evangelism

This article synthesizes insights from an in-depth interview with Rev. Chris Byrd on the “Great Commission Today” podcast, where he shares his experience as Regional Evangelist for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and co-director of the Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, New Jersey. Byrd presents a holistic vision of the Great Commission as a mandate for the entire church to make disciples through both evangelism and sanctification, rooted in the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. He identifies two primary obstacles to Christian witness (e.g. lack of practical competence or functional unbelief in the gospel’s power) while observing increasing spiritual openness in American culture, illustrated by transformative encounters like that of Bonnie and Bill, who found faith after receiving a gospel tract on the boardwalk. Through strategic outreach, publishing sermons online, and equipping believers for personal gospel conversations, churches can overcome these barriers and effectively participate in God’s kingdom work in their communities.