Worship Evangelism

Mark Tedder

What do street mime, gospel literature, and medical missions all have in common? They are ways the story of Christ is presented. For centuries the church has used many means to share the Gospel. The list of evangelistic tools is as long as the list of people who use them. Each one is effective in its own right. We should embrace and encourage them all. However, when talking about the use of worship in evangelism, I get excited.

Having watched not-yet-believers experience Christian worship, I see its power as an evangelistic tool. From Bulgaria to Beijing, it is the same. Stressed out people begin to relax in God’s presence. Although they don’t understand, something in their soul connects with its created purpose. That purpose is to worship God. Whether in a Muslim nightclub or Icelandic university, listeners experience God’s presence. Afterwards friends and co-workers are often open to discussion about God.

They want to know more about what they felt and sensed during worship. That provides a wonderful foundation from which to speak into hearts and lives. A place in which to share our own testimony. Christ promised that if we lift him up, that he would draw all men to him. It doesn’t matter if we worship in church or worship in a secular setting, people are drawn.

When the church uses every available tool, including worship, she will indeed be instrumental in escorting souls into heaven. What exactly will those souls be doing once they get there? While I’m sure there are many unknown elements in heaven, one is certain; we will continue to worship. In Revelation 7:9 we read, “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could county, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice; Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

If it is God’s heart to have humankind worshipping around his throne, then why not use worship as an evangelistic tool? However, I would humbly offer one word of caution! Make sure that you are musically prepared as well as spiritually prepared. Get a set list of about 10 songs and work those songs till you are confident musically before you try to execute them in public. Remember as well that we’re representing a king and his kingdom. I encourage you and your worship team to experiment with this. Don’t be afraid to blend worship with cross-over (cover) material as well. In China, when touring for the China Disability Federation, we sang a few Chinese love songs as well as current worship tunes.

Try taking your worship service outside the walls of the church. Can your band open up a new park or soup kitchen? Go down and minister healing worship to the poor and needy, in hospices, nursing homes…then serve them lunch! The Worshiplanet Band opened up a new cancer hospital in Taipei, Taiwan in 2002. We sang and worshipped God as desperate patients entered the treatment facility. What about the mall and shopping areas? Consider packaging your worship concert in a way that would get you into local high schools.

Start small and grow. Play well and worship hard! Ask God to fulfill his purposes through your worship. Remember as well that even though you may be praising in public, you’re not a rock star! Let the Holy Spirit work and move through you and get out of the way and see what he does with a willing heart and a group of keen worshippers! Join with every tribe and tongue who are currently worshipping around the throne!

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