Evangelism begins @ HOME !

Having spent 18 months with you I feel a good grasp on things, on people, resources, opportunities, potential in our church community. We’ve checked out our church health for concerns of impeded growth, and, (I know that I am writing to a motivated congregation, to a group of people who are not satisfied with decline) we are taking look into future, recognizing that significant growth is a product of Evangelism.
Yes, for 20 years we have not done it. Yes, we’ve forgotten how to. Since 1996 we enjoyed “satellite events” and renown speakers on the big screen without obligation to do it ourselves, complaining that it does not work ‘cause people are not getting in the water…Well, virtual evangelism produces virtual results. Those events were glimpses on how others do it. Plus, the simple fact that any harvest has 3 stages: sowing, reaping & keeping, was often overlooked. The 2-3 weeks event is just reaping stage. If no sowing is done – all you’ll reap would be “wild oats” and “tears.”
The sowing and cultivating is most intensive and extensive stage of work in evangelism. It is built on relationships. Spirit of prophecy advice stands forever true: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." (Ministry of Healing, 143) We’ll talk about keeping when we are ready to reap, but now I want to set the stage for the basic sowing.
Evangelism begins at home. Early in our heritage history, when we were a fast growing movement, Ellen G. White advised “Let those who desire to work for God begin at home, in their own household, in their own neighborhood, among their own friends. Here they will find a favorable missionary field. This home missionary work is a test, revealing their ability or inability for service in a wider field. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 428).
With wisdom, caution, and love, they should labor for the salvation of neighbors and friends. There is too distant a feeling manifested. The cross is not laid right hold of, and borne as it should be. All should feel that they are their brother's keeper, that they are in a great degree responsible for the souls of those around them. The brethren err when they leave this work all to the ministers. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.1, p. 368).
Evangelism is not some visiting preacher speaking to the choir, but each of us bringing those we care for to the feet of Jesus. Are you ready to bring your friends to Christ? When you are – we’ll do Evangelism. For now, let’s begin at home…

Reason to Rejoice!

I am writing from Andrews University where we are attending the Annual Church Growth Conference (SEEDS) with Carcamo family, who are leading our new Spanish Church Plant in the city. It is exciting to hear awesome reports of God’s power in action, to learn of wonderful things taking place in churches.
As I sit here and listen to the excitement I wonder what would it take to raise the morale in our churches? See, the high morale is the greatest motivator. It’s that condition under which people love to give, students love to learn, people are enthused.
The church with high morale enjoys exaggeration, where even small victories seem sweet, and the big ones make all feel invincible, where everyone jumps onto the bandwagon and joins the teamwork, where you feel like inviting other churches to learn from you, where you feel that your preaching, singing, praying is so important that all must hear it.
The church with high morale elevates people, gives higher level of confidence which enables better performance, and everyone does things above their natural ability. The high moral elevates to where all see the Big Picture and are committed to the shared dream.
The high morale energizes all with unstoppable energy and enthusiasm, where there is no mountain is too high, no project is too difficult, and all problems are eliminated. In such an environment great emancipation takes place where people are not afraid to take risks and try out new ideas, share new concepts and invite everyone’s creativity and innovations.
Can you imagine how motivating such an atmosphere would be? As we talked with elders last week we agreed that we are not there yet, but are well on the way – just a step away from the empowered living, a moderate morale.
And yet, here I sit, reflecting on my dreams of having miracles, signs and wonders to support our little victories, to affirm our faith, to have something to show for in our ministry. Wouldn’t it be the greatest motivator?
Such a dream reminds me of an incident with Jesus’ disciples. They came back from their mission trip all energized and motivated, because even demons submitted to them in Jesus name. And Jesus’ reply did not appear to be optimistic at all. He stood there pensively and replied: “So what, I saw Satan fall like a lightning from heaven.” When I think about this reply, it makes me realize that the power Satan had, exercised and enjoyed was more than anything we can ever dream for, yet he fell from heaven.
Jesus continued: “I’ve given you authority…to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” And then Jesus gave them the real reason for joy, the real motivator: “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) God raised us up with Christ, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). With the intent that the principalities and powers in heavenly places will learn through the church the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10).
There can’t be anything greater in this universe to motivate you for a higher living than living in God’s Throne-room now. There should be nothing to stop us from moving from a moderate living to the High Morale living in God’s Presence.