Pastor, author, and blogger Mark Batterson wrote briefly on his blog today about his personal and corporate perspectives on evangelism. First of all personally – he authentically shares:
“To be perfectly honest, over the last several months, the Lord has really convicted me about my lack of urgency…And it’s not about sharing our faith out of guilt. It’s about being so excited about who God is and what God has done that I can’t not talk about it.” (read more)
I love his passion. I have been given numerous opportunities lately to share what I believe about evangelism both in witnessing and in casual conversation. I think the biggest thing that Batterson points out is something that we teach in our evangelism training at EvanTell…that we should share the gospel out of grace and not guilt. Guilt has so often been associated with evangelism that it has given evangelism a fearful, negative connotation. I pray that outlook is overcome. That is my dream for the church.
Batterson closes explaining his dream for the church:
“Can I share a dream? I’ve always dreamed of being part of a church that was experiencing the reality of Acts 2:47. It says people were added daily. Don’t you want to be part of a church that is experiencing life changing transformation on a daily basis?”
Just like I do – he desires to see a church with Acts 2 Church DNA.
As I mentioned in the site description above, DNA is best described as the basic genetic building blocks that determine who we are and ultimately what we will become. I apply this to the church – every church has building blocks that determine its current practices and its plans for the future.
Let’s not overlook or assume anything in our planning for the future of your church. First of all, pray that God will give you a passion for the future of your church and that he will guide your steps. Secondly, pray for creativity and a deeper insight into what relevant ministry looks like in your particular context. And finally, pray that God will protect you and encourage you in your challenge to lead your sheep to greener pastures (fields that are ripe for harvest – but that is another blog entry).
The thought of rocking the boat and leading your congregation to a future that goes against the status quo can be scary. In fact, I know that sounds like a daunting task. Allow me to motivate and inspire you with one of the greatest challenges for future ministry and courageous living that I have ever encountered.
The “Lion Chaser’s Manifesto” by Mark Batterson:
Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey.
Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshiping what’s right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion.
Are you ready to “chase the lion” and boldly pursue God’s plan for your future? If so, take the next exit.
Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington DC, is one of the most influential and creative young pastors in the U.S. today. Enjoy what he calls the “Lion Chasers Manifesto”, check out his blog, and/or buy his book, “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day”.
