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I had a dream last night that my wife, Leslie, and I were in a Life Group at church and a gay couple joined. The two men were friends of mine from 20 years ago and had since adopted children. They obviously knew me, how my story had evolved, and joined the group anyway. During the group one of the members awkwardly blurted out, “Alan, tell the group about your ministry.” I knew what the man was trying to do. He was reacting in a way that most evangelicals often do. We see a sinner and right away jump into “convert” mode with no thought of getting to know them or simply relating over common interests. Our default is to share our biblical conviction and immediately try to win them. We allow our performance-oriented Christianity to impact the way we interact with unbelievers. We approach them as projects to be managed and conquered instead of as people to be in relationship with. We are uncomfortable with what appears to be messy and challenging and want to put it in some religious order as soon as possible. We are ready for people modify their behavior before we have even introduced them to the One who died to change more than that behavior.
The question I ask myself a lot these days is, “What would Jesus do?” followed by, “What would He have me do?” They are not always one in the same. The fact is we are not Jesus. We have no power to heal or change anyone. We can point to His life and ministry through the Bible and our own experiences, but we aren’t Him. We are His representatives. Sometimes I think we are actually guilty of trying to be Him, or at least the Holy Spirit. It isn’t our job to bring conviction or judge. We fail to trust the Holy Spirit to do His job well when we attempt to usurp that role. So, in the context of a situation like the one in my dream, what are we to do?
Let me finish telling you my dream. When asked, I honestly cannot remember what I shared about my ministry. That wasn’t the point of the dream. I remember being uncomfortable with the direction of the “evangelism” and yet unwilling to be dishonest about my story. The group ended with all of us talking and planning for the next group. I made a point to talk with the gay couple and eagerly introduced our children to one another. I was thrilled they were there and encouraged them to come back. It wasn’t a dream about church leadership or ethics or anything like that. It was a dream about unlikely people deciding to join an unlikely church. I woke up inspired.
God isn’t grey and neither is His truth, but life is. People are. It’s not all neat and tidy outside the Church and we shouldn’t pretend like it is inside the Church, either. I want the church to be full of “pre-process”, “in-process” and “I don’t even know that there is a process” people. Messy people. People like you and me. People who need a Savior. What’s our answer for a gay couple that comes to church? The same answer that we have for anyone seeking Christ and community – you can find both here.
What if the best thing for a gay couple with children isn’t to immediately end their relationship and split their family and confuse their kids? Sometimes God’s plan for a messy situation is beyond our ability to understand and therefore we are simply to be on call for the time when He may choose to use us. Until that time, we love and serve the people He brings to us. Loving and serving might include honest conversations where you share your thoughts on sin. But, remember, you aren’t exempt from struggle or sin and honestly and humbly sharing that reality can go a long way in building trust and authenticity with those new to your community.
Category: Church Evangelism
Most, if not all, church leaders would like to see their churches grow numerically in 2012. Growth is a sign of health. If a child is healthy, he or she will grow. Likewise, if a church is healthy, it will grow, both in quality (knowing Jesus more) and in quantity (making him known).
Before healthy church growth can occur, there must be a solid foundation in place. The unified mindset of the leadership is a vital part of this foundation. Just as it is vital to stabilize the foundation of a building before you add a second story, so it is vital for the leaders to be of one mind and accord when planning for growth.
Here are a few principles to consider if your leadership is serious about church growth. This is not another list of how to get people to come to your church, but some things that are often overlooked in the church growth process:
1. Examine your motives – Why do you want your church to grow? To increase your stats? To look good at the annual convention? Is your self-worth dependent on it? If it is anything other than the joy of seeing people come to know Jesus and grow as His disciples, you may need to deal with your pride. God will not allow us to bear fruit for the purpose of feeding our ego.
2. Recognize the different types of growth – Don’t mistake people transferring from other churches to your church as healthy church growth. This is a trap some leaders fall into. New faces do not automatically equal healthy growth. The great commission does not say, “Go therefore and transfer disciples.” It says, “Go and make disciples.”
3. Realize that there are no quick fixes – There is no 4 or 8 week series or program that will serve as a miracle cure (or Miracle Grow) for your congregation. Many churches give up after the program does not produce the results they desired in only a few weeks. Growing your church by conversion takes time, hard work, and commitment.
