2008) asserts that the review of quantitative data published in peer-review journals followed a sequential approach in analyzing the topic of the survey. Furthermore, he explained that the study was to establish the popularity and familiarity of religious beliefs and the rate of practicability in patients with mental and psychiatric disorders by identifying their response to illnesses, including other depressing situations of life. Hick continued to argue that although a considerable number of researches have indicated that individuals who are religious and spiritual possing better mental health advantage. They also took a shorter time to improve their mental health compared to those with less R/S. Moreover, the author also suggested that these particular health benefits are evident to physiological effects that dictate one’s state of physical health, alter the danger of illness, impact a persons’ response to treatment. Hick further proceeded to review why it was necessary to inquire about dealing with spiritual requirements in clinical practice, described the procedures relevant to doing so, and set the limits that health professionals cannot cross. The study concluded that the provision of the desired quality of health care exceeded its imperative to incorporate spiritual beliefs in mentally ill patients. Thus, the section of religion, spirituality, and health increase its span though evangelism is gradually shifting towards mainstream healthcare.