Evangelism

As Lutherans, we are committed to telling the good news. Evangelism is sharing God’s love in Jesus, inviting others to trust this grace and join God’s work. We celebrate love as pure gift and continue Jesus’ ministry as our calling, shaping lives rooted in faith and service. (via ELCA.org)

Matthew 28:19–20

¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

More Than Ever…People Need to Hear

Who is Jesus? There was a time that this would have been an unheard-of question, but today it is normative for many. What would your life be like today if no one had introduced you to Jesus? What would be missing? Comfort? Fulfillment? Wholeness? Blessings? Assurance? Peace? Hope? Love?   When we choose not to share our faith, we deprive others of experiencing those things that have become so critical in our lives. Evangelism is not an optional enterprise for the church.   It is not a holy recruitment effort to get more people in the pews. It is the core calling of the church – “Go, and tell what you have seen and heard.” Evangelism isn’t focused on the needs and well-being of the church; it is focused on the needs and well-being of the world. This concern for the world begins with a concern for the community immediately surrounding your congregation. More than ever, our communities need to hear the Good News of Jesus. More than ever, our communities need to encounter the crucified and risen Christ. For those who are not a part of a faith community, that encounter may well come through us. More than ever, our communities need what we have to offer. Let us find creative ways to share the riches of God’s grace!                
– “Building a Culture of Evangelism” via elca.org             

Reflection & Prayer

Spend some time in prayer reflecting on what some of your biggest barriers to sharing your faith might be. Ask God to remove them.