4. Set the tone from the top – If you want a church full of people who share their faith, you as a leader must share your faith. That does not mean you only share it from the pulpit, but one on one with people in your community and family. Don’t expect your members to do something that you yourself are not willing to do. Your example is more powerful than your words when it comes to leading people in outreach.
What are some other keys you have found for church growth by conversion?
Category: Church Evangelism, Featured
Tags: church Church Evangelism growth
With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be hard to find a moment to breathe. Rush to the store to get more flour for a recipe. Hustle to a neighbor’s house with a plate of cookies. Drive to church for a hymn sing. Then somewhere in there you return home to find that the family dog knocked half of the ornaments off the tree. As you stand staring at the shards of glass, a million thoughts race through the mind: “Where’s the broom?” “How will I find time to go to the store for more ornaments?” “When will Christmas be over?!”
When we cave to the ceaseless hustle and bustle so prevalent in our society, we are prone to forget so much. The wonder of the incarnation. The splendor of God’s love. The joy of growing together as a family.
Take time to slow down and enjoy simple family moments. Use these cherished opportunities to have valuable spiritual conversations with your children. Many families enjoy making homemade ornaments together. Its fun, cost effective, and they are usually less breakable by the family dog. But don’t stop there. It is also a great opportunity to nurture your family’s faith.
Christmas Stars — Various directions and ideas abound for making star ornaments. One of my favorites is a colorful star craft that can be made using last year’s Christmas cards. The finished product looks pretty on a tree or hung from a window.
While making the ornament, talk about the wise men’s journey to find the Christ child (see Matthew 2). Ask thought provoking questions such as: What do you think people follow today when they seek Christ? What can we learn from the wise men’s diligence? What hardships might they have endured as they traveled such a long distance to find Christ? The wise men brought 3 gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—what can we give to God this Christmas?
Christmas Angels — Another possibility is an angel ornament. Download an angel pattern, and print out as many angels as you would like to decorate. Younger children might enjoy coloring the angel with crayons, while older ones might prefer sprinkling glitter on each angel. Whole punch the wing, and loop some yarn or thread through the hole to make it suitable for hanging.
As you create your angels, talk about the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary (see Luke 1). Many conversation starters are possible: What message did the angel Gabriel announce to Mary? What was so special about the baby that would be born to Mary? How do you think Mary felt when she heard the news? You might also talk about the angels that visited the shepherds (see Luke 2): Why were the angels’ tidings so joyous? What did the shepherds do after they visited baby Jesus? Why do you think their excitement was so contagious?
For additional resources, visit some of these links:
Making a Chrismon Tree
Christian Ornaments
Children’s Chrismons
Category: Culture, Featured
Tags: Christmas holiday holidays
Every Christmas, my family gathers to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas special on TV. I have seen this show so many times that I know every scene and almost every line, but it never gets old. The simplicity of the animation and story are refreshing compared to some of today’s Christmas specials.
The plot of the story is that Charlie Brown is asked to direct a Christmas play and purchase the Christmas tree which will be the centerpiece of the production. Amidst all of the large, glamorous, artificial trees, he finds a real tree, but it is small, frail, and easily overlooked. He brings it back to the set only to be laughed at for choosing such a puny tree.
At this point, Charlie Brown is fed up with the commercialism and superficiality surrounding Christmas. He cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?” Linus offers the answer by quoting Luke 2. Charlie Brown then takes the tree and leaves, pondering Linus’ words. In the end, his friends join him to rally around the tree by singing “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”
This simple story is a perfect metaphor for Christmas. Just as the little tree was easily overlooked, the story of God sending His only Son into the world has become overshadowed by advertisements and other distractions surrounding the holiday. Even the extra-loud commercials that appear throughout the breaks during the special make its point.
And just as Charlie Brown needed to hear what Linus had to say, the world needs to hear the simple story of Jesus and His love. The world needs people like you and me to tell the story.
Here are some ideas for opportunities to tell the story. The key behind these is to focus on others. People are stressed and focused on getting things checked off their “to do” lists. Rare is the person who is willing to slow down, focus on others, and lend a listening ear.
1. Offer to babysit for someone while they go shopping or to a Christmas party.
2. Have people over for a holiday dinner who might not have somewhere to spend the holiday.
3. Bake Christmas cookies to share.
4, Host a gift-wrapping party in your home.
