What is Servant Evangelism?

The other day, a video was going around on Facebook of a young man delivering hundreds of pizzas to a local church.  After arriving at the church they made a strange request of him to come inside and meet with the pastor in front of the congregation.  The young man was shocked to find out the church wanted to bless him with a $700 tip! Now that is what is meant by being the “church.” 

Often the word evangelism brings to mind a compelling person speaking to crowds on the street about Jesus and giving an invitation for salvation.  Some evangelists do speak to large, public crowds, but there are many different approaches to evangelism.  Today I want to talk briefly about Servant evangelism, which is simply sharing God’s love by serving others in practical ways without asking for or expecting anything in return.

Servant evangelism is not a marketing technique to start something new.  It is a way of life that focuses on doing acts of kindness for anyone and everyone with no strings attached.  “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people...” (Galatians 6:10a)  An example of servant evangelism could be something as simple as handing out free water bottles on a hot day, or taking bags of food to needy families at Christmastime.  The possibilities are endless, but the common denominator is that nothing is asked for in return.  One of the reasons behind this type evangelism is that the Bible tells us that God’s kindness can lead some people to repentance. (Romans 2:4)

There are many benefits of servant evangelism, both for those being served and for those serving. Servant evangelism reaches people where they are and exposes non-Christians to Christians showing God’s love in non-threatening ways.  Not everyone is comfortable walking into a church building, but receiving a free service with no strings attached is harder to resist.  In fact, it usually causes people to ask why someone would go out of his or her way to perform this act of kindness.  Servant evangelism has the potential to soften people’s hearts, enabling them to hear and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. And it is a good way to “water” seed previously sown. (See 1 Corinthians 3:6)

Servant evangelism also benefits those serving.  As Christians, we are called to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) Serving others gives you the opportunity to tell about God’s love.  When someone asks why they’re doing what they’re doing, those who are serving can point to Christ, and it’s a great training ground for other types of evangelism!  Also, as Christians, we are to be full of the Holy Spirit in such a way that the Spirit flows out to others. (See John 7:38–39)

Engaging in servant evangelism puts Christians in situations where the Holy Spirit can minister through them.  Jesus commanded His disciples and, subsequently, Christians today to “...go and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19–20)   Jesus didn’t say, “Wait inside your church buildings for the lost to come to you”; He said to “Go.”  Through servant evangelism the church can show people outside the church doors that God cares, and to give them a reason to want to come inside.

While servant evangelism is certainly a biblical practice, it is incomplete as a form of evangelism until the message of Jesus is proclaimed.  My only concern with the many ways we can be a witness to people is the problem that arises when we equate “outreach” and promotion of church activities with actual “evangelism.”  If we do not share the facts and truth of the Gospel when we are speaking with someone, then we cannot say we engaged in evangelism, for that is the spirit of the term.  To complete the process of evangelism and bring someone to accepting Christ as Savior, we need to tell them about Jesus.   

Servant evangelism can be effective in opening that person’s heart to receive the message once he or she hears it.  Romans 10:17 tells us, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”   

Here is a list of 10 of my favorite ideas for Servant evangelism:

1) Coffee Giveaways   

Use either Igloo containers or air pump thermoses. Offer three options: regular, decaf and hot chocolate.  

2) Newspapers  

Place a sign on the top of the stack that reads, "Free Newspapers—Courtesy of (Church Name)" and attach a connection card to each paper with removable adhesive. 

3) Doughnut Giveaway during Morning Traffic Times (Especially appreciated with the coffee)   

This giveaway is especially effective when performed by senior citizens—who can say no to a sweet grandma-type?   

4) Soft Drink Giveaways  

"Hi, would you like regular or diet?" This is our standard opening to bless folks with a small act of kindness on a hot day. And it works!  

5) Booth at local fairs offering bottled water and/or face painting  

Always a hit with kids     

6) Bottled Water Giveaway  

 Many people prefer water to soft drinks. Ice down bottles of water in large coolers for an alternative to a soft drink giveaway. Use the same connection cards. We don't recommend combining this with a soda giveaway, because it offers too many options and gets complicated.   

7) Grocery Bag Loading Assistance   

Moms with lots of kids hanging onto them like koalas often need assistance getting their bags loaded into the car from the shopping cart. The elderly need the same sort of help. Volunteers on this project need to appear particularly safe and friendly; name tags or coordinating T-shirts identifying connection to your organization makes the servants look more “official.” Note: On this project, almost everyone will try to give a tip, but as with all kindness projects, to receive money would spoil what you are trying to communicate. 

8) Trash Pick-Up 

There is lots of trash to pick up at festivals and sports events. Buy garbage bags, wear matching T-shirts and plastic gloves, and bring a sign to put up that says, “Kindness in Progress” while you pick up trash. People will notice.  

9) Stamps in Front of the Post Office  

One church holds a major stamp outreach on April 15th for late tax-filers. Not only do they give out stamps, but they also offer coffee and donuts—stress recovery food.  

10) Free Car wash  

The youth really love doing this one!

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