Evangelism and Negative Thinking
By Steve Foster
An attitude of negativism gives excuses as to why a person or church cannot fulfill the Great Commission of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with all creation.
Negative thinking destroys peace, clouds perception, robs joy, and consumes our focus.
When leaders allow themselves to think negatively, they begin focusing on what they perceive they don’t have or can’t do:
- “We don’t have enough volunteers.”
- “We are in a small town.”
- “I don’t know what to say to a lost person.”
- “Our budget is too low.”
Leaders must define reality, but they must also inspire hope by offering a God-sized vision and strategy.
How Do We Lead Away from Negative Thinking?
Model Can-Do Thinking
Jesus commanded us to engage in evangelism, and because He said we could, we can.
One pastor shared that he intentionally preached messages that emphasized:
“Because God has said ____________, we can do ____________.”
Faith-filled leadership creates faith-filled churches.
Question:
What kind of mindset are you modeling for your church or ministry team?
Action Step:
This week, replace one negative statement with a faith-filled declaration rooted in Scripture.
Become an On-Fire Church
Many churches are dead, dull, and discouraged—and then wonder why they are not growing.
Ask God to fill your heart with His fire and enthusiasm. A passionate leader can become a spiritual thermostat that ignites others.
Question:
Would visitors describe your church as expectant and alive?
Action Step:
Pray daily for God to renew passion and spiritual fire in your church.
Build Expectation in Your Fellowship
Build expectation through your stage, staff, and structure.
Preach with confidence and expectation. Remember, you are proclaiming the Word of God. Invest in your staff and key leaders by encouraging them with God’s promises.
Your ministries—small groups, worship, next generation ministries, and outreach efforts—should all carry a vision for reaching people with the gospel.
Question:
Is your church structure helping people reach the lost or simply maintain activity?
Action Step:
Evaluate one ministry this month and ask: “How can this ministry become more evangelistic?”
Focus on Spiritual Awakening
God alone brings authentic spiritual awakening, but we can seek Him intentionally through prayer, repentance, and surrender.
The early church was born in revival. Authentic awakening changes the geography of the soul.
Negative thinking creates an atmosphere that opposes evangelism.
But faith in God’s promises creates expectancy, courage, and boldness.
Question:
Are you praying for revival as consistently as you pray for church growth?
Action Step:
Start a focused prayer effort for spiritual awakening and for lost people by name.
Focus on the awesome promises of God and rely on His supernatural presence to lead your church to believe that He can use them to reach lost people with the gospel.
Published August 18, 2026