A friend and pastor was talking / doing some training recently about evangelism. Admittedly it made me a little uncomfortable - I don't like the idea of door knocking or bible bashing or throwing things in people's faces, but it is good to discuss these things, and we really do carry something that is life changing and so worth engaging with. Our God is a good God.
It made me reflect back on a few of my favourite books on the subject, and they are books I really do love (which is maybe saying something in and of itself). They include such books as "Ekklesia" and "Payer evangelism", by Ed Silvoso and another book called "Love Stains" by Bob Johnson. It really has made me wonder what evangelism should like? We really should be carrying the love of God and the prayers of the Saints and the will of our God into our everyday lives. For God still so loves the world (John 3:16).
1 Thessalonians 1: 2- 10
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
The Thessolonians were a young and diverse church (both jews and gentiles) when Paul wrote them this letter. The Spirit of God was obviously on the move amongst them, but what were the keys to their thriving? I think they were gathering together, serving each other, and also being quite hospitable to outsiders. Maybe their honouring posture and love for each other was the foundation in which the Spirit was able to move in power, the people came in, and the gospel went out???
I remember working within a church ministry a few years ago where one of the values they held was to be naturally supernatural. This idea fascinated me a little - again the foundation of the ministry was to love God and love people well.
John 13: 34-35
“So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” (Jesus)
As I type this, I am watching the football on tv with a friend and neighbour who is an avid Melbourne Football Club supporter. I have been having her up for dinner, just to get to know her a bit and to see where the friendship leads. I don't really care for the football too much but I am happy to watch what is a fairly big match with her and needless to say, I am typing this at the same time. She has already tried to ask me to a football match and she is keen to convert me into being a Melbourne FC supporter. She was asking me just an hour or two ago when the last time was that I went to a match. It is not going to happen! But I don't want that situation reversed when it comes faith issues. There is too much at stake. And I don't ever want her to become a 'project'. My motives in any kind of evangelism need to stay pure.
Evangelism is not super popular in modern church culture here in Melbourne. But I am just wondering that if encouragement is the natural basis of a more supernatural prophetic ministry, then maybe love is the basis of evangelistic ministry and we can all see the miracles of the power of God move if we have love for God and love for one another.... ? Just a thought.
My new found friend loves to come for dinner and there is no judgement, no expectations of dinner invitations returned, and no agenda on my side. I have said just as much to her. I am praying God will use the time we have together for his purposes. It is, however, a relationship based on brotherly love and honour and it is laid down and covered in prayer. May the power of God move.
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