Our Calling
Many people are asking what I think the church should do in light of all the Covid-19 questions and re-opening questions. I know the main reason they are asking is because they care about the church. We are a church family and there is a beautiful covenantal bond that takes place when people commit to worship Jesus together and journey life’s challenges alongside each other. I am honored and privileged to have a front row seat to watch all of you apply your faith to this unprecedented time of disruption. I am thrilled to hear about the generosity and courage you have displayed in a season where it's easy to succumb to fear.
Now, after all these weeks there is a sense of weariness setting in. It would be easy for us to become frustrated or apathetic. But as I set my mind to pray about what the church should do right now, the word evangelism continues to come to mind. I really believe this is what our God desires from us right now. The more I study evangelism, the more I become convinced that God always desires us to do the work of evangelism.
So, what is the work of evangelism? Simply put, evangelism is telling others the good news about Jesus.
To the broken heart, the evangelist communicates the good news that, “God is near to the broken hearted”; and “if you wait on the Lord and be of good courage, God will strengthen your heart.”
To the anxious mind, the evangelist communicates the good news that, “God will keep those who trust in Him in perfect peace”; and “God’s peace is not limited to our understanding, it surpasses our understanding.”
To the sinful addict, the evangelist communicates the good news that, “the promise of God is to forgive your sins and give you His Spirit, no matter how far off you feel”; and “whoever comes to Jesus will be received.”
To the soul gripped with depression, the evangelist communicates the good news that, “God loves to turn our sorrow into dancing and our ashes into something beautiful.”
I know the word evangelist stirs up lots of different thoughts and emotions. Some think of tele-evangelists and their hair and flare. Some think of street-corner evangelists with their doom and gloom. Some think of the hippie days of the Jesus movement. And others think of the one and only Billy Graham.
Over the years evangelism has been done well and it's been done poorly. There has been great good and there has been harmful offense. But even when evangelism is done very well, there is always some offense. No one likes to hear they are a sinner who has added to the pain and problems in this world. No one likes to be told they need to surrender control of their life. No one enjoys admitting they need to change. Yet, when the good news about Jesus is shared with true compassion and consideration, there is a sweetness that can overcome the offense.
All Christians are called to do the work of an evangelist. Yes, that means you and me also. Jesus reconciled us to Himself so we could help others be reconciled to Him.
From the very beginning Jesus said to His disciples, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Then, just before Jesus left His disciples for the last time, He asked them to go into all the world and make more followers of Jesus. He wanted them to teach others all they had learned from Him. From that day on every follower of Christ has had the same commission from Jesus. Yes, that means you and me also.
There is one who has walked the tight rope of evangelistic offense and sweetness for many years. His name is Ravi Zacharias. I so appreciated his voice in my life. I learned so much about the veracity of Jesus’ life and message, the historicity of the Bible, and the immensely solid, intellectual ground the Christian faith enjoys. Though his passing on March 19 brings a moment of pause and sadness, his life and message inspires me to run with the good news with greater urgency and understanding.
David