Evangelism: A Journey of Respect and Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of evangelism and how it has shaped our faith and community. We began by acknowledging the indigenous peoples of this land and recommitting ourselves to reconciliation and reparation. We then explored the history of the United Church of Canada, noting its roots in various denominations and its evangelical mission. This mission, however, has not always been carried out respectfully, often intertwining with colonialism and cultural imposition.
We discussed the mixed feelings many of us have about evangelism, especially given its historical baggage. Evangelism has often been associated with colonization and a one-size-fits-all approach to sharing the gospel. This has led to a reluctance to engage in evangelism, fearing that we might perpetuate harm. Yet, we are reminded that sharing the good news of Jesus is a core responsibility of discipleship. The challenge is to find a way to do this that is respectful, loving, and true to the essence of the gospel.
We looked at the example of Jesus sending out the disciples in pairs, emphasizing the importance of community and support in our evangelistic efforts. We were encouraged to think about how our relationship with Jesus has transformed our lives and how we might share that story with others. Evangelism doesn't have to be grandiose; it can be as simple as sharing our personal experiences of God's love and transformation in our lives.
We concluded by reflecting on the need for both words and actions in our witness. While living ethical and loving lives is important, we must also be willing to speak about our faith. This dual approach ensures that people understand the source of our love and actions. As we go out into the world, we are reminded that we do not go alone; the peace of Christ, the love of the Creator, and the wings of the Holy Spirit accompany us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Reconciliation and Reparation: We began by acknowledging the indigenous peoples of this land and recommitting ourselves to the work of reconciliation and reparation. This is a crucial step in healing the broken relationships caused by colonialism and broken treaties. Our faith calls us to recognize and rectify these injustices, working towards a future where all can live in harmony and respect. [17:13]
2. Historical Baggage of Evangelism: Evangelism has often been intertwined with colonialism, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that disrespects other cultures and beliefs. This historical baggage has made many of us hesitant to engage in evangelism. However, we are reminded that sharing the good news of Jesus is a core responsibility of discipleship, and we must find ways to do this respectfully and lovingly. [24:39]
3. Community and Support in Evangelism: Jesus sent out the disciples in pairs, emphasizing the importance of community and support in our evangelistic efforts. We are encouraged to find a partner in our faith journey, someone we can lean on and discuss our challenges with. This communal approach helps us stay grounded and supported as we share the gospel. [54:39]
4. Personal Transformation and Witness: Each of us has a unique story of how our relationship with Jesus has transformed our lives. Sharing these personal experiences can be a powerful form of evangelism. It doesn't have to be grandiose; even simple, heartfelt stories can make a significant impact. Reflect on how your faith has helped you through difficult times and be prepared to share that with others. [49:16]
5. Words and Actions in Witness: While living ethical and loving lives is important, we must also be willing to speak about our faith. Actions alone may not convey the full story of Jesus' love and transformation. By combining our actions with words, we ensure that people understand the source of our love and the reason behind our actions. This dual approach makes our witness more complete and effective. [44:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:13] - Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples
[19:01] - Invitation for Responses
[20:07] - History of the United Church
[21:15] - Evangelical United Brethren
[22:48] - Evangelism and Music
[24:39] - Colonization and Evangelism
[26:35] - Extremes in Evangelism
[28:12] - Shame-Based Evangelism
[29:54] - Responsibility of Disciples
[38:09] - Gospel Reading: Mark 6:6-13
[40:40] - Evangelism and Respect
[43:07] - Active Evangelism
[44:48] - Words and Actions in Witness
[47:26] - Public Witness
[49:16] - Personal Transformation
[50:33] - Elevator Speech of Faith
[54:39] - Community and Support
[57:23] - Hymn: Go Tell It on the Mountain
[01:01:18] - Prayers of Celebration
[01:03:37] - Prayers of Concern
[01:09:26] - The Lord's Prayer
[01:19:21] - Announcements and Donations
[01:21:44] - Hymn: Jesus' Hands Were Kind Hands
[01:25:01] - Benediction and Sending Forth
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Mark 6:6b-13 (NIV): "Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: 'Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.' They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them."
