The Hub, September 2, 2019
Over the next few months, our ministry teams will each have an opportunity to share about their ministry area through music. They will choose our hymns for worship. How appropriate our Evangelism Team started us out by choosing the hymns last Sunday. The hymns helped remind us that as we (re)gather this fall, we do so for the sake of being sent. Together, no matter our age or skills, we share the Great Commission to go into all the world for the purpose of making disciples for Jesus.
To many, evangelism can seem like a daunting task. Yet, it proves much easier than people think. Successful evangelism is based on relationships: with God; with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ; as well as with those who God sends to cross our path in daily life. In a recent article, Christian author, Jen Wilkin, offered a few simple ways “to raise little evangelists,” but it provides incites for all of us who are children of God.
First, she suggests we should practice being fluent in kind words. This skill is in short supply in our world. When we don’t exercise such prudence, we can become the stumbling blocks to faith Christ warned his followers about. When we do, our gentleness can become an invitation to deeper relationship.
We should also be fluent in reconciling words. Words of confession (such as “I’m sorry”) and grace-filled words (such as “I forgive you”) reflect the Gospel. In relationships, we can give and receive these signs of God’s own love for us.
Third, she suggests that we should become fluent in slow words echoing James 1:19 – quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Measured words at the right moment help us share love and life rather than discord and death.
Here in this season of Sunday school, we are also reminded that as children of God the Word should dwell in us richly. We should be fluent in eternal words – words that help us help others discover our Triune God and the great love waiting to embrace them. Memorizing scripture, participating in small groups (classes and Bible studies) reflecting upon life applications, attending worship and meditating of scripture are times used by God to fill us with God’s Spirit. From this intimacy, love can flow more freely.
Last, we should practice hospitable words. Inviting people into our homes is often a normal consequence of new relationships. So, why not invite folks into our church home as well? “Why don’t you come to church with me some Sunday?” “I find hope from going to church. Maybe you can meet me there?” “Looking for a church family? I’m part of a great one. Maybe you would like to visit mine?”
These are all the kind of words Jesus used with great success. They are our legacy which can be easily shared – spoken, sung, written or even digitally – along with our faith, hope and love.
Originally published in The Hub, a weekly email of Christ Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, VA.
© 2019 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.
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