________ should be the central thrust of the local church.

Evangelism is often regarded as the central thrust of the local church because it embodies the mission of spreading the gospel and making disciples. This emphasis reflects the Great Commission, where Jesus instructed His followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The drive for evangelism encourages believers to actively share their faith and reach out to those who are spiritually lost, which aligns with the church's role in fulfilling the purpose of the Christian community.

While fellowship, discipleship, and worship are important aspects of church life, they serve to support the overarching goal of evangelism. Fellowship fosters communal relationships among believers, discipleship nurtures spiritual growth, and worship focuses on reverence and honor towards God. However, evangelism stands out as the proactive reach towards those outside the church, making it a fundamental priority for the local church's mission.