Once upon a time there was a generation who changed the face of Christianity.
I've decided to do a set of blog posts about the one thing I feel God has given me a gift with... and that's evangelism. Although when I just typed that word a small shudder went down my back, because when I hear the word evangelism... I, like most people, imagine this right-winged, finger-pointing, being who believes that our world is ONLY full of sin and we must repent now to see the glory of heaven.
I've decided to do a set of blog posts about the one thing I feel God has given me a gift with... and that's evangelism. Although when I just typed that word a small shudder went down my back, because when I hear the word evangelism... I, like most people, imagine this right-winged, finger-pointing, being who believes that our world is ONLY full of sin and we must repent now to see the glory of heaven.
BUT i'm about to turn the tables.
Before I can get into the heart that I have for lost people, I have to address my audience. This first blog post will hopefully be an awakening to your potential. Most Christians I know have a hard time swallowing the idea of stepping out of the "comfort zone" and being... well... like Jesus.
The way Jesus approached the idea of 'loving people' would be equivalent to your entire church body watching you walk into a 'novelty' store. (aka. adult gift store). I can feel the humiliation and condemnation from people without actually experiencing it. But that's what Jesus did. Jesus walked straight into that adult store and proclaimed love. You can see this in action when Jesus walks straight through Samaria, the place known for its pagan and promiscuous culture.
So before I can continue my blogs on evangelism... we've got to walk into Samaria. Or at least take a step toward that area. We have to swallow our pride, pick up our Christian stereotypes and not be afraid to launch ourselves into something bigger.
The way Jesus approached the idea of 'loving people' would be equivalent to your entire church body watching you walk into a 'novelty' store. (aka. adult gift store). I can feel the humiliation and condemnation from people without actually experiencing it. But that's what Jesus did. Jesus walked straight into that adult store and proclaimed love. You can see this in action when Jesus walks straight through Samaria, the place known for its pagan and promiscuous culture.
We are living in a pagan and promiscuous culture NOW... but where are our 'Christians' walking?
So before I can continue my blogs on evangelism... we've got to walk into Samaria. Or at least take a step toward that area. We have to swallow our pride, pick up our Christian stereotypes and not be afraid to launch ourselves into something bigger.
The first jump is always the hardest.
So I leave you with this.
To church leaders and Christians who have enough missional courage to do whatever it takes to escape the Christian subculture and be citizens of the kingdom rather than citizens of the bubble.[JOHN 17:15].
*scripture quote from "They like Jesus but not the Church" by Dan Kimball.
To church leaders and Christians who have enough missional courage to do whatever it takes to escape the Christian subculture and be citizens of the kingdom rather than citizens of the bubble.[JOHN 17:15].
*scripture quote from "They like Jesus but not the Church" by Dan Kimball.
5 comments:
Having already flooded FaceBook Chat with my poignant (and 20 sentence) comment, I leave you with this:
"Good one, kid."
Reminiscent of Rob Bell's stance on the elegance of Christ's love, His uncritical, loving heart...
... and I read well-written, insightful, and very passionate post!
Good thoughts, Kayla!! I love that you desire a "heart like David's" and that you always challenge me to think outside the box!! Thank you.....
Very passionate writing you are doing. It seems like God is active in your life and you will be used by Him in great ways.
Dan
Good thoughts! Have you ever read the book The Gutter by Craig Gross (co-founder of XXXchurch)? I think you would like it.
kayla,
very cool blog gurl!
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