Several weeks prior to finishing each issue of Interpreter, we send a question to all readers for whom we have email addresses, asking them to respond with a short answer of 50-75 words. A select few are included here, edited for length as necessary. Find many more at Interpreter OnLine. We hope you will join the conversation.
We Asked
How do you define “evangelism”?
FOR THIS ISSUE, YOU SAID ...
Several weeks prior to finishing each issue of Interpreter, we send a question to all readers for whom we have email addresses, asking them to respond with a short answer of 50-75 words. A select few are included here, edited for length as necessary. Find many more at Interpreter OnLine. We hope you will join the conversation.
We Asked
How do you define “evangelism”?
FOR THIS ISSUE, YOU SAID ...
Several weeks prior to finishing each issue of Interpreter, we send a question to all readers for whom we have email addresses, asking them to respond with a short answer of 50-75 words. A select few are included here, edited for length as necessary. Find many more at Interpreter OnLine. We hope you will join the conversation.
We Asked
How do you define “evangelism”?
FOR THIS ISSUE, YOU SAID ...
I’m a 40+ year veteran of lay leadership within local churches and now a voice in the wilderness trying to help local United Methodist churches get better at reaching out to unchurched and de-churched people who need a healthy, vital faith community in which to engage, form healthy relationships and grow spiritually. A few churches get it; many are locked into their comfort zones, content to talk about evangelism instead of doing something about it.
William Cowles, Rocky River (Ohio) UMC
Evangelism is presenting God’s love “with skin on” to persons who have not yet responded to God through faith in Jesus Christ and giving those persons opportunity to respond to the hope, help and healing of Jesus’ love, which you have presented from your sure and certain witness of that truth.
The Rev. Dennis W. Derr, retired, Susquehanna Conference, Harbeson, Delaware
It is good to think about both “active” and “passive” evangelism. Passive evangelism includes all the things we do to make our buildings and our congregations accessible and inviting to ALL people (maintenance, signage, parking, lighting, greeters, visitor-friendly bulletins, social gatherings). To meet the current generation, that must include a website that is inviting to visitors and a regularly updated social-media presence.
Linda Hees, Dix Hills (New York) UMC
Where is my mission field? Walmart! I have reached Hispanics who help me with the meaning of “menudo” and which peppers to avoid, young folks who notice my Birkenstocks and young mothers who ask how I cook artichokes or Swiss chard. For those who ask, I tell them which church I attend. Some turn up in our pews. Simple acts of kindness, love and acceptance are the best way to be Jesus’ hands and feet.
Gloria Howell, 85, Bland Chapel UMC, Rogers, Arkansas
Sharing what Jesus has done in your life is evangelism. I share my testimony with others. Just as Jesus works in my life, he will do the same in theirs because he knows exactly what we need. Giving a hug, extending a smile, holding a hand, listening and sitting quietly, showing the love of Jesus are acts of evangelism. Living my life as the example of Jesus, sharing his love, mercy and grace is evangelism.
Eldora Mayes, Bartley Temple UMC, Gainesville, Florida
In partnership with other congregations, we have an online church, a way to be part of a Christian community. It has a daily chapel for inspiration, prayers and music; meetups for service, study and fellowship; full-length services updated weekly as well as ways to donate to special projects. Now you can go to church while sitting in the bleachers waiting for your child to go out on the field! This is evangelism, 21st-century!
The Rev. Kelley O’Connor, Temple UMC, San Francisco
Evangelism is the act of sharing our faith, especially through personal, biblical and church history stories and acts of mercy with people for whom the Triune God we worship and serve is unfamiliar. Evangelism is also invitational, meaning we always extend an invitation to join our community of faith whenever we share with others. Evangelism is allowing people to respond freely to our sharing and invitations and honoring their response.
The Rev. Weston Pendergrass, Lexington (South Carolina) UMC
Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We best do evangelism through words and actions. People may hear words without actions as empty rhetoric. Actions without the name of Christ made explicit are just nice, humanitarian service. We need our actions and words working in tandem. Ultimately, it is about helping people find their way into God’s kingdom, in this life and the next, through the power of the cross and the Resurrection.
The Rev. J. David Trawick, Northwest Hills UMC, San Antonio
Evangelism is the process of creating a personal relationship with another person, offering Christ in a way that honors his or her story. Evangelism invites us to listen with our hearts as others share their stories so that we might walk through the door that Christ creates for his introduction. For God so loved ... so I must.
The Rev. Beverly L. Wilkes-Null, Highland Hope UMC, Highland, Illinois
The most effective evangelism is being out in the community and demonstrating by word and action what a Christ-centered life looks like to the point that those around you want this kind of life for themselves.
Connie Witt, Christ UMC, Fort Collins, Colorado