Evangelism can sometimes feel like a pressure to grow church attendance, but what if the focus was bigger than that? In this episode, Tina Waldrom sits down with Tim O’Neill, Executive Director of Exponential Australia, to explore a powerful shift in thinking and moving from church growth to city health. Instead of asking how churches can get people into buildings, Tim challenges believers to ask how the church can bring the love of Jesus into the everyday life of a city.
Together they unpack how evangelism flourishes when churches focus on relationships, cooperation and community impact. From micro-churches to innovative ministry models, Tim shares practical insights about reaching people where they are and helping them discover a genuine relationship with Christ. If you want to grow in confidence in evangelism and rethink how your church can bless its community, this conversation will inspire you to see the bigger mission of God at work in your city.
In this podcast episode, you will discover that:
- City health can reshape how churches approach mission.
- Church success is more than attendance and finances.
- Different church models reach different people.
- Micro-churches can reach those avoiding traditional services.
- Churches can partner together to transform a city.
- Programs open doors, but relationships lead people to Jesus.
- Church systems should support outward mission.
- The early church model shows the power of community impact.
- Serving the community often leads to church growth.
- A city-focused vision strengthens evangelism.
- And more…
WATCH THIS FULL VIDEO EPISODE
WATCH SHORT VIDEO: Tim O’Neill: No One Church Can Actually Bring Health to a City
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*OTHER PODCAST EPISODES LINKED TO THIS
Igniting a Culture of Multiplication: Transforming Church Structures for Exponential Growth with Tim O’Neill
Healthy Church Multiplication with Tim O’Neill
Evangelism After Christendom with Ger Jones
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Is Church Really Necessary? Read Blog Article
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Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to move from “church growth” to “city health” in our approach to evangelism? How might focusing on the wellbeing of your city change the way you think about sharing your faith?
Read: Acts 2:47 “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
2. How can love for your community become the starting point for evangelism? Jesus said people would recognise His followers through love. In what ways can you demonstrate that love where you live?
Read: John 13:34–35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
3. In what ways might traditional church structures limit our evangelism? Are there new or creative expressions of church that could reach people who might never attend a Sunday service?
Read: Matthew 28:19 “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
4. How can relationships open doors for meaningful evangelism? Think about people in your life who don’t know Jesus. What simple steps could you take to deepen those relationships?
Read: Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
5. What systems or habits in your church help people move outward into the community? Tim O’Neill suggests that systems shape behaviour. Do your church rhythms encourage outward mission or mainly inward activity?
Read: James 2:17 Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
6. How can Christians serve their communities while still sharing the good news of Jesus? Why is it important that acts of service and the message of the gospel go hand in hand?
Read: Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
7. What one practical step could you take this week to participate in evangelism where you live? Consider a simple action that could bless someone in your city or neighbourhood.
Read: John 15:12 “Love each other as I have loved you.”
