21
Jan
2008
Ashamed of the Gospel!
Been thinking a bit over the weekend as to why many Christians struggle with evangelism, whether it be personal evangelism or as part of an outreach team in their local church, the fact is that many struggle. So often we hear motivational sermons from pastors who, deep down desire to see people won for Christ, those who love talking about Jesus are encouraged and those who hate the very word evangelism get their toes tickled then realise how ‘comfortable’ they are to be in a church were others ‘
do that bit’.
I think I’ve heard just about every excuse for those who can’t make it to outreach events, ‘Works been busy’ – Well is everyone not busy at work?, ‘it’s not my gifting’ – Evangelism is a command for every believer, that includes You and me!, ‘I’ve don’t like talking to people I don’t know’ - How will you ever get to know anyone new? ‘I might get my words mixed up’ – We were never told to slam Jesus down peoples throats, be normal, build friendships! I could go on…
The Fact is I’m starting to wonder is the fear of evangelism a mirror image of were we are in terms of relationship with God. I mean if we are sold out for God, telling people about Jesus would surely be something we would delight in, our fears would be taken away and our faith and trust in God would equip us to share the Gospel, and lets be honest, it may be with fear and trembling, but at least we know we’re not doing it in our own strength.
Maybe its more deep rooted, maybe we are not as serious about God as we think, possibly we are ashamed to be associated with God?, Maybe being called a Jesus Freak is a label you would prefer not to have? are we more worried about what people think about us, than getting people to think about God?