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to the disciples when he sent them out two by two? (Mark 6:8-9)
2. According to the sermon, what historical baggage is associated with evangelism, and how has it affected our approach to sharing the gospel? [24:39]
3. How does the sermon describe the importance of community and support in evangelistic efforts? [54:39]
4. What dual approach does the sermon suggest for effective witness, and why is it important? [44:48]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus instructed the disciples to take minimal provisions on their journey? How might this relate to our own approach to evangelism today? (Mark 6:8-9)
2. The sermon mentions the historical baggage of evangelism intertwined with colonialism. How can we reconcile this history with our current responsibility to share the gospel? [24:39]
3. Reflect on the example of Jesus sending out the disciples in pairs. How does this model of community and support apply to our modern-day evangelistic efforts? [54:39]
4. The sermon emphasizes the need for both words and actions in our witness. Why is it important to combine these two elements, and what might be the consequences of neglecting one? [44:48]
### Application Questions
1. The sermon begins with a call to acknowledge indigenous peoples and commit to reconciliation and reparation. How can you personally contribute to this work in your community? [17:13]
2. Reflect on your own experiences with evangelism. Have you ever felt hesitant to share your faith due to its historical baggage? How can you overcome these feelings to share the gospel respectfully and lovingly? [24:39]
3. Think about a time when your relationship with Jesus transformed your life. How can you share this personal story with someone who might benefit from hearing it? [49:16]
4. The sermon suggests finding a partner in your faith journey for support. Who in your life can you lean on for support in your evangelistic efforts, and how can you strengthen this partnership? [54:39]
5. Consider the dual approach of using both words and actions in your witness. What specific actions can you take this week to live out your faith, and how can you pair these actions with words to share the story of Jesus? [44:48]
6. The sermon challenges us to think about our "elevator speech" of faith. How would you succinctly explain why you are a Christian to someone who asks? Take a moment to write down your thoughts. [50:33]
7. Reflect on the idea of public witness mentioned in the sermon. What are some ways you can publicly demonstrate your faith in your community, and why is this important? [47:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Reconciliation and Reparation: Healing Broken Relationships
Description: Reconciliation and reparation are essential steps in healing the broken relationships caused by colonialism and broken treaties. Acknowledging the indigenous peoples of the land is a crucial part of this process. Our faith calls us to recognize and rectify these injustices, working towards a future where all can live in harmony and respect. This commitment to reconciliation is not just a one-time act but an ongoing journey of understanding, respect, and action. As we engage in this work, we are reminded of the importance of humility and the willingness to listen and learn from those who have been marginalized and oppressed. [17:13]
Isaiah 1:17 (ESV): "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause."
Reflection: Think of a specific action you can take this week to support reconciliation and reparation in your community. How can you contribute to healing and justice in a tangible way?
Day 2: Respectful Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel with Love
Description: Evangelism has often been intertwined with colonialism, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that disrespects other cultures and beliefs. This historical baggage has made many hesitant to engage in evangelism. However, sharing the good news of Jesus is a core responsibility of discipleship. We must find ways to do this respectfully and lovingly, ensuring that our approach honors the dignity and worth of every person. Evangelism should be about sharing the transformative love of Jesus in a way that is authentic and compassionate, rather than imposing our beliefs on others. [24:39]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Reflect on your approach to sharing your faith. How can you ensure that your evangelism is respectful and loving, honoring the dignity of those you are sharing with?
Day 3: Community and Support in Evangelism: Partnering in Faith
Description: Jesus sent out the disciples in pairs, emphasizing the importance of community and support in our evangelistic efforts. This communal approach helps us stay grounded and supported as we share the gospel. Having a partner in our faith journey allows us to lean on each other, discuss our challenges, and celebrate our successes. This support system is crucial in maintaining our enthusiasm and commitment to sharing the good news. By working together, we can be more effective and resilient in our evangelistic efforts. [54:39]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Identify someone in your faith community who can be your partner in evangelism. How can you support each other in sharing the gospel?
