Paul is certainly a great role model for evangelism and church planting. Paul spread the gospel far and wide and it would be reasonable to say that churches he planted, planted the churches which planted the churches where we now worship! But, how would Paul evaluate his own ministry?
Acts 20: 17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God[c] which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. (NKJV) (Underlining mine)
Paul’s devotion to the gospel is unmistakable, but his self-evaluation is not based on the number of converts he’s won. Paul sees his success in his having preached the whole counsel of God. Paul claims he is innocent of the blood of all men, not because he was a motivating speaker, but because he has not held back anything helpful or ceased to warn the church about the dangers of false doctrine. Paul recognizes the church was purchased by the blood of Christ, not the smooth talking or cunning of preachers. Since it is the gospel that saves, Paul is called to testify accurately and thoroughly to the gospel of the grace of God and leave the outcome to God.
If we preach around certain doctrines or take the edge off less popular biblical truths so we don’t offend or run people off, will we have done what God asks of us? Will trying to get numbers by withholding truth actually accomplish what we want? Maybe, if what we want is more bodies in a building. If what we want is to please God, proclaim the whole counsel of God and protect the church from false doctrine, then we need to accurately and thoroughly teach/preach the word and trust God to call His church. When Paul says to future leaders/teachers “therefore watch” he doesn’t mean watch the attendance, but watch the teaching for thoroughness and soundness. It is a matter of faith to trust God’s word and Spirit to do the work, but it is the way to be innocent of the blood of all men and know like Paul, that we have finished the race with joy and fulfilled our ministry!
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