Jeremy L. Berg

Yesterday I shared an alternative model of evangelism shaped by the interactions and approach of Jesus in the Gospels.  I thought it might be helpful to offer a concrete example of this approach in action.  

As I was planting the Revolution ministry in Mound I was helped along by my daily interactions with teens in various roles which included substitute teaching almost everyday in the high school, coaching the high school basketball team and teaching all of the driver education classes and offering behind-the-wheel instruction for nearly every 15 year old in the school.  I had many opportunities for conversation during these years but a few relationships with students stand out above the rest.  

One student was exceptionally bright, extremely liberal and passionate about the pressing social and political issues of the day.  He spent his free time reading up on influential thinkers such as Marx, Nietzche, Darwin and other lesser known figures (as a 16 year old!).  He loved debating politics in the cafeteria and waxing eloquent (even if way over the head of his peers) on issues like poverty, militarism, and social justice.  We formed a relationship through time in class, driver ed and he attended some of our “Coffeehouse Live” outreach events at church. 

Through our six hours together in the car for his behind-the-wheel lessons (which is a fabulous evangelistic opportunity!) he came to know of my Christian convictions and the mission of the Revolution I was trying to start in Mound centered around the Man, the Message and the Mission of Jesus.  He was intrigued.  And he was skeptical.  We had many deep conversations where he shared all of his grievances toward “organized religion” parading the typical list of atrocities Christians have been associated with (e.g., the Crusades).  He articulated his own worldview and atheistic convictions clearly.  

He did however speak very respectfully of Jesus and admires his life of selfless love and service to the poor and downtrodden.  I took the opportunity to share that The Revolution I was leading in Mound was seeking people with a heart for the poor, the broken-hearted and the lost, and we gathered around the teachings of Jesus every week to explore what it looks like to be part of advancing his movement of grace, love, forgiveness and hope in the world today.  

Here is where the Jesus-shaped model of evangelism kicks in. I told him we were going to be hosting a benefit concert to raise money for the Invisible Children of Africa and a local social services organization that works with the homeless. I asked him if he would help out withe the cause.  He said, “Yes!” Soon one of the most-outspoken atheists in the school was locking arms with Christians in the common mission of serving others with the love of Christ.  He helped organize and publicize the event at school. We had formed a relationship of mutual respect.  He was far from accepting the beliefs of the Christian creeds but rubbing shoulders regularly with Jesus’ community-in-mission.  Through our conversations he was (I pray) getting to know the person of Jesus more clearly.  As the popular saying goes these days, I was was hoping he would get covered with some of the dust of the rabbi as well as he traveled along with us for awhile.

I haven’t talked to this young man for a while.  As far as I know he never became a believer.  But I pray that his time spent “in mission” with our Jesus-centered community made him wrestle and consider the claims of Jesus more seriously.  At least I hope some of the walls that had been built up separating him from Christ were broken down during our times together. Many churches and Christian leaders have scruples about inviting unbelievers into our mission activities.  I believe they are missing out on many great opportunities to share the gospel-in-action with them and draw them closer to a saving confession.  

CHALLENGE

What service outreach opportunities does your church have coming up?  Are you distributing food?  Serving at a soup kitchen over the holidays?  Are you going Christmas caroling to shut-ins and elderly?  Are you raking leaves or shoveling snow for those unable?  Are you going on a short-term missions trip to build a house or bring clean water to a remote village?  Whatever you’re planning to do to further the mission of Jesus in the world please consider inviting an unbelieving friend or neighbor along.  As you do, you may discover Jesus’ words being fulfilled right before your eyes: 

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:16).