opening up a can of worms...

Evangelism, mission and social action are topics that you could ponder and talk about for hours. In acknowledging this, I still have found it frustrating with some of the gaps in content of my notes and readings for college.

Here are just three of my frustrations:

Frustration #1 in Word and Action
TITUS.... ???? Titus is an entire letter that spells out, I think rather clearly, the relationship between word and action - so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior! Should this not have a greater influence in the discourse of word and action?

Frustration #2 in Inter-Faith Dialogue
I find it offensive that one of the reasons given to the benefits of inter-faith dialogue is that if you listen to them, they will listen to you. Does anyone think it is wrong to only listen to someone just so you can be listened to in return? Where is the integrity and genuineness in that?

Frustration #3 in Word and Action
The body and unity of the church... I often find that when the 'great debate' between social action and evangelism takes place we fail to acknowledge the nature of the church and it's diversity of gifts that God has given it.

God gives some to possess word gifts and be pastors, teachers, evangelists... where as others he gives them the gift of helping... and sure we should all be prepared to give reason for our hope but I still think there is far too great an emphasis on priority which leads to a hierarchy instead of a attention given to the unique partnership the great commission and the great commandment have. I think these are two of the most distinguishable expressions of a life transformed by the gospel.

Acts 6:1-6 is often used to promote the priority of word proclamation.... but I wonder if it actually should be used to promote the gifts and functions of the church? We have hands to help those in need and beautiful feet to bring the good news of the gospel to those perishing? Are we saying that our hands are not of importance to the body?

Overflowing generosity and goodness...

As a Christian I want to care about the defenseless and vulnerable in society. I want to speak up against the injustices we see and seek after mercy for those in need. As a Church family I hope we would take the lead in supporting ventures that seek to love and show compassion.

Our Father God has loved us with an everlasting love. He loves us at our worst. He shows us mercy at our worst. No conditions. No strings attached. It should be our prayer to love like he does. To show compassion like he does.

We are having a Christmas Market at Church by the Bridge in a weekends time, where we are selling Fair Trade goods and I have been thinking more and more about why I want to do it. I don't want people to think we run these stalls simply as a bait and switch tactic to get our community to like the gospel. We want to speak up for those who are vulnerable and in this case those who are voiceless in the global market and susceptible to exploitation. We hope to promote Fair Trade and lead our local community to think about our individual purchasing choices and the impact that can have on others.

I hope and pray also that our initiative might open the door to conversations and diaglogue with our local community, as we share with them our motivation to support Fair Trade and other good deeds. (See Titus 2:14, Ephesians 2:10 and Matthew 5…) We should want to adorn the gospel of God with deeds of love and justice that many might see the kindness of God in us and be drawn to a Saviour who can so fully satisfy the hearts of his people that this overflows in generosity and goodness to others. (1 Peter 2:12)


www.tribesandnations.com.au
www.fairtrade.com.au

Important Events...

What would you consider to be some of the more important local, national and world events?

eg. Olympics, Christmas, World's Biggest Morning Tea, Big Day Out, National Sorry Day, World Cup, World Smile Day... etc!

Evangelist Quiz

Evangelistic Relationship Quiz
taken from http://ministrymarketingcoach.com

Take your relationship inventory. Read each statement and rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 (1=never, 10=always). Answer every question not only from your perspective, but as others would see you.

• I strike up conversations with new people I meet and bring Christ into the conversation.

• I attend community events where I can meet new people and help others.

• I remember personal details about people and include them in conversations with them to show I care.

• People are always introducing me to new people who are not believers in hopes I might share the gospel with them.

• I intentionally share the message of the gospel.
  
  
• I don’t “beat around the bush” but make sure people I know hear the message of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins and the availability of forgiveness through faith in Him.

• I follow-up with the people who make decisions to follow Christ with within 48 hours.

• I believe that everyone should hear the gospel!

• I don’t mind talking openly with people about my faith even when I am being overheard.

• When I am out and about I keep in mind my conversation and behavior could impact my ability to witness.

• I am not constantly pestering people about the gospel–people have fun when I am around too.

• My community (not just my church) can count on me to be involved in local programs and volunteer projects.

• I feel confident when I talk to other people about Jesus.

• I remember to acknowledge the good and strengths I see in others. It’s not all about me!

• I strive to be a servant at heart by giving of myself in helping people, listening to them, and showing Christian love to them in any way possible.

• I ask my friends to introduce me to people in their network who do not know Jesus.

• People often encourage me saying my evangelistic ministry inspires them to be more outward with their faith.

• I see myself as one who is dedicated to helping other people succeed in life.

• My relationship skills and networking have produced fruit in leading others to Christ in the last six months.

[Score Yourself: Add up your score and look at your total. Around 30= Work on being more outgoing. Around 60= Try being more intentional with the gospel. Around 90=Clarify your vision and passion for evangelism. Around 120= Don’t stop growing, but bring someone along with you to help them catch your passion. Around 160= Shouldn’t you be training others to do what you do? Take your total score and and divide by 18 to get your average score. Can you improve your average?]