Day 4: Personal Transformation and Witness: Sharing Your Story
Description: Each of us has a unique story of how our relationship with Jesus has transformed our lives. Sharing these personal experiences can be a powerful form of evangelism. It doesn't have to be grandiose; even simple, heartfelt stories can make a significant impact. Reflect on how your faith has helped you through difficult times and be prepared to share that with others. Your personal testimony can be a source of hope and inspiration for those who are seeking meaning and purpose in their lives. [49:16]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Reflection: Think about a specific moment when your faith in Jesus made a significant difference in your life. How can you share this story with someone who might need encouragement?
Day 5: Words and Actions in Witness: A Complete Testimony
Description: While living ethical and loving lives is important, we must also be willing to speak about our faith. Actions alone may not convey the full story of Jesus' love and transformation. By combining our actions with words, we ensure that people understand the source of our love and the reason behind our actions. This dual approach makes our witness more complete and effective. Our words and actions should work together to paint a full picture of the transformative power of the gospel. [44:48]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Reflect on how your actions and words can work together to share the gospel. What is one specific way you can be more intentional about speaking about your faith this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "One of the things that is really interesting about the United Church is that we were formed in 1925 by the coming together of a number of communities of faith, a number of denominations. You know, about 70% of the Presbyterians in Canada and the Methodist Church in Canada. Let's see. The Congregationalist Union, a whole bunch of little churches that had decided we were taking just too long to get this union happening, so they decided that they would start up by the rules." [20:07] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The EUB, as they were called, had at its core, one of the things that they really believed was vitally important was teaching the gospel. So while they had worship service and preaching and things like that, it was the teaching part, and the teaching in the world, the evangelical practice that was really important. For that denomination, the idea of sharing the gospel of Jesus, which is all that evangelism means, was central." [21:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There's a reason I'm bringing up evangelism today. You see, it's actually part of our responsibility as disciples of Jesus to share those moments with others where Jesus has touched our lives and even more importantly to share those places where Jesus can be transformative in someone else's life or in the world." [28:12] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For a long time in the United Church, I really do believe that we move to a place of what we're doing right now, with our faith, we called active evangelism. That was an evangelism that we kind of showed the world by what we were doing, right? By how we lived our lives. People would know that Jesus was a good thing because people would look at us as Christian people and that we were living really, you know, ethical, moral, loving lives, and they would want to participate in that." [43:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Unless we connect the Jesus story with how we love, then people won't know who we are by our love. We actually have to use words as well as actions. Now, how many people just heard me say that and their heart kind of went, bleh? The idea that you might actually be invited to share words about Jesus. Does that scare anybody in this room?" [44:48] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "One of the realities is that we can go to extremes in a whole bunch of different ways. Some of our evangelical sibs have gone to extremes in how they worship, how they interpret the scripture. We see some of the colonialism coming back in Christian nationalism that seems to be showing up in many of the fundamentalist parts or the very evangelical parts of the Christian tradition." [26:35] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How has your journey with Jesus, your relationship with God, your dance with the Holy Spirit, however you put it, how has that made a difference in your life? How has it transformed parts of who you are, or maybe all of who you are? Each of us has different ways of living that. Has that relationship with the divine in Jesus, dancing with the Holy Spirit, being with God the Creator, it changed you in a way that's made you better?" [49:16] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If someone sat down with you and said, so why are you Christian? How would you answer? What would be your elevator speech about being Christian? Be. What would it be about being part of grace? What would your tweet, your 140 characters, be about being in a relationship with the divine?" [50:33] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So I got to tell you, if it weren't for my community of faith, if it weren't for my faith, I could have been a much nastier human being. And it's hard for me to say that. But honestly, without you, in a wide sense, I could be a much worse person, a much more hateful person, without God, without Jesus, not holding me to account, but loving me into wholeness. I could be a much more hurtful, harmful person." [51:43] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So who's the person in your life that you can pair up with around this? That when you're worried about it, or when you can't figure out how it is you're supposed to do these kinds of things, who's the person that you can chat with? Jesus talked about, oh, don't take an extra shirt, but do wear your sandals. Take a staff, but don't take an extra cloak. Don't worry about money. Go and sit in somebody's house, and if they want to listen to you, they'll give you supper." [54:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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