JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 15, 2022 — Church members and leaders gathered in 51社区鈥檚 G.M Savage Memorial Chapel Sept. 11 for the West Tennessee Evangelism Rally featuring worship and a message from Clay Hallmark, president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Lexington, Tennessee.
Sponsored by the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, the rally was held following a series of break-out sessions throughout the afternoon aiming at equipping and encouraging believers to spread the gospel throughout Tennessee and beyond.
Hallmark鈥檚 message focused on Luke 14:15-24. His sermon sought to inspire local believers to evangelize the state of Tennessee.
鈥淭he majority of our neighbors, the majority of our friends, the majority of the people who live within the shadow of our church building are lost and headed to hell without the love of Jesus Christ,鈥� Hallmark said. 鈥淭hat means tonight their life is hanging in the balance.鈥�
Hallmark addressed the audience on the declining rates of faith and church participation throughout Tennessee and urged Christians to seriously consider the faith and spiritual life of those around them. He encouraged the audience to 鈥渢ake the field鈥� on matters of faith, discipleship and eternal life and to prioritize evangelizing the state of Tennessee and beyond.
Despite the changing cultures, Hallmark reminded the audience that the call to make disciples has stayed the same.
鈥淭he mandate of Jesus Christ, the master, has never changed,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he great commission is still the marching orders of every believer, every church and every Sunday school.鈥�
In reference to Luke 14:15-24, Hallmark continually reminded attendees to regularly invite unbelievers to the banquet table of Christ. In addition to evangelizing unbelievers, Hallmark encouraged Christians to seek after and encourage those who are curious about faith.
鈥淎ll around us people are seeking Jesus,鈥� Hallmark said. 鈥淭he seed requires a sower who will go into the field and sow the seed.鈥�
Hallmark concluded his message by giving the opportunity for attendees to rededicate their life to Christ and refocus their efforts on evangelism and by once again reminding attendees of the urgency and importance of evangelism.
鈥淲e have the opportunity to see lives forever changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ,鈥� Hallmark said.