At the start of another new year, I've been thinking about my work in evangelism. When evangelism works, our communities change, more people experience real and lasting life, our churches become vibrant communites of faith, and creation is renewed. All these things happen because people are following Jesus into the brokenness in their own lives and the world. When we follow Jesus, we experince healing and become agents of healing in our world.
We have been working on a new evangelism resource, and there are many good things associated with this new resource. We explore what it means for churches to help growing Christians reach a changing culture, learn to share their faith, connect with the community, and engage discipleship. But what if evangelism is simply part of what it means to follow Jesus. In a relationship with Jesus, we experience forgiveness and hope that leads to a better way to live.
Following Jesus means that we need one another in community, and that our life together is for the healing of the world. So what if this life we have in Jesus is as simple as sharing our lives and faith and serving people in our families, circle of friends, co-workers, and community. If life takes us to another town, state, or country, then we live our lives in that place by following Jesus into sharing faith and serving others.
Maybe, just maybe, the work we are called to is to help one another follow Jesus into the lives of people who are hungry and thirsty for life that is real and lasting. We offer others the same grace and love that has healed and changed our lives. Maybe, just maybe, this is how healing comes into a very broken world. And this is how Jesus intends for the Kingdom to advance.
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