Reavis suggests what it takes to win people to Christ

Every soul matters to Jesus,” said Herb Reavis Jr. during his sermon at the Evangelism Conference on Feb. 24.

Basing his message on Acts 20, Reavis, pastor of North Jacksonville Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Fla., spoke on “What It Takes to Reach People.”

While some might say the story of the sleepy young man in Acts 20 is just “one of those side details” in the Bible, Reavis disagreed.

“I believe that in this simple, unusual story we find what it takes to reach people.”

Reavis suggested several points churches should consider when trying to reach people for Christ.

“First if you’re going to reach your community it’s going to take a worship service that is alive.” 

A worship service, he said, should be a time of celebration, a place that’s vibrant and pulsating with a spiritual enthusiasm for Jesus. 

Adoration is another key component to a “winning” service. The focus of every worship service should be about Jesus — that’s where praise and adoration come in, Reavis said.

Worship services also should be times of proclamation of God’s Word, regardless of changes in style, music or use of technology. 

Illumination occurs when the gospel is shared and that is what churches ought to do, he said.

“We’re surrounded by a culture of darkness, but we’ve got the Light. Every time we stand up we ought to preach the gospel.”

Lastly a good service provides a time of elevation. “I believe that when people come to the house of God they ought to leave … ready to challenge the world with the gospel.”