Dear Friends,
There is a word that we don’t hear much about anymore in many church circles. It is a word that used to be quitepopular. In fact, committees were formed and conferences held to ensure that this word would remain a key word in the church’s vocabulary. But now, that wordhas faded from use and seemingly, fallen into disrepair. The word that I am thinking about is evangelism.
By definition, evangelism has to do with “sharing good news.” An evangelist is one who shares good news. This is why the writers of the gospels are referred to as evangelists. They chose to share the good news of the gospel in written form. And this is also why certain preaches have become known as evangelists who share the good news of God’s love and compassion for humanity.
On a personal note, my father began his ministry as a traveling evangelist in Ohio and Indiana. My early years were spent living, at least part of the time, in a house trailer. So, as you might imagine, I grew up in a world that was saturated with an evangelical flavor and that is an experience that I am grateful for. It taught me a great deal and gave a positive shape to my life.
Yet, as time has passed from those early years in the 1950’s, the meaning and message of evangelism has undergone a radical change. Thanks, in part, to the “moral majority movement” under Jerry Falwell, the meaning of the word, “evangelical” began to change. In fact, some would say that it was hijacked by the conservative right as it made its bid for political power in the 1980’s.
Suddenly, to be an evangelical was to identify with the Christian right and adopt their conservative dogma. It had little to do with sharing the “good news of the gospel” and much more to do with establishing an identity as a political power for conservative political causes.
While I have always identified myself as an evangelical in the original sense of the word, it is no longer a term that I am likely to use, given the implications that it holds today. Sadly, a significant part of my past has been co-opted by those who mean something very different than I mean when I talk about sharing the good news of the gospel.
Despite this dramatic change in cultural use and understanding, I remain committed to the idea that, as followers of Jesus, we are called to share the joy andmeaning of that experience with others who are interested in hearing about it. Yes, even though I don’t fit the contemporary definition of an evangelical, I remain a firm believer in the importance of giving witness to our faith. I believe that it is vitally important for us to share the good news of what we have discovered in our relationship with Jesus.
In my understanding, this witness is not about coercion or manipulation. It is not about handing out tracts todetermine whether someone is saved and going to heaven. Those approaches, I believe, have done more than their share of damage over the years.
Instead, the true inspiration for sharing faith comes from the fact that we have the opportunity to share with others (who are interested) that we have experienced love, a meaning and a purpose that has changed our lives and might just change theirs as well. It was D.T. Niles, the famous missionary to India, who described this idea of sharing faith as, “Nothing more than one beggar telling another, where to find bread.” This simple statement, I believe, puts the matter of sharing faith in its proper perspective.
In our scriptural focus for this coming Sunday’s worship service, the disciple of John the Baptist follows after Jesusand when he notices them, he simply asks, “What are you looking for?” They then reply, “Rabbi, where are youstaying?” Jesus then responds, “come and see.” (John 1: 35-51)
Three simple words of invitation. Three simple words that would change everything for those who choose to accept it. As a result, a simple invitation would betranslated into a movement, a movement that, with the passing of time, would change the world. Christianity had been born.
In my message this week, I plan to highlight the importance of sharing our faith in the most simple and basic of terms. When all is said and done, sharing our faith with others is as simple and significant as offering, to them, the invitation to “come and see.” That is, you see, all that is really needed to share the good news of the gospel with others.
Grace and Peace,
Ron
Rev. Ron Dunn
A REMINDER!! STAY FOR LUNCH THIS SUNDAY!!
Immediately following worship, we will be hosting a LUNCH for our entire Church family in our Fellowship Hall. We hope that you will stay after for some excellent food, some good conversation and the inspiration that comes in sharing our hopes and dreams for ourcongregation’s future.
This will not be a lengthy, drawn-out process, but instead, an opportunity for us to compare notes as we seek to prepare ourselves now for the future that we dream about. We will plan to finish with our scheduled program by 1:00 pm.
Plan now to attend as we prepare to CHOOSE OUR TOMORROW!