Reaching North America with the Gospel.

The United States of America and Canada, are a melting pot of various ethnicity and languages. According to the latest census in the USA, the population is estimated to be over 335 million people. Canada, on the other hand, has a population of over 39 million people. Both countries have a diverse population, which presents a challenge for the evangelical church in fulfilling the commandment of evangelism and making disciples.

Historical Perspective

The evangelical church in North America has a rich history dating back to the early settlers who came to the continent in search of religious freedom. The Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th centuries sparked a revival in Christianity, resulting in the formation of various denominations and the establishment of Christian colleges and universities.

In the 20th century, the evangelical church grew in numbers and influence, but it also faced challenges. The rise of secularism and the increasing acceptance of moral relativism challenged the church's message of absolute truth. The cultural shifts brought about by globalization and technological advances also posed new challenges to the church.

Current Challenges

The current challenges facing the church in North America are numerous. The rise of secularism and moral relativism has led to a decline in church attendance and an increase in the number of people who identify as "nones" or "spiritual but not religious." The church also faces challenges in reaching out to the younger generation, who are increasingly skeptical.

Another challenge is the diversity of the population, which presents a barrier for many churches. According to the latest census in the USA, over 350 languages are spoken in homes across the country. This presents a challenge for churches that primarily use English as their medium of communication.

New Opportunities

Despite the challenges, there are also new opportunities for the church in North America. The increasing diversity of the population presents an opportunity for the church to reach out to people from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. The rise of social media and other forms of digital communication also provides new opportunities for evangelism.

Strategies of Biblical Evangelism

The biblical approach to evangelism involves prayer and the verbal sharing of the gospel message. Prayer is an essential component of evangelism because it acknowledges the sovereignty of God in the salvation of souls. As Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44 ESV). We must pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those we are trying to reach.

The verbal sharing of the gospel message is also critical. As Paul wrote, "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (Romans 10:14 ESV). We must be bold in sharing the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Reaching North America with the Gospel: The Challenge of Multi-Ethnic and Multi-Linguistic Communities

Reaching out to multi-ethnic and multi linguistic communities is a challenge that the church in North America must address. Here are some strategies that can help churches overcome this challenge:

1. Partner with Churches from Different Ethnic and Linguistic Backgrounds:

Partnering with churches from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds can help churches overcome the language barrier. This involves building relationships with other churches and collaborating on outreach events and programs. As Paul wrote, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28 ESV).

2. Train and Empower Bilingual Members of the Congregation:

Another strategy is to identify and train bilingual members of the congregation who can serve as interpreters or translators during church services and outreach events. This can help bridge the language barrier and make it easier for non-English speaking individuals to participate in church activities. 

3. Use Multilingual Resources:

Using multilingual resources can also help churches overcome the language barrier. This includes providing multilingual Bibles and other Christian literature, as well as using technology such as translation apps during church services and events. This can help non-English speaking individuals feel more welcome and included in the church community.

4. Learn about different cultures:

Finally, it is essential for churches to learn about the different customs and traditions of the communities they are trying to reach. As Paul wrote, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV). By learning about different cultures, churches can build bridges and develop relationships with people from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.

In conclusion, reaching North America with the gospel is a challenge that the church must address, especially in light of the diversity of the population. However, by partnering with churches from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, training and empowering bilingual members of the congregation, using multilingual resources, and learning about different cultures, churches can overcome the language barrier and reach out to people from different backgrounds with the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we are called to share the good news of the gospel with all people, regardless of their ethnic or linguistic background. As Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV). Let us be faithful in fulfilling this commandment and bringing the hope of salvation to all people.

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Mark Hobafcovich, is a Kingdom catalyst, pastor, leader, and author of "Defector: A True Story of Tyranny, Liberty and Purpose" , a memoir chronicling his journey to becoming a disciple of Christ inspiring others to live a purposeful life.

. Learn about different cultures 

Finally, it is essential for churches to learn about the different customs and traditions of the communities they are trying to reach. As Paul wrote, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV). By learning about different cultures, churches can build bridges and develop relationships with people from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.

In conclusion, reaching North America with the gospel is a challenge that the church must address, especially in light of the diversity of the population. However, by partnering with churches from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, training and empowering bilingual members of the congregation, using multilingual resources, and learning about different cultures, churches can overcome the language barrier and reach out to people from different backgrounds with the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we are called to share the good news of the gospel with all people, regardless of their ethnic or linguistic background. As Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV). Let us be faithful in fulfilling this commandment and bringing the hope of salvation to all people.