On the "e" word

Lots of Christians have a deep ambivalence toward the "e" word, evangelism that is. The following is an open letter that I sent recently to some fellow disciples:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

If you were given five minutes to tell your story right now about how Jesus’ love has impacted your life, could you do it? If I were to spend the next five minutes telling you about the love of Jesus in my life, would you recognize God’s work and could you be patient enough to listen? If we encountered one another on the street or in the store or over the phone today, would you be ready to express Jesus’ love for you, and for me, in meaningful ways?

Evangelism is not a program or a project. Evangelism is a way of moving about in the world. In my humble understanding the word evangelism means that as we join in God’s work in the world we help others recognize the power and presence of God. We want to be equipped with eyes to see, ears to hear, lips to tell, hands to serve, and hearts to compel us into such loving relationships with the world. We want to recognize God’s reconciling and redeeming work, made flesh in Jesus Christ, in our daily lives!

Sharing in the Good News is risky business because it means not only that the lives of others might be changed, but also that our lives might be transformed. God’s witness may show up in us to impact others, or in others to impact us. We can never be sure, but we endeavor to be ready.

I wish to encourage you to enhance your skills and enrich your passion for sharing in the good news of the Gospel with your family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies throughout your local communities and social networks! Don't know how?? No excuses: ask your pastor, talk to someone that you know who easily shares their faith, visit http://www.evangelismconnections.org/, practice sharing with your friends, take small steps to share the love of God.

Begin today!