Finding "The One": Returning to the Heart of Evangelism

By Marc Estes

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Throughout Scripture, we see Jesus embodying the mission of finding “the one” amid the masses. He never allowed the pull of the crowd, the pressure of ministry, or the demands of the moment to distract Him from seeking out individuals—those often overlooked, broken, and searching.

Whether it was Zacchaeus in a tree, Bartimaeus on the roadside, the woman with the issue of blood pressing through the crowd, the leper on the outskirts of society, or even the thief hanging beside Him on the cross, Jesus always made space for the one.

This focus on individuals stands in stark contrast to what we often observe in today’s church. While Jesus modeled a deeply personal, relational approach, much of the church today has drifted toward strategies that unintentionally prioritize numbers over relationships.

Let’s dig into why this shift matters, the consequences it has on the mission of the church, and how we can recalibrate our focus to reflect Jesus’ example of finding ‘the one’ in this digital and relationally starved age.

The modern church has shifted its focus from personal relationships to institutional programs.

In recent years, many churches have moved away from the deeply personal and relational approach Jesus modeled. Instead, they’ve emphasized large gatherings, polished events, and scalable programs. While these methods can inspire and unite believers, they often fall short of fostering the meaningful, personal connections that lead to lasting transformation.

This shift has created two significant challenges that hinder the church’s mission:

1. Believers are losing a sense of personal responsibility.

When the church emphasizes large-scale efforts, individual believers can feel absolved of their responsibility to personally share the gospel. Evangelism begins to feel like the job of the church staff, Sunday services, or organized outreach events, rather than a personal calling for every Christian. 

These statistics reveal a concerning trend:

• 47% of practicing Christian millennials¹  believe it’s wrong to share their faith, reflecting a generational decline in personal evangelism.
• 61% of Christians²  haven’t shared their faith in the past six months, and 48% haven’t invited anyone to church in the same timeframe.² 

These statistics highlight the growing disconnect between the church’s mission and the believer’s responsibility. When evangelism becomes institutionalized, it loses the personal, relational essence that Jesus exemplified.

2. Churches are coming off as impersonal to the world.

As the church focuses on crowds, it can unintentionally create a corporate, institutional image that feels impersonal to those seeking genuine connection. People aren’t looking for polished events or elaborate classes—they’re longing for relationships, authenticity, and community.

This desire for connection is supported by staggering statistics on loneliness:

• 58% of Americans³ feel lonely, with young adults experiencing the highest rates of isolation. 
• 38% of U.S. adults⁴  report feeling a lack of meaning or purpose in life, with many citing a desire for deeper relationships.

This loneliness epidemic isn’t just a societal issue—it’s a spiritual one. The mental, emotional, and spiritual toll of disconnection is staggering. Sadly, too often, the church’s well-meaning efforts can come across as transactional rather than transformative, leaving people feeling unseen.

If we are to follow Jesus’ example, we must recalibrate our focus and return to the heart of evangelism: finding the one.

This shift requires intentionality, both from individual believers and the church as a whole.

Here’s how we can start:

1. Cultivate Personal Responsibility

Evangelism is not a program; it’s a lifestyle. Churches must empower believers to see themselves as missionaries in their own neighborhoods, workplaces, and digital spaces. This involves teaching practical ways to build relationships, ask meaningful questions, and share faith naturally.

2. Prioritize Genuine Relationships

Instead of measuring success by attendance or event size, churches should prioritize fostering authentic community. Small groups, mentorship programs, and personal discipleship are more effective at building trust and connection than large-scale efforts.

3. Leverage Digital Tools to Build Trust

In an age where initial encounters often happen online, the church must use digital platforms to engage people personally. Social media, messaging apps, and personalized follow-ups can create pathways for deeper conversations.

Jesus’ mission was never about the crowds; it was about individuals. 

As His followers, we are called to reflect His heart—to stop, notice, and engage with the ones who are searching, crying out, or feeling invisible in the crowd.  

The time to act is now. In a world longing for connection and hope, the church has an unprecedented opportunity to bring the message of life and love to individuals. Let’s recalibrate. Let’s return to the one. The world is waiting, and so is the One who calls us to this sacred work. Together, we can transform lives—one person at a time.

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Foot notes:

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1. "Almost Half of Practicing Christian Millennials Say Evangelism Is Wrong," Barna Group, link.
2. "Churchgoers Believe in Sharing Faith, Most Never Do," LifeWay Research  link.
3. "Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A Post-Pandemic Look," The Cigna Group, link.
4. "Finding Meaning in Others," Pew Research Center, link.

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