The Mission Field of Miami

Did you know that Miami is the second most unchurched city in the United States? Southern Baptists account for roughly 2% of our population and all other evangelical denominations account for another 2%. Therefore 96% of Miami-Dade County is non-evangelical. We believe God has placed Wayside in this strategic city for a reason--yet "to whom much is given, much shall be required."  We certainly have our work cut out for us!

The life we enjoy in Christ is too good to keep to ourselves! We talk to family and friends about other exciting discoveries in our lives — a new restaurant or a good book — how much more should we tell them about the greatest gift of all? Salvation. Besides, evangelism is not only commanded by our Lord, it’s also FUN and EXCITING! 

Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” But as any fisherman knows, where you cast your net—or line—makes all the difference in the world. Just ask Simon Peter (John 21:3-6). The same is true for our church.  To effectively evangelize our community, we’ve got to know where to look. And results tell us that the best place to start is with our network of friends and family. In fact 80 percent of people are reached for Christ through a friend or family member. You may have experienced this fact firsthand. What’s more, 93 percent of people say they’d come to church if invited, especially if someone went with them.  So what are we waiting for? That is why evangelism here at Wayside is not a visitation program – it is to be a way of life! 

Wayside uses a simple four step strategy (F.I.S.H.) for reaching your network of family and friends. The net result? Multitudes of new Christians and a growing, vibrant church. God has called each of us to be “fishers of men.” 

Where to F.I.S.H.

By following a simple, four-step method that is easily remembered using the acronym F.I.S.H., you can reach your friends and family for Christ. All you need to do is:

Find whom God wants you to reach. This vitally important step involves prayer, asking God to show you whom He wants you to target as prospects for the Gospel and for Wayside. Every person knows an individual within their own sphere of influence who does not know the Lord. Ask God to reveal to you those individuals you ought to seek to reach out to with the gospel. 

Involve yourself in their lives. It may be trite, but it’s true: people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. You must invest your time in them first. Strive to build a strong and personal relationship with them as much as possible.

Share your faith and your church. At the appropriate time God will give you an opportunity to share the Gospel and invite your friend to Wayside. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your faith, Wayside equips our members multiple times per year in courses on evangelism. We also provide numerous “evangelistic events” throughout the year to give you the opportunity to invite that individual to church. Of course, every Sunday morning worship service is an opportunity to invite someone but be looking for those “special events” that will help us to “draw the net.”

Help them grow and reproduce. Once they have accepted Christ, the job has just begun. God wants us to make not just disciples but disciple-makers. Once we’ve helped a friend begin that new journey as a follower of Christ—it is up to us to help them Connect, Grow, and Serve their way towards reaching their maximum potential in Jesus Christ!