As we look back over nearly two years of gospel ministry, we have come to understand deeply that evangelism is not a human plan. God Himself leads His church, step by step, along the road He has prepared. When we are willing to seek His heart, He continually opens the way and lets us experience the beauty and joy of working with Him.

From Separate Programmes to Partnership

In recent years God has graciously given EFCCA three valuable gospel tools: Evangelism Explosion (EE), the “From Doubting to Believing” course, and Chinese Alpha.

All three have borne good fruit. Many people have encountered the gospel and come to know Jesus through them. In practice, however, each ministry tended to operate and grow separately, and the Evangelism Ministry carried much of the responsibility for outreach.

For example, before each Alpha course, co-workers often had to search widely for brothers and sisters willing to serve as group leaders or team members. People offered themselves generously, but every course required a large investment of manpower. We began asking whether there was a model more closely aligned with the church’s overall direction.

Returning Gospel Outreach to Small Groups

EFCCA is a cell-based church. Each small group is a small expression of the church and should carry important church functions. Gospel outreach is an essential part of that calling. A small group is not only a place for fellowship and pastoral care; it should also be a base for team ministry and reaching people.

The Evangelism Ministry therefore began an important adjustment. We invited zones and small groups to run Alpha, while the central ministry provided experience, training and support. The small groups used their own relationships, love and teamwork to invite, welcome and accompany guests.

When brothers and sisters serve the gospel together, guests receive care and the group itself is renewed. Members rediscover the joy of reaching souls, the joy of serving as a team and the joy of witnessing changed lives.

The Strong Partnership of Alpha and “From Doubting to Believing”

Alpha is an excellent platform for people exploring faith. Through relaxed meals, videos and open discussion, guests can investigate Christianity in an environment without pressure, where they are accepted and respected. Thanks be to God, almost every Alpha course has seen six, eight or even around ten people decide to follow Christ.

Yet a decision for Christ is only the beginning of spiritual life. New believers need further companionship, formation and grounding. “From Doubting to Believing” is an ideal next step.

Whether participants have already made a decision or are still seeking, the course is grounded in biblical truth and approaches questions from the perspective of non-believers and new believers. It helps people explore faith through Scripture, understand truth and establish confidence in Christ.

During the past two years, more than forty co-workers have been trained to lead the course and are now distributed across the small groups. We encourage the course to take place primarily within groups. We have seen lives established and disciple-making begin to take root within the small-group structure.

Refocusing Evangelism Explosion

In May this year, the Evangelism Ministry gathered ten EE teachers for discussion and review. This teaching team is a great grace from God. EFCCA has not only a complete group of EE teachers but also the ability to run team-leader training internally.

Reviewing previous training and outreach activity, we shared a common observation: while a team-leader course was running, participants went out frequently and served with enthusiasm. As time passed, however, outreach often became less frequent or stopped. Many had not lost their burden; they simply lacked people in their normal relationships whom they could naturally invite and engage.

When we looked again at Alpha and “From Doubting to Believing,” we recognised that these tools can form a complete partnership with EE. Alpha provides a point of contact. “From Doubting to Believing” provides companionship and formation. EE provides a complete, clear and systematic presentation of the gospel.

Together with the EE teachers and team leaders, we decided not to run a new leader course this year. Instead, we will reconnect previously trained leaders, help them practise again, and integrate EE more flexibly with Alpha and “From Doubting to Believing,” creating a complete and sustainable cycle of evangelism.

God Prepares the Harvest

As the church steps out in faith, we also see God preparing the harvest.

Co-workers in the evening congregation recognised that new migrants have a significant need for English learning. After only a few weeks of planning and publicity, a team of five or six teachers and helpers quickly formed. To our surprise, the first course attracted ten students to the church. We could not help asking: is this not a harvest God Himself has prepared? He often uses practical needs in people’s lives to lead them into the church, where they can encounter the gospel and come to know Christ.

Extending Gospel Love into the Community

We have also seen strong gospel passion in the Good News Zone. Although many members are older, their burden for souls has not diminished. They care about two rest homes near the church—one serving mainly European residents and one serving mainly Chinese residents.

We therefore partner with young people from the English congregation to visit the first home regularly, bringing Christ’s love through companionship, care and practical service.

We also hope to mobilise more small groups to participate in ministry to the Chinese rest home, allowing the love of the gospel to enter the community more deeply and widely.

Conclusion: Living Out the Great Commission in Small Groups

Looking back over this journey, we sense that God is leading EFCCA toward a healthier, more sustainable model of evangelism that fits the church’s vision.

The gospel is no longer seen only as the work of the Evangelism Ministry; it is gradually becoming the mission of every small group. Gospel tools no longer develop separately; they support and complete one another. Gospel service is no longer simply a programme; it becomes an important process of discipleship and spiritual growth.

Lord, we thank You. Thank You for entrusting this precious gospel to us and giving us the opportunity to respond to the Great Commission and work with You. Continue to lead EFCCA so that outreach becomes part of every small group. Use every gospel tool to release gifts, build teams and reach souls, so that more people may know the Lord, follow the Lord and glorify His name. Amen.