The topic of evangelism has been following me around. The literal meaning is something like “telling the good news”. It’s often taken to mean sharing your faith with someone from a different background, and hoping they come around and want to join you in it.
It’s something I’ve been uncomfortable with most of my life – and I think I’m in the process of trying to understand why. And maybe, finding what is my way of being authentic in talking about my faith with an open invitation.
I have a bunch I want to think and write about, including why I’ve been so uncomfortable with it in the first place.
But first, Paula Hadfield’s recent message at Riverview on 2 Timothy 4 captured something beautiful, and I want to share it here. (When I asked Paula for permission to share this, she also wanted to pass on credit to Michael Frost and his book Surprise The World which was quoted in her message, and I’ve since added to my list of things to read!)
So you’re not Timothy, I’m not Timothy. Maybe you’re not an evangelist. I hear you.
Is there a way that the church – a group of ordinary people – can be sent out into our world to announce and demonstrate the reign of God through Christ without trying to be something that you’re not, or becoming less than you should be.
Let’s remind ourselves of the charge of Paul again:
“In the presence of God and Christ Jesus who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom I give you this charge: preach the word. Be prepared in season and out of season. Correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. But you keep your head in all situations. Endure hardship. Do the work of an evangelist. Discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
So let’s be prepared. How do I foster a missional lifestyle?
Paula Hadfield
She then went from that verse in 2 Timothy 4 to quote two other letters from the early church leaders in the bible:
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect
1 Peter 3:15
Be wise in the way that you act towards outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4 2:4
Paula then drew the link between these verses. To share the good news, and tell people about what you’ve got in your faith, you need to be in a conversation. And that means living with them. And to avoid being pushy, live in a way that stands out. So they might want to ask questions. And be ready to answer questions.
Then she gave these examples, I found it beautiful. I want to reflect on them, chew them over in my mind a lot more and think about how I could live differently:
Why do you live like this?
Why do you give your time and money to care for those who are struggling and disadvantaged? Why advocate for them? Why do you feel compelled to get involved?
Why do you show love to people who clearly dislike you or even hate you?
I know we really disagree on politics but you always make an effort to listen to my point of view, and you’re interested in why I think the way I do. Why do you do that?
You seem to have peace. Why is that?
Why do you forgive people when they hurt you?
I never hear you talking about getting back at anyone.
I know the way that I live is really different to yours but you never judge me, you’re always kind.
Why don’t you get involved with gossip and talking behind people’s backs?
You always seem to use your words to be kind – why is that?
You seem to have a deep sense of purpose – where does that come from?
I see that things really frustrate you at work, but you never take it out on anyone else. How are you so patient?
Thanks for apologising… I’m kind of shocked that you did. What’s that about?
I know that you have struggles but you always seem hopeful. Why is that?
By living lives that were counter-cultural, the first Jesus followers made the proclamation of the gospel even more effective because it was being backed up by their lives.
Paula Hadfield
Like I said at the start – thoughts about evangelism and how to share faith have been following me around. And I’ve been wondering about how I’d articulate the story in a way that people – especially the kind of people I’m around at work and in my community – would relate to. This was a perfect reminder that the place to start isn’t a compelling story but a compelling life.