DEAR CHURCH:  Talk the Talk

Argh! It’s the four-letter word that we’ve somehow stretched into ten. Nothing gives us the “willies” more than this one topic. But it must be addressed. Here’s why: 

For much too long, we have refrained from sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Somewhere along the way, we lost it. Maybe we don’t have it because someone didn’t teach or remind us, or maybe we feared that it was politically incorrect or insensitive to talk about Jesus. Whatever the reason, now is the time to fix it.

For example, are we supposed to do good works without offering Jesus Christ? Let’s answer that with another question: Is it more important to feed an empty stomach or an empty soul? (Yikes!) No need to be upset, because we don’t have to choose. We can do them both at the same time. We would probably be very surprised at the number of people who appreciate both a good meal and a Good Word, especially during (and following) a worldwide pandemic.

During this bizarre environment, I've heard numerous first-hand stories about Christians who have completed simple, kind deeds while also engaging in Jesus-based discussions. These discussions have included atheists, members of other world religions, and those who aren’t sure what to believe. You would be both astounded and overjoyed to hear some of these stories where Jesus is introduced and the person immediately jumps on the opportunity to learn more about Jesus Christ. Grocery stores, Wal-mart, gas stations, and the front yard seem to be very fertile grounds at the moment, but the online community also allows for plenty of opportunities.

In regards to Evangelism, some might say, “I’ve never done it and don’t know what to say.”

That’s understandable, but keep in mind, when we begin to speak, the Holy Spirit will speak for us. Sharing Jesus isn’t a battle of wits or knowledge. Rather, it’s a simple encounter intended to share Hope and Life with others. It doesn’t need to be any more complicated with that.

For example, here’s a couple of actual examples from the last few days:

While checking out in the grocery store, you receive a feeling to pay for the groceries of the person behind you. After paying for your own cart, you tell the clerk that you’re paying for the person behind you. You turn to the woman behind you and tell her that you are being led to do this for her. She breaks down in tears because she has just lost her job. That’s an easy place to add, “Jesus knows you, loves you, and is taking care of you.”

Or, you’re leaving a parking lot and encounter a homeless person. As you open your wallet, you reach into your wallet. Instead of giving them $1, you give them $20. The homeless person tells you that they just lost their temporary job at a golf course and they ask you when churches will be open again. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce Jesus into the discussion, even if it’s just, “Jesus will bring us back together because He’s ready for us to worship together!”

I’m mentioning these examples because during this pandemic, we are already engaged in good deeds on a regular basis. I’m simply suggesting that Jesus needs to be inserted into the discussion. We must break through these fears and anxieties that are barriers to fulfilling the Great Commission so that we can help make disciples in the name of Jesus Christ.

Try it today! Offer a random person a blessing in the name of Jesus Christ (even through your mask). Carefully and Prayerfully consider the response you receive. You may change someone’s day...or better yet, you may change someone’s life.

Many, many more evangelism, ministry, and discipleship opportunities will surface in life “AV.” We must be prepared for them by opening our hearts and minds to the work that God is doing in the midst of crisis and suffering. We cannot (and should not) discount God’s great work, and we absolutely cannot fall into that never-ending church deathtrap: Money.

Is money important? Yes. Is money a priority for operations and ministry? Yes. But following this pandemic, do we really want new seekers to think that our primary goal is to receive new contributions? No, we don’t want that, and it’s absolutely something we must discuss...

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV)