Reaching the lost isn’t just an afterthought, but something we need to be committed and passionate about.  If reaching the unsaved is a core value of your church it will be evident to all.  Core values can be identified as those things that get our attention, finances and time because they are important to us.  Constant, passionate, biblically based core beliefs should drive a ministry.  Is winning the Lost a core value in your church?  The following list can give you a “reality check” as you examine how much effort your church is putting into fulfilling the Great Commission.

1.         Special Events in the church should not only minister to the membership but also to the “Pre-Christians.”  How many events are designed for different age groups?  Do you make time available for brain storming fresh ideas?

2.         Outreaches should focus on winning the lost and take place in the community.  How are you helping people to hear the good news?  How visible are you in the community?

3.         Finances spent on reaching the lost reveal how much we value our God given assignment.  The word reveals, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt 6:21).  What percentage of the church’s income has been spent on winning the Lost?

4.         Teaching the great commission cannot be overlooked.  It is our assignment given by Jesus before He ascended into heaven.  “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15).  When was the last time people were invited to accept Jesus in your church?

5.         Small Groups are a door to the local church that provide easier access for many unchurched people.  They provide a non-threatening environment where genuine Christian love and concern can touch those who haven’t yet committed their lives to Jesus.  Do you have small groups meeting with one of their purposes being to win the Lost?

6.         Discipleship Classes provide new Christians a place where they can gain understanding of Christian conduct and responsibility to the Lost.  Without this understanding, as they grow older they will be missing vital elements in their Christian life.  Do you provide Discipleship Classes?

7.         Church Planting has been reported to be one of the best ways to evangelize a community.  Church planting is a natural development of the process of biblical discipleship. Whenever men and women are developed and released into ministry, the desire to be sent out will naturally follow. It will be their natural desire to reproduce the church that has nurtured and trained them. Church planting facilitates this process while expanding the Kingdom of God and advancing the harvest of souls.  Is church planting a part of your church’s DNA?  Is there a strategy in place for church planting?

The Great Commission is evangelize -- “teach all nations,” baptize -- “baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,” and mobilize --  “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”  This instruction has been given to the local church in order to reach the world for Christ.  What did this reality check reveal to you?