Meet REACH Team Developer

Dr. Scott G. Wilkins

Scott Wilkins , the developer of REACH, is a graduate of Campbellsville University (’83) and both Master’s and Doctorate of Ministry from Southwestern Theological Seminary (’89; 2000). Scott Wilkins has served in the pastorate for over 25 years. He is a veteran in the pastoral ministry, especial when it comes to creating innovative ways to reach the lost and non-churched with the Gospel message. Dr. Wilkins discovered a strategy for churches of all sizes to utilize in establishing a way to reach others. REACH is the result of over 25 years of frustration in how to motivate and enact church members toward reaching an non-churched community.

“The key is to create different ways of connecting with the non-churched,” says Dr. Wilkins. “People in our lost and non-churched community are not necessary afraid or turned off by hearing the Gospel message. The key is how we, as the body of Christ, present it.” REACH combines three key ingredients that serve in various ways to reach others. The first key is intentional evangelism. Intentional evangelism is where a Christian confronts a non-Christian with the clear presentation of the Gospel. It is considered to be a one-on-one approach. Most evangelism strategies promote this type of evangelization. “It words,” says Dr. Wilkins. “The key is motivating church members to carry out this strategy without the ‘fear factor.’” “Over and over again I have heard the excuse that it is too hard to share the Gospel one-on-one with someone you hardly know, or don’t know at all.” As a result, fear sets in and the presentation of the Gospel is not shared.

The second strategy to REACH is in relational evangelism. “Non-churched people are looking for authenticity and genuine relationships. They are more than willing to establish relationships with Christians when they see how genuine and relationally kind believers can be.” Relational evangelism takes a vested interest in the non-churched, and reaches out as someone who genuinely cares. “ Establishing relationships is the key, “ says Dr. Wilkins. “It is the same tried and true expression, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

The third and final key in reaching the non-churched is random acts of kindness, or servant evangelism. “Non-churched people see ‘hands on’ how the Christian community cares,” says Dr. Wilkins. “There are literally hundreds of ways to enact servant projects that target the non-churched audience.” This type of evangelism is less freighting to the Christian, and also all ages can participate. Put these three evangelizing strategies together and you come out with the REACH Team Strategy.