5. Shovel the driveway or scrape the windshield of a neighbor.
6. Offer to help someone put up or take down decorations.
7. Talk to co-workers about their holiday traditions and memories.
What are some of your ideas for Christmas outreach?
Category: Culture, Featured
Tags: Charlie Brown Christmas holidays
Live!
Victims may be relieved that they have lived through tragedy, not want to live because of their sense of loss, or even suffer guilt because they survived when others did not. Whatever the situation—the word ‘live’ will no doubt have a new, special significance. In order to understand and remember some of the complexities related to evangelism in the wake of trauma, we can use the acronym L.I.V.E.
Loss: Regardless of the circumstances, when disaster occurs, there is loss. It could be contained to material possessions; homes, photos, keepsakes— or worse—the loss of a loved one. It is vital that the relief volunteer understand that the sense of loss won’t be magically wiped away. Promises should never be made concerning (spiritual) intangibles replacing the tangible losses victims are still recovering from.
Intrusion: Despite the well-intentioned efforts of all relief volunteers and professionals, any victim will feel a sense of intrusion following a disaster. Their lives have been laid bare—including all the pain associated with the trauma. And into that void walks strangers on whom they now must rely for even the most basic of necessities.
Vulnerability: The loss and sense of intrusion will naturally result in the intense feeling of vulnerability during the time of recovery and possibly long after. It is particularly important that any relief worker with a desire to share the gospel avoid any behavior that could hint of even the slightest manipulation.
Escape: It might be tempting to offer the gospel as an escape from the inevitable suffering in this life. This is particularly true when walking through such a traumatic time as post-disaster. However, we must avoid using the promise of eternal life as a panacea that will gloss over the immediate concerns of the day.
Roles and Responsibilities
So practically, what are our roles and responsibilities for evangelizing victims of tragedy? Consider the following five guidelines:
• Assist them in any capacity for which you have been trained and are competent
• Assure the victims you are there to provide help without remuneration (Not “quid pro quo”)
• Avoid using manipulative language or actions
• Assert the reason why you serve, and
• Allow time for questions, conversation and the possibility of follow-up by you or someone else.
Finally, always remember—you do not have to take the weight of a soul on your shoulders. Sometimes all you can do is being there for someone who is hurting.
Remember the differences between our role and God’s role in evangelism.
We are responsible for contact. Ultimately, God is responsible for conversion.
Category: Featured, Social Justice/Missions
Tags: Disaster relief grief trauma
Times are tough and getting tougher
The past year has been very hard on many people for a variety of reasons. Earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes and other tragedies shattered lives throughout the world. In addition to natural disasters, the intense economic issues we have faced in this country can feel like a disaster has struck for some, or is about to hit for others.
In our work with disaster relief organizations, we have taken a close look at how tragedy, trauma, disaster, or any form of victimization has to be given a special dynamic where evangelism is concerned.
Closing out 2011 and looking to 2012, we must be prepared to face increased suffering in frequency, duration, and intensity. As believers whose hope is not found in the stability of this world, our strength during these times has to come from the Holy Spirit and must give us an inner calm, peace and assurance that clearly emanates from us. As it does, our witness will be much more effective and impactful, particularly among the hurting.
Therefore, understanding these situations— and how and when to communicate the gospel within them has perhaps never been as urgent as it is today.
Proper perspective is increasingly important
In order to be effective in evangelism, we must have the proper perspective on how traumatic situations affect everyone involved; especially the person with whom we wish to share the gospel.
As believers who are evangelizing, we must understand clearly what our role and responsibility is. Furthermore, we also need to know how important it is that we understand the necessary role that God plays every time you share Christ. Having the proper perspective is helpful in overcoming fear, practicing patience, and ultimately trusting in God’s sovereignty regardless of the situation.
It is particularly vital to understand the various dynamics unique to the post-trauma scenario and respond with the appropriate sensitivity.
In part two of this post, I will share an easy way to remember very specific guidelines to help you in any situation where you have the opportunity to share Christ in the midst of a post-trauma situation.
Category: Evangelism Training, Featured, Social Justice/Missions
Tags: 2011 Disaster relief grief trauma Year in Review
