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Evangelism Remix

The 5 functions of the church are Evangelism, Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship and Mission. Evangelism seems to have fallen into an unfortunate place where it as seen as a church program, a calling or the work of one department inside of the church. In fact, evangelism is a lifestyle which should be exhibited in the life of every follower of Christ.

So then, what is Evangelism?
If you have the time, read Acts 8:25-40

I think this is a great example of what evangelism is all about. In the simplest forms it is knowing the story of God, knowing how God changed your life, and telling other’s. We see Philip here in Acts Chapter 8. He is prompted by the Holy Spirit to speak to the Ethiopian, He is obedient and does so. He tells the story of God and then it says he vanished (seriously check that out, it’s a crazy exit).

I have witnessed to people. I have walked up to complete strangers and told them about Christ. Those have been profound expereinces for me but somehow seem to lack defintion for what my life’s work of evangelism should be. Some of us are bold and are called to preach to strangers. However, all of us are comissioned to tell our story of how Christ changed our life.

One other thing I would add about Phillip—he was listening for the opportunity to share about Christ. Living a life of evangelism is about waiting expectantly and listening for God to open up opportunities where we may tell others the good news.

It’s easier to say one guy has the gift of evangelism, so I don’t have to embarass myself and risk coming across as a “Jesus Freak.” I get that. But when only one guy tells the story it hardly sounds like a movement. When all of us tell our story, those who do not know Christ will be amazed at what’s going on around them.

In His Grip,
Scott

Right after college I had the opportunity to serve in a great church downtown in Houston.  Like most young youth pastors I was fired up.  One of the first request I received was from a parent who asked if I would mentor their son.  He had gotten into some trouble early in high school, had been sent off to military school, and then landed back in Houston for his senior year.  He told me that while he was at military school he gave his life to Christ.  I was thrilled to be a part of this guys life and to disciple him, he too was fired up.

One morning I rolled into work around 10AM, that’s the official start time for most youth pastors.  I walked into my office and was surprised to find my “disciple” sitting on the couch. I asked him, “why aren’t you in school?”  He looked me right in the eyes, with no shame, and said, “I got suspended.” Now I am thinking, “great i have already failed, my first disciple is suspended.”  He explained what happened, “Man, I was walking down the hall of my school today and this guy took the Lord’s name in vain… so I punched him in the face.”

Wow!  Talk about not getting it, right?  Well actually, I have thought about that story a hundred times and after giving it some thought I think he may be closer to to who we should be than I am most days.  I am not suggesting we start throwing punches but I am wondering if we should at least throw over some tables.  Let’s face it the church surrenders more of it’s culture shaping influence every day.  If we are going to change the system it’s going to take leaders who are willing to stand up for Jesus.

This past Sunday I preached out of the gospel of Mark, Chapter 2:23 through 3:12.  As I was reading through the passages I made sure everyone noticed the punctuation.  Jesus is clearly angry, it actually says He was.  When he calls up the man with a withered hand the sentence ends with an exclamation.  Too often, we picture Jesus as a withdrawn emotionless character.  On more than one occasion, recorded in the Gospels, He was visibly angry.  Not only do we see raw emotion but in other places we can see His transparency.  Whether he is weeping over the death of his cousin or lamenting the path Jerusalem chose, Jesus was forthright about how he was feeling.

This should be an example to all of us as we prepare to preach this coming Sunday.  Preach Naked.  I have heard it said that when the people in our church hear us preach the very worst part of them is listening to the very best of us.  Everyone brings baggage into church and everyone assumes they are the only one with baggage.  As communicators we have the opportunity to open our hearts and at times spill our guts.  When we are transparent others respond.  We create a sacred space where it’s okay for everyone to admit they are messed up. Consider your message this coming Sunday and ask how will you let the people in your church see how real you really are?

Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. —Matthew 28:19-20 (The Message)

Historically Christians have done a lot of stressing out about the above passage, especially Christians who have to figure out how to follow God and keep their day job. If you aren’t in a place to sell your possesions and move to Africa, the idea of evangelism can seem frustrating, not inspiring. I was recently reminded by a simple conversation that evangelism is a lifestlye of simply knowing the people God places in your path every day. My wife had an idea one evening to walk over to our neighbors house to say, “Hi.” They have a son just a little older than ours. We have occasionally hung out, but for the most part live separate lives. After returning from the neighbors house, Shannon informed me that just a couple of months back his wife left him and his four-year-old son. He was struggling to make ends meet and trying to figure out how to parent a four-year-old through a nasty divorce. I was instantly convicted, my neigbor’s life was falling apart and the pastor next door was completly oblivious.

The opening two words of this verse say it all: “Go out.” The recent encounter Shannon had with our neighbor reminded me before we fly to the ends of the earth to share the good news of Christ, there are people in our direct circle of influence who desparately need people of faith to just ask them how their lives are doing.

There are three people we all need to meet: Our neighbor, our barista, and our coworker/classmates. Everyday we drive past our neighbors homes, we take coffee from our barista (that’s the people in the coffee shop. If you don’t drink coffee consider the people you buy stuff from on a regular basis.), and we sit next to coworkers and classmates. Instead of flying half way around the world to make an impact, try taking two minutes to introduce yourself to these people. God has ordered our steps. The people you see everyday are a great place to start in living out the commands in Matthew 28.

By the way, my Barista’s name is Carlos.

Already this ride has been exciting!  When I think through a new church community I immediately think of Acts chapter 2:42-47.

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Mostly I think of how amazingly different my experience is with the one described above.  Don’t get me wrong, I want to be an Acts Chapter 2 church… well at least an Acts chapter 2 church in 2010 terms.  But the reality of these first couple of weeks feels more like starting a small business than a church.  Don’t judge me, you try it.  My days are full of tax filing, space renting, equipment purchasing, lawyer talking, merch. accounting, etc.  So, I guess what I am saying is I haven’t been of one mind yet.

So is this business?
Most certainly not…

We met up to check out a possible location to begin meeting.   As we waited in the lobby, next to the buddha sculpture, we were 100% focused on the space, and wondering if we could afford it. The owner walked out and said, “wow, you guys are not at all what I expected.”  I asked her, “what did you expect?” She said, “white shirts, khakis, much older…”  We laughed and began touring the facility.  I have no idea where she is at with regards to faith, the buddha may not even be hers. However, what struck me was how she didn’t know how to take us.  I was quickly yanked from the world of church business to actually being the church.  As we walked I prayed, “Lord, let us live in such a way that the world says, you aren’t what I expected of Christians.”  I have no doubt God lead us to that space because He is on a mission for the owners heart, we are just fortunate to be along for the ride.    That’s about as Acts Chapter 2 as I know how to be.