Session 10
Product:
Lasting Benefits for the Local Church
Defining the Results
The two stated objectives of a Crusade are to evangelize the community and to strengthen the
local church for witness and discipleship.
1. Most pastors will see new people in their churches.
2. Most believers will be spiritually stronger because they have participated in the Crusade.
Benefits of Participating in the Crusade
1. Training. Pastors have said that the training of their people as the greatest benefit of
participating in the Crusade. People trained in counseling, witnessing, follow-up, and prayer
ministries continue to use what they have learned in their churches. The local church benefit
before, during, and after the Crusade.
2.
Unity of Christians. One result of Crusade evangelism has been the unifying of Christians
across race and denominational lines through their commitment to a common goal: the
proclaiming of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is very important that believers cooperate, support, live in harmony, and be able to trust one
another. True oneness can only come from a changed heart.
We are not in competition with each other. We are on the same team.
3. Emphasis on Evangelism. Prayer, witnessing, and evangelism have an effect on local churches
and on the local community. God can use the emphasis on evangelism to motivate individuals
and churches to reach out to unbelievers in their communities. The only way to reach the
unbelievers is through the people in the church. More trained and confident Christians will help
this process in the weeks, months, and years after the Crusade.
4. Spiritual Renewal. Another benefit is the spiritual renewal of believers. After attending the
Crusade believers are more motivated to read their Bible, attend church, pray daily, and attend
Bible studies, and share their faith with others.
5. New Additions to the Church. Many churches will benefit with new additions after the Crusade.
Also those who have stopped coming to church may start coming again.
6. Awareness of Church and Community Needs. As believers are renewed spiritually, they have a
greater awareness of the needs of those around them, both in the church and in the
community. Believers have the responsibility to proclaim the gospel and also to meet physical
needs of others. We must find the balance between evangelism and action.
7. Emphasis on Prayer. Evangelism is not built on personalities, publicity, or programs but it
happens by the power of the Holy Spirit working through people. Dependence on prayer and
the answers to prayer is the pattern of doing God’s work. It also brings new excitement to
believers.
Why Churches Reap Results
1. How many of your people were involved in the Crusade preparations?
2. How many unbelievers did your members actually bring to the Crusade services?
We reap what we sow. The key to additions from the Crusade is involvement in the
preparations, and inviting and bringing unbelievers to the services.
It may be five or ten years before we see the full results of the Crusade.
(Galatians 6:9) And let us not lose heart in doing good; for in due time we shall reap if we do
not grow weary.