Volume 58 : Spring 2007 : Number 1
   

Evangelize...Evangelize!

Just Why does IFMA* exist?

I have been asked that question many times by various people and even groups of people, over the past months, as I have settled into the role as the new IFMA Executive Director. The answer to that question is not hard to come by. Unquestionably the highest stated priority of this association is World Evangelization. In whatever plans, programs, activities or associations the IFMA engages, all are measured against this priority. Our individual member agencies engage in evangelism, discipleship, church planting and a host of necessary support ministries to promote the progress of world evangelization. There is no nobler goal to which an association like ours is called; there is no clearer vision that we must have. Although a variety of other synonyms and even catchy mottos can be found stating what the mission of the Church is, for us "world evangelization" states it best.

That being said, it is not always clear what is meant by that phrase. Different people define it different ways. Some see world evangelization as solely a spiritual endeavor. Others prefer to add a strong social obligation to the mandate. The debate is on-going and forever being polished (see John Orme's Spring 2001 IFMA News article).

The five Great Commission passages (Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:46-48, John 20:21, Acts 1:8) allude to what is meant without directly defining it. Taken together, most of us would agree that these passages describe world evangelization as the process of communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ in culturally sensitive ways, so that all peoples everywhere might have the opportunity to repent of their sins and place their faith in the redemptive work of Christ for the salvation of their souls; committing themselves as life-long disciples to Him.

When it comes to world evangelization, let's be realistic as to what our final goal is. Missionary statesman, Dick Hillis, stated a generation ago, "It is not our responsibility to bring the world to Christ; but it is our responsibility to take Christ to the world." Each and every member agency makes taking Christ to the world its highest priority, no matter what specific niche of this mission God has entrusted to them. The means employed are many, the methods employed are diverse, the missionaries employed vary in gifting, training, and skills, the money expended has been enormous, but the overarching goal "world evangelization" is one and the same.

In 1917, when IFMA was founded, one of the stated reasons for the formation of this association was, "to make possible the bearing of a united testimony to the need of a complete and speedy evangelization of the world." Throughout the ninety years since our founders clearly stated that as this association's overarching goal, we have not deviated from it. Nor should we ever. Henry Crocker has portrayed this goal well in his inspirational poem, "Evangelize!"

    Evangelize!

    Give us a watchword for the hour,
    A thrilling word, a word of power,
    A battle-cry, a flaming breath,
    That calls to conquest or to death;
    A word to rouse the church from rest,
    To heed her Master's high behest,
    The call is given: ye hosts arise,
    Our watchword is Evangelize!

    The glad evangel now proclaim,
    Through all the earth in Jesus' name;
    This word is ringing through the skies,
    Evangelize, Evangelize!

    To dying men, a fallen race,
    Make known the gift of gospel grace;
    The world that now in darkness lies,
    Evangelize! Evangelize!

It is our passion to reach people throughout the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is why IFMA exists.

Marv Newell
Executive Director
IFMA of North America

* IFMA is now CrossGlobal Link

Download the entire Spring 2007 Newsletter (PDF)