Embracing the Challenge: Evangelism in the Modern Era
At The Evangelism Conference 2026, held in Glasgow and online, church leaders were confronted with a compelling call to action by Rico Tice, a prominent evangelist. Tice, who co-founded Christianity Explored, emphasized the necessity for Christians to adopt a “soldier’s life” if they hope to share the Gospel effectively with future generations.
“It’s a war,” Tice asserted, urging attendees to prepare for the rigorous challenge ahead. The conference, orchestrated by A Passion for Life, aimed to equip church leaders with the tools needed to spread the Gospel amid what organizers perceive as a rising spiritual interest in the UK, notably among the youth.
The theme of the event, “Pathways to Christ in a time of opportunity,” guided discussions on understanding and responding to current cultural shifts. Tice encouraged the creation of a comprehensive mission culture within churches, stressing the importance of individual engagement in evangelism.
Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Tice shared his personal experiences, highlighting the demanding nature of one-to-one discipleship. “You are no longer your own. You are to give yourself. That’s how the revival and the harvest is going to happen,” Tice stated, underscoring the personal commitment required.
He advocated for personal interactions beyond church services, suggesting leaders invite individuals into their lives to demonstrate authentic Christian living. Tice pointed out that disciple-making is a shared responsibility, not just the pastor’s duty.
“We’ve all got to be doing it. Otherwise the pastor’s going to have a breakdown,” Tice warned, emphasizing the growing hunger for spiritual engagement.
Phil Knox, a missiologist from the Evangelical Alliance, also contributed to the conference, noting a shift in spiritual dynamics after decades of stagnation. He cited rising Bible sales and recent research indicating a younger, more diverse evangelical community in Britain.
Knox shared success stories from UK churches where care initiatives are paired with personal invitations to explore faith. He encouraged Christians to leverage their personal networks, as studies show many find faith through friends and family rather than through church leaders.
Highlighting a critical obstacle, Knox referenced a 2022 study revealing that 43% of Christians don’t know non-Christians well enough to invite them to church. He urged congregations to foster genuine relationships and equip members to share their faith.
In an era dominated by technology, Knox suggested the value of in-person connections will grow, asserting that “embodied community and real friendship and relationship matter